his past weekend, Collingwood’s Senior Tennis Team won the BC Tennis Provincial Championship, bringing home yet another provincial blue banner with gold medals gleaning around their necks. What a wonderful way for legendary coach Rose to leave, having claimed 10 provincial gold medals as well as one silver provincial medal.
The provincial win marked a tremendous end to the Senior Tennis Team’s magnificent season. The BC High School Tennis championship tournament spanned over three days: May 26, 27th & 28th. Collingwood began playing at Burnaby Lake Tennis club on Thursday, but the downpour conditions led to them finishing their matches at Hollyburn, and UBC.
During the first round of the tournament, the team knocked off Immaculata from Kelowna with an impressive 11-0 outcome. The Cavs then followed this with an 8-2 win over Prince of Wales of Vancouver. The senior tennis team the progressed to defeat University Hill 9-2 in the quarter finals, as well as Shawinigan Lake 9-2 in the semi finals.
Saturday marked the Tennis provincial finals, where Collingwood faced off against Brentwood, the Cavs’ old nemesis. Despite an initial 0-2 lag, Collinwood’s boys doubles quickly dismantled their opponents. Singles Players Neeki Alavi and Isaac Davies also dominated the court, winning both of their matches. The girl’s doubles matches also displayed superb effort and play from the Cavs. After the boys doubles crossover matches, Collingwood ultimately secured the gold finish, for Cavs had then won 6 out of their 11 matches!
At the Awards ceremony, the Senior Tennis Team was honored to receive their gold medals, and celebrated the team’s excellent play and support. Also to be noted – both of Collingwood’s singles players won individual distinctions; the unstoppable Neeki Alavi was awarded the Top Girls Singles Player Award, and powerhouse Isaac Davies won the Top Boys Singles Award. Both of them finished the tournament with perfect scores: 10 wins, 0 losses.
Coach Wong paid tribute to Mr. Rose’s legendary coaching and the instrumental role he has played in advancing provincial tennis in BC over the years, during his closing remarks. The Senior Tennis team is certainly sad to see legendary Coach Rose go, but hopes to see him on the court sidelines next year!
Congratulations to the Collingwood Tennis Team for winning Gold at the Provincials!
By: Kristine Falck