Sauder sister act coming to WCSG
A pair of sisters will compete in two different sports at the 2019 Western Canada Games in Swift Current.
Kalea and Abby Sauder will both represent their province at the multi-sport games in their hometown. Abby, 15, is a part of the women’s volleyball team, while Kalea, 18, will represent Saskatchewan in the Triple Jump, High Jump, and Heptathlon.
“It’s a huge opportunity. I’m really grateful that I made the team and I think that it will be a really good experience,” said Kalea.
Abby faced a lengthy tryout process with Sask Volleyball, which began with identification camps between February and April. Next, she was invited back to the final three-day tryout in Warman in late May.
“During the final tryout sessions they evaluated not only our current skill level and potential, but considered how coachable we were and if we had the personality and qualities of being a good teammate. They also assessed whether we had a strong enough mindset to succeed in this elite program,” explained Abby.
She eventually received an email that she had made the final cut.
“I feel so fortunate to have been invited to be a part of Team Sask. Not only am I getting extra training this summer in the sport I love and making some great new friends along the way, I also got to travel to and compete in Halifax, and am beyond excited to represent Saskatchewan and participate in the WCSG. And how great is it that WCSG are being held right here in Swift Current,” exclaimed Abby. “Hopefully I can keep my nerves at bay and play well in front of my hometown crowd when I get the chance!”
Kalea recently completed her high school career with silver in the 80 Metre Hurdles and bronze in High Jump at SHSAA Provincials in Moose Jaw in June. She also placed fourth in the 100 Metre Dash and in Long Jump to place second in the Senior Girls aggregate standings.
Kalea will be stepping outside of her comfort zone to compete in the Triple Jump at the WCSG.
“I’ve never done triple jump before, so we’ll see how that goes. I’m just gonna try not to hurt myself I guess.”
“For High Jump, I’m going to try and jump a PB. We’ll see if that happens or not,” said Kalea, who has a personal best of 1.58 Metres.
The Heptathlon will consist of the 100 Metre Hurdles, High Jump, Shot Put, 200 Metres, Long Jump, Javelin, and the 800 Metres.
“I’ve only done it one time, so we’ll see. I’m really just going to try and improve my score from last time. I am not really expecting to place or anything.”
Kalea is hoping for a home track advantage.
“It will be good because I’m used to the track and all the jumping pits and everything. It will be cool to see so many people watching at home, whereas there is not usually that many people watching. I think it will be pretty cool to see everyone here.”
Kalea previously competed in the Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan in 2016 when she tried her hand at the Pentathlon and won silver. “I really enjoyed it. It’s cool for multievents because you get to know all the people you’re competing against and you all cheer each other on during your events.”
“I got to see my sister be a part of Sask Summer Games a few years ago in Estevan and am pretty excited to be given the opportunity to have a similar experience here in Swift,” explained Abby.
Abby is joined on Team Sask by Swift Current’s Avery Tonnies. They were recently in Halifax for the Canada Cup, where Team Sask placed sixth out of 16 teams.
“I feel getting that first competition under our belts in Halifax was important, as we were able to gain experience and shake off some of our nerves, battle together in tight matches where every point was important, and prepare ourselves for playing in front of larger crowds,” said Abby Sauder, who feels that Saskatchewan should be in the medal hunt in Swift Current. “It also helped us to identify what our strengths are, as well as our weaknesses, and highlight skills and game play areas where we need to work hard and focus on over the next couple weeks of training leading up to the Games.”
“As for what I expect of myself, I just want to perform the best I can each and every time I step out on to the court, and help my team out in whatever way I am able,” she added.
Abby’s ascendency to the upper echelons of volleyball in Saskatchewan have not come easily. The 5’10’’ left side hitter suited up for the Grade Nine Ardens in her first high school season and played for the Junior Ardens last season. Her goal is to make the Senior Ardens this fall in her grade 11 campaign.
She has also had to deal with the additional pressure of her sister’s athletic prowess in a number of different sports and the expectations associated with that.
“With my sister being an accomplished athlete I have definitely felt there is some pressure on me to succeed, not necessarily from my family or friends, but pressure that I put on myself. I only feel that way because I simply just love playing the sport of volleyball and I want to keep improving my skills each and every time I get a chance to practice or play so that I can compete at the highest level possible. Kalea has been a Team Sask Track and Field athlete for the last four years, and was also selected to represent Saskatchewan at Youth Legion Nationals twice. I have always been competitive and with Kalea having success in all of her track events it makes me want to have success too. Making Team Sask this year has proven to me that I am also able to excel at my own sport. I have learned a lot from my sister about strengths, weaknesses, and perseverance in sport, and that we won’t always perform perfectly. I truly believe anyone can find their own activity/sport to be passionate about and succeed in; with hard work, dedication, and determination you can reach whatever goals you set for yourself and continue to grow as a person and athlete.”
Both of the Sauder sisters will compete in the second half of the Games. Kalea has a couple days off in between her events and is hoping to be able to go watch her younger sister at the Innovation Credit Union iplex. She will be competing on the SCCHS track right outside the Athlete’s Village so Abby may be able to get out to see her older sister in action.
“I’m just excited to compete in an event that’s so big. I think it will be scary, but it will be fun,” said Kalea.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying everything from the high level of competition, to the Athlete’s Village experience, as well as attending different venues and cheering on other Team Sask athletes,” added Abby.