Silver Bay Activities Director Kelly Ollila reflected, “It has not been an easy year for Silver Bay boy sports. We didn’t have enough boys that were varsity ready so we could not field a football team and the same situation has happened in basketball. The good news is that the Agates program opened their arms and welcomed our athletes, so at least they have a place to play and are having a good experience.”
The news is not all bad. The number of boys increases dramatically in the younger grades. The junior high football program, coached by Ward Kaiser and Jamie Otterblad, had excellent numbers and eventually Mariner football has a chance to again emerge.
Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Carpenter stepped forward and is using the same model with the boy’s junior high basketball program. “We have ten players who have been at practice consistently. It has been fun getting to know them. They have worked hard and are learning skills each day. Kelly Ollila has done a great job and has gotten us a schedule of about eighteen games.”
Coach Carpenter’s goals for the team include learning basketball skills, understanding the game, and learning to play team basketball. If they can do those things, they will enjoy the game and have more fun. ”I want them to have a good experience.”
The Mariners Jr. High squad opens their season in Silver Bay on Monday, December 5th against Cook County and then hosts Carlton on Thursday, December 8th. Games times are tentatively set for 5 pm.
