Massey Mustangs gallop to victory

By Brett Henderson

 

Members of the Vincent Massey Secondary School curling teams have successfully returned the SWOSSAA gold to home turf.

 

Both the men’s and women’s curling teams received their gold medals on Feb. 24 at the Roseland Golf and Curling Club.  On the men’s side, the mustangs took a 10-8 victory over the Wallaceburg Tartans. The women also celebrated with a victory, winning 15-4 over UCC.

 

Game 2 for the men was a nail-biter, taking it to an extra end. After a long, hard-fought battle against Sarnia Northern, the ‘stangs were able to come out ahead and win their final game 7-5.

 

“It’s great to see the local teams win the title on both the men’s and women’s side,” said Mark Masanovich, Roseland Curling Club’s head ice-maker.

 

After acquiring their gold medals the winning teams took part in a Massey Mustang curling tradition by treating themselves to one of Roselands well-known snacks.

 

“We’ve always enjoyed Roseland’s nachos after a big win,” said Massey Mustangs men’s team skip Kyle Henderson. “Past teams have enjoyed them the same as us.”

According to Masanovich, holding the curling championships also allowed Roseland to showcase their facility and products to the athletes and the public.

 

“SWOSSAA is an excellent opportunity to showcase our facility, the players enjoy the ice and the public enjoys the food,” said Masanovich.

 

This SWOSSAA marked momentous for Massey athlete, Garrison Ridpath. This SWOSSAA was Ridpaths first. Ridpath, along with the entire men’s team practiced at least 4 days per week. Ridpath battled through the nerves and is proud to have finished in first place.

 

“It came down to a really tight game against a great team, our team took a big sigh of relief and I think we are all very happy to win,” said Ridpath.
Next stop for the Mustangs will be OFFSAA in North Bay taking place March 7-10. With hopes of bringing back Massey’s first-ever OFSAA gold.