The newly crowned CIS men's soccer champions are one big happy family in more ways than one.
The Victoria Vikings capped off a dream season by coming out on top of last week's national tournament on home soil and a key ingredient to their success was a family from Richmond. For the first time ever, the Vikings roster featured three brothers - Lucas, Wesley and Gavin Barrett. If that wasn't enough, the team's back-up goalkeeper - Michael Branion-Calles - happens to be their cousin.
Eight years earlier, the four had leading roles in taking the Hugh Boyd Trojans to the provincial high school championships. Lucas, 25, went on to play at Simon Fraser University before suffering a serious knee injury. He decided he wanted to re-unite with his younger brothers and conclude his university career at UVic.
The lengthy rehabilitation process from ACL surgery last February limited Lucas' playing time this season but it still meant being with his siblings for every step toward national glory.
Wesley, 23, travelled a similar path, beginning his collegiate career at Trinity Western University before transferring to Victoria after one season.
"It's really neat seeing them together again then having the kind of season they had," said proud mom Melissa Barrett, who took in the nationals with her husband Bernie. "It was an exciting tournament from start to finish. Really, nothing came easy for them."
Lucas and Wesley maybe better known for their touch on the ball and goal scoring prowess, but it was Gavin, 21, who has made the biggest impact in the Vikings' line-up.
The versatile third-year player began the season up front but shifted full-time to central defender when head coach Bruce Wilson wanted to take full advantage of his speed and quickness. Lucas thrived in the role, earning the school's athleteofthemonth award for September then having a dream performance in the Vikings' opening game at the nationals against Montreal.
He scored in regulation time, then notched they tying goal in overtime, before finding the back of the net in penalty kicks as Victoria pulled out a thrilling 3-2 victory. Gavin would later be named to the tournament all-star team.
Wesley was a key figure in the Vikings' midfield throughout the tournament. He scored the opening goal in a the championship game against St. Mary's - an eventual 3-1 victory and also notched the clinching penalty kick goal against Montreal.
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