The Tommy Douglas Secondary School curling team recently won the YRAA Tier 1 curling championship at the York Curling Club in Newmarket.
The team includes a mix of experienced curlers and newer players, including a brother-sister pair and a group of longtime friends. Over the reason, they built momentum through regular league play, focusing on communication, teamwork and staying positive under pressure.
“Being on the ice is just a lot of fun, especially being friends with the rest of them,” said Jeremy, a Grade 12 student at Tommy Douglas S.S. “You make great memories, great friends and especially have fun with the opponents as well,”
The team credited steady communication, remaining positive and staying focused, building momentum throughout the season during regular league games.
Teacher and coach Cassandra Stiver said the team’s effort and enjoyment of the sport has been clear throughout the season.
“This team is made up of a group of wonderfully talented and respectful individuals. You can tell that they genuinely want to come and play together,” said Cassandra Stiver, teacher and coach. This season has been one of learning each other and growing together and becoming more and more successful as the season went on.”
For the athletes, representing their school and trying their best was a key motivator during the championship.
“Wearing your team emblem shows a lot about the school, and how we can be active outside of school as well,” said Anthony, a Grade 12 student at Tommy Douglass S.S. “It’s an opportunity I’m taking full advantage of and I want to perform to my best ability and my entire team wants to do the exact same to represent themselves and the school.”
Watch the video to see the team in action and hear more about their experience.