"It's the most wonderful time"

Even though I am now 6.5 years passed teaching my final class, as a full time gig that is, there are still things that get me twitterpatted like a sweaty-palmed teen's anticipation of a first kiss, and that time of year has officially arrived! I had the means and opportunity, sur la bicyclette, to take in the Sr Boys' Rugby semifinals, one hosted by Eastview, the other by North, and made it a special day all the way around by cycling to a morning supply gig in Elmvale, then down the Rail Trail to northeast Barrie to take in the action, before the gorgeous ride home to the Beach.

I all hubris, I can't resist the opportunity to compare what today's schools are plying on the pitch to what Ron and I offered in what seems a lifetime ago at Central and North, but I have to say in all honesty that there's some great coaching and guidance being gifted to today's rugby athletes. Can I offer those coaches some constructive criticism, should it be sought? Sure, but they're doing quite fine without my input, and with OFSAA being hosted in Barrie this year, GBSSA will be well represented. Maybe even a potential podium finish? The greater Barrie rugby community is doing some fantastic things for today's youth and the brand of play being displayed is both exciting and entertaining, even provincially and nationally recognized for the quality of player being fielded.

Lest it slipped by your notice, I did just inform you that the "AAA" Boys' Rugby OFSAA Championships are being hosted at our local world-class facility out in Midhurst, and the engine behind the big event is Barrie North's Mike Alcombrack, with plenty of eager help from some equally super-powered rugby fanatics. If you've been around high school sports in GBSSA, you'll already be aware of how much a "mover + shaker" Alky is, selflessly gifting his time, energy, and knowledge to the Barrie Rugby Club, Georgian College's mens program, and Barrie North, his alma mater. 

In a recent conversation with Alky, I reminded him that nobody gives more to their school's athletes than he ... matched perhaps, but never beaten. That heart to heart came on the heels of his side's narrow loss to Nantyr Shores in semifinal action, and he was beating himself up over what he perceived to be his failings. Of course I disagreed, but that's the depth of his caring, shouldering the blame for his kids.

With the Nantyr win, they earned the right to face the undefeated Juggernaut Eastview in the GBSSA finals, the winner earning the GBSSA slot at the OFSAA Championship. The OFSAA action will play out Monday June 1 to Wednesday June 3 if you're so inclined to have a peek. Like the rugby championships previously held at the Midhurst complex in 2002 and 2015 ... both OFSAA Gold for Central Rugby, in all arrogance ... there's A LOT to appreciate about what is playing out on pitches in this area, and the organizers would love to have your support.

I repeated the bike trip from Wasaga to take in the GBSSA Championship of Eastview hosting Nantyr, and came away with profound respect for both squads, but for significantly different reasons. While Eastview does many things well, they enjoy the benefit of a super star calibre player in Reece Davies (or is it Reese, not sure?), a multi-skilled, dynamic athlete with a goodly amount of rugby sense. Davies was the big difference in the game, IMHO, I think totalling 19 points himself on the strength of 3 tries (5 pts) and 2 conversions (2 pts). In the end, despite spirited Nantyr defence, Eastview was crowned GBSSA champions in a 31-0 win. Shout out to Coaches Andrew Davies and Aria Keshoofy on the Big Dub!

Stay tuned for more information about the OFSAA Championships June 1-3, and how Eastview and hosts North fare in the tournament.