The Delta Pacers' formula for success has been pretty simple for nearly the last 20 years.
Attract some of the school's top athletes then peak in late November to earn a trip to Kelowna for the provincial championships. It has has resulted in senior boys volleyball being the most successful athletic program at Delta secondary.
"I will take good old Ladner farmer boys all the time," laughed coach Shell Thompson.
Now Thompson and his players are cooking up a different recipe that has got the attention of the rest of the province.
The same high quality athletes from other sports are still prominent, including lacrosse standouts Will Schwan and Evan Messenger, along with Clint Taylor (baseball) and Mark Trotman (hockey). The difference this time is they are part of an impressive supporting cast centered around a pair of outstanding talents that have made volleyball their number one sport.
Grade 12 power hitter George Thompson is considered one of the top university prospects in the province. At 6-foot-4, he has the ability to dominate at the net and take over games. The roster also features Connor Barr, a Grade 11 standout who had a leading role in the Pacers' junior team having a memorable playoff run a year ago. He also joined Thompson on Team B.C. this summer.
"We've got the solid athletes that we have always had. George and Connor take us to another level," said Thompson. "It gives us our best shot in years and is pretty exciting stuff for our program.
"George already has CIS coaches approaching him. Not only is he a great player, he is also one of the nicest kids on the planet."
What it all adds up to so far is the Pacers showing up at No. 4 in the provincial "AAA" rankings, a placement they have never previously achieved. It won't take long to determine if their status is accurate either.
Delta is part of the Fraser Valley Tier One League that features second ranked Earl Marriott and third ranked Fraser Heights. Centennial (No. 8) and Elgin Park (No. 9) are also on the regular season schedule.
"Nothing is going to come easy but it's going to be a much different season than what we are use to," added Thompson.
