Excitement abounds at Muenster School as the staff, students, parents, and volunteers prepare to host the province’s 1A girls volleyball teams for provincials. Ten teams in total will arrive on Friday, November 15 to begin the quest for provincial dominance in the sport. 

Coach of the Muenster Cougars girls volleyball team, Joel Taphorn, is doing double duty as he helps with the organization of the two-day tournament that begins on Friday morning. It’s not the first time Muenster has undertaken hosting duties for provincial events, but the challenges are always there.

“This week is always the crazy week, getting rosters from all the teams and making programs and decorations, and organizing workers lists. It’s been a couple of long nights for sure.”

With 10 teams in a round-robin rotation, each of the host communities needs to provide two venues to accommodate the tournament. Taphorn acknowledges that Muenster works well in this regard.

“We have the luxury of having our school and within one kilometre using St. Peter’s College Gym as well. In the past, our provincial competitions were one of the few that runs on time just because of the proximity of the gyms.”

Taphorn admits that the competition this year was tough, especially with 1A teams LeRoy and Rose Valley in their conference. The Muenster team was unable to make it through the regional competition, but as hosts, they have another chance for a provincial run and they have high expectations. 

“Our team goal is to finish second or third in our pool, and quarter-finals is definitely the goal for Saturday.”

No matter how the finals shake out, the area is in for some stellar volleyball and some great hospitality, thanks to the organizing committee and volunteers to whom Taphorn is grateful. 

“Just a huge shout out to our volunteer group, our girls volleyball team, the parents, our home and school committee, and our staff members and student body at school. Everybody has stepped up to make this run pretty effectively. ”

Teams attended the provincial tournament include hosts Muenster, Medstead, Langham, Chief Paskwa, Vanguard, Rose Valley, Fox Valley, LeRoy, Leader, and Kakisiswew. 

The opening ceremonies are at 10:45 on Friday, November 15 with the first pair of games getting underway at 12:00 noon at both gyms. Action resumes on Saturday at 9:00 am with the gold medal game slated for 5:30 pm on Saturday.