(Contributed photo/ Red Deer Public School Division)

By Ian Gustafson

Gold Silver

Lindsay Thurber Raiders senior volleyball teams medal at provincials

Dec 5, 2024 | 10:32 AM

The Lindsay Thurber Raiders senior volleyball teams came home with some hardware following the 2024 Alberta Sports Athletic Association (ASAA) 4A Provincial Championship.

The boy’s won gold after defeating Calgary’s William Aberhart Orange and the girl’s claimed silver after losing to Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in the provincial final.

The boy’s match went the distance winning in five sets 27-25, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25 and 19-17. Meanwhile, the girl’s lost a tight matchup in three sets 24-26, 17-25 and 21-25.

“It was an awesome season. I am so proud of the team,” said Travis Czainski, head coach of the senior boys volleyball team.

“We set our goals from the start to win a provincial championship, and to do that was pretty special. Every time we challenged them with something, they rose to the occasion and made their best efforts every time.”

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The senior boys had a successful season winning the zone championship in addition to winning five out of seven tournaments, and placing second in the other two.

“They are an incredible group of kids,” Czainski added.

“As a coach that is the most important thing is how the kids grow beyond the program, and I am confident that they will be successful in whatever they choose to do.”

The boys were ranked number one in Alberta heading into the tournament, which was a difference from the year before.

“Last year, we were the underdogs, but this year we had the target on our backs,” Czainski said. “It adds a bit more pressure when you’re the team that is supposed to win.”

(Contributed photo/ Red Deer Public School Division)

For the senior girls, it was a remarkable season that was highlighted by dedication and teamwork. Head coach Kirsten DeZutter said her team showed plenty of resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

“It was a phenomenal season,” DeZutter said. “We had a group of beautiful, kind, intelligent and talented young women who were an absolute pleasure to coach. I couldn’t be more proud of them.

“Every game was a hard fought battle. Their strength, confidence and ability to support one another was truly inspiring.”

Chris Good, Principal of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, said he is proud of the coaches and players from both teams.

“They treated us to a great season of volleyball,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be in Lethbridge for provincials and was happy to see the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches come together with another great result.”