HALIFAX STANFIELD AIRPORT: Two East Hants ball players returned home from the Canada Games with bronze medals around their necks.
While it wasn’t the colour Jack Miller, Ty Campbell or their N.S. softball teammates were aiming for, the two locals on the squad said after letting it settle in that they were coming home with bronze they were proud of their efforts.
The team was also coached by Darcy Campbell; Robin Isenor; and Jeff Fraser, all from East Hants as well.
“Being top three in the country didn’t feel so good after losing (in the semi-final to go for gold or silver), because we put in so much work the past two summers preparing for the games,” said Miller, “but after they put the medal around my neck, there was a moment of disbelief, like we actually did it.
“I wouldn’t of want to do it with any other group of fellas.”
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Campbell, who arrived home with a large contingent of Bluenose athletes on Sunday night at Halifax Stanfield Airport, agreed.
“It really special to come home with a medal for our province,” the Enfield resident said. “We’re happy with bronze, gold would have been nice. But at the end some things schedule wise turned out to be tough on us.
“I’m proud of how we handled our way and once we got to the playoff round, we felt more like us again. I couldn’t be happier with bronze.”
Miller said it means a lot to come home with the hardware they did.
“Knowing that all the work the boys put in paid off is a great feeling,” he said.
The rain on day one meant it was a bit of a grind for the N.S. team in their schedule over the remaining days.
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Campbell and Miller were asked what their hope is they have left for younger athletes in fast pitch for future teams.
“The hope is to inspire all athletes to look forward to the games and that if you put the work in, it’ll pay off,” said Miller.
“I hope that it brings more motivation for those trying to make the team for the next cycle in 2029 in New Brunswick,” he said. “I hope it gives us as motivation at future Canadian championships; we hope to send a team to U20 nationals.”
Off the ballfield it was a wonderful experience for Miller.
“The highlight of the games for me was the courtyard later in the night when all the athletes from all provinces were out and talking to one another and trading pins,” he said.
“It was an amazing experience.”
“I didn’t really know what to expect going there. It really blew me away, everything was fantastic,” said Campbell. “The fields, the complex, the university we were staying and the volunteers, everything was so great and taken care of.”
