HARE BAY, NL – The William Mercer Academy Mustangs volleyball team’s hard work paid off after a successful season, in which they took home six golds and two silvers from nine tournaments.
Despite all the success, including gold in the provincials in St. John’s and silver in the 14U tournament in Clarenville, teacher Coretta Dawe said the students felt the Alexander Keats Memorial Volleyball Tournament April 21 and 22 was the most important.
“I feel they are winners before they even play,” Dawe said. “They display sportsmanship and admit so many people. It’s good to see so many communities come together.”
The school created the tournament in 2016 in memory of fellow-student Alexander Keats who had cerebral palsy. Keats was 13 years old when he died.
Dawe said a lot of students wore blue and green t-shirts in memory of Keats – blue was his favourite colour, and green is the symbol for cerebral palsy.
“Alexander was well-liked in the school and it was very emotional when they created this tournament for him,” said Keats’ mother, Billie Keats.
Although three years have passed, Billie and her husband said they still feel a profound sadness each time they attend the tournament in honour of their son.
Michael Rogers, Grade 8 student, was Keats’ best friend. They spent a lot of time together camping and at each other’s houses.
Rogers said the tournament gave him added motivation to play harder, as it was in memory of his best friend.
The Mustangs boys’ team took home the Alexander Keats championship for the third time in a row. The girls’ team put up a good fight, according to Dawe, but came home empty handed.
There was a time, however, when it was doubtful there would even be a team this year. Although the school had enough students to form a volleyball team, they could not find a coach to supervise and train them.
When Randy Rogers, owner of Average Joe’s Autos in Hare Bay, heard about the students’ plight, he stepped up the plate and took on the role.
“I just could not say no to the kids. It is hard to get time off work because I run a business, but I took it on and I have not looked back. I love it,” he said.
It is Rogers’ first year as volleyball coach for the Mustangs. He has committed to continue this role next year, after witnessing the positive effects the sport has on the students.
“To see some of these kids who were so shy and timid, and opened up on the volleyball court? It does your heart good, right?” he said.
As a teacher is required to be on-site during tournaments and when training session takes place, Dawe volunteers her time to supervise the students and also assist with fundraising.
“It’s been a while since I started volunteering with this group. I feel that to be part of the community, I need to give back and I start with the kids,” she said.
Rogers also said Dawe is a critical component in the volleyball team.
“Without her going, these volleyball teams cannot travel to other schools without having a teacher sponsor because I am not a teacher,” he said.
Dawe in turn said her husband, Terry Dawe, is also actively involved behind the scenes since retiring from his position as physical education teacher in William Mercer Academy.
“He is the driving force behind all of this – he organises fundraising events and every time the school needs money or kids want something, he will be setting up mixed tournaments,” said Dawe.
It would seem that not only volunteers see the importance of getting involved in supporting the students. The evidence of the Hare Bay rallying behind the team is evident during tournament time.
“When you drive by our school and there is tournament on the go, you can’t find a parking spot,” said Dawe. “The parents, grandmothers, the grandfathers - it don’t matter if you are on a wheelchair or not. They are here to support their kids.”
