It was only 8 points that decided the championship game in Toronto last year at the AAA OFSAA championship. The Lucas Vikings finished their regular season undefeated, and snatched their first OFSAA gold in team history.
Kaitlyn Jacob is a grade 11 student at A.B Lucas and played on the team last year while she was still in grade 10. Jacob said that winning the OFSAA championship is one of her greatest memories. “Hearing that buzzer go off and having our score high was the most amazing feeling. We knew that all the effort we put in throughout the season was for that moment.”
With the memories and accomplishments engraved in their minds forever, the Vikings know what it takes to make their way back to that stage this season.
Head Coach Kris Potter knows that he has a much different roster this season, but it is not something he sees as a barrier to the team’s success. “They’re two totally different teams; one was filled with grade 12 students that have been to OFSAA numerous times and this year’s team is a lot younger. Regardless, the start of this season has been just as exciting as the start of last season.”
A season that only lasts just over two months can pose a challenge towards ensuring that everything gets covered. However Coach Potter is not worried about the time frame. He said that his experienced roster makes it easy to build on basic principles and, “when you have such a short season, you focus on a couple of things and you just emphasize it throughout those 2 and a half months.” Potter also added that it is crucial to have a goal at the start of the year and when you stay true to that goal, success will come.
As for Jacob, her experience and natural leadership skills will be utilized with new teammates throughout the next couple months. “I know that encouragement is key. I want to make sure through both practices and games that I am someone who will provide my teammates with that.” Jacob said she is ready to get this season started with her teammates as they, “will just take the season game by game.”
