Cyclones ready for OFSAA
The last time the E.L. Crossley Cyclones senior boys volleyball team went to OFSAA, many of the players on this year’s team weren’t even born.
The Cyclones qualified for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations AA playdowns for the first time in 15 years as the second entry from the Southern Ontario Secondary School Association region.
The Eden Flyers will also represent SOSSA and are ranked No. 1. The Cyclones are ranked 15th. The tournament will be held in Sydenham, near Kingston, beginning Thursday.
“Our goal was to come second at SOSSA, eliminate the other zone, and that’s what we did,” Crossley head coach Michelle Gibson said. “Eden medalled last year which gave SOSSA a second entry, but that doesn’t always happen.”
Gibson, who is assisted by Jessica Kropac and Rich Doucet, has no problems qualifying through the back door.
“I’ve always said to these boys they are a traditional high school team,” Gibson said. “We only have one club player so to do well in our zone, to do well all season and in tournaments and then to get to SOSSA and perform, you deserve to go.”
The Cyclones finished undefeated in Zone 3 AA play, captured the championship at the Jean Vanier Tournament, and were eliminated in the semifinals of two other tournaments against AAA competition.
“That’s what we love, playing a team that actually gives us competition. A lot of times we’re playing smaller schools so we love playing AAA teams,” Gibson said.
Crossley’s Forest Turpel, the lone club player on the team, said the squad is pumped to participate.
“We’re all really ecstatic about it because this is the first year in a long time,” said Turpel, a 16-year-old, Grade 11 student.
Both Turpel and Gibson agreed a medal may be out of sight, but that doesn’t mean they Cyclones are just happy to be going.
“They know what we’re up against, especially if you look at the four top teams,” Gibson said. “They’re just in a class of their own. We’re lucky because we play Eden and we know how good they are. They’re running an entirely different program than we are.
“Our goal is to beat our seed, finish anywhere above our seed, and realistically we’ll go on the consolation side. We’d love to be competitive in the final of the consolation if we could.”
Gibson is prepared to do what it takes to compete.
“We do play to win. It’s not fair play, but at the same time we do try and get everyone a little bit of court time if and when we can. The boys during the season will have contributed at some point, but we’re in it to win it.”
Turpel agrees.
“We just thought about it and wanted to compete with them because we knew they’re good,” he said. “I think it’s pretty realistic.”
Turpel said the key to the Cyclones’ success this season has been good chemistry on the court as well as solid leadership from the coaching staff.
“The coaching and team culture is very good,” said Turpel, who has played for the Niagara Rapids for six years. “We all get along.”
Crossley is planning a pep rally to send the team on their way Wednesday morning.
“This year, in particular, the school spirit has been amazing. It’s been really great energy and we have a cheer squad. We’re loving it. It’s amazing,” Gibson said.
Members of the team are: Turpel, left side; Ryan Belovari, right side, setter; Jakob Butler, left side; Tyler Dobbie, left side; Lucas Fast, middle; John Higenell, left side; Jack Hilts, libero, setter; Joshua Lahn, right side; Ethan Mergl, setter; Hye-Jun Song, right side; Hayden Stewart, middle; Carter Teal, middle; Mitchell Waldt, middle.
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