The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The RD Parker Trojans are the only obstacle in the way of the Hapnot Collegiate varsity volleyball teams winning zones in Norway House. The Kopper Kings head for zones this weekend with the knowledge they have defeated their toughest opponent twice. "We're very focussed and we're just fine tuning everything because there's not much we can learn this week," says co-captain Ian Clark. Clark says there's a little bit of pressure to defeat the Trojans, but they simply believe in themselves. How could they not? They recently beat the Trojans at home after losing the first set, then defeated them during the Kodiak Invitational tournament back in September 25-12 and 25-19. "I don't think it's guaranteed," Clark says, "but we have a good chance." The Kopper Kings have been working up front with shooters and tandems, among other drills, to keep the opposing defense guessing. While every player on the team has an important role, Chad Ticzon will be in the spotlight as the setter. "No, just have to win," Ticzon says, after being asked if he feels any pressure. Coach Craig McIntosh has his young setter doing repetitions for consistency, just setting to power, and getting the ball to the same spots. "Keep my body square to the target and visualize where I want my body to be," he explains. Ticzon is excited about zones, as it's his first as a senior. He's played before as a junior. As the Kopper King setter works on his game, he knows he has his coach's confidence. See 'Kopper' P.# Con't from P.# "It's nice knowing I have him where he is now," McIntosh says, "as long as he can maintain his focus. His skills are outstanding for Grade 10." One thing this team wants to avoid is a poor start, like the one they had against the Trojans as they lost the first set 25-15 at home. "It's very important to come out good," Kopper Kings' Baron Charuk says, "because if the team has one bad game, it could carry out through the tournament. Charuk added that anything less than victory will be a huge disappointment. The Kopper Kweens are carrying the confidence from pre-zones despite the fact they lost in the semi-final to the Creighton Kodiaks. Coach Ken Kittle is excited about the weekend. "I expect that we'll finish pretty high in the rankings," Kittle says. The Kopper Kweens coach has had his players working on court movement and coverage Ð two areas he believes his team has struggled in. The road to the final may not be easy. The Kopper Kweens battled the Kodiaks hard and improved with their passing and hitting, but lost two close sets. They will have to take it to another level if they want to have success at zones. Hapnot Athletic notes: Both junior varsity teams will be traveling to Thompson this weekend for their 'AA' zones. Coach Rob Abbott is very optimistic on how his Kopper Kings will play. Look for all the results in Monday's issue of The Reminder.
