The Howe Sound Sounders football club took some time to reflect on a memorable season and look to the future as they handed out the hardware during their annual team awards ceremony on Jan. 13.
Unlike last year when the team posted an impressive 6-0 record, the Sounders faced some adversity during the season, finishing at three wins and three losses and qualifying for the playoffs on the last day of the season. However, Sounders head coach Rob Ryan said he was proud of the team's season when he addressed them at the awards ceremony.
"It was a different year," he said. "I think we learned a lot of things and we faced a little adversity, but with that adversity comes a sense of pride in what we accomplished."
The Sounders had a number of impressive victories throughout the year and defeated the Westsyde Blue Wave 58-8 in the first round of the playoffs. The team then lost to the eventual Tier 2 champion Frank Hurt Hornets in the second round. Ryan pointed out some of the team's high points of the year.
"The Moscrop win (Oct. 1) was one of the most incredible games I've ever been a part of," he said. "And to beat Bateman (Oct. 30) by one point was another high. The trip to Kamloops was incredible and a really nice win for us too. Coaches and executives from other schools are now following the progress of this school and our players and we should be proud."
Ryan and assistant coach Jim Errington then handed out the awards, starting with the most sportsmanlike player, which was won by cornerback Kyota Ikoma. Free safety Rory Baldwin and cornerback/linebacker Sarah Lepine were deemed the runners-up. The rookie of the year was the next trophy handed out and Baldwin was again a runner-up, with linebacker Jordan Gusteli winning the award.
He admitted that the trophy win was unexpected.
"I was pretty surprised," Gusteli said after winning. "But it feels pretty good to win rookie of the year."
Gusteli will become one of the key players on next year's team and said he's looking forward to the opportunity.
"We're losing a few of our players but I think it's going to be an exciting year," he said. "We've got to try and fill Cory's (Constantin) shoes next year and I think me and Anthony (Wuster) will try our best to do that."
As Gusteli mentioned, it was the swan song for the Grade 12 students. Constantin and Nolan Prevost helped build the Sounders program, excelling on both sides of the ball. Ryan recognized them in their last official team duty.
Prevost picked up both the unsung hero and best defensive player awards, while Constantin captured best offensive and most valuable player.
"We've had Lefty (Hendrickson) and Joe (Eppele) come out of this town and we've been waiting on the next one," Ryan said of Constantin. "We might get a chance to watch Cory on the tube one day."
Constantin's words after a standing applause from those in attendance were short and sweet.
"I just want to thank everyone who stuck with the program and thank all the parents who helped get us to all the games and practices."
Also winning awards were Paul Dhaliwal, who was named top lineman and Adam Lavigne, who won the most improved trophy.
Ryan closed the ceremony by thanking the players and encouraging them to stay involved in the sport.
"Some of the players leaving this year I've coached since Bantam and it's hard to say goodbye, but anyway you guys want to stick around in football, let me know," he said. "Above all, you guys should be proud for everything you've achieved in this game."
