The Richmond Mariners head to Saskatchewan this weekend looking to cap another outstanding season in style.
The U16 boys fastball team is representing B.C. at the Western Canadian Championships in Regina. The Mariners are fresh off winning the provincial title and have had two weeks to prepare for their big trip.
The last time the locals went to the prairies to compete in the showcase event was two years ago and they ended up fifth. With the bulk of the roster intact, head coach Dawn Stadel is hoping the experience gained will pay off this time.
“That was a real eye-opener for us,” she said. “We have basically medalled in everything but the Westerns. That’s a huge incentive for the boys.”
The Mariners know for certain they will be adding another chapter in their long-time rivalry with Sooke. The Island squad is also heading east.
The two teams met in the provincial final as the Mariners completed an impressive run with a 9-3 victory over the hosts. The teams also play exhibition doubleheaders during the season, with Sooke usually making the trip to the Lower Mainland, looking for competition.
“Sooke and us keep going back and forth and it’s typically one run games most of the time,” continued Stadel. “They got us two years ago (at the provincials) on our field so now it was our turn. It’s been a fun rivalry.”
The provincials actually got off to a shaky start as the Mariners opened round-robin play with a pair of losses. With their backs against the wall and a top two finish required to go to Westerns, the boys responded to the adversity by reeling off five straight victories.
“We usually win 90 percent of our games so that (slow start) was definitely something the boys were not used to,” said Stadel. “They just weren’t batting the way they are capable of and knew that had to pick things up. The bats got real hot and we rolled from that point on.”
The Mariners are coming off an impressive 2014 season that was highlighted by a gold medal triumph at the B.C. Summer Games. That accomplishment led to be nominated as Richmond Male Youth Team of the Year.
“Basically it’s been the same core for about 10 years,” added Stadel. “We are family.”
The Mariners roster features Josh Mann, Adam Moog, Dreyden Brar, Brett Shubrook, Mitchell Armstrong, Birk Zukowsky, Nathaniel Simicic, Devin Daerden-Craig, Joshua (JP) Purewal, Sanford Lee and Anthony Armstrong.
The coaching staff also includes: Doug Zukowsky and Todd Shubrook.
The Mariners have also added three players from 100 Mile House for Westerns.
