The Houston Secondary girl’s Rugby team fought hard at the AA Provincial Rugby Championships last week. They were playing in a new tier, one that had new and harder competition than what the girls were used to, but the experience helped them come away as more seasoned and smarter players. One player was given more than just rugby knowledge; she was recognized for her “perseverance, leadership, and teamwork.”
Captain and Flanker Keeley Williams won the President’s 15 Award as MVP of the team as chosen by other coaches from the tournament.
Williams said that a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into her rugby game, and that’s what made her a candidate for this award.
“I think it was just the fact that I did start in grade 8 and I didn’t start as one of the shining players of the team and I’ve grown and become captain this year. I really stepped up to the position and I took it very well.”
Winning an award is a great way to end a season, let alone a career, and now it’s time for her to share her passion. While retirement is an emotional step in any career, Williams is focused on the future.
“It’s just kind of sad, but I’m excited to see what’s coming for me next. Next year I’ll actually be coaching the girls so that’s very exciting.”
Smithers Secondary President’s 15 award winner Elise Huisman has announced she’ll be heading back to coach the Gryphons next season. With the addition of new award-winning coaches to their respective schools, this could be more fuel in an already heated rivalry.
“Her and I get along very well and we’ve played together in the past so I think it’ll be a good rivalry. It’ll be fun.”
From winning Zones in a do-or-die match against at Smithers, to travelling 1100 km to and from North Vancouver, to representing all of Northern BC at AA Provincials, it’s been a pretty crazy (and surely stressful) couple of weeks for HSS girls rugby, but the girls can always look back with fond memories.
“The last week went amazing. The girls played [awesomely] and I’m so proud of them. The whole season was just amazing.”
And with that, five years as a Wolverine comes to a close.
Keeley Williams from HSS (left) was one of the recipients of the President’s 15 Award. Elise Huisman from SSS (right) also won the award. Photo submitted by Nora Kerr.