The Regina, Saskatchewan Century 21 Angels start their 2005 season going 14-7 with only 2 loses coming in tournament play.
Team Century is back after being invited to Fargo for the ISC II Tournament of Champions where they were disappointed with their round robin record and failure to make playoffs. Early in this season Team Century also had to deal with the departure of some players but none the less they were able to put together a team of close friends and family that is stronger all around than last years club.
After not making the initial rankings for ISC II teams, Team Century entered the ISC II Canada West Qualifier in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba with something to prove. Without its full line-up Team Century was able to win the tournament with a 5-1 record beating teams such as Portage Phillies (ranked #31 in July 2004) and Devils Lake Risers (ranked #42 in 2005 preseason).
In the semi-final game Team Century beat the 4 time defending champions of the Progress for Portage Tournament / ISC II Area Qualifier (the last few years), the Gladstone Whips (currently ranked #4 in ISC II and last year finished 4th in the ISC II TofC) with a score of 6-2.
Team Century outscored opponents 37-17 and tournament awards handed out after the final included: Jay Kay – Top Pitcher and Tony Sparvier – MVP.
The roster for Team Century at Portage was:
Leroy Keewatin – Pitcher (Peepeekisis First Nation)
Jay Kay – Pitcher/Outfield (Kawakatoose First Nation)
Tony Sparvier – Pitcher/Infield/Outfield (Ochapowace First Nation)
Barry (B.L.) Sparvier – Catcher/Infield/Outfield (Cowessess First Nation)
Jess Stevenson – Catcher/Infield/Outfield (Keeseekoose First Nation)
Rob Stevenson Jr. – Catcher/Infield/Outfield (Keeseekoose First Nation)
Fletcher Stevenson – Infield/Outfield (Keeseekoose First Nation)
Nathan Stevenson – Outfield (Keeseekoose First Nation)
Shane Quewezance – Infield (Keeseekoose First Nation)
Jason Bear – Catcher/Infield (Ochapowace First Nation)
Chris Bear – Infield/Outfield (Ochapowace First Nation)
Anthony Poitras – Infield/Outfield (Peepeekisis First Nation)
Melvin Asaigon – Infield (Cowessess First Nation)
Arlen Yuzicappi – Outfield (Standing Buffalo First Nation)
I would like to thank Ferdi Nelissen for running another first class tournament and I would also like to thank the volunteers and community of Portage La Prairie for being great hosts. Team Century looks forward to representing Canada West in Wisconsin.
Rob Stevenson Jr.
rstevenson@sasktel.net