Coach Keith Randell
Clarenville Middle School Tigers
Grade 8 Boys Volleyball Team
Front Row ( L - R ) > Andrew Smith, Brandon Reid, Nick Hann, Ben Drover
Middle Row ( L - R ) > Alan Li, Justin Abbott, Adam Vey, Ryan Fillier, Nathan Vey, Andrew Feener,
Lucas Goobie, Luke Sawler, Robert Pond & A.J Parrott.
( Missing from Photo ) > Garrett White , Nolan Porter & Owen Jacobs.
Teams favorite tournament and why?
Their favorite tournament this year was the Regional Bantam Boys Eastern event in December. The reason that it was memorable was due to the fact that our school entered two teams. This involved 25 grade 7 & 8 boys from Clarenville Middle School. The two teams were part of the 10 team boys event and both placed in the top three. One team won Gold while the other won the Bronze. This tournament proved to be their favorite even though they had won the Grade 8 Volleyfest in October.
Tournament results since September.
October 27 - 28 > NLVA Grade 8 Boys Volleyfest > Gold (6-0)
November 16 - 17 > Vista District Junior Invitational > Gold (7-0)
December 8 - 9 > NLVA Bantam Boys East Regional > Gold & Bronze (2 Teams) (6-0 & 4-2)
Favorite Coaching Moment with this team.
This occurred at the East Regional when both the teams that we entered qualified for the playoffs and had to square off against one another. It was a tremendous feeling of accomplishment to sit on the floor in the pre-game stretching warm up with both teams surrounding me and interacting with each other. It was very similar to a practice situation where the two squads were preparing to scrimmage against each other. We talked about the significance of the moment and how it was part of our overall goal. They were very satisfied with their result to date in the event and all the players knew that they would be playing for a medal.
What is your coaching philosophy?
My coaching philosophy at Clarenville Middle School is to give all interested players the opportunity to play the sport of volleyball. We have a no-cut policy which we try to adhere to with all school teams. With volleyball, many students are introduced to volleyball at the junior high level and it is here where they will decide to pursue it or not. It is important to have these students feel part of a team. I feel that if they can be part of a group the development of the whole person is much easier to achieve.
Where do you train and how many times per week?
During the volleyball season the team practices twice a week at the Clarenville Middle School gymnasium. Due to the hectic NLVA calendar, the Bantam boys Provincial Championship is usually scheduled in April. To avoid practicing all year round, the team is given a break in January and February to participate in other sports like hockey, badminton and basketball. They will resume volleyball again in March to prepare for the provincial in April. This break rejuvenates them for the second part of the season.
What is your team goal this year?
To reach our goal this year we plan to participate in as many bantam events as possible and involve as many students as possible. Overall goal is to prepare these students with basic skills and strategies to continue to play the sport if they so desire as they enter their high school years.
Advice for aspiring young athletes.
Get out and give it a shot. Volleyball, like most team/group sports can be a very rewarding for all ages. I try to encourage all my students to try it and then decide for themselves if it is for them or not. Many students look at things and judge activities from the outside without ever experiencing the true social benefits of participation. All too often the youth of Newfoundland & Labrador need these social outlets and I feel that it is our job to help them see this.
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