Ten student-athletes from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) are moving on to the post-secondary ranks, marking a major milestone for the school’s athletic program.
Read more: Lloydminster council travels to FCM, mayor retains board of directors spot
Allie Tobin, Carsten Campbell, Jory Wagner, Kate Fink, Lauren Moore, Rhett Romanchuk, Skylar Heinrichs, Jamie Hensch, Sawyer Mackay and Mya MacDonald were celebrated for committing to post-secondary athletic programs for the upcoming season.
For many of the graduating Barons, the transition brings a mix of high-level competition and a change of scenery.
Heinrichs is headed to Calgary to play hockey for Mount Royal University (MRU) while pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Literacy.
“I think I’m excited about playing against older girls and new girls,” Heinrichs said. “I know the league is very competitive, and I’m really excited for that.”
Hensch will also suit up in Canada West women’s hockey, committing to the University of Manitoba. She plans to take University One prerequisites with the goal of entering pharmacy.
“Just playing in a more competitive league, being able to play against some of the best girls in the country,” Hensch said of what she looks forward to most, adding she is ready for a “change of scenery” in Winnipeg.
Mackay, originally from Irma, Alta., will remain in the province after committing to the Grant MacEwan University hockey program in Edmonton, where she will study commerce with plans to transfer into psychology.
“It’s a new opportunity,” Mackay said. “I know I have lots of friends up there, so I’m super excited (to play in) the new league.”
While several athletes are moving away, Romanchuk is staying local to play for the Lloydminster Bobcats. He noted that staying at home will allow him to remain close to friends and family, ensuring plenty of local support in the stands.
“I think it’ll be pretty good with the new coaches … they know their stuff, so I think that’s gonna be a big opportunity for me,” Romanchuk said.
Campbell expressed similar excitement about the atmosphere of his future with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, noting the team’s passionate fan base.
“The atmosphere there is insane, their fans, they sell out almost every game,” Campbell said.
Incoming LCHS athletic director Stephanie Rachkewich praised the group, noting that reaching the post-secondary level requires immense dedication.
“It takes a lot of character and a lot of commitment, a lot of courage to go play post-secondary sports,” Rachkewich said. “These are phenomenal kids, all 10 of them, who have committed to their school, and that’s why they got noticed.”
Rachkewich credited the school’s faculty and administration for helping the student-athletes balance rigorous academic demands with intense training schedules, including early morning practices.
When asked what they would miss most about LCHS, the prevailing answer from the graduating athletes was the support system they left behind.
“We’ll miss them, too,” Rachkewich said. “These kids are great kids. They all have great character, and these are the kids who make it easy to do this job.”
Read more: GALLERY: Carnival kicks off summer at LloydMall
