The John Paul II Crusaders senior girls volleyball team receive their 2023 Sportsmanship Award, presented by SHSAA Assistant Executive Director, Jeff Kitts (far right). (Facebook/John Paul II Collegiate)

By Martin Martinson

Off-court excellence

Crusaders senior girls recognized with provincial Sportsmanship Award

Jan 12, 2024 | 12:10 PM

For the second time in as many years, the John Paul II Collegiate senior girls volleyball team has been awarded the 2023 4A Girls Sportsmanship Award, presented by the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA).

Joining rarified air being recognized for the sportsmanship banner for a second consecutive season, head coach of the senior girls’ Crusaders, Quinn Baynham said it’s something that speaks to the character of this year’s group.

“I watched our girls be sportsmanlike at every tournament we went to,” she said proudly. “Even when there were some tempting times to be less than sportsmanlike, the girls remained respectful, and I think that really speaks to who they are as people.

“That blue banner that’s hanging up in our gym now displays the girls’ respect, and I think also for our school, it represents a lot about JPII as well.” – Crusaders’ head coach, Quinn Baynham

This year’s distinction marks the sixth sportsmanship banner that John Paul II has won as a school showing off-court humility in addition to the athletic programs’ on-court success. The 2023 senior girls also took home their third straight provincial silver medal this season, winning all but a single game at provincials in Nipawin, on their way to the hardware.

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Baynham said with a strong core of returning players eligible to be back next year, the Crusaders’ success this year – both on the court and off – should only help the team moving forward as well, with a strong culture in place.

“It’s [a season] they can hold onto and that was a big deal to them, and we’re looking forward to next year,” she said. “Iron sharpens iron and with only two Grade 12s leaving us, I think the rest are going to have the knowledge and skills to train up the new recruits, so we’re looking forward to next season.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1