Jul
15
By Vince Herlaar
There is something to be said about representing the James Bay Athletic Association. When you put on the navy blue sweater - oars, bear, and JBAA on your chest - you know that you're expected to win. No player, past or present, will say otherwise.
Think, if you will, of the opening scene to the 1970 film "Patton," where George C. Scott exclaims that "Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser."
JBAA also loves a winner.
Such a mentality could be counterproductive, or add unnecessary pressure to players, coaches, and managers. But it doesn't. JBAA's 2013-2014 season is a testament to this.
In November of last year, on a perfect evening in Gordon Head, JBAA defeated UVIC to win the Barnard Cup. Trailing UVIC 20 points to 10 with 30 minutes remaining, the men in blue, led by veterans Spencer Dalziel and Nolan Miles, secured a come-from-behind victory with just three minutes remaining. Final score: JBAA 26 - UVIC 23.
Post-game coach Peter Rushton let it be known that though the names of his players change, the JBAA spirit of grit, determination, and a never-say-die attitude most certainly does not.
Then, this past May, on a mild Saturday afternoon in North Vancouver, JBAA defeated Burnaby Lake RC to lift its record 25 Rounsfell Cup. With just one minute remaining, in a game that saw many lead changes, penalties, and sin-binnings, Burnaby Lake kicked a penalty to take a 2 point lead.
Most teams - amateur or professional - would have folded at that point. Not JBAA. With just seconds remaining, captain Spencer Dalziel shouted hysterically that there was still enough time to win. And so JBAA, dressed in their historic navy blue, made their way up the field in an almost militaristic fashion. They made no errors, maintained solid possession, and marched right into Burnaby Lake territory with a swagger in their step that signified "we are going to win."
And so, with no time left, the referee whistle sounded: penalty awarded to JBAA. 30 metres out, directly in front of the posts, young JBAA kicker Dan Mathie stepped up, composed himself for what felt like an eternity, and kicked the game winning penalty. Full-time: JBAA 23 - BLRC 22.
This scribe played in the game, so what happened after that kick can best be described as complete and utter jubilation - long into the night.
Days later, a rugby fan in Victoria said it best: "JBAA just knows how to win. They have the expectation that they will win. And they do."
When it's all said and done, nothing feels better than winning. That's why JBAA likes to win and win often.
JBAA loves a winner.