Adrenaline October 2009

www.adrenalinereginasports.com 1

Joanne Goulet JudoBalfour Football

October 2009

www.adrenalinereginasports.com

ADRENALINE Regina Sports Oct. 20092


TABLE OF CONTENTS

October Features

04 Welcome

05 Picture This

06 Regina Volleyball Club

10 In Regina...Queen City Marathon

16 Focus on... Judo

18 Forever & Today...Joanne Goulet

20 Where to...twirl, lift and twist inRegina

24 EventCalendar

08 Get to Know...Jordy KyleThe Regina Thunder have become a cohesive unit on and off the field, centred around leaders like Jordy Kyle.

14 Racing to the Top - Simon BairuSimon Bairu is a world-class runner, but when he names his hometown, it will always be Regina, Saskatchewan.

12 Sports PersonalitiesBalfour has one team on the field and another on the sidelines. The calibre of the 14 coaches who have come together this year make them a team to beat.


FROM THE EDITOR

Adrenaline: Regina Sports has an evolving identity; each month is new and exciting. It’s Regina’s people and personalities that make us who we are. This month, we are Simon Bairu, the Balfour Redmen football coaches, Jordy Kyle, Joanne Goulet, Jager Toffen, gymnastics athletes, and Regina’s runners.

October is the start, middle, and end of many sports. Golf and cross-country are winding up as the weather gets cooler. Football is in session; basketball, hockey, volleyball, track and field, and wrestling are all starting up. Just walk through the Centre of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Regina – there’s not a dull moment.

As we get going, we would like to thank all those who helped us and believed in our vision! A special thank you goes out to Jan & Doug Folk, Michael Lasko, Impact Printers, Rod Zimmer, Isaac Sneath, Kiley David, Lisa Swallow, Glenn Maczda, Grant Findlay, Jay Roach, James Holobetz, Gord Currie, Wendy Bileski, Bob Maltmann, Rick Engel, Win San, Bernie Eiswirth, Trevor King, Kelly Hamilton, Reid Lamden, and Heather Dergo.

Regina sports are everywhere in this city; some are hidden treasures. We want to know what’s going on in your corner. Email us at: [email protected]

Also, don’t forget to keep up on our website, www.adrenalinereginasports.com, with all the latest sports news.

Play and Cheer hard,

Julie Folk, Editor

Adrenaline: Regina Sports

Issue 2 – October 2009

Published by: Adrenaline: Regina Sports

Editor-in-Chief: Julie Folk

Administration Manager: Allie Folk

Sales & Marketing: Peter Woldu, Juan Sanchez

Contributors: Michael Lasko, Scott Weber

Printing: Impact Printers

Distribution: Canada Post

ISSN: 1920-4698

Contact:Adrenaline: Regina Sports(306) 751-0787

To subscribe: [email protected]

To advertise: [email protected]

Website: www.adrenalinereginasports.com

Cover photo: Julie Folk

Creative Direction : Jay Roach

Copyright covers all contents of this magazine. No part of the publication may be re-used or copied without the expressed written consent of Adrenaline: Regina Sports.


PICTURE THIS

XC8 Enduro Mountain Bike Race. Photo by Scott Weber


Jager Toffen loves the sport of volleyball.

He plays baseball and basketball, but he grew up around the net and the court, and keeps coming back to hit and dig for the ball.

“I’ve always enjoyed being around volleyball,” said Toffen, who is in Grade 9 at Campbell Collegiate. “I don’t know what it is about it; I just like playing the game.”

Jager was often with his father, Calvin, when he coached the Winston Knoll Wolverines. When Jager was 12, he joined the 14-Under Men’s Team with the Regina Volleyball Club and he hasn’t looked back. He loved playing with the club, and now plays for the 16-U team in addition to the Campbell Collegiate junior team.

The men’s game of volleyball is slowly growing, and Toffen hopes the sport begins to receive more recognition.

“In high school, football and basketball are more popular because there’s more contact, so people think it’s a

more guys are really loving volleyball. Once they get the opportunity of a good quality experience, it’s the best thing in the world.”

RVC has one men’s team and multiple female teams in each age-class division. Teams play in the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association league.

“Our focus is on long-term athlete development,” said McCormick. “And if you impose elitism too young, you’re going to lose elite athletes. It’s the detriment to the sport to always specialize and to have bench players and non-starters at too young an age. We are very focused in our club in getting everyone a chance to develop.”

RVC starts its athletes in its developmental (atomic) program. Boys and girls can start at 8 years old, learning the fundamentals. Volleyball is a game in which the skill set is specialized and needs to be developed a bit later than some other sports. The atomic program starts a basic skill foundation.

guy thing. There isn’t any contact in volleyball, but it’s still physical. You can also be a star in volleyball, while it’s a team thing – you learn to trust other people.”

The age class program of RVC, which Toffen is involved in, is just one aspect of the club.

The RVC continues to grow and develop – as do its athletes.

New programs and initiatives mean there’s a place to play for everyone, from those just learning the sport to elite athletes with a competitive edge.

In addition to the developmental program and the age-class competitive program, the club now offers youth and teen rec leagues. RVC continues to grow the men’s sport at a faster rate than anywhere else in the province, with one men’s team in each age class.

“Fall volleyball is hard for males because a lot of them are playing football or are athletes in other sports,” said Marian McCormick, an RVC board member. “But more and

Team up to bump, set, spike


“We have a pretty good reputation around town for being a good skill-building club,” said Mike Boyd, RVC club president.

Atomic is a two-level program. The introductory level is for newcomers. The ball is much larger; near the size of a beach ball. The court is a badminton court with a lower net and just four players to a team. The second step up is for those who are returning to the program.

New to RVC this year is the youth league, which is an eight-week fun program to develop skills in boys and girls from Grades 6 to 8.

The teen rec program has also been added. Because high school volleyball runs in the fall, the age class programs don’t begin until September. This leaves athletes who are not involved in high school volleyball without a place

to play; the teen rec program provides this, as well as the opportunity for those who don’t want to or don’t have time to play competitive volleyball to have a chance to get out on the court.

“We can take a youth at 15, who has never played volleyball competitively before, and we’ll find a place for her to play and we’ll get her to learn to like volleyball,” said McCormick.

Volunteers run the club, which has 300 players as well as volunteer coaches for each team. Boyd and McCormick said the only limitation to club expansion is due to the lack of coaches and facilities.

A lot of the coaches are still players themselves, as volleyball is a sport that can be played at almost any age. Adult recreation leagues are quite popular. This may decrease the numbers of available coaches, but RVC will train

anyone interested.

“The club is a lot of work,” said Boyd. “But it’s a lot of satisfaction at the end of the year.”

It’s a sport and a club that everyone involved enjoys participating in.

“It’s a great sport,” said McCormick. “It’s the ultimate team sport. You can’t do it by yourself.”

Photos:Opposite page: 14U Voltage; Jager ToffenBelow: Ryan (left) & Kyle (right) Callander; Beach Volleyball at the University of Regina

Photos by Julie Folk and courtesy of the Regina Volleyball Club

LG Rumour 2


GET TO KNOW

ARS: What’s special about the Thunder as a team, and why should more people come and support you?

JK: What’s special about us is that for the 60 guys who come out here to play football, there’s nothing really in it for them except the football. We all come out simply for the love of the game, the love of playing the game, and the atmosphere of the team. We’re really developing skills here. Everybody gets lots of chances to play. You’re going to get more of an opportunity to play here than other post-secondary programs, because that’s the way we’re geared. And there’s lots of opportunities for scholarships to university and SIAST through us.

ARS: What is it that creates success for a team like the Thunder?

JK: Our offseason program has been developing and now we’ve got it to a place where it’s a big part of what we do during the season. We all dedicate a lot of time – coaches and the players – in the offseason to getting better, through weights, conditioning programs, and on-field practices. I think that’s been a big part of our success.

ARS: What do you do outside of football?

JK: I hang around with friends, enjoy water skiing and other activities, and I work for Reliable Heating and Cooling.

Jordy Kyle has spent the past four seasons playing football with the Regina Thunder.

He’s back for one last go at it, and is looking for success in his final season. Over the offseason he trained hard, and the 21-year-old centre on the offensive line committed to the program and trimmed down. Now the team captain, who played his high school football with the Sheldon Williams Spartans, is ready to achieve his final goals with the Thunder.

Jordy Kyle

Adrenaline Regina Sports: Why did you first decide that Thunder was the team you wanted to play for?

Jordy Kyle: I came out of high school and they were pursuing me strongly. University wasn’t what I wanted to do, so this was the logical choice because I wanted to stay here, at home. And I’ve been very pleased with how its gone.

ARS: What is it that you enjoy about playing with the Thunder?

JK: Being at home, for one. And the team atmosphere we have is excellent. The coaches are really good. I think this is one of the best programs in Western Canada, if not Canada.

ARS: What is different about this season for the Thunder?

JK: This season has been the best start in terms of the atmosphere over the five years that I’ve been a part of. We’ve all got the right attitude for winning and it seems to all be coming together.

Photos by Michael Lasko


ARS: Is the time commitment hard for players at this stage in your lives?

JK: That’s a really big struggle when you’re working full time, and often everything else suffers for football. I’ve taken a lot of time off work and they’ve been really good about it this year, for injuries and resting up and road trips. But it’s all worth it. Definitely; without a doubt.

ARS: What is it that keeps you involved in the game of football?

JK: I’ve been hooked ever since I was a kid. I just love doing it. Every year when August rolls around I’m just excited to play football again.

ARS: What are your main goals for this last season?

JK: Obviously the main goal – you never go into the season not planning on winning the championship. I just want to do my best personally as a player and help out with leadership as much as I can and end my career with the Thunder on as positive a note as we can, which would be as national champions.

ARS: How do you see your role as a leader?

JK: I’ve never been really good at speeches or rah rah or anything like that, so I just try to lead by example, keep the guys calm and relaxed, and help them out whenever I can.

Subscribe Now!Name ______________________________________

Address ____________________________________

City______________________ Prov _____________

Postal Code: _______________

Phone:____________________

Basic one-year subscription rate........$20.00 + $2.00 tax Cash or Cheque enclosed Credit Card #_________________________ Exp ______ Name on Card___________________________________

Cut along the dotted line and return with paymentAdrenaline: Regina Sports is published 10 times a year

Enclose payment to:Adrenaline: Regina Sports1434 Wascana HighlandsRegina, SK S4V 2K2(306) 751-0787


IN REGINA

We all scrunch into line at the beginning, runner upon runner, each looking at the pace bunnies around us to see if we’re in the right position.

The gun goes off and it’s not exactly an explosive start for us away from the line – we stand and wait as the first runners, the ones who are going to break records and fight for the top spots, get off and we slowly start following along and eventually break into the run.

The timing mat beeps as we each step over, the chips attached to our laces starting the clock of the next one, two, three, four, five hours – whenever we happen to finish.

The feeling of running with 3,499 other people is exhilarating. I don’t turn my music on yet, as I’m fascinated by the sound of 7,000 feet pounding the pavement around the TC Douglas Building. We wind our way around, a rainbow wave of people having fun running – something that is no longer an oxymoron.

We make the loop back around the building and then start slowly heading out around beautiful Wascana Lake. The fog over the lake is beginning to lift, but the sun still hides behind the clouds – the volunteers are chilly but the runners are grateful for the relief from the warm temperatures September brought us.

As the race continues, runners are separating as they check their watches or their Garmins, making sure they are on track to their finishing time. Some runners are feeling on top of the world, with unexpected energy coming from somewhere inside. Others are struggling, kicking themselves for not training or conditioning as they should have.

Some are walking, some are jogging, and the odd few out front are all-out running. As we jog down Assiniboine Avenue, we see the lead male runner coming the other way – his legs fly as we cheer, in awe, and he continues on his way.

There are ambitious runners finishing the full marathon, as they look to achieve the goal that has become the ultimate sporting accomplishment for anyone willing to get off the couch and put on a pair of running shoes. There are runners and walkers in the half marathon, a race that takes time, effort, and lets you run at a faster pace – an achievement all its own. And then there are those who put together a team effort, competing in the relay event. There are even kids in the mini-marathon, having fun learning to run.

What everyone does have in common is the camaraderie and the shared goal of making it to the finish line, at

Seeing the Queen City in a new style


The Queen City Marathon has been held every September since 2001. Countless volunteers make the event possible, from those who pass out water at aid sta-tions, to course marshals, to food tent workers, to those at the registration process, and more – especially the people who work at the marathon all year long, such as Doug Russell and his crew, making it the event it is. The QCM also raises money for Raise-a-Reader; as runners put in miles, they also raise money for a worthy cause. To sign up, see results, or get more information, see www.runqcm.com.

whatever time that may be. Almost all feel the burn at some point, and have to make the mental and physical effort to carry on. Gatorade, sport beans, volunteer and crowd cheers, or the will from within drive us forward and carry us through as we see the city from a different view than most do. It’s a scene that’s worth seeing, as it not only gives you another look at Regina, but another look at yourself.

As we’re running, we may wonder, what am I

doing? What did I sign up for? But after the finish, there is a feeling of accomplishment unlike any other. It’s nothing you can pay for – although the entry fee is a starting point – but it’s something you earn through training and participating.

Somehow in that last kilometre, as you turn the corner and hear family and friends cheering at the finish line so close, you get a will to carry on and find that extra burst of energy to make it through. You cross the line, receive a medal and a Gatorade, and think about coming back next year.

The record-breakers and top finishers are inspiring, but that’s not what most of us are there for. We’re there for the thrill of success, achievement, and accomplishment.

The word ‘marathon’ may be scary – but taking it step by step, kilometre by kilometre, it becomes a joy to be a part of.

Live life now.Stapleford Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic is the premier wellness centre in Regina. We offer a wide range of programs and services to get you back to optimal health. Our team of professionals are friendly and knowledgeable. We want you living life to the fullest. Call our office at 543-0990 or visit www.staplefordphysio.ca.

376 McCarthy Blvd N., Regina, Saskatchewan • Phone: 306.543.0990

PhysiotheraPy • exercise theraPy • occuPational theraPy • Dietician

Michael Lasko Photography

Capturing your moments in time

Tel: (306) 924-1076Cell# (306) 550-5476

Web site : www.ml-photography.caE-mail : [email protected]

Photos courtesy of www.marathon-photos.com. Log on to find photos of yourself, family, or friendsOpposite Page: The start lineTop: Bruce Klassen, the top full marathon Regina finisher


SPORTS PERSONALITIES

You can feel the energy from across the field.

The players are excited and ready to race onto the field; so are the coaches.

“They’re guys who want to be playing football,” said Zach Oleynik, who plays quarterback for Balfour Collegiate. “They have us jacked up, ready to go all the time.”

Oleynik is referring to the coaching staff of Balfour’s football team; they’re basically a team within themselves, made up of 14 coaches, many of whom just completed their own football careers at either the junior or CIS level.

“A lot of these guys have just hung up the cleats, and they all have the

passion to coach,” said Clay Drouin, head coach of the Balfour Redmen this year after coaching the team for six years as either defensive back coach or defensive coordinator. “When you can present them an opportunity to coach with some of their close friends in a positive environment, they’re pretty excited and will go out of their way to make it work.”

Drouin came to Saskatchewan from B.C. to play with the University of Regina Rams and then the Regina Thunder. He decided to stay in Regina and became more involved in coaching at the high school level. When the opportunity to become head coach came up last year, Drouin jumped at the chance. Balfour’s staff advisor, Lorne Neithercut, provides a lot of support to Drouin and the team, while

Doug Volk, the offensive line coach, has coached with the team previously and guides a lot of the first-year coaches.

“Experience is key,” said Drouin. “But with the level that these guys played at, they’ve received coaching themselves that is some of the best in the province and even the country… what matters is the person you are and how you approach it.”

Drouin asked Peter Woldu to become defensive coordinator, and Teale Orban to become offensive coordinator. To Orban, a Balfour alumni, it meant a lot to come back to his former high school.

“Balfour was always where my heart was at,” said Orban. “When it comes to

A team of coaches


coaching, you have to coach wherever the opportunity is, but to come back to Balfour is awesome… it feels right. It’s neat being back; it’s comfortable here. I enjoyed my time at Balfour so coming back was exciting to me.”

Orban, Todd Kristoff, Aadon Fieger, Scott Magee, and Andrew Rumbaugh are all former Rams players who agreed to join the coaching staff. Jason Skolney, Brett Lund, Eddie Thompson, Ryan Thompson and Matt Yantz all played for the Regina Thunder. Eddie Thompson and Matt Yantz are also Balfour alumni.

“They’ve been there recently so from their experiences first hand, they know what it’s like and they have all the recent information,” said Oleynik. “A lot of us have looked up to them and have seen them play, so it’s interesting taking it all from them as we’ve seen them growing up. They’ve played at places we want to play, and they have that experience, so they can give you that kind of feedback.”

The new and the experienced coaches work together to come up with a game plan. Everyone had previous relationships and friendships but now they are becoming familiar with one another as coaches and learning how to work together, as a team.

“It’s a football team within the coaching staff,” said Orban. “That’s helped with the transition of not exactly playing but still having a big group of guys around that you enjoy hanging out with, that you enjoy talking with, talking football with, going to the game with, and competing with. I really enjoy that.”

The team setting of football they’ve been a part of for so long makes it easy for the coaches to come together as a group and map out the goals for the team.

“If you’re positive and can relate to kids and connect with them and teach them in a positive learning environment, it doesn’t matter how old you are; you can be 90 years old or you can be 18 years old,” said Drouin. “All the guys are on the same page,

Balfour’s coaches

Head coach – Clay Drouin

Staff advisor – Lorne Neithercut

Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks –

Teale Orban

Defensive coordinator & linebackers –

Peter Woldu

Special teams – Todd Kristoff

Defensive line – Jason Skolney

Assistant linebackers – Scott Magee

Running backs – Brett Lund

Offensive line – Doug Volk

Offensive assistant & running back

assistant – Eddie Thompson

Assistant offensive line – Ryan Thompson

Receivers – Matt Yantz

Defensive backs – Aadon Fieger

Defensive backs – Andrew Rumbaugh

everyone has ideas, and everyone wants to get better and try and improve what we’re doing. It’s a pretty cool thing.”

Drouin and the coaches credit the Balfour staff and students for making their job easy; with the support they can spend their time coaching and focus on the field and on how to make the team better.

“Have an open mindset, always try and learn, always try and become better, never get stuck in your ways, and realize that there’s probably two or three ways of doing everything. That’s the approach that we take,” said Drouin.

Photos by Julie FolkOpposite Page Top: (from left) Matt Yantz, Eddie Thompson, Jason Skolney, Peter Woldu, Clay Drouin, Andrew Rumbaugh, Teale Orban, Doug Volk, Ryan Thompson. Not pictured are Todd Kristoff, Scott Magee, Brett Lund, Aaden Fieger, and Lorne Neithercut


Racing to the TopSimon Bairu - living his dream

Bairu’s intensive training and competition schedule is all part of the fun for him. He is now a nine-time national champion in various events, and an Olympic hopeful in the next Summer Games. On the road, the track, or cross-country, Bairu has made a name for himself in the world of running.

Bairu’s running career didn’t start with goals of running professionally. It started with the idea of running as a sport and, if he was lucky, receiving a scholarship

to a university.

In eighth grade, one of Bairu’s teachers, Mr. Wihak, suggested Bairu consider running in high school track and field, and mentioned if he did well he could possibly get a full scholarship. Bairu was awed by the concept but didn’t take the idea seriously at the time.

Bairu started running with the Queen City Striders and their coach, Steve Gersten.

“(Simon) told me years later that his dad gave him $5 to go back to the workouts two more times after the first,” said Gersten. “He came out a greenhorn, but his grit to win was inherent.”

In Grade 10, Bairu started separating himself from the field. He was winning city championships, competing for provincial titles, and then it was off to the world cross-country championships. Gersten was a University of Wisconsin alum. He took Bairu to a summer camp in Wisconsin, where Bairu broke the time trial record by 30 seconds. That was when his goal of running for Wisconsin became more of a reality,

and when he went back the next year and broke his record by a further 15 seconds, his road to becoming one of the few non-U.S. students to receive a scholarship to Wisconsin was paved for him.

“I bought into the program and bonded with the guys on the team through my time at camp,” said Bairu. “The other schools didn’t really have a chance after that. My mind was set that I was going to go to Wisconsin.”

Bairu’s first year included a 38th place in the national cross-country meet, placing as the fourth fastest freshman. Then in his third year, he won his first NCAA title. Bairu would go on to win another, making him one of only three athletes to win two NCAA cross-country championships. Bairu’s university coach, Jerry Schumacher, told him he was going to go pro. Around that time, one of Bairu’s teammates, Matt Tangekamp, signed a contract with Nike. Bairu and three of his teammates followed suit. The five of them signed with KIMbia Athletics, one of the biggest agencies in the world, which led to the Nike contract.

When Schumacher was offered a job as a Nike elite coach, he asked his athletes what they thought about moving to Portland, Oregon to train with Nike’s elite team, with the resources other elite athletes around the world were working with. All five athletes agreed to the move, and Bairu said training in the premium facilities for just six months has already shown great progress.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what happens after a couple years of really good, intense training,” said Bairu. “This past winter was my first January

Simon Bairu jogged

up, lightly sweating after a workout in his hometown. Even on a week off from training in the U.S., home to visit in Regina, he has to make time for his daily workouts. But right outside the Canada Games Complex, Bairu fits in perfectly. He’s run all over the world, but he says his favourite place to run is Regina in the summer, on the ground where he got his running start. Although he’s dressed head-to-toe in Nike clothes and runs with an ease we all strive to achieve, from his easygoing, friendly demeanor you’d never realize he is a world-class athlete with countless titles and more to come.

Running is a career for Bairu, the recent 5K Canadian champion, but he describes the sport more as a passion and a dream.

“There are days when I’ll be running and I’ll say, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this for a living.’ I feel like I’m being paid to play on the playground,” said Bairu, 25, whose family fled Eritrea and Ethiopia before he was born in Saudi Arabia. He was raised in Canada. “The concept that one of the biggest corporations in the world – Nike – would pay me to travel around the world and run against the best athletes is just unbelievable.”


running on grass, so it’s a shock to the system. But it’s going well so far.”

Bairu has previously won six cross-country and two 10K road racing national championships, but had never been able to win nationals on the track. Usually the race is at the end of a long season or he had an injury. But he went into the 5K national race with different thoughts this season.

“I knew it was going to be my last track race for the year, so I went in thinking, okay, I have no excuse not to win this year. I’m fit, it’s all mental. It just worked out really well for me and I was happy with it. It was a good way to end the season,” said Bairu of his win.

Bairu competed in two 10Ks this year. In the first race he missed the Canadian Standard to run at the World Championships by just three seconds. In the second, it was too humid for the conditions needed to meet the standard. From there, Bairu and his coach decided to race the 5K at nationals, and instead of going to the World Championships in the 5K, they were going to train for Bairu’s new goal. Bairu is switching his training focus to the marathon, while competing at shorter distances.

Bairu completed a half marathon in Holland in March, which he finished in 63:10 – the best Canadian time that year but not up to Bairu’s standards after he cramped up within the first three kilometres of the race. Next up is the Canadian 10K road racing championships in Toronto on Oct. 17th, the Canadian cross country championships in Guelph on Nov. 28th, and the Houston half-marathon on Jan. 17th.

“The marathon is completely different than any other distance I’ve ever run, including the half,” said Bairu. “I’ve made it my goal to talk to as many successful marathoners that I know. I’ve been talking to the American Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi and with Alberto Salazar (who coaches with Schumacher) who was a great marathoner back in his time and a world leader. I’m sure he will have some valuable advice to give and assistance to my coach and I in our future preparations. My agent (Tom Radcliffe) was also a marathoner

“Anyone can run when they feel good. But the days that feel

hard, I use that as motivation to get out

the door.”- Simon Bairu

Photos Opposite page: by Julie FolkRight: Simon Bairu competes in the 2008 TransCanada 10km Canadian Road Race Championships.Photo credit: Geoff Robins/Mundo Sport Images


back in the day, so there are a lot of people I’m talking to and a lot of people who will be there with me along my journey offering valuable information and advice.”

Bairu’s physical training will remain similar, putting in about 120 miles a week – just slightly more than his regular training. It’s the mental training he’s focusing on.

“No matter how fit you are, no matter how prepared you are going into the marathon, there’s going to be a point in the race when you’re going to hit the wall and have nothing left, but at the same time you have another eight to ten miles left,” said Bairu. “I know it’s going to happen – you’re going to hit that wall at some time or other during the marathon. A lot of people have told me that a marathon doesn’t actually start until six miles left to go. So I’m going to do a lot of mental preparation for that.”

Gersten said Bairu has always won with his mental ability and attitude.

“He’s got a firm drive to compete. His mind wants that victory,” said Gersten.

“It’s a game of believing in yourself.”

Bairu’s preparation starts each morning when he gets up for a run – he said there’s not a day he can remember when he hasn’t pushed himself to get out of bed and go train. He knows his competitors are training, which makes him strive to train just as hard.

“The days when I feel like I don’t want to train or don’t want to get out of bed, those are the days that I think matter. Those are the small details in our training that

count,” said Bairu. “Anyone can run when they feel good. But the days that feel hard, I use that as motivation to get out the door.”

It’s what successful athletes have in common – the strive to succeed and never quit. Bairu’s goals are high – to aim for a medal at the next Olympics in the marathon, or even the 2016 Olympics, and to break national records and beyond. There are always more goals to achieve, which keeps him going for greatness. He’s also not done with the track – he’ll be running about one marathon a year but he’ll also be back on the track doing 5 and 10 Ks. It will be working out the right mix to get the success he’s striving for.

“All successful athletes have that one thing in common. When we don’t want to do it, we do it because if you don’t, it’s like a cancer in your mind that just sits there and grows and spreads. You can’t get too relaxed with that feeling of quitting when you don’t feel like doing it. The first time you quit, it makes it so much easier to do it again. That’s why I will never allow myself to do it. Because I don’t want to get that feeling. I don’t want to be comfortable with not running when I don’t feel like it because then the next time I don’t feel like running, it’s going to be too easy just to stop again,” said the ever-moving Bairu. “I love the sport maybe even more than I did 10 years ago. I’m just as passionate, if not more, then I have ever been… I want to win a gold medal and I want to break records and until I do those things, I’m always going to be passionate about it, I’m always going to be excited, and I’m always going to be motivated.”

“I want to win a gold medal and I want to break records, and until I do those things,

I’m always going to be passionate about it, I’m

always going to be excited, and I’m always going to be

motivated.” – Simon Bairu

Photo: Left: Simon Bairu wins an NCAA track title with the University of Wisconsin. Photo credit to TrackShark.com.


FOCUS ON

Andrew Yuen could throw down someone twice his size, just by getting him off balance. But it

would all be done in self-defense.

Judo is a sport which is not about attacking the opponent, but about using his own body weight against him.

“You learn how to control yourself, and then you learn how to control somebody else,” said Yuen, who at 17 years old has just achieved his black belt and is competing internationally.

Yuen is a member of the Regina YMCA Judo Club, a club that has been going strong for over 50 years. Regina now has three clubs, including the Senshudokan Judo Club and the Avonhurt Judo Club. The close-knit community comes together as Judo Saskatchewan, through which athletes compete nationally and internationally. The provincial body ensures all clubs follow the same format.

“The idea is we want to get athletes into the sport, and we want to keep them in the sport forever, or as long as we can,” said Darrell Brown, head instructor at the Regina YMCA.

There are many athletes – from the age of six to novice adult athletes – who come to the sport for development, recreation, and exercise. Others compete at an elite level, developing their skills as they work towards gaining a higher belt and taking on stronger competition.

“It takes a long time to progress,” said Yuen. “You start off learning how to fall and the basic fundamentals like self-discipline and respect. Judo is based on a lot of respect for coaches and other athletes. You learn how to fall and then you learn yawasa techniques, which is ground work. As you progress, you learn tachiwasa techniques, which are standing. After that you learn how to use those techniques in an actual match, which would be called the tandori.”

The sport is very technical. It can look easy to those watching, but the throws and techniques are complex and it takes the body a long time to memorize the

technique. Judo is taught as a sport. It became an Olympic sport in 1964. The intent is not to attack or injure.

“We want our partners to come back so we can continue practicing with them,” said Brown. “We all learn and make mistakes and it takes time to develop.”

Brady Burnett organized the Senshudokan Judo Club three years ago. It’s in an area where athletes can get to the club with ease. The clubs help each other out to better the sport, and the instructors donate their time and knowledge to further develop judo.

Sometimes judo can get confused with other types of martial arts. But there are a few key points that separate it. Unlike other martial arts which have various schools worldwide, judo’s style is uniform throughout the globe. While there is one style – Kowaski – which is not as well-organized, Kodokan is the primary school taught all over the world. It’s also the sport people would recognize when they see someone being thrown from a standing position to the ground, as opposed to sports which include some form of attack, such as striking, kicking, or punching.

Judo uses control of the body and mind, using hold downs, arm locks, chokes, and more, to dominate the opponent.

“Judo is a sport,” said Burnett. “Of course there’s this romantic idea that a lot of people have in that with martial arts you can learn the right moves and then subdue people with the flick of a finger. People soon realize that it involves a lot of hard work and dedication to develop the skills necessary to participate in the sport. It truly does strengthen the mind and the body.”

Judo

Photos courtesy of Regina YMCA Judo ClubThird photo from top: Andrew Yuen


FOREVER & TODAY

Joanne Goulet.

The name says golf in so many different ways. It means a champion, a golfer, and a significant part of Regina’s golf community.

Goulet has been well recognized in Regina from when she first broke out as a young golf sensation in the ‘40s to when she went to the World Championships with Team Canada in 1964 to when she was part of Team Saskatchewan when they won the senior nationals in 1985.

But really, she’s a golfer like anyone else – someone who loves the game but just happens to have naturally excelled at it her entire life.

“The things that happen in golf are unpredictable,” said Goulet, who is now 74. “I always say, when I see everything then maybe I’ll retire, but I don’t think I have yet. To me, every day, every shot’s a surprise. Some of them are pleasant and some of them are not. The days that you have

more pleasant ones are really, really enjoyable.”

Goulet began the game of golf when she was 14, living with her family on the corner of Pasqua Street and Elphinstone, right around the corner from the Gyro golf course. She and other neighbourhood kids would go into the creek and collect balls, which they would sell back for a dime.

Goulet received new golf clubs – four of them – and a membership to the Gyro for her birthday.

“I was the happiest kid in Regina, and I was the neighbourhood hero, as I had more than one club,” she said. “And I was on my way.”

Goulet obtained advice from Bob Hitchins, who would become one of the best professionals in Canada. He told kids to find a skilled player, caddy for him, and imitate. He also told Goulet about a tournament at the Regina Golf Club – for five dollars she could play five rounds on the grass greens.

“I didn’t know at the time, but it was a provincial tournament,” said Goulet. “And all of a sudden I was on the golf scene.”

Young, skilled golfers quickly became a sensation in a province where most female golfers were in their forties and above. Marg (Esset) Elliott had been a sensation in the 1930s, just as Goulet became in the ‘50s. With help and encouragement, Goulet billeted while at away tournaments, as she played in the two competitions each summer – the city and provincial tournaments. She also went beyond, playing in Montreal and Toronto and other cities.

Only in Saskatchewan: Joanne Goulet

“Once I’ve seen everything, then may-

be I’ll retire. But I don’t think I have yet.”

– Joanne Goulet


“I didn’t want to live and golf in that atmosphere,” said Goulet. “People would ask me why I didn’t go on the LPGA Tour. I had never seen the American girls play. Then when I went to the first world women’s amateur in 1964, I was already 28 years old. I played with them, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable. Who knows? I may have made it. But I know I couldn’t have lived out of a suitcase. That’s not my nature.”

Goulet found a job with the Saskatchewan Government and with them had the opportunity to go to university. Golf was everything but work – it was a time to relax and enjoy the game. She would out-drive her competition by at least 50 yards, finishing with scores all envied. Her athletic prowess would help put Saskatchewan on the golf map. The senior ladies title showed other provinces what Saskatchewan could do and fulfilled one of Goulet’s dreams. The team repeated the victory in 1990.

Goulet did have to give up a bit for golf – with a career, school, and the sport, she had to quit curling, which she was equally as adept at. But she doesn’t miss it and enjoys getting onto the course all summer.

While Goulet has been a member of the Royal Regina Golf Club since 1951,

she now has a course to really call her own – or, as her great-nieces and -nephews call it, “Auntie Jo’s course.” In 1993, Goulet became the first female in Canada to have a golf course named after her. She said it only could have happened here.

“I got a message to come down to the mayor’s office, and they showed me the plans for this new nine and they wanted permission to use my name,” said Goulet. “I couldn’t tell anybody until they made the formal announcements, and oh, that was hard. It really was. I remember walking out of city hall, thinking to myself, ‘it could only happen in Saskatchewan.’… Even back in the ‘20s, women athletes here were just athletes, and that has prevailed ever since. The equality in sport is how this resulted, this naming of the golf course. It’s a mentality that’s only in Saskatchewan.”

Gord Burgess has been the head professional at the Royal Regina for 24 years. He said Goulet has always been a fixture at the course and continues to give back to other golfers, as she tries to help grow women’s golf and junior golf.

“To represent your country (when she did) was more for the love of the game. She’s certainly a legend in this province and beyond,” said Burgess. “Given the opportunity to play back then, she took full advantage of it, and just kept practicing and playing and developing and improving. It was a commitment to the game that she loved.”

Today, Goulet golfs four times a week, and says the summer season is perfect for her. The winter is spent helping and visiting with friends, and – what she said most people don’t believe – knitting.

She’s known to impart a tip here or there if you’re lucky enough to share in some of her knowledge.

“No matter where the pin is, always put the ball in the middle of the green because the pin’s never very far from the middle,” she said. “And if two out

of three swings at the ball are golf shots, you’re playing okay. You can’t hit them all perfectly. It would be nice if you could, but you can’t…. If your ball is heading to the bush, watch where it goes, and if you have a full swing, you’re not in trouble.”

Goulet’s love of the game continues in the passion to play herself, and to watch others enjoy the game. She loves to see juniors out on the course, just loving the game regardless of skill level.

“Nothing pumps me up more than to see a little guy coming out with a set of a little bit of everything and getting out to golf. I give them golf balls like crazy out here, because they come out and they’re just walking on air. They melt my heart away.”

Goulet said she’s lost a little yardage, but it doesn’t really bother her.

“I still enjoy going out to play, and the people I play with,” she said. “I still don’t find it difficult to get enthused. As long as I have the physical ability to do it, I’ll do it.”

Photos courtesy of Joanne Goulet and by Julie FolkOpposite page: Goulet at the World Championships in Paris in 1964Top: Goulet todayBelow: Goulet with her first set of golf clubs


WHERE TO...

twirl, lift and... twist in ReginaGymnastics is a multi-dimensional sport, which creates incredible athletes who can move in inspiring and

mystical ways. Regina has many clubs to develop the skills of athletes, from when they first start at a very young age, to the competitive stages as they improve. We’ve taken a look at a few places in the various styles of

gymnastics for people to become involved in the sport.

Rhythmic Gymnastics is an elegant sport incorporating elements of ballet, dance, and gymnastics; combining them with apparatus skills in harmony to music. Gymnasts learn to manipulate different types of apparatus: balls, hoops, ropes, clubs, or anything else the imagination can create. The program is designed to develop fundamental body movements, basic coordination, flexibility, concentration, rhythm, and team skills.

The Regina Rhythmic Gymnastic Club offers a 30-week non-competitive program which is focused on fun and learning within a team environment. Teams are based on age and level of experience. Classes are available for ages 3 through adult.

Learn more: Contact Brenda at 359-7300 or via email [email protected]

Adamo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club formed in 2008 is Regina’s newest rhythmic gymnastics club. ‘Adamo’ is Latin, meaning “to have a passion for.” Gymnasts in Adamo RGC are introduced to the sport of rhythmic gymnastics through music, dance, and apparatus, and are instilled with a passion for performance and the pursuit of excellence through teamwork. Gymnasts work with others their age and skill level in teams to learn skills, routines and perform in various shows and events in and around Regina throughout the season in a non-competitive environment. They also have gymnasts preparing to attend the Canadian and World Gymnaestradas.

All of the coaches in the club are nationally certified and coach programs for gymnasts ages 3 to adult, beginner to advanced. They would love to share the beautiful sport with all interested.

Learn more: Contact Kendra at 529-8409 or email [email protected]

Adamo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Regina Rhythmic Gymnastic Club

Photos: Top Left: Courtesy of Adamo Rhythmic Gymnastics ClubTop Right: by Julie FolkOpposite page from top: Courtesy of Wascana Rhythmic Gymnastics Club; by Michael Lasko; by Julie Folk


Wascana Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

twirl, lift and... twist in Regina

Queen City Kinsmen Gym Club

The Queen City Kinsmen Gym Club is all about fun, fitness, and fundamentals for athletes through coaching excellence and a spacious, fully-equipped facility. The 5,000 square foot recreational gym space and 10,000 square foot competitive training gym combine to offer athletes exactly what they’re looking for – a recreation program or competitive program at any age and any level.

The non-profit club has a been a part of the Regina community for over 30 years and continues to excel in the Queen City. Classes and camps are available throughout the year for all members of the community.

Learn more: www.qckgym.com

Gymnastics Adventure

At 25,000 square feet, Gymnastics Adventure/ Amazing Adventure is one of the largest gymnastics centres in Western Canada. It is an exciting place for its popular and ever-growing recreational gymnastics program, starting from Baby Bears to advanced rec programs where gymnasts choose to specialize in artistic gymnastics or trampoline and tumbling.

Artistic gymnasts compete on bars, beam, vault and floor, and the T&T athletes compete in one to three events: trampoline, double-mini trampoline, and power tumbling. Gym Adventure’s athletes have competed at provincial and Canadian championships, and national level athletes have competed as members of Team Canada.

Learn more: www.gymnasticsadventure.ca

Beauty, grace, flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, confidence, athletic achievement and life skill development: this is what the Wascana Rhythmic Gymnastics Club is all about.

WRGG is a competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics Club in Regina. Athletes of the club include Provincial and Western rhythmic champions as well as members of Team Saskatchewan, which will attend Canadian Gymnaestrada in 2010 and International Gymnaestrada in 2011 in Lausanne, Switzerland. WRGC programs also include introductory sessions for girls aged four to six years old as well as pre-competitive and provincial stream competitive classes for girls aged seven and older. Classes are offered in Regina and Dysart, and are under the direction of head coach Julie Levassuer.

Learn more: Contact Dara at 781-4366


WHAT’S ON IN REGINA

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7 pm Swift Current

@ Pats

312 pm

Trinity Western @ WSoc

7 pm Red Deer @ Pats

7:30 pmBeardy’s

@ Pat C’s

412 pm BC @

WSoc1 pm

Winnipeg @ Thunder2:30 pm

Battleford@ Pat C’s

5 6

5:30 pm Lakeland

College @ WBB

7 8

7 pmMedicine Hat

@ MBB

97 pm

Simon Fraser @ Rams

7 pm Calgary @ Pats

7 pmBC @ Cougar

MHockey

107 pm

Toronto @ Riders

7 pm BC @ Cougar

MHockey

TBA @ MVB

11

2:30 pmPA @ Pat C’s

TBA @ MVB

12 13 14 15 166:15 pm

Brandon @ WBB

7 pm Kamloops @ Pats

8 pm Minot State @ MBB

177 pm

Lethbridge @ Pats

7 pm Victoria @ WBB

TBA Williston State @ MBB

18

1 pm Lethbridge @ WBB

2:30 pmMoose Jaw@ Pat C’s

19 20 21 22 23

6 pm Manitoba @ WVB

8 pm Manitoba @ MVB

2412 pm Manitoba @ Cougar WSoc

3:30 pm BC @ Riders

5:15 PMBFord @ Rebels6, 8pm Man @ VB

2512 pm Manitoba

@ WSoccer 12:30 pm

Saskatoon @ Rebels

7 pm Swift Current

@ Pats

26 27 28

8 pmYorkton

@ Pat C’s

28 305:30 pm

Concordia@ WBB 7 pm

Alberta @ WHockey

7 pmU of S @ Rams

3112 pm Lethbridge

@ WSoc1 pm Concordia @

WBB7 pm Alberta @

WHockey7:30 pm

Saskatoon @ Pat C’s

October Event Calendar

WHAT’S ON

Home game venues unless otherwise noted:• Roughriders, Rams, Prairie Thunder @ Mosaic Stadium• Pats @ Brandt Centre• Pat Canadians, Rebels @ Al Ritchie• Cougar basketball and soccer @ U of R• Cougar hockey @ Twin Arenas

Cougar sports legend• WBB - Women’s Basketball• MBB - Men’s Basketball• WVB - Women’s Volleyball• MVB - Men’s Volleyball• WSoccer - Women’s Soccer• MHockey - Men’s Hockey• WHockey - Women’s Hockey


Working & Living In Our Community

Contact MATT DOMINGUEZYour Local REALTOR®

Are you thinking about buying or selling?

Enter the Real Estate Industry...Through EXIT!!

for a FREEmarket evaluation (306) [email protected]

Commercial & Residential

Broker Independently Owned and Operated


We ace the marketing.You ace the greens.

Adrenaline October 2009

Documents

Transcript of Adrenaline October 2009