Last Thursday evening, the annual sports banquet at Arborg Collegiate Institute (ACI) created an unforgettable atmosphere. Athletes came together to commemorate their perseverance and effort during the 2024 high school athletics season.
Following dinner, a year-end sports video showcased unforgettable moments from the past season. Athletes relished in well-deserved recognition and awards, celebrating their individual and team achievements that made this past season exceptional.
Coach Haley Fisher hosted the evening, and her words resonated deeply with the athletes. Her heartfelt gratitude towards each individual for their unwavering support and dedication to the athletics program was touching.
She thanked ACI coaches, including two community coaches, Wes Jonasson and Dimitri Caldeira, for their selfless commitment and tireless efforts, which were invaluable.
Fisher stated that the perseverance and drive shown by each athlete at ACI this year was remarkable, from setting personal records to achieving outstanding results.
“Your dedication has been an inspiration to your teammates, coaches, and the entire ACI community,” she said.
“Each and every one of you has demonstrated outstanding skill, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the year.”
“I want you to be proud of your goals, personal bests, wins, awards, and accomplishments,” she praised.
Fisher emphasized the significance of their achievements and the bonds forged through teamwork. She highlighted the value of celebrating victories, personal growth, and relationships nurtured on and off the field.
“It is the time spent with each other, practicing skills together, travelling on the bus, listening to each other when you are feeling frustrated, hugging someone after a disappointing performance, cheering as loud as you can at pivotal moments, and eating dinner with your team in celebration, that will last a lifetime in your memory and make you glad that you decided to participate in sports.”
“Take time to enjoy the journey and not just the reward.”
The evening also served as a farewell to Fisher as she will not be returning to ACI after spending 12 years teaching and coaching students in Arborg. Her farewell added a poignant touch to an already special evening, leaving hearts full of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime.
Students presented Fisher with flowers, symbolizing their gratitude for her guidance, and encapsulated sentiments in a touching tribute speech, marking her departure after dedicating over a decade to shaping young athletes.
Awards
The athlete of the Year Award is an award that recognizes male and female student-athletes who excelled throughout the year in sports, performed under pressure, were involved in sports in the community and the school, and were based on high academic standing.
Brandon Burak is the ACI Varsity Male Athlete of the Year, and Sydney Burak and Brooke Barylski were presented with the Varsity Female Athlete of the Year award.
Junior Varsity Male Athlete of the Year is Ernest Agpalo, and Junior Varsity Female Athlete of the Year is Lily-Mae Meilleur.
The Triple ‘A’ Award (Arborg Athletics Achievement) is awarded to students who commit to regular training and competing in three or more ACI sports: Sydney Burak, Emma Barkman, Ava Smolinski, Brooke Barylski, Dawson Barkman, Luke Jonasson, Dylar Jarkas, Ernest Agpalo, Nikita Paskal, Tavyn Sigurdson, Charlie Buehlmann, Willian Caldeira, Noah Solinski, Jayden Hibbert, Thomas Platt, Calvin Buehlmann, Matthew Barkman, Noah Friesen, Jake Bedard, Ty Plett and Brandon Burak.
ACI Sports Volunteer of the Year: Sonya Demitriieva. She volunteered as a timekeeper for volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
Spirit of Sport Award: awarded to individuals who exemplify commitment, respect for all involved (teammates, coaches, opponents, officials and refs), leadership and coachability Jocelyn Friesen, Luke Jonasson, Noah Smolinski.
Sport-specific awards were presented to Cross-Country – Luke Jonasson (all-star) and Charlie Buehlmann (most improved). Boys’ Soccer – Calvin Buehlmann (all-star) and Tavyn Sigurdson (most improved). Varsity boys’ volleyball – Willian Caldeira (all-star) and Noah Friesen (most improved). Varsity girls’ volleyball – Kiera Chwaliboga, Sydney Burak (all-stars), and Kira Orbanski (most improved). Junior varsity boys’ volleyball – Jayden Hibbert (all-star) and Chayse Horvat (most improved). Junior varsity girls’ volleyball – Natasha Reimer (all-star) and Kristen Orbanski (most improved). Curling – Luke Jonasson (all-star) and Dawson Barkman (most improved). Varsity boys’ basketball – Calvin Buehlmann (all-star), Noah Friesen, and Jace Hjorleifson (most improved). Junior varsity boys’ basketball – Ernest Agpalo (all-star) and Bennett Borgfjord (most improved). Varsity boys’ badminton – Brandon Burak (all-star) and Dainen Jacobson (most improved). Varsity girls’ badminton – Brooke Barylski (all-star) and Ava Smolinski (most improved). Junior varsity boys’ badminton – Ernest Agpalo (all-star) and Noah Smolinski (most improved). Junior varsity girls’ badminton – Kaelynn Stansell (most improved). Track and Field: Varsity boys’ – Thomas Platt (all-star) and Josh Bazilewich (most improved). Varsity girls’ – Sydney Burak (all-star) and Madison Howell (most improved). Junior varsity boys’ – Jayden Hibbert (all-star) and Ernest Agpalo (most improved). Junior varsity girls’ – Chloe Swirsky (all-star) and Lily-Mae Meilleur (most improved).
Express Photos by Jaci Platt
