Glenlawn’s got game

St. Vital

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This article was published 01/12/2023 (909 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Glenlawn Collegiate’s varsity boys’ volleyball team has enjoyed a stellar season so far.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the team reached the final four of the Boston Pizza AAAA provincial volleyball championships, after beating Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in its recent quarter-final clash.

At press time, awaiting the Lions in the semifinal at the University of Manitoba on Nov. 30 was local rival Dakota Collegiate, which defeated the Transcona Titans in its recent quarter-final meeting. The final was scheduled to be held on Dec. 4, also at the U of M.

Speaking on Nov. 28, Glenlawn’s principal Dionne Potapinski said the St. Vital-based team has had a great season to date, and she’s proud of the collective efforts of the players and coaching staff.

“It’s so impressive that they’ve made it this far,” Potapinski said. “The players have worked so hard here and with their club volleyball teams, and they’ve really been putting in the hours.”

“They’re a really coachable group of kids, and they’ve come so far. I’m super proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

For Potapinski, this season has also been something of a family affair — her son, Adrian Deer, is on the team, and he was recently named among this season’s graduating all-star players.

Deer — a 17-year-old, six-foot-three Grade 12 student — said he’s also proud of the team’s progress so far this season, and he’s happy to be finishing his school volleyball career on a high.

“I’m really proud, and we’ve worked really hard,” said Deer, who plays both middle and left side, adding he’s laser-focused on going as far in the provincial championships with the team as possible.

An added layer is the fact the Lions and Lancers have faced each other four times this season, with each team winning twice.

“We already know all about them, and we know what we need to do,” Deer said. “The key thing will be to outwork them, try to get to every ball, and not let it hit the floor.”

Russ Harder, the team’s head coach, said the closeness of the team as a unit this season has been another significant factor in its success so far.

“The camaraderie of the boys has been amazing; they’re literally like family,” Harder said. “They’re incredible guys to coach, and there’s been lots of continuity from last year.”

“Hopefully, everyone plays well in the semifinal. We have lots of respect for Dakota, and we’re going to do our best.”

Harder noted his gratitude for the collective support of the school community, and administration, including and Potapinski.

The other boys’ AAAA semifinal was slated to be contested by the Vincent Massey (Wpg) Trojans and the River East Kodiaks.

In the end, Dakota beat Glenlawn and Vincent Massey (Wpg) defeated River East to set up a Lancers/Trojans final.