Brian Lee
This Month's (June) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete goes to Brian Lee:
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Brian Lee has been a valuable member of Semiahmoo’s badminton team. He is a hardworking player with excellent work ethics and strong leadership skills. Brian never settles for mediocrity and spends endless hours training both inside and outside school, and never ceases to better himself both on and off courts. He placed an impressive 1st place for boys singles and a 2nd place for boys doubles at the Fraser Valley Championships. Moreover, he constantly encourages his fellow players to strive for excellence and he led the team to a 5th place finish at the 2018 BC Badminton Provincials. Brian also gives back to the badminton community by volunteering and dedicating many hours to help coach the badminton team at HT Thrift, as well as the Jr. badminton team here at Semiahmoo. Brian has proved himself to be a dedicated athlete who brings passion, integrity and inspiration to the Semiahmoo Badminton team. Congratulations Brian!
Ava Mitchell
This Month's (May) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete goes to Ava Mitchell:
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When did you start playing sports?
I started doing sports when I was 6, I loved all sports but I mostly enjoyed the running. It wasn't until grade 3 When I joined cross country and placed 27th in the first race. From then on I just kept getting better. What drew me to running was the healthy, alive feeling after a long successful run.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments in Track & Field?
My biggest accomplishments this year would probably be running with the Sr girls 4x400m relay team in grade eight. Also my trip up to the Oregon Relays this spring with my coach and teammates, where we raced with older high school kids and performed really well.
Who has inspired you in your athletics endeavours?
My running coach Lynn Kanuka, my basketball coach Alison Mckneel, and all of my teachers have all had an impact on my sports.
These people inspire me because they volunteer their time, are very hardworking and dedicated to what they love to do. They often spend extra time with me to help with my basketball shooting, running form and schoolwork.
What are your goals in your athletics pursuits?
My goals this year are to make it into the BC Summer Games and to break 2:24 seconds in the 800m. I also plan to qualify for BC track and field provincials for both the 400m and 800m.
I started doing sports when I was 6, I loved all sports but I mostly enjoyed the running. It wasn't until grade 3 When I joined cross country and placed 27th in the first race. From then on I just kept getting better. What drew me to running was the healthy, alive feeling after a long successful run.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments in Track & Field?
My biggest accomplishments this year would probably be running with the Sr girls 4x400m relay team in grade eight. Also my trip up to the Oregon Relays this spring with my coach and teammates, where we raced with older high school kids and performed really well.
Who has inspired you in your athletics endeavours?
My running coach Lynn Kanuka, my basketball coach Alison Mckneel, and all of my teachers have all had an impact on my sports.
These people inspire me because they volunteer their time, are very hardworking and dedicated to what they love to do. They often spend extra time with me to help with my basketball shooting, running form and schoolwork.
What are your goals in your athletics pursuits?
My goals this year are to make it into the BC Summer Games and to break 2:24 seconds in the 800m. I also plan to qualify for BC track and field provincials for both the 400m and 800m.
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Priya Gillan
This Month's (February) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete goes to Priya Gillan:
When did you start playing soccer and what drew you most to the game?
I started playing soccer when I was nine years old and I played in the midfield. My parents encouraged me to play however, I was only an average field player. I didn’t know that I was only average but I still wanted to try out for the Gold team at my club. My parents knew the probable outcome but they supported me anyway. The coaches told me that I was not good enough for any of the select teams (Gold, Silver or Bronze) as a field player. However, I might able to play for the Bronze team if I agreed to play backup goalkeeper and sit on the bench a lot. I agreed and found my new position! Eventually when I saw field time the coaches were impressed with my abilities as a goalkeeper. I played more and more games and when it became time to try out from the High Performance League, I was selected to be the starting goalkeeper.
I love how unpredictable soccer is. A team could be playing the best game of their season and still lose because the game goes to penalty kicks. Or the weather could be crazy and play a factor in the outcome of the game. One of the best parts of the game is getting to work with a great group of players on a team who all love the sport as much as I do and come out every day to do their best on the field.
What are some of your previous accomplishments in the sport?
I have been selected to play on the BC Provincial Team for six years and it’s always a great experience, as we travel to tournaments in different places and play other provincial teams. In 2015, the Provincial Team travelled to Wood Buffalo, Alberta for the Western Canada Summer Games, where we won the gold medal. I was also named the Female Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015. This year, I was selected to the Team BC training camp for the 2017 Canada Summer Games and earned a spot on the reserve team.
Who were some people (players, coaches, parents, etc) that inspired you and encourage you to reach the accomplishment of Signing with Illinois State?
My parent say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In my village, there are my siblings Aneel and Arjan, my parents, and my grandparents. My coaches, my teachers and my friends have also been part of my journey and they are part of my village. Everyone in my village has been very supportive and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them. I especially have to thank my parents. They drove me to every single practice and game and they encouraged me to be the best player I could be. They said that the sky was the limit for my career and when I told them that I wanted to play NCAA Division I Soccer in the US, they were all for it. My parents would definitely be the force helping make my soccer dreams into reality.
What was it like to be invited on Illinois State's campus?
I was nervous! I wanted to please the coaches and the players... and then I realized that if I put on an act, I could not maintain it indefinitely. So I decided to be myself. Luckily they liked me for me and invited me back!
What are your continued goals in soccer?
I want to get better, and I want to continue to challenge myself. For women at this stage of my life, this is one of the highest levels of soccer that one can play and therefore this will continue to improve my play. It has always been my dream to play in the Canadian Women’s National Team and go to the Olympics or play in a professional league. My goal for right now is to prepare myself so I can be my best self for preseason and securing a spot on the roster. I like to focus on the interim, day-to-day, month-to-month, year-to-year goals to get me to the next level and hopefully achieve these larger milestones.
Congrats Priya, TOTEMS Athletics is proud of your accomplishments! All the best!
I started playing soccer when I was nine years old and I played in the midfield. My parents encouraged me to play however, I was only an average field player. I didn’t know that I was only average but I still wanted to try out for the Gold team at my club. My parents knew the probable outcome but they supported me anyway. The coaches told me that I was not good enough for any of the select teams (Gold, Silver or Bronze) as a field player. However, I might able to play for the Bronze team if I agreed to play backup goalkeeper and sit on the bench a lot. I agreed and found my new position! Eventually when I saw field time the coaches were impressed with my abilities as a goalkeeper. I played more and more games and when it became time to try out from the High Performance League, I was selected to be the starting goalkeeper.
I love how unpredictable soccer is. A team could be playing the best game of their season and still lose because the game goes to penalty kicks. Or the weather could be crazy and play a factor in the outcome of the game. One of the best parts of the game is getting to work with a great group of players on a team who all love the sport as much as I do and come out every day to do their best on the field.
What are some of your previous accomplishments in the sport?
I have been selected to play on the BC Provincial Team for six years and it’s always a great experience, as we travel to tournaments in different places and play other provincial teams. In 2015, the Provincial Team travelled to Wood Buffalo, Alberta for the Western Canada Summer Games, where we won the gold medal. I was also named the Female Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015. This year, I was selected to the Team BC training camp for the 2017 Canada Summer Games and earned a spot on the reserve team.
Who were some people (players, coaches, parents, etc) that inspired you and encourage you to reach the accomplishment of Signing with Illinois State?
My parent say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In my village, there are my siblings Aneel and Arjan, my parents, and my grandparents. My coaches, my teachers and my friends have also been part of my journey and they are part of my village. Everyone in my village has been very supportive and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them. I especially have to thank my parents. They drove me to every single practice and game and they encouraged me to be the best player I could be. They said that the sky was the limit for my career and when I told them that I wanted to play NCAA Division I Soccer in the US, they were all for it. My parents would definitely be the force helping make my soccer dreams into reality.
What was it like to be invited on Illinois State's campus?
I was nervous! I wanted to please the coaches and the players... and then I realized that if I put on an act, I could not maintain it indefinitely. So I decided to be myself. Luckily they liked me for me and invited me back!
What are your continued goals in soccer?
I want to get better, and I want to continue to challenge myself. For women at this stage of my life, this is one of the highest levels of soccer that one can play and therefore this will continue to improve my play. It has always been my dream to play in the Canadian Women’s National Team and go to the Olympics or play in a professional league. My goal for right now is to prepare myself so I can be my best self for preseason and securing a spot on the roster. I like to focus on the interim, day-to-day, month-to-month, year-to-year goals to get me to the next level and hopefully achieve these larger milestones.
Congrats Priya, TOTEMS Athletics is proud of your accomplishments! All the best!
Sami Janzen & Blake Bradburn
This Month's (December) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete's go to Sami Janzen & Blake Bradburn
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Sami was a major key to this year’s Senior Girls Volleyball Team. Sami has played Volleyball at Semiahmoo Secondary since grade 8 and has constantly shown the great skill and leadership of a Totem for 5 amazing years. Sami was an important setter and led her team to a strong 4th place finish at the Best of the West Volleyball Tournament in Kelowna. Also, at the 2017 BC Senior Girls Volleyball Provincial Championships they finished 4th place for the second year in a row. Sami also plays club Volleyball for Fraser Valley Volleyball Club. Congratulations Sami!
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Blake has had a major role on the Senior Boys Volleyball team for the past two years. As Libero, Blake is a backcourt specialist, deemed the best passer on the team. In the past two years, Blake has dug up hits from some of the best players in the province. He is a fearless defender that moves his feet to get behind every spike regardless of its velocity. The Libero position is often over looked and not highlighted, as most spectators watch the setting and especially the spiking. Neither occur unless the setter receives great passes and this is exactly where Blake steps in to make the big plays. He has brought passion and excitement to the Senior Boys Volleyball Team, is a great encourager and teammate to the guys. Well done Blake! TOTEMS Athletics is proud of your impact in the Boys Volleyball Program.
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Kalissa Beltran
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This Month's (November) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete's go to Kalissa Beltran. Kalissa was MVP at Douglas 2 years ago, UBCO last year, and BOTW this year. Her Academy team won provincials and Canadian Nationals last year, as well as 8th in US Nationals. She is known for her speed and energy on the court. She started as a gymnast at 6, and trained 25 hours a week. She competed for BC at 11, she competed nationally at 11, and her team represented Canada at Gymnaestrada in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2011. Kalissa trains at the gym 5 days a week, practices with Academy 2-3 days a week, on top of school practice. Her goal is to play post secondary.
Pavel Potashov, Hosea Potashov & Mark Potashov
This Month's (October) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete's go to Pavel Potashov, Hosea Potashov, and Mark Potashov. The Semiahmoo brother trio of Pavel, Hosea and Mark have been tearing up the grass, gravel and other ground surfaces over the last few weeks in cross country. The results have seen all three brothers receiving top 3 finishes in their respective age categories. The family connection has allowed for each brother to encourage not only each other but the rest of the cross country team. We look forward to seeing these three race at Fraser Valleys next Wednesday!
Nicole Pajic & Carli Puskas
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This Month's (May) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete's go to Nicole Pajic and Carli Puskas. This year has turned out to be a very special one, especially for grade 8 female athletics in Semiahmoo. The TOTEMS grade 8 girls have won 5 Surrey Championships - Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, and Track and Field. They have also won 4 Fraser Valley Championships, finished a very close 2nd in one other and won a BC Invitational Championship in Basketball.
We had 2 grade 8 girls who played on all 5 teams, Nicole Pajic and Carli Puskas. They were both major contributors on all of the teams. Nicole is a true multi-sport athlete, having played club soccer, volleyball, basketball and track and field, as well as taking ballet for the past 11 years. Carl is a feisty, competitive athlete with a passion for soccer and running. Together the 2 girls are also a part of the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relay teams that won the 4 x 100m BC Championships running a team 52.89 in Langley.
It is so rare these days for student athletes to play on many teams and yet here we have 2 grade 8 girls that have shown such commitment and enthusiasm for 5 school teams. We are not sure we will ever see it again. Well done TOTEMS!
We had 2 grade 8 girls who played on all 5 teams, Nicole Pajic and Carli Puskas. They were both major contributors on all of the teams. Nicole is a true multi-sport athlete, having played club soccer, volleyball, basketball and track and field, as well as taking ballet for the past 11 years. Carl is a feisty, competitive athlete with a passion for soccer and running. Together the 2 girls are also a part of the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relay teams that won the 4 x 100m BC Championships running a team 52.89 in Langley.
It is so rare these days for student athletes to play on many teams and yet here we have 2 grade 8 girls that have shown such commitment and enthusiasm for 5 school teams. We are not sure we will ever see it again. Well done TOTEMS!
Evan McMartin
This Month's (May) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete goes to Evan McMartin. It's an incredibly busy month of May for Grade 8 Evan McMartin. As captain of the rugby team, he will lead his team into both the Surrey and Fraser Valley Rugby Championships over the next three weeks. As the only player on the team with any significant background in the game, Evan has not only led by example, but has helped teach and model the game for his teammates. But rugby is a team game and it must be noted that to a man, the grade 8 rugby players have brought a terrific attitude and willingness to learn. It's been a great season to date.
Individually Evan also represents Semiahmoo in Field events capturing Second in the Discus and Third in the Shot Put at the recent Surrey Track Meet. Next week Evan will attempt to improve upon these results at the Fraser Valley Meet.
Congratulations Evan on your work to date, and good luck with the events to come.
Individually Evan also represents Semiahmoo in Field events capturing Second in the Discus and Third in the Shot Put at the recent Surrey Track Meet. Next week Evan will attempt to improve upon these results at the Fraser Valley Meet.
Congratulations Evan on your work to date, and good luck with the events to come.
Brian Wallack
This Month's (February) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete goes to Brian Wallack. Brian is a high level, multi-sport athlete, as he was also a member on the Senior Boys Volleyball team that won the BC Banner this year. This winter he has been the Senior Boys starting point guard, starting every game he has played. Wallack has helped the team to some great successes, including: competitive team play south of the border (Astoria, Tillamook, Portland, and San Diego), finishing 1st in the Southwest League, and winning the Surrey RCMP Basketball Tourney. He has also accumulated a number of personal accolades, such as: 1st team Allstar at the prestigious Leagle Beagle Basketball Tournament, 1st team Allstar at the Western Canadian Basketball Invitational Tournament in Kelowna, and MVP honours at this year’s Surrey RCMP Tournament. Wallack nearly broke a Western Canadian Basketball Tournament single game scoring record, when he notched 43 points against Raymond, Alberta. Not only is Wallack a leader on the team as captain, he is also a leader in the classroom, currently earning a 95% average. He is a constant leader on the court, in the hallways and in the classroom. Wallack has also participated in TOTEMS Athletics Mentor Refereeing program, refereeing grade eight, nine, and elementary basketball games. Wallack plans to play university basketball. While his destination is unknown, there are many suitors as over 10 universities are currently recruiting him. With his high academic average, his high athleticism, and his dedication and commitment to excellence, Brian Wallack will do great things in the future in whatever he decides to do. TOTEMS Athletics is very proud of you, Great work Wallack!
Jennifer Tinnes
This month's (January) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete is Jennifer Tinnes. Jennifer is a key player for the Senior Girls Basketball team this season where she is averaging a team high 20 points and 8 rebounds a game. As a result of her exceptional performance during the recent Surrey Firefighter's Goodwill Tournament, where she lead the team to a first place finish on the Ladder side of the draw, Jennifer was named MVP. As well, Jennifer has taken home "player of the game honors" in previous tournaments this season. Her attitude, determination and confidence inspires her teammates to play hard in order to maintain a high standard of success. We look forward to watching Jennifer play the rest of the basketball season and leading her team into the playoffs. Outstanding play Jennifer!
Mike Dowhaniuk
This month's (December) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete is Michael Dowhaniuk. Michael was a key player for the Senior Boys Volleyball team this season. He helped to lead the team to a first place finish in not only the Fraser Valleys, but also Provincials. As a result of his exceptional performance, he was named MVP at both tournaments. He has shown excellent character, sportsmanship and leadership skills. His passion for volleyball is contagious and inspires his teammates to also get excited about the sport. We look forward to watching him play in club and next year for the Totems. Way to lead the troops in bringing home the 2016-17 BC Provincial Banner! Great job Michael!
Royce Dhillon
This month's (November) TOTEMS Spotlight Athlete is Royce Dillon. Royce was an integral part of the grade 8/9 boys’ soccer team’s success this year. His versatility to play midfield and forward showcased that he has unbelievable playmaking ability and also a natural scoring instinct. Royce demonstrated a winning attitude from the beginning of the season, at practice and at every game. He is currently in grade 8 and has been playing with Surrey United HPL in the community. As of late, he has been playing a year up with the club, hoping to win the Provincials with the U14s. Royce has been invited to several Team BC soccer camps and continues to play for the program. His attitude towards and confidence in not only himself, but his teammates, has made Royce a leader on the soccer team and at school.
Jag Gill
This months (October) Totem Spotlight Athlete is Jag Gill. Jag is a committed athlete to the sport of Volleyball. He continually impresses with his determination to try harder and get better within the sport. Jag not only plays on both the Jr Boys and Sr Boys volleyball team but as well he helps mentor the newer Jr boys athletes during their practices. Jag makes sure that everyone is warmed up before the coach arrives and leads by example during games by showing heart and keeping the team mentally in the game. Jag has proven himself to be a key member in the Totem Boys Volleyball program, and even greater, within the Semi Totems Athletic Program. Well done Jag!
Berlyn Sesejla & Kate Richards
This months (September) Totem Spotlight Athletes are Berlyn Sesejla, Kate Richards, and Hera Sifkas (graduated) played on the U18 Team BC girls rugby team this summer. The girls helped the team place 1st at the National Championships this summer in Toronto. Well done girls! We are excited to see you on the field competing for Semi this Spring!
Hera Sfikas
This months (June) spotlight athlete is Hera Sfikas. Hera has been a five year starter for the Totems Girls Rugby Team and led the team to two straight fourth place finishes at the BC Provincial Championships. Hera has a great passion for the game and has been a team leader for several years and captain of the team in her senior year. Hera is proof that size is overrated on the rugby field as her skill, fitness, energy and heart allow her to play above her size and made her one of the elite players in the province. Hera made the BC U-18 last year as a grade 11 and plans on continuing her rugby at UBC in the fall. Hera is loved by her teammates and respected by her opponents and has been a huge part of the Semiahmoo Girl Rugby Team for the past five years. Well done Hera, the Semiahmoo Athletic Department would like to wish you all the best in your student-athlete endeavours at the University of British Columbia.
Adam Paige
Full Name: Adam Paige
Age: 16
Sports: Ultimate, Volleyball and Basketball
Height: 6'6"
Club teams: White Rock Volleyball Club & Basketball BC
This month's (May) spotlight athlete is Adam Paige. Adam has been a fantastic multi-sport athlete since he arrived at Semiahmoo Secondary School in grade 8. This past year he has made a large leap. He started every game for the senior boys, while only being in grade 10. The talented forward shot his way to player of the game awards in the Sir Winston Churchill and Vancouver College tournaments. He posted double digit scoring in 26 or 32 games this season. Since the Totems season ended, Adam was selected to be on the u17 Basketball BC Provincial team. This feat is extraordinary because he is the only underage athlete to be a part of the this group and consensus is that this is the best u17 provincial team in years.
Semiahmoo is very proud of Adam in his growth as a responsible young man, great teammates and personal accomplishments in sports. We are lucky to watch him continue to develop for the next two years. Keep up the hard work!
Age: 16
Sports: Ultimate, Volleyball and Basketball
Height: 6'6"
Club teams: White Rock Volleyball Club & Basketball BC
This month's (May) spotlight athlete is Adam Paige. Adam has been a fantastic multi-sport athlete since he arrived at Semiahmoo Secondary School in grade 8. This past year he has made a large leap. He started every game for the senior boys, while only being in grade 10. The talented forward shot his way to player of the game awards in the Sir Winston Churchill and Vancouver College tournaments. He posted double digit scoring in 26 or 32 games this season. Since the Totems season ended, Adam was selected to be on the u17 Basketball BC Provincial team. This feat is extraordinary because he is the only underage athlete to be a part of the this group and consensus is that this is the best u17 provincial team in years.
Semiahmoo is very proud of Adam in his growth as a responsible young man, great teammates and personal accomplishments in sports. We are lucky to watch him continue to develop for the next two years. Keep up the hard work!
Julia Greer
This month's (April) spotlight athlete is Julia Greer. Greer is a grade 12 student-athlete at Semiahmoo Secondary School who just completed her 5th year on the Totems Track & Field team. Greer has a great passion for running and pursuing excellence on the track. She has shown to her teammates and coaches that she has a great work ethic, determination, and drive to become the best she can be on the track. Excellent accomplishment Julia for receiving a scholarship to run for the University of Victoria Vikes. All the best!
Kara Lauer & Tower Li
This month's (March) spotlight athletes are Kara Lauer and Tower Li. Kara Lauer is a grade 12 student-athlete at Semiahmoo Secondary School who just completed her 5th year in the Totems Girls Basketball Program. Tower Li is a grade 12 student-athlete at Semiahmoo Secondary School who also just completed his 5th year in the Totems Boys Basketball Program. Both Kara and Tower have exemplified a strong pursuit of excellence within their sport and most importantly in the way they compete in each practice and game. Each have led their respected basketball programs with integrity and in an "uncommon" style of leadership. We have had the pleasure of experiencing their hard work, determination, dedication, and passion and wish them all the best as they graduate.
They have asked them both a few questions and they have given their thoughtful and passionate responses back, here they are:
Mr. Janzen: What was a highlight of playing basketball as a totem?
Kara: There are two moments that stick out to me as highlights of playing basketball as a Totem. At the beginning of my career at Semi in grade 8 we had no expectations of how the season would play out. We fought hard and formed relationships that made our team strong. We ended up finishing 3rd in Fraser Valleys and I wont ever forget that moment. I was so happy and proud of what we had accomplished. Fast forward 5 years of an unforgettable journey with these girls to my senior year of basketball. We have had an amazing season with so many achievements (big and small) to look back at and memories to last a life time but one that will always stand out it is winning the surrey firefighters tournament. The proudness felt from our whole team on being able to bring home a trophy and banner that showed how our hard work and determination payed off was an extraordinary moment.
Tower: The most memorable highlight from my basketball stint as a Totem will always be making and playing in the 2015 BC Provincials (first time Semi has gone since nearly four decades ago!). Our team that year went on a roll at the end of the season, and every game just felt so fun and exhilarating with those guys.
Mr. Janzen: What have you learned from playing basketball at semi that will help you with the game of life?
Kara: Playing basketball has taught me a lot of things that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. You need to be able to work with others around you and share in accomplishments and failures. Adversity occurs no matter where you go, it's how you deal with it that defines who you are. Hard work goes along way, put in the time and effort and good things will come. As well, surrounding yourself with people you trust can lead to confidence in yourself and others.
Tower: Playing for both teams that struggled and teams that thrived really taught me how to fully commit to a team and contribute whatever was necessary in order to help my team win. It's the same with life; it isn't always going to be about you, but when it is, be sure to take full advantage of it.
Mr. Janzen: What are your plans next year after you graduate?
Kara: I plan to attend Simon Fraser University in the fall to study Law, I want to be able to help people stay honest and responsible for their actions. As well, I can see myself playing some intramural basketball on the side as sports are and always will be a huge part of who I am.
Tower: After I graduate, I plan on heading out east for post-secondary. I am not sure of which school I'll be attending yet, but I am sure that I want to work with youth and somehow incorporate that with medicine. You can also be sure that whenever I get the chance, I'll be back in that Semiahmoo gym cheering our guys on or playing some pick-up.
They have asked them both a few questions and they have given their thoughtful and passionate responses back, here they are:
Mr. Janzen: What was a highlight of playing basketball as a totem?
Kara: There are two moments that stick out to me as highlights of playing basketball as a Totem. At the beginning of my career at Semi in grade 8 we had no expectations of how the season would play out. We fought hard and formed relationships that made our team strong. We ended up finishing 3rd in Fraser Valleys and I wont ever forget that moment. I was so happy and proud of what we had accomplished. Fast forward 5 years of an unforgettable journey with these girls to my senior year of basketball. We have had an amazing season with so many achievements (big and small) to look back at and memories to last a life time but one that will always stand out it is winning the surrey firefighters tournament. The proudness felt from our whole team on being able to bring home a trophy and banner that showed how our hard work and determination payed off was an extraordinary moment.
Tower: The most memorable highlight from my basketball stint as a Totem will always be making and playing in the 2015 BC Provincials (first time Semi has gone since nearly four decades ago!). Our team that year went on a roll at the end of the season, and every game just felt so fun and exhilarating with those guys.
Mr. Janzen: What have you learned from playing basketball at semi that will help you with the game of life?
Kara: Playing basketball has taught me a lot of things that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. You need to be able to work with others around you and share in accomplishments and failures. Adversity occurs no matter where you go, it's how you deal with it that defines who you are. Hard work goes along way, put in the time and effort and good things will come. As well, surrounding yourself with people you trust can lead to confidence in yourself and others.
Tower: Playing for both teams that struggled and teams that thrived really taught me how to fully commit to a team and contribute whatever was necessary in order to help my team win. It's the same with life; it isn't always going to be about you, but when it is, be sure to take full advantage of it.
Mr. Janzen: What are your plans next year after you graduate?
Kara: I plan to attend Simon Fraser University in the fall to study Law, I want to be able to help people stay honest and responsible for their actions. As well, I can see myself playing some intramural basketball on the side as sports are and always will be a huge part of who I am.
Tower: After I graduate, I plan on heading out east for post-secondary. I am not sure of which school I'll be attending yet, but I am sure that I want to work with youth and somehow incorporate that with medicine. You can also be sure that whenever I get the chance, I'll be back in that Semiahmoo gym cheering our guys on or playing some pick-up.
A few shots of Kara and Tower in action!
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Aidan Cowell
This month's spotlight (February) athlete is Aidan Cowell. Aidan is a grade 8 student representing Semiahmoo Secondary in his gymnastic competitions. Aidan is a very dedicated athlete who commutes to Delta to train for his competitions. Hard work always pays off, and because of Aidan's hard work he found himself on the 1st place podium at the Fraser Valley Championships. Aidan demonstrates great character as he was very humble in his accomplishments. Way to go Aidan, way to be a great Totem!
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