UNITY — As the academic year draws to an end, staff at the Unity Composite High School showcase all of the sports teams who put forth a valiant effort at a special assembly and the annual Warriors Night, June 10.
A school assembly was held in the afternoon for students, where four banners were unfurled. Graduate Jamal Starchief had his name added as a provincial silver medalist to the wrestling banner, as well as archer Sebastian Lauinger. His name was added as a silver medalist to the national banner, who placed first in both bullseye and 3-D among all the Grade 11 boys. He also revealed the provincial champion banner for archery, displaying his name for both categories. The final banner was to recognize the senior boys' basketball team with their bronze win at regionals.
Later in the evening, all the sports teams were recognized, sharing stories of their season and highlights of some amazing plays in the games they played. Many of the coaches spoke of those who are graduating in a couple of weeks, thanking them for their role as a teammate or mentor to those younger members.
The evening saw recognition among the staff. Ken Parker, vice principal of UCHS and Officials’ representative with Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association (SHSAA), first recognized principal Aaron Melnyk as the recipient of the Outstanding Coach Award. Here is what Parker had to say:
“We all know that prior to arriving at UCHS, Mr. Melnyk was active in coaching. His office wall has many basketball teams he is proud to have worked with. Then there was that short time in Macklin, which we really don’t need to discuss at a Warrior Night.
"However, it was in 2018 that he arrived at UCHS and started making an impact. That year, he coached the senior girls’ basketball team, a seventh-ranked team, and after an underdog victory over a number two team at regionals, advanced to HOOPLA 2019 and proceeded to earn a bronze medal. After two years of cancelled playoffs, the Warriors under Coach Melnyk’s direction returned to HOOPLA in 2022, earning a second bronze medal. In 2023, his team returned to HOOPLA for the third year in a row and earned a provincial fourth. Over the past seven basketball seasons, he has created a program that can be counted on to be competitive regardless of how the odds are stacked against the team. His creativity in game plans comes from hours of watching videos, connecting with other coaches and mostly, getting his players to believe that anything is possible. UCHS is happy to hear that even in his new role, he is committed to being a Warrior coach.
"Aaron also works with the junior girls’ basketball program, which has certainly assisted in his senior program’s success. He has also spent one year as a Grade 7 volleyball coach/manager.
"Regardless of the program, Aaron does not back down from providing opportunities for our Warriors to compete on their home court. Whether it is a Grade 7 parent volleyball night, the annual Pink Basketball tournament or branching out to host a Warrior Cross country meet, Aaron provides attention to all details and showcases UCHS in a positive way to guest schools.
"Lastly, I would like to note that Aaron goes above and beyond to provide opportunities for our Warrior athletes. He will carry rosters that are beyond traditional sizes and use a rotation system for a portion of the season to allow all players the opportunity to participate. He seeks out additional students to serve as managers and encourages all students to take part in working at sporting events.
"Aaron, your enthusiasm for school sport is infectious and we look forward to the stories you share every Monday morning after an event. Your athletes feed off this energy and certainly will play for you right to the final buzzer.”
Later in the program, another special presentation was made, this time recognizing Kyla Snell as the 2025 Battle West Service Award recipient. Parker had this to say:
“Mrs. Snell arrived at UCHS in 1998 and, after a brief stint working at the division office, returned to UCHS to become a major piece of the athletic community at UCHS. Over the years, she has assisted in coaching/managing senior golf, junior and senior basketball and junior and senior curling. For all of her coaching contributions, she was awarded the Battle West Outstanding Coach award in 2013. However, tonight I would like to share some of the contributions to the sporting association, making her a worthy recipient of this Service Award.
"Mrs. Snell will never back down from hosting or being part of a host committee of any sport. She has been part of the four SHSAA provincial volleyball championships hosted at UCHS. She was also the commissioner of the provincial badminton championship hosted here in 2023. And just this past winter, she was commissioner when UCHS hosted provincial mixed curling. She has also hosted several regional basketball playoffs, including the rare opportunity to host the double boys/girls regional basketball playoff in 2022. In addition to these SHSAA events, she also accepts every opportunity to host Battle West district and conference playoffs despite the hectic schedule from overlapping seasons of play. For example, this past March, she hosted district curling, regional curling and provincial curling three weekends in a row with a commitment to attending district playoffs with her junior team in between. And when the commitments are not to the district or the province, she will always take the opportunity to showcase our school by hosting a basketball tournament or a badminton tournament, making sure that our guests always get a great experience.
"Mrs. Snell, I don’t want to suggest this award is being awarded to you just because you are the “host with the most.” However, it certainly complements your organization and coaching skills in our golf, basketball, curling and badminton programs. Our athletes benefit so much from all the time and effort you share despite commitments to your Student Services Program, your family and your own personal time. You are a champion of all athletes and will go above and beyond to create a second tournament or even a second team when possible. We are so very fortunate to have you as a leading UCHS Warrior.”
Both recipients were surprised with the recognition and many of those in attendance congratulated the duo following the program.
