The ride is over for the Lions, but it was a season that will be remembered for years to come.
The Lions came up short in the Provincial Tier III Northern Finals on Saturday against the St. Albert Skyhawks, and while the drive home wasn’t the celebration the team had hoped it would be, they chose to reflect on the many high points this season held rather than lament its unfortunate end.
While the Lions came one game shy of the provincial finals, they lost the same way they won all season long, as a team, which is something to be admired.
Their fans have been unbelievable as well, some of the most dedicated that I have ever seen. These die-hard Lions supporters always traveled as far as it took to give the Lions that extra boost from the sidelines, many of whom were Lions alumni, or members of the community that do not even have a relative on the team.
It certainly was a great season, and the Lions did not let Saturday’s loss overshadow that fact. After the team had refueled and loaded back onto the bus, ready for the long trip back to St. Paul, assistant coach Steve Johnson came up with the idea to have everyone on the bus share their favorite moment of the 2012 season.
Some were funny, like Levi Croteau instantly belting out, “My 85-yard pick six!”
Others were heartwarming, as many chose simply spending time with their teammates as the high point. Travis Lee, a Grade 10 player, noted that just getting to know all of his teammates was his favorite moment of being a Lion this season, while graduating player Dwight Garner, one of the last to speak, said what meant the most to him was “not just having a team, but having a second family.”
When the round had finished, a number of the guys asked me to share my favorite moment of the season, and it was a tough call to make.
I have seen some highly memorable sights while reporting on the Lions this year: diving grabs from Darrell Stranger, jaw-dropping dashes from Jason Jubinville, bone shaking hits from Taylor Joly, Ryan Chrapko and Zac Smith and some long bombs from Brenden McKay. I was also given the chance to tell the inspirational story behind Jubinville’s road to the record books, and I was humbled by the fact that he recently thanked me for writing it, but that still wasn’t what topped my list.
For me, and many members of the Lions roster and coaching staff, watching St. Paul earn the title of Wheatland Champions just a few weeks ago in a thrilling victory of their rivals from Cold Lake topped the list.
Everything else I’d seen to that point was only a catalyst to the moment when those 33 kids became champions, some with tears in their eyes, others cheering until they had no voice left.
Having followed the team for months and been embraced by everyone on it, I felt the rush of a fan, and almost found myself cheering alongside them. I probably would have if there weren’t so many photos to be taken.
Even amidst freezing temperatures and long days, covering the Lions has been the most fun I’ve ever had on the job, and I can honestly say I will never forget this season.
When I shared this with the Lions, they almost instantly erupted in unison, chanting “McCracken, McCracken, McCracken,” giving me a new most-memorable moment right there on the ride home.
Congratulations Lions on a fantastic season, and good luck in all of your future endeavors.
