ALS TAKE ON LOCAL SCHOOLS

The Montreal Alouettes came to town just before the break with their "School is Cool" Basketball Jam which is now in its sixth year, and visited both Verdun E and Riverview to talk with students about the importance of self-confidence, self-esteem, the importance of studying and setting goals, and they also talked about the bad consequences of bullying.

After talking with the students, it was down to both gyms, where the Alouettes took on the teachers of the respective schools in a friendly basketball game, which was highly anticipated by the students.

First off, it was VE, and it was either a case of the Als having a long night before the game or they were in a merciful mood as the VE teachers prevailed 28-26 with Louise Dorais being one of the star scorers and a favorite person for the Als to, as we may say, pick on.

Over at Riverview, 5 days after, it might have been a case of hell hath no fury like an Als’ team scorned, and they gave the Riverview teachers, we promised to be generous, a 48-24 trouncing with CLC coordinator Audrey Ottier being the favorite for the Als to pick on here, and this win seemed to be a popular outcome for the students judging by the cheering.

After both games, it was time for group pictures and the students lining up for some autographed cards. Some of the Als who were at the schools were All-Star centre Brian Chiu, kicker Damon Duval, guard Scott Flory, and defensive end Anwar Stewart, who also presented VP Sylvie Martin a personalized school banner as a souvenir of their visit.