Local Sports

Sara Odersky and Clinton Armitage were named the senior female and senior male athletes of the year respectively last week during Olds High School's annual recognition of sports and extracurricular clubs at the school.

The Innisfail Minor Softball league is hosting its fourth annual tournament this weekend and expect 30 participating teams. “The farthest team is coming all the way from Elkford, B.C.,” said Rick Blais, league liaison.

The Innisfail Dolphin Swim Club dove into its first swim meet of the season. On Saturday June 2, 16 members swam in Killam. The club changed regions this year, so it was the first time to attend a meet in Killam.

It's time to rodeo, Innisfail. The 52nd annual Daines Ranch Rodeo runs this week from June 14-17 just outside of Innisfail. The popular event pulls in cowboys and cowgirls from all over Alberta, Canada, and even some international competitors.

The U16 bantam Innisfail Indians girls softball team brought home bronze medals after a tournament held in Stettler over the June 1-3 weekend. “We've come a long way from the start of the season,” said Carey MacDonald, the coach.

The Innisfail Phantom Minor Lacrosse Association held its fifth annual Spirit of the Sticks tournament June 8 to 10 in both Innisfail and Olds.

Registration for the Innisfail Triathlon has opened and coordinators are hoping to see more local bodies register. “There's still 12 weeks left to train and register,” said Gayle Chapiel, volunteer coordinator for the Innisfail Triathlon Committee.

They wear brightly coloured knee socks and are ready to hit and be hit. Lacrosse in Innisfail is mostly a male-dominated sport, but three girls have reached the bantam level playing for the Phantoms.

Another three-goal performance by Chase Grenier led the Olds High School Spartans to a 3-1 victory over the Lacombe Composite High School Rams on Friday during Central Alberta High School Soccer League play.

Organizers of the Water Valley Rodeo were pleased with the turnout last weekend, during the 59th annual event held on June 2 and 3. “We have a very loyal crowd,” said Hilary Hahn, rodeo secretary.