The Fastest Game on Two Feet

End of Season Banquet

On Thursday, July 2/09 the Sarnia In Motion Pacers held their banquet at Huron Oakes.  Once everyone had completed eating their steak dinner and dessert it was time for the reason for gathering - handing out the hardware.

It began with club president Brian Matthews giving his thanks to "a whole pile of people" beginning with the young man who stepped up as G.M. for the 2009 season -- Ken Barrett.  High praise was given to the crew who worked the penalty box area as they were touted as the best crew to work with by the referees who visited Sarnia this season.  Thanks went out to the many volunteers who helped to make the club a first-class organization - including live anthem singers Jubilation and Sydney Kennedy.

Next up was this year's captain Chris Theoret who was very brief but gave heartfelt thanks to all those who put in time and effort this season.  Then the fun began as numbers were called and door prizes given out.  Brian then introduced head coach John Dark who would emcee the presenting of the awards. Here's who present what to whom:

Photos here
Presenter Award Winner
Ken Barrett Rookie of the Year Kyle Ferguson
Drew Davey Heart/Hustle/Desire Josh Yurchuk
Chris Davey Most Sportsmanlike Riley Thompson (absent)
Pete Davey Best Defensive Player Lance Ross
John Dark Unsung Hero Chris Theoret
Drew Davey Most Improved Joe Allison
John Dark Most Dedicated Chris Theoret
Drew Davey Leading Scorer Riley Thompson (absent)
Pete Davey MVP for season Lance Ross
Brian Matthews High Achievement in Lacrosse Pete Davey

Those who were graduating from the Junior ranks were given a Pacers watch.  That list included: Adam Cobb, Mike Giroux,  Jamie Surman, Bobby Smith and captain Chris Theoret

Ken Barrett spoke briefly about being a first year GM at such a high level and thanked his staff who were each given a small gift of thanks.  He concluded with thanking all those who gave of their time this season - and for some that meant working on items late in 2008.

John Dark had some "final words" to impart and acknowledged what most already knew - he would not be returning to coach the Pacers next season.  He began with thanking those players who would not be returning next season - for what they did for the team this year and in years past.  He encouraged them to give back to lacrosse and indicated that the minor system is frequently looking for help and even the team they are leaving could use extra hands.  To those who are eligible to return, he told them that they are good enough to have finished higher but that they needed to strive for consistency - that it is about effort, heart and desire.  He reminded the boys that the coaches are there for them and concluded by thanking all those who have contributed to the organization during his years with the team.

Brian closed out the evening, thanking everyone for coming and giving a special thanks to John and Annette Dark for all their hard work.

 

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