Tigers claw to an undefeated season 

By Lethbridge Herald on November 14, 2024.

Submitted Photo The Gilbert Paterson Tigers rep boys volleyball team pose for a photo after one of their victories this season.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Gilbert Paterson Middle School Tigers rep boys volleyball team had a season to remember.

It was through zones, playoffs and tournaments that the Tigers combined for an undefeated season at 28-0.

“I would say a collective (of) all 12 guys contributing,” said Corbin Stringam, head coach.

“That’s kind of the special thing about volleyball at this age because you want it to still be developmental and you still want to give all kids the experience to play. But … I feel like collectively, it’s the strongest group that knew just the basics of serving and passing. So I think collectively, the whole team, no matter who was serving or who was passing, we were pretty confident.”

Stringam agreed that will all 12 players contributing that it made it difficult for other teams to come up with a game plan.

“Sometimes teams would put out their stronger six against our six players but then their next six players that they would put out would maybe be a weaker line-up,” said Stringam.

“But then we still had six other strong guys to go out. So like I said, no matter what six were out there at any given time, it was a threat to be dealt with.”

Stringam says each win was tough in its own right.

“We knew what it took to come together and overcome those little adversities,” said Stringam.

Stringam said it’s re-establishing that it’s a good program.

“If they (students)  want to play in a competitive middle school program that helps develop them for high school, this is a good place to do that,” said Stringam.

“It was fun that we could just go out there and play volleyball like we know it, and we just supported each other,” said Devon Goth, a team captain.

Goth will remember the season for participating in volleyball and the medals they won.

“It was super special, I loved it,” said Goth.