A Memorable Day in Montreal: Climbing to New Heights as a Team

It was a chilly morning in late January, and our 1st Boys’ Basketball team had traveled to Montreal for the highly anticipated 54th Annual Loyola Ed Meagher Sports Tournament. The schedule was grueling, with games spread out over several days. On our first day, after a 5-hour bus ride, we lost to the home team, Loyola, who shot extremely well from the 3-point line. On the second day, we found ourselves with a long stretch of free time before our next game, which wasn't until 6:15 pm. Rather than staying cooped up in the hotel, we decided to make the most of our time and explore the city a bit.

Coach Burns suggested visiting McGill University, one of Canada's most prestigious institutions, and everyone agreed it was a great idea. McGill's campus is nestled right next to Mount Royal, a famous landmark in Montreal. We had heard about the incredible lookout point at the top of the mountain, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, and we were eager to see it for ourselves.

What we didn't fully anticipate was the climb. To reach the lookout, we had to ascend what felt like a never-ending flight of stairs. As we started the climb, the players were full of energy and excitement. But it didn't take long for the grumbling to start. "How many more stairs are there?" "Are we there yet?" "Whose idea was this?" Even I began to question whether this was such a great plan.

Despite the complaints, we encouraged each other to keep going. We took breaks, shared laughs, and pushed each other to continue. It was a true test of our team's perseverance and spirit. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we reached the top.

The view was absolutely stunning. The Canadian and Quebec flags fluttered proudly in the wind, and the platform offered a panoramic view of Montreal. We could see the downtown skyline, the sprawling McGill campus, and the vast expanse of the city stretching out before us. It was a moment of awe and wonder, and all the effort to get there suddenly felt worth it.

We took a team picture at the lookout, capturing the joy and sense of accomplishment on everyone's faces. It was a moment we knew we would cherish for a long time. Despite the initial grumbling, the climb up Mount Royal became one of the highlights of our trip. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from pushing through challenges together.

As we made our way back down, there was a noticeable change in the team's mood. The climb had brought us closer together, and the shared experience had strengthened our bond. We were ready to take on the evening's game with renewed energy and determination.

Our second game turned out to be a tough loss to Royal West Academy by 3 points. It could have been anyone's game. The team fought hard and played well. On Saturday morning, we faced a physical Alexander Galt squad and, though we fell short, everyone had contributed well.

Our final record may not have reflected the effort we put in, but the overall trip—both on and off the court—was what mattered. The boys had a lot of fun and bonded over this experience. The journey was a memorable one.