Crusaders repeat as champions despite losing two-thirds of last year's team to graduation
By Nathan Rumohr
The B.C. Catholic

It's difficult for any sports team to repeat as league champions, especially if that team changes over half its roster. But after losing players to graduation, the Holy Cross Crusaders Senior Boys Lacrosse team took home its second straight B.C. high school Lacrosse Tier 2 Championship.

"The journey wasn't easy; we had our ups and downs," said Crusader player Nigel Van Doorne, "but we got back up and fought our way back to the top, finishing where we left off last year."

"We weren't the most talented team, but we had a great turnout and the school was very supportive," added tournament MVP Aaron Madaisky.

The Crusaders defeated Langley Senior Secondary 10-8 in the tournament final March 9 at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School in Coquitlam. Madaisky credits team depth as one of the reasons the Crusaders overcame more talented squads.

"The large bench really allowed us to play a full, hard game. We went 2-2 in round robin play, but our depth allowed us to stay fresh enough to win in the final. It really was a complete team win."

The 2012 Crusaders also had a large number of rookies. Only seven of the 24 players had played lacrosse before.

"Being on a team where you have a number of players who've never touched a lacrosse stick is scary at first, but it taught me many things," said Van Doorne. "I was able to gain patience and trust."

He also credited Crusaders coach Ken Buchan for pushing him and the team. "Mr. Buchan is a great coach. He yelled at me a lot, but said it was because he expects more from me and knows I can do better."

Van Doorne also credited the assistant coaches for keeping the team calm while players were in coach Buchan's doghouse.

nrumohr@rcav.org

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