I am writing this the morning following the conclusion of the 2025 BC High School Track and Field Championships. I cannot help but feel a little in awe of the great kids and their families who I have had the privilege of working with for this season and for those past. The showing of all our Valley Royals athletes over the past three days reminds me once again of the heart, commitment, courage, and passion that each one of you gives to our sport and to our program, and for this I cannot help but be grateful. I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our athletes who ran, jumped, and threw their hearts out this past season and to the coaches who coached them. You were all completely and totally inspirational.
With regards to the distance group, each and every one of you represented us with pride and distinction – making us proud. No matter if it was in victory or defeat, the strength of character and commitment that shone through was nothing short of extraordinary. Each and every one of you was a winner in my books. Our seasoned athletes made a definitive statement that will always be remembered.
- Riley Simmonds, as a grade 11, took down the toughest most talented field of 1500m runners in BC High School history and shattered the record that had stood for 25 years.
- Adrianna Buitelaar, leading from gun to tape, took down the 30-year-old record in the 1500m, which was held by former Valley Royal Heather de Geest.
- Sam May and Miles Graham made definitive statements in the senior boys Steeplechase, finishing first and second. Both did it with big personal best performances! Sam narrowly missed the record held by Olympian Jeff Schiebler.
- Gurpartap Sandhu had a truly memorable performance in the girls Heptathlon to come back from a no mark in the Javelin to claim the bronze medal at the provincial level. She also performed exceptionally in the individual long jump and 100m hurdles with big PBs in both.
- Maggie Epp and Arata Nakanishi were disappointed with their finishes in the 800m and Steeplechase. I just want you to pause for a moment and think what quality of athlete you must be to finish top five in the province of British Columbia and feel disappointed. This is in itself a testament to the talented and truly inspirational athletes you are and have always been.
Our developing athletes served notice as well.
- Parks Siemens showed true grit and held off all challengers to become the 2025 BC High School Champion in the Junior boys Steeplechase and rounded it out with a bronze medal in the 3000m event.
- Lucy Orr placed 5th in both the Steeplechase and 3000m events at the provincial level and recorded a big PR of 10:31 in the 3k. Outstanding for a grade 9 athlete.
- Laken Olson was also the top grade 9 in the Jr boys 3000m with an outstanding 6th place finish.
- Mason Acker ran an outstanding race and big PR in the grade 8 boys 3000m to finish 5th in the province and also ran a strong 7th in the 1500m.
- Jonah Dyck ran a strong 17th place run in the very competitive senior boys steeplechase.
- Will Steiger recorded strong 17th and 19th place finishes in the junior boys steeplechase and 3000m,.
- Kamora Piper ran strong 20th and 25th place performances in the steeplechase and 3000m events.
- Jayda Tielmann also showed very well over 800m in her first BC high school appearance.
In all, the fact that we had 15 athletes from our distance group representing the East Valley at the Provincial Championship was an incredible achievement in itself. It is also an indicator that our group continues to thrive and grow. All of our event groups also showed so well at Provincials. This is a testament to the great team that we have at Valley Royals that includes athletes, parents, coaches and board members who all support each other and create an environment of caring and excellence.
So very well done each and every one of you. – Coach Scott
