SCCHS Ardens help in the fight against cancer
The Swift Current Comp. Senior Ardens basketball team made a meaningful impact in their community last week when they raised over $11,300 for the oncology department at the Cypress Regional Hospital through their Shooting For a Cure Pink Game.
“It was really nice being able to raise money for a good cause. It was just really nice to work hard with all my teammates and help make this a reality,” said grade 12 Rielle Klassen.
“It was a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it,” added grade 12 Mia Riegel. “Everything was so much fun. We did bake sales. We went out asking so many places to donate and even trying to get people to buy the couches was so much fun. It brought us, as a team, to work more together for something that is not basketball.”
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, none of the current Ardens had ever played in a Pink Game before.
“Yeah it really was. We kept notes from the previous years, so those were really helpful when we were planning our fundraisers and just how we were going to set the game up,” said Klassen.
Riegel is one of five grade 12 Ardens who is taking on a leadership role both on and off the court.
“Yeah you have to make sure everyone is connected and in the group and never left alone. We are a team where we never leave anyone behind, so you just have to watch that and make sure everyone is positive and working together.”
The Ardens defeated the Winston Knoll Wolverines 71-49 in the Pink Game on Feb. 16.
“The team definitely played together tonight,” said Klassen “We all worked hard on defense and we executed on offense.”
“We played pretty good,” added Riegel. “Our defense was great, we had our hands up. We were ready for the game with the fans. It’s not about the game, but it was a good experience for us and we felt like a team”
The school and community turned out to support the Ardens at the SCCHS Gymnasium.
“It was very stressful, but adrenaline kicks in and then you just learn to block everything out,” said Klassen.
“We definitely had some nerves,” admitted Riegel. “But right when you get on the court you just feel relaxed because they are all cheering for you. You’re working your hardest and no one is going to care if you mess up, so you just work as hard as you can.”
The Ardens will return to tournament action on March 3-4 in Regina as they build towards Hoopla in Prince Albert on March 23-25.
“One of the goals is just to keep getting better. [Coach Andrew] Herrick always says get one percent better and that’s what we’re trying to do. Hopefully we can make it to Hoopla and get a medal there,” said Klassen.
“Our goal is working together on offense and getting to Hoopla and hopefully placing and just having fun,” added Riegel.
The Ardens placed fourth at 5A Hoopla last season, losing the bronze medal game by only four points to Regina Riffel.
“No matter what you have to work for it. Even if you’re losing you still have a chance to win and you never give up,” said Riegel of the lessons learned at Hoopla.