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BLeacheR featuRe
by Sue Seaborn
Team sports often depend on positive chemistry
between teammates. And while this is one factor that
determines group success, another is that every team
needs a leader — an individual who is exciting to watch —
someone who takes the tying shot at the buzzer, or can carry
teammates on their backs across the finish line.
Three such people have emerged over recent years and are
definitely Mounties to watch this sports season.
Senior volleyball Mountie Caila Henderson, from Brookfield,
nS, made an impact from the moment she stepped on
campus. She has honed her leadership skills working as a
member of the Orientation and the Athletic Affairs
Committees, and the Mounties in Motion program.
Athletically she has been a conference all-star twice, and in
her first season was chosen as the ACAA league and University’s
Rookie of the Year. As well she ran every season with
the University’s three-time ACAA conference championship
cross-country team. On the volleyball court she was even
more dominating as Henderson led her team to the CCAA
national championships in both her first and third years.
Mitch Peters from Sackville, nB, competes in both AUS
swimming and ACAA cross-country. Entering his fourth
year, Peters is one of the region’s top swimmers. In his first
three seasons he broke six University records, made national
qualifying times, and won four gold and one silver medal.
Caila Henderson Mitch Peters
Annually he prepares for his swim season by competing
with the University’s cross-country team where he has been
a three-time all-star. A sprint specialist and a two-time
Canada Games swimmer for new Brunswick, Peters is
already a two-time AUS all-star and a two-time University
Athlete of the Year.
Third-year head hockey coach Zach Ball is another Mountie
to watch as he immerses himself in the profession to become
a true student of the game. The AUS Coach of the Year last
season, Ball was named head bench boss of the nB Under-15
women’s team, and was also named assistant coach with the
Team Atlantic Under-18 squad. Also technical director for
Sackville Minor Hockey, and a member of the Atlantic Elite
Hockey Development Board, he spends considerable time
with young, developing players.
With each successful year his program receives more
attention from outstanding recruits. Success breeds success
as they say, and the Hockey Mounties have garnered their
fair share of talent in the past two years. Last season two of
Ball’s recruits both made the AUS All-Star Rookie team.
An Academic All-Canadian, Lindsay James was a welcome
addition from Halifax, nS, scoring 12 goals, while Kristen
Cooze of Kippens, nL played an important role with the
Mounties and Canada’s national ball hockey squad at the
world championships. Says Ball of his talented rookies, “We
had great success last year, but we can’t rest on our laurels.
We have to look ahead and acquire a few more good rookies
who will complement the fine play of our veterans.”
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