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The Citizen, 1998-04-15, Page 8Hoop dreams Brendan Pierce, front right, grandson of Bernice Pierce of Blyth is a member of the Fares Travel 3 on 3 Basketball Team from London. Also pictured are his team- mates, back row, from left: Randall Scott, Omar Abdul Karim, Moe Fares. Front: Rawand Seyed Ibrahim. The team formed in May 1996. 3 on 3 b-ball winner has tie to Blyth Bernice Pierce of Blyth is one proud Grandma! Her grandson, Brendan Pierce, 12, was featured in a story in London/St. Thomas's Sport Times magazine, along with the other members of the Fares Travel 3 on 3 Basketball Team. The story acknowledged the teams "incredible record" on the 3 on 3 circuit since its formation in May of 1996. Brendan was one of the original 'play- ers on the team, along with Moe Fares and Randall Scott. That year Brendan and his teammates, which now include Rawand Seyed Ibrahim and Omar Abdul, placed second in their first ever Gus Macker tourna- ment and have won every tournament entered since. In fact, the article states, they haven't lost a single game since the 1996 Gus Macker. The Sport Times stated that the boys reputation on the 3 on 3 circuit has grown to the point where they are being placed in categories pitting them against older players. "The boys say they enjoy playing older teams because of the extra challenge," the report states. The boys, who are all 12 are in addition to team- mates, good friends. Their coach Troy Scott has said that the challenge to play well is more important to them than winning. They have exemplified this spirit of competition by capturing the sportmanship award at any tournament offering one. Each of the boys has the same goal for the future — "to play in the NBA". SPRING IS HERE Excavating • Bulldozing • Backhoe Trim Dozer • Trucking • Loader Ren Suppliers of: • Gravel • Topsoil • Stone • Sand • Fill • Compost Septic Systems • Water Lines • Sewer/ ; Farm Drainage • Open Ditch • Farm LARGE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS Call for Details VANDRIEL Contracting 482-3783 SIMON VANDRIEL CLINTON PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1998. Soccer registration breaks new record arts Blyth Minor Hockey honours its own By Rusty Blades The Blyth and District Community Centre was filled to near capacity on April 8 as Blyth Minor Hockey held its annual banquet. The evening was also a tribute to the memory of Luke Anderson, a Bulldog player, who died as a result of an accident last year. Minor Hockey President Ken Stewart welcomed everyone and congratulated all teams for their efforts and good sportsmanship representing Blyth this season. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The meal was provided by the Anderson family, Ken, Diane, Kyle, Adam and Cody in memory of their son and brother Luke. Donations were accepted at the door and presented to Minor Hockey by the Anderson family. Said Diane, "We are extremely proud of what Luke accomplished in Blyth Minor Hockey and know that Luke would be proud of what we are doing tonight." After the meal all Bulldog teams from Beginner to Midget were presented with awards and gifts by their coaches. Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle brought greetings from the House of Commons and presented, on behalf of his office, Certificates of Congratulations to the PeeWees for winning the WOAA title and the Bantams for claiming the WOAA and OMHA All-Ontario championship. Certificates of Congratulations were also given to the Midgets for their WOAA and OMHA All- Ontario victories as well as the Montreal Canadian Cup championship. Mike Ansley also received special recognition for being named the Canadian Cup tournament's Most Valuable Player. Steckle said, "It's obvious why the Bulldog teams had such a successful season with the tremendous support shown at your banquet tonight." The evening was reserved however for a special tribute to the memory of Luke Anderson. Brett Bean gave an inspirational speech about his friend's special abilities as both a teammate and a friend. Bean concluded by saying, "I'm so glad of the time that we shared together." A memorial display case, constructed and donated by local craftsmen, will hang in the arena lobby. Inside are Luke's last novice sweater as well as his retired #9 Bulldog's sweater emblazoned with a gold cross and a stuffed Bulldog. The Anderson family donated this set of sweaters to the Novice team this season in memory of Luke. The 'Luke Anderson Memorial Trophy' was also presented and will be given annually to the Novice Bulldog who is the most enthusiastic player. The trophy was constructed locally and features a photo of Luke with the words 'Hakuna Matata', which means 'No Worries'. The first recipient of this award is Kendall Whitfield who was presented the trophy by Luke's brother Cody. Later in the program Blyth Minor Hockey presented a speechless Allan Craig with a framed 1997-98 Bulldog team photo display for his many contributions to Blyth Minor Hockey over the past three years. Doug Chamney then auctioned the NHL Players Association golf shirt and CCM Brendan Shanahan autographed Detroit Red Wings jersey. These items were donated by Craig with all proceeds for Minor Hockey. Generous winning bidders were Rick Elliott who bought the NHLPA golf shirt for $125 and Linda Stewart who hired a third party to successfully claim the Red Wing's Shanahan jersey for $550. Stewart also paid a $25 buyer's premium for hiring this third party bidder, making her total contribution to Minor Hockey $575. Afterwards everyone enjoyed dancing to the music of Soundproof and DJ Calvin Kerr. Many people deserve thanks for this wonderful evening including Sherry Postma, who provided the snacks for the Registration for Brussels Minor Soccer set another record this year. With 230 children registered the popularity of the world's most popular game continues to grow in Huron County. Brussels Minor Soccer President Steve Bowers said that he was pleased with the continuing growth of soccer in the area. There will be a late fee for registration after April 30. Donna Prior is responsible for registration. Coaching Co-ordinator Robin Dunbar said that nine coaches from Brussels have completed level one of the Ontario Soccer Association. The new coaches who completed the course are Enrique Aldaz, Jason Armstrong, Mike Cronin, Patricia Cummings, Bronwyn Dunbar, Pam McClellan, Terry Nichol, John Gillis and Rein Vanden Huevel. On April 23, there will be a coaching clinic for the Brussels coaches. It will deal with first aid, personal issues, tactics and team lists. Dunbar said that again this year the shortage of fields will make the juggling of practice times difficult to manage. There will be eighteen teams with the oldest being the U- 19 and a houseleague of U-6 children. Vice-President Maxine Houston is organizing a referee clinic for April 18 and 19 in Listowel. The two -day course will- qualify successful students for their level three referee card. There will also be a clinic for youth referees for North Perth to be held on May 2 and 9 at Eastdale Public School. SHARP DEALS ON QUALITY - CLEAN READY-TO-GO USED CARS Great Savings on These Used Cars & Trucks. Some One Owner Low Mileage. 1996 Taurus GL Station Wagon, loaded 1995 Taurus GL Station Wagon 1994 Buick Century, loaded 1994 Ford Tempo GL - 4 door with air, AM/FM 1993 Olds Delta 88 LS, loaded 1993 GMC Half ton pickup with fiberglass top 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE Van - loaded 1992 Dodge Spirit - 4 dr., loaded 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE - loaded 1988 Chev Caprice Brougham - 4 door, loaded HAMM'S BLYTH PHONE 523-4342 dance, the Blyth and District Community Centre Board for donating the use of the hall, as well as those who donated door prizes. Midget Coach Chamney summed up the feelings of many when he said, "It's obvious Blyth Minor Hockey is in good hands with all the quality people working behind the scenes to ensure the on-ice success.