Olds High School athletic director Wanda Vandervelden could not have been more pleased with how the ASAA 3A provincial basketball championships unfolded.
"Extremely happy. The coaches have been over the moon. And that was our goal, to make sure it was an experience for the kids and we accomplished that," Wandervelden said.
According to principal Tom Christensen, who also served as ASAA president this year, the tournament was initially supposed to be a senior girls championship. But then the boys tournament became available and Olds was asked to host it as well.
Vandervelden said a dual championship meant more gym space was needed for games -- Frank Grisdale Hall and Didsbury High School were needed to accommodate the 24 teams. However, the size of the event added to the overall experience.
"It was scary when we first got it, but in the end, I'm glad we got it," she said.
She also lauded the 13-member host committee and the countless volunteers, who worked 13-hour days during the tournament. Some didn't even have an interest in sports but lent their skills.
"They took their jobs seriously and it was honestly the most eclectic group for a sports event that you could ever find; but it worked because of that," Vandervelden said.
"The atmosphere in FGH was crazy. Loud and fun. Everybody loved all three venues. A couple teams didn't get to play in this gym (RKC) but they didn't have a complaint about it."
This was the first time Olds High School had ever hosted a team-based provincial championship. It could be a while before another one returns.
"Well I'm not putting in a bid for a few years. It's a lot of work and I owe a lot of favours to people that have helped us out. It will take me a few years to catch up to those favours," Christensen said.
One lasting legacy of the tournament could be the alliance between Olds College's athletic department and Olds High School's. Broncos women's basketball personnel – coach Jen Donofrio, players Samantha Terry and Isabelle Durocher – offered instruction on the Spartans girls bench for all three days. The college also lent equipment and staff.
This was what higher-ups envisioned when they put together this joint-campus arrangement.
"This is the first year that's actually come to fruition. This is the first year we've had coaches and athletes helping our teams and our kids following their teams. This is what it was supposed to be like," Vandervelden said.
She also credits Broncos women's volleyball coach Chris Wandler for making the first move by being inviting to the high school team.
"It's interesting but it does take time to make that relationship -- that connection -- because you come from two different worlds, so it's going to take time to get to know each other. So this has been a very satisfying year that way."
"They were great. Fantastic. And the example of what they teach our kids is just so good. They've been so positive with our athletes," Christensen said.
"I think it's taken the right years. Now there's trust. It really is good; really good. We're the luckiest in the province in that way."
"It was scary when we first got it, but in the end, I'm glad we got it."WANDA VANDERVELDENOLDS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
