Volume 2 ||| Issue 5
TO COMPETE OR NOT TO COMPETE? THAT IS THE QUESTION. PG.16
KI-HARA MASTER TRAINER RIGHT AT OUR DOORSTEP PG.11
CHRIS MERCHANT: ATHLETE, ACTOR, SCHOLAR PG.23
Aurora’s Amateur Athletes Honoured at Sport Aurora’s
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
PLUS
HOCKEYAurora Tigers Minor Hockey
RUGBYAurora Barbs – Rugby 7’s
BASEBALLAMBA Celebrates Excellence
AND MUCH MORE
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CAPTURESTITLESSIX CISAA PG14
2 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL (JK-12) is a co-ed, non-denominational, university-preparatory school. We offer a superior, balanced education that challenges the student, develops the mind, and strengthens the character. We educate in innovative ways through integrated, leading-edge technology and in sophisticated facilities for academics, athletics, visual and performing arts. Please contact us at any time to arrange a personal tour.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
Saturday, February 2 10am - 1pmThursday, February 21 9am - 12pm 7pm - 9pm
Education With Balance
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca/whowillyoube
CDS Sport in Aurora v1.indd 1 2012-11-09 10:53 AM
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 3
THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL (JK-12) is a co-ed, non-denominational, university-preparatory school. We offer a superior, balanced education that challenges the student, develops the mind, and strengthens the character. We educate in innovative ways through integrated, leading-edge technology and in sophisticated facilities for academics, athletics, visual and performing arts. Please contact us at any time to arrange a personal tour.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
Saturday, February 2 10am - 1pmThursday, February 21 9am - 12pm 7pm - 9pm
Education With Balance
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca/whowillyoube
CDS Sport in Aurora v1.indd 1 2012-11-09 10:53 AM
05 Editor’sNote
06 FromtheDirectorofParks
andRecreation
08 TheCountryDaySchool
CapturesSixCISAATitles
10 YorkRegion55+
WinterGames
10 VolleyballInjuries
11 Ki-HaraMasterTrainer
RightAtOurDoorstep
12 Aurora’sAmateur
AthletesHonouredat
SportAurora’s“Breakfast
ofChampions”
13 SportAuroraVolunteer
Award2012,Special
OlympicsOntario–Aurora
14 ToCompeteorNot
toCompete?Thatis
theQuestion.
15 DucksFlyNorthfor
SeasonOpener
15 DucksCoachRegChappell
RecognizedbyPeers
16 ChangingLivesaFew
HoursataTime
17 Rugby7’s
18 WhoNeedstheNHL
whenyouhavetheTigers
MidgetAA’s?
18 AnotherSuccessful“Home
andHome”Seriesfor2012
19 HockeyPlayers
andEducation
20 AMBACelebrates
Excellence
20 AuroraDiggers–
WinterTraining
21 Invincible
22 ChrisMerchant:Athlete,
Actor,Scholar
23 BikeSportsWinterTip!
WhattoWearfor
WinterRiding!
11
17
19
22
contents
12Sport Aurora Breakfast of Champions – October 21, 2012
4 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
november/December 2012 VoLuMe 2, ISSue 5
PublisherInsport Media & publications Inc.
editorron Weese – Sport Aurora e-mail [email protected]
director of salesLaurie MuellerPhone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]
art directorFranco Di tomasso e-mail [email protected]
Youth rePorterJames powell
editorial contributionSport Aurora Members Dan Haletown of Aurora Stephen pollackDr. Carey Avery Sarah SmithJaved Khan Joanne StangaJames Wansbrough Melony teagueJoe Bentolila nancy BlackKim Sillcox nicolette Fleming Joshy Kallungal
contact usInsport Media & publications412 McCafferey road newmarket, ontario L3X 1t5Phone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]
editorial contributions Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and in-dividuals. Contact ron Weese, editor. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, dis-tribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. reproduction or transmission of any arti-cle, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Sport in Aurora Magazine is published six times a year. For detailed circulation information, contact Insport Me-dia & publications Inc. Insport Media & publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. the editors and contributors who write for Insport Media & publications Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, con-tributors and Insport Media & publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.
prInteD In CAnADA
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 5
The Board, the Committees and
the membership-at-large have all
taken part in a number of events
this fall and have demonstrated to me
that Sport Aurora and its 21 member
Organizations are on the right track.
Never before has there been so much
attention paid to our athletes, coaches,
volunteers and Programs. Amateur
sport is thriving and all you need to do
is look through these pages to see how.
Please read the coverage of both of
Sport Aurora’s “main events” this Fall
on pages 12 and 13. The Breakfast of
Champions event was a resounding and
almost unbelievable, first-ever celebra-
tion of 102 athletes who won Provincial,
National or International honours and
brought recognition to Aurora. Our
Volunteer Recognition Event thanked
16 Volunteers who were nominated
as the “best-of-the-best” in their
Organizations. Their stories of years
of contribution and commitment were
inspiring and demonstrated how impor-
tant volunteerism is to this Community.
The Women in Coaching Program
also finished the year by certifying 35
new women coaches in a number of
sports. A new Women in Coaching
Committee is being formed to further
this work in Aurora so that more women
can join the ranks as coaches and serve
as exemplars to other women and girls
in sport.
Our All Kids Can Play Program has
now attracted more donors than ever
and it is now able to help twice as
many kids who previously wouldn’t
be able to play sports in our member
Organizations without this important
financial assistance.
The Sport Hall of Fame has just
named their Board of Governors and
they will meet diligently over the next few
months with the objective of bringing the
first Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
to the Town in the 150th anniversary of
Aurora in 2013.
Finally, I attended an important, and
likely historic, Public Planning Meeting
for sport and recreation on November
27th at Town Hall. At that time, the
Stronach Family proposed the Stronach
Eco-Park; a unique multi-function facility
designed to preserve the natural habitat
along the Bayview Avenue corridor while
providing both sport and recreation
facilities to our Community. While there
is more public input to come yet and a
variety of decisions to be made about
the design and implementation of
services and features of this Park, this
property is going to become another
reason why we should be proud of
where we live. I believe this Eco-Park
Project will be a model for public-
private cooperation in the provision of
sport and recreation in Communities
such as ours. It will not only help to
close the gap in recreational land need
that is evident in Aurora, but it will also
alleviate some of the field and facility
pressure the Town is anticipating with
the population growth it is experienc-
ing. The philanthropic nature of the
Stronach family, their commitment to the
environment, healthy physical activity
and sport as well as the cooperation
and commitment the Town demonstrates
through consultation is something special
for which we must be thankful.
There is no better time to be involved
in sport in Aurora and no better place
to live.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas
and a safe and happy holiday season
as we look forward to 2013.
Ron Weese
Editor, Sport in Aurora Magazine
The Mission of Sport Aurora is to
promote participation in sport and
recreation for all citizens of the
community we serve.
For more information on Sport Aurora,
visit our web site at:
www.sportaurora.ca
editor’s note
ThisseasonhasbeenthebusiestinSport Aurora’sHistory.Andthereismoretocome.
Sport in Aurora Magazine has more stories to tell and we need a motivated and committed sales person to provide retail advertising sales assistance so our magazine can grow. If you have a few hours per day to show potential advertisers the benefits of associating our magazine and amateur sport with their need to reach over 15,000 households in Aurora, please contact us. While experience is sales is an asset, we are willing to train so you can help us expand into neighbouring communities.
WE ARE GROWING!
Please call: 905.713.5027 or Email: [email protected]
6 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
2013A Promising Year for Sports in Aurora
On Sunday, October 21, Sport
Aurora was front-and-centre
with the inaugural presentation
of the “Breakfast of Champions.” This
well-organized and well-attended event
illustrated the level of excellence we
have in the community in all sports
and at all ages.
One-by-one, champions of our com-
munity from local, regional, provincial,
international and Olympic competitions
received awards and recognition, some-
times accompanied by videos of their
achievements. Well done to all those
who brought honour and recognition
to Aurora!
The following day was our meeting
on the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame and
our efforts to move this dream closer
to reality. A Board of Governors was
elected, which I am proud to sit on and
we are applying for Trillium funding to
help our inaugural induction in 2013.
Wednesday, October 24, I was
pleased to be invited to the offi cial
opening of the St. Maximilian Kolbe
CHS artifi cial turf fi eld. The York
Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)
Director and Mayor Dawe performed
the offi cial kick-off for the events. The
fi eld is a great example of what we can
accomplish when we work together.
Let’s hope this is the start of more
potential partnerships.
At Town Hall, staff is busy with
the preparation and presentation
of budgets to Council. 2013 looks to
be a promising year for sports!
Al Downey
Director, Parks and Recreation Services
Town of AuroraUpcoming Special EventsAurora’s Borealis Monday, December 17, 2012 to Monday, February 18, 2013 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.Aurora Town ParkEach winter The Town of Aurora lights up the trees at Aurora Town Park to create our own “Aurora’s Borealis.” The trees will be lit every evening until Family Day 2013.
Family First Night Monday, December 31, 2012 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aurora Family Leisure ComplexRing in the New Year early with your family and friends. Enjoy wagon rides, a bonfire, swimming, skating, games, children’s activities and so much more!
Arctic Adventure Monday, February 18, 2013 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Aurora Town ParkBundle up and take in some great outdoor activities such as dog sled rides, snow shoeing, skating, live entertainment and professional ice carving.
To learn more about these and other Town of Aurora events, please call the Special Events hotline at 905-726-4762 or visit www.aurora.ca/specialevents
PlEASE NoTE, WE RESERvE ThE RighT To cANcEl, AmEND oR chANgE AcTiviTiES.
Did you know The Town of Aurora has a full-service fitness centre? It’s called Club Aurora® and it offers affordable family fitness for all ages.
Located in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Club Aurora has flexible memberships to suit all of your fitness needs.
Here are just a few of the services offered:
• Aquatics personal training• Non-member personal training• 25-metre pool – aquafit and osteoarthritis aquafit• Four international squash courts• Indoor running track• Cyclefit studio• A variety of fitness classes for all abilities• Annual fitness appraisals, personalized fitness programs
and equipment and weight room demonstrations• Child minding services
Club Aurora also offers convenient hours – we’re open Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take advantage of our free offer and try Club Aurora. We’re confident you’ll like it so much you’ll be back. Your body will thank you for it!
135 Industrial Parkway NorthAurora, OntarioPhone: 905-726-4764Email: [email protected] us online at www.aurora.ca/fitness
AFFORDABLE RATES QUALITY SERVICECall or visit us today!
Experience Club Aurora
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ONE FREE GYM VISITWith this coupon, enjoy one (1) free gym visit to Club Aurora*. Must be 14 years of age or older. Limit one coupon per person. Location: 135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, Ontario Expiry: December 31, 2013 *Bearer will be required to complete a health questionnaireTR
Y U
S!
Did you know The Town of Aurora has a full-service fitness centre? It’s called Club Aurora® and it offers affordable family fitness for all ages.
Located in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Club Aurora has flexible memberships to suit all of your fitness needs.
Here are just a few of the services offered:
• Aquatics personal training• Non-member personal training• 25-metre pool – aquafit and osteoarthritis aquafit• Four international squash courts• Indoor running track• Cyclefit studio• A variety of fitness classes for all abilities• Annual fitness appraisals, personalized fitness programs
and equipment and weight room demonstrations• Child minding services
Club Aurora also offers convenient hours – we’re open Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take advantage of our free offer and try Club Aurora. We’re confident you’ll like it so much you’ll be back. Your body will thank you for it!
135 Industrial Parkway NorthAurora, OntarioPhone: 905-726-4764Email: [email protected] us online at www.aurora.ca/fitness
AFFORDABLE RATES QUALITY SERVICECall or visit us today!
Did you know The Town ofTown ofT
Experience Club Aurora
NEW!NEW!
ONE FREE GYM VISITWith this coupon, enjoy one (1) free gym visit to Club Aurora*. Must be 14 years of age or older. Limit one coupon per person. Location: 135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, Ontario Expiry: December 31, 2013 *Bearer will be required to complete a health questionnaireTR
Y U
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8 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
the countrY daY school caPtures six cisaa titles ||| By Kim Sillcox, Country Day School
The Country Day School in King enjoyed a banner athletic season this fall winning six CISAA titles, five in soccer and one in
basketball, and sending three runners to OFSAA.
Director of Athletics, John Andersen, attributes the six Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA)
championships in part to the hard work of the coaches who have stressed not only the importance of character traits among their
athletes, but also skill development necessary to be successful in each sport. “We believe these two elements are at the core of
great athletes and winning teams. The
number of championships this term is a
good indicator that we are right on track!”
“The entire Athletics Department is
extremely proud of the amount of effort
our athletes put forth over the past few
months,” continued Andersen. “Capturing
six titles out of 16 teams and sending three
runners to the OFSAA Cross-Country finals
is truly remarkable!”
cds
The undefeated U16 Boys’ D3 Soccer team culminated
their storybook season with a 4-3 win against Toronto
French School in the CISAA finals on November 3.
According to Coach Geoff Nugent, “These boys are
certainly the most positive, hard-working, and mutually
supportive team I have ever coached in my career.”
The U12 Boys’ D2 Soccer team played number
one seed Montcrest School in the CISAA finals
on October 27 and scored the game winner with
four minutes remaining, winning the game 2-1
and earning their second championship in
four years.
The Senior Girls’ D1 Soccer team finished a banner season with a 13-0-1 record. They won gold on home turf
in the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Tournament in October defeating Lower Canada
College 4-1. The team topped off their season with a 3-2 victory over St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School
clinching the CISAA Championship on November 2. The girls’ team last won this title in 2009, and prior
to that they had won 10 titles in 11 years.
Photo by Scott Stafford
The Senior Girls’ D2 Basketball team captured
the CISAA Championship on November 2. Lead
scorer for the season, Cara Tiemens, scored 41
points to help CDS win the final game against
Branksome Hall, 60-37. CDS last won this title
in 2005.
The Co-Ed U10A Soccer team played in the CISAA D2 tournament at Upper
Canada College on October 27 and won all three games qualifying them as the
CISAA D2 champions. This is the first time in school history that CDS has won
this title.
The Co-Ed U10B Soccer team played in the CISAA D3 tournament at Sterling
Hall on October 27 and also won their tournament which was a round-robin format.
According to Coach Vipond, this is the first time CDS has ever won the U10
CISAA D3 tournament and only the third time a co-ed school has earned the title.
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10 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
VOlleyBall inJuries||| By Dr. carey avery, B.Kin., D.c.
Volleyball is a sport of hard
landings, high speed shoulder
movements and quick refl exes.
Below are the most common injuries
volleyball players tend to suffer from
and how to help avoid them.
acl tears: Due to the fact that
there is a lot of off-balance jumping,
landing, and sudden stopping, volleyball
sees frequent anterior cruciate ligament
tears. Stopping forcefully or landing
on a straight (fully extended) knee
is usually the most common cause.
Planting one’s foot and then cutting
to one side is also very forceful and
known to be another cause.
sOlutiOn: Talk to your coach or
a seasoned player as most of them will
have the training to teach you how to
jump, stop and change directions while
minimizing knee strain. Taping and
bracing is also recommended for those
with frequent knee sprain/strains.
rOtatOr cuff tenDinOpatHy: Volleyball is a game of overhead work
which is very rough on the shoulder
especially spiking and serving. The
rotator cuff muscles are responsible for
generating all of the force and stabilizing
the joint. Tendinopathies and tears
are frequent because of the shoulder’s
huge range of motion and the required
speed of the movements.
sOlutiOn: Strengthen your rotator
cuff muscles, and work on proper striking
technique with your coach. At the fi rst
sign of pain get it looked as this can be
a very stubborn injury to rehab.
JuMper’s Knee: This is a repeti-
tive strain injury that usually presents
as pain at the bottom of the kneecap
or just below the kneecap. Tenderness
is also usually present if the area is
pressed upon. The patellar tendon is
infl amed at its distal end and makes
jumping very painful.
sOlutiOn: Ice it and get it tended to
ASAP. I have found jumper’s knee responds
very well to ultrasound, shockwave
therapy, bracing, and taping. Once the
infl ammation has receded, strengthen-
ing of the quadriceps muscles is also
recommended. Best of luck with your
season and if you do experience any
discomfort get it checked out ASAP
by a healthcare professional. The longer
you wait the longer it will take for you
to get better!
Dr. Carey Avery runs St. Andrew’s
Chiropractic and Wellness in Aurora. He
is the team chiropractor/sports injury
consultant for the Aurora Ducks and
Master Ducks swim/triathlon teams.
He also treats several individual high-
performance athletes. Dr. Avery is a
competitive master’s swimmer and a
self-admitted “horrible-but-happy” golfer.
Web: www.standrewschiro.ca
Phone: 905-727-6500
e-mail: [email protected]
YORK REGION 55+ WINTER GAMES ||| By Joshy Kallungal,
aurora seniors’ centre
The Winter Games for seniors is
scheduled to be held during the
Month of November 2012. Aurora
Seniors Association athletes have been
and continue to be very active in these
games and will be competing in several
individual and team events. In May-June
2012 summer games they brought home
18 medals and they expect similar or
better results in these upcoming Games.
The photograph shows some of the
athletes who plan to compete in these
games. We wish them and the YR 55+
Organizing Committee the very best.
SPORT IN AURORA
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 11
Ki-Hara Master trainer rigHt at Our DOOrstep ||| By Melony teague
With 18 years experience in personal
training, Lori Haws is the owner of
Fittlife Personal Training Services.
Lori has a B.A. in Physical and Health
Education, is a CEP (Certified Exercise
Physiologist) with the Canadian Society
of Exercise Physiology. Lori offers
in-home, personal attention to her
clients, as well as team stretching, but
what makes her particularly special
is that she is one of only five Ki-Hara
Master Trainers in Canada.
Q: WHat is Ki-Hara resistance stretcHing?
a: Lori Haws – “The Ki-Hara technique
involves the muscles being contracted
and lengthened at the same time. The
arms and legs are put through specific
linear, rotational and diagonal patterns
in order to stretch as many muscle fibers
as possible. Strength and flexibility
must go hand in hand in order to keep
the muscles functioning properly. This
in turn translates to increased power,
speed and strength.”
Q: WHy it is Beneficial anD tO WHOM? a: Lori Haws – “I have seen amazing
results using this method. I train
athletes, and those who want to
increase their general health and
wellness. Ki-Hara Resistance
Stretching is an innovative stretching
technique that improves performance
and recovery and increases flexibility
in my clients. Not only does this kind
of resistance stretching create a more
balanced body, and more powerful
and stable core movements, Ki-Hara
helps to remove chronic stress. This
method noticeably improves perfor-
mance and recovery of muscles in
the body and targets specific areas of
existing injuries. It is an effective way to
increase overall athletic performance
while decreasing the risk of potential
injuries. Ki-Hara helps to improve
performance in any type of sport,
hockey, swimming, tennis, synchro-
nized swimming, football, running,
triathlon, soccer, you name it.”
Q: WHO uses Ki-Hara?a: Lori Haws – “While you may not have
heard of Ki-Hara, you have probably
heard of Hayley Wickenheiser. She uses
this method of stretching.”
Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Player,
Hayley Wickenheiser says, “I feel Ki-Hara
has allowed me to expand my functional
athleticism as well as develop strength
through greater ranges of motion which
has directly benefitted my hockey. It
transfers to more power, strength and
speed on the ice.”
For more information contact Lori Haws at
(416) 523-5980 for a complimentary 1/2 hr
Ki-Hara stretch. This offer is for a limited
time, on a first come, first served basis.
Ki-Hara Master Trainer, Lori Haws.
Email: [email protected]
KI-HARA
12 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Master of Ceremonies, Jim
Thomson, an ex NHL player
and team–mate of Wayne
Gretzky’s entertained the crowd
throughout the morning with his stories
of NHL participation and reminded the
players of the importance of respect-
ing where they came from and the
value they should place on respecting
their parents and acting in a dignifi ed
manner. Jim Thomson’s “Dreams Do
Come True” Program was one of many
highlights of the event.
Guest Speaker, Summer Mortimer, a
recent Paralympic double Gold, Silver
and Bronze medalist thrilled the crowd
with a video of her come-from-behind
gold medal victory in the 100 meter
backstroke at the Paralympic Games and
spoke eloquently about her challenges
and successes as a Para Athlete.
Likewise, World-Class Rower from
Aurora, Peter McClelland reminded
athletes that while it is important to
have lofty goals and to reach for the
top, athletes need to recognize the
importance of the journey. How
important it is to learn about winning
and losing and to take from sport the
lessons of good sportsmanship, of
trying your best and being disciplined.
“Those qualities,” said Mr. McClelland,
“will be valuable to you far after the
games have been played.”
Dignitaries such as Mayor Geoff Dawe
and M.P. Lois Brown as well as Coaches
and parents came to the microphone
time and again to honour the athletes.
“Sport is an incredibly important part
of our Town,” said Mayor Dawe to the
crowd, “it is what makes Aurora unique,”
he continued, as he congratulated the
SPORT AURORA
aurora’s amateur athletes Honoured at sport aurora’s
BreaKfast Of cHaMpiOns
The cream of the 2011 crop of amateur athletes in Aurora were piped
into The Mansion Banquet Hall on Sunday, October 21st to be honoured
for their accomplishments. One hundred and two (102) athletes who
won championships at a Provincial, National or International events,
received medals to commemorate their success and were provided
a breakfast while their accomplishments were celebrated. Presidents
of the Sport Aurora Organizations to which these athletes belonged
were also awarded plaques of achievement, recognizing the important
support each Organization provided in these successes.
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 13
Breakfast of Champions Committee
Chairman, Doug Legallais on staging
this important event.
After breakfast was served and
photos taken, the athletes, parents,
coaches and supporters left the hall
feeling positive about the work they
do, the contributions they make and
the successes they achieved in 2011.
“This fi rst, historic celebration of
sport achievement in Aurora was a
success,” concluded Committee Chair,
Doug Legallais. “I am proud to live and
work in this Community and honoured
to be a part of sport.”
SPORT AURORA
aurora’s amateur athletes Honoured at sport aurora’s
BreaKfast Of cHaMpiOns
spOrt aurOra VOlunteer aWarD 2012, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – AURORA ||| By Melony teague
On November 4th, 2012 the 2nd
Annual Sport Aurora Volunteer
Recognition event was held at
Boston Pizza in Aurora. The recipient
for the Special Olympics Ontario Aurora
Volunteer award was Aurora resident,
Cheryl Duckworth who had been a
volunteer with SOO-Aurora since 2007.
She was a member of SOO-Aurora
executive as Treasurer from June 2008
– April 2011 during which time a signifi -
cant amount of work was done to set
up and manage the accounting books,
and provide the executive with fi nancial
information on an ongoing basis.
In 2011 Cheryl moved to position
of Event Coordinator where she has
organized many events including:
SOO-Aurora’s participation in the Santa
Claus Parade, June Street Sale, Art in the
Park, Christmas party, golf fundraiser,
AGM and more including her latest
involvement in assisting fellow swimmer,
Wendy Emery in organizing the Special O
Craft Show and Sale held at the Stronach
Aurora Recreation Complex on
December 2nd, 2012.
In addition to her role as coordinator
of events, she volunteers as a Coach
with Special Ducks Swim Club and has
done so for 5 seasons. In the summer
she is a Volunteer Coach with Eagles
Golf Team for 2 seasons. Along with
Nicola Mc Govern, Cheryl was the
Cofounder of the Special Olympics
Ontario- Aurora Golf Tournament. The
second year of this event saw 53 golfers
and over $6,000 raised for SOO-A.
Unoffi cially, Cheryl helps with many
extras behind the scenes and is a second
set of eyes for proofreading documents
of the Community Secretary, facility
bookings, party planning etc.
The Sport Aurora Volunteer award
was awarded to Cheryl by Dorothy
Hall who is the present Treasurer for
Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora and
in her presentation speech explained
how whenever an extra hand is
needed, Cheryl has been there. Cheryl
Duckworth who is also a member of
the Master Ducks Swim Club said the
following, “I would like to thank everyone
who took the time and effort to put the
Volunteer Awards Banquet together. It
was a very nice afternoon sharing with
different Sports about our Volunteer
endeavors and experiences. Although
recognition is always nice, it is not my
strong suit, my heart lies in the time I
spend with the Athletes helping with
their Sports, being involved with the
SOO-A Executive and participating in
the events for both.”
It is volunteers such as this that help to
make Aurora a wonderful place to stay
active, happy and healthy. It is with many
thanks and with great appreciation that
both the Master Ducks and SOO-A
would like to congratulate Cheryl on
her award.
Volunteer Cheryl Duckworth, SOO-Aurora recipient
with Dorothy Hall presenter
14 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
The Aurora Master Ducks Swim
Club is proud of the successes of
its membership. The team boasts
provincial and national record holders
across many age groups and of both
genders. But most members of the
team don’t train to compete. They do
so for fitness, health and, in the case of
the Ducks, for social reasons. In order
to help swimmers set and accomplish
some of these ‘non-competitive’ goals,
the Master Ducks rely on Masters
Swimming Canada (MSC).
Masters swimming began in Canada
in 1971 with fitness and competitive
swimming programs for adults. MSC is
the national governing body, working
with partners, provincial organizations
and more than 250 Masters clubs.
Together, they deliver quality, organized
activities to 10,000 registered members
between the ages of 18 and 103, making
masters swimmers one of Canada’s
largest adult fitness populations.
MSC supports and encourages adult
swimmers of all abilities while promoting
its organizational values of Fun and
Friendship, Health and Wellness, and
Participation and Achievement.
In addition to the extensive list of
online tools provided by MSC, the
Master Ducks also participate in the
programs offered by MSC such as the
1 Kilometre Challenge™ and the Check
Off Challenge™. The most popular
program is the Million Metre Challenge™.
This innovative online program encour-
ages swimmers, of any level, to submit
their swimming mileage. Totals are
tracked, distance by stroke is calculated
and specific mileage achievements are
rewarded with prizes (pins, certificates,
shirts caps). It’s a fun and easy way to
stay on goal and monitor improvement.
Masters Swimming Canada is currently
developing more initiatives that support
the fitness swimmer, but let’s not
dismiss the competitive element. Each
year, most communities offer local
swim meets and encourage all adults
to participate. Various members of the
Master Ducks will take part in at least 6
competitions this year, culminating with
the MSC National Championships held
in Nepean for the first time in almost 15
years. Once again, the goal for attend-
ing might be performance, but for many
Master Ducks, it’s just about fun!
To find out more about the Aurora
Master Ducks, please check out
www.masterducks.ca. For information
about Masters Swimming Canada, please
check out www.mastersswimming.ca.
to CoMpete or not to CoMpete? ThaT is The QuesTion. ||| By nancy Black
ADULT SWIMMING | ALL LEVELSStroke Improvement Triathlon ~ Beginner/ProCompetitive SwimmingFitness Training
Weekends | Weekdays Swim times options: Morning | Noon | Night
905-726-DUCK (3825) | [email protected]
FUN FITNESS FRIENDSHIP
Master Duck Swimmers – Elizabeth Moultray, Melony Teague and Kelly McLean
SWIMMING
Christine Weber – Master Ducks 2012
Master Ducks Swim Club Vision
All adult swimmers in York Region
will be aware of, and have access to,
a swim program that suits their
swimming goals.
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 15
The Ducks Swimming Club of Aurora
and Stouffville swooped into the
East Bayfield Recreation Centre
in Barrie, November 2-4, and enjoyed an
outstanding three days of competition.
The predominant phrase of the week-
end, heard from Duck Coaches at the
Barrie Advance Swim Meet was “Another
Best Time” as 42 of the 44 attending
swimmers achieved best times at the
early season competition. Over all, Ducks
improved a whopping 72+%.
Fourteen Ducks swam to 100 per cent
best times. Soorna Choheili and Natalie
Shears were seven for seven; Sarah Bond
and Karina Robb swam lifetime bests in all
six of their events. Other 100 per cent best
time swimmers were: Alejandro Hernandez,
Jayne Kim, Emma Timewell, Natalie
Wallace, Chloe Taylor, Kimberly McAlesse,
Renato Cobena, Lauren Hemburrow,
Alessia Russo, and Isabelle Russo.
Gold medal performances were led
by twelve-year-old Hayden Spiers as he
topped the podium in 4 events including
the 100 and 200-metre butterfly and 400
and 1500-metre freestyle events. Spiers’
performance in the 200 butterfly ranks
him #1 in Ontario and #3 in Canada for
12-year-old boys. Also bringing home gold
medals were Christian Baldesarra, Holly
Biasi, and Soorna Chohieli.
This was a sparkling debut to our Fall
season” commented head Coach Sam
Montgomery, “The excellent performances
turned in here present great promise
as we prepare for upcoming meets in
the GTA and the Ontario Division 2
team Championships!”
Ducks Fly North For seasoN opeNer||| By Ducks swimming
||| photos courtesy of Ducks swimming
Hayden Spiers
Ducks Coach Reg Chappell who
guided Summer Mortimer to her
double Gold medal, Silver and
Bronze medal performance at the London
Paralympic Games last summer, has been
honoured multiple times this Fall.
September 21st Coach Chappell
received the Ontario Female Para
Coach of the Year Award and then
recently he was recognized for
the Coaches of Canada Award for
Outstanding Achievement at the Petro
Canada Coaching Awards in Ottawa.
On November 26th, Reg was also
awarded Canadian Swimming Para
Female Coach of the Year Award.
All Sport Aurora members thank
Coach Chappell for his dedication to
sport and coaching.
DuckS coAch
reg chAppell recognIzeD by peerS ||| By Melony teague
16 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
GYMNASTICS
I’m sure that most of us value and ap-
preciate our volunteer coaches, who
devote many hours to support youth
sport programs in our community.
On Sunday, November 4th, at Sport
Aurora’s 2nd annual volunteer awards,
16 volunteers were recognized for their
efforts – some of whom have been
volunteering in our community for over
30 years. Midway through the festivities,
three-time Grey-Cup winning former
Argo football player Adrion Smith
shared a very inspiring story about one
of the most pivotal people in his life –
his volunteer community coach.
As a young black male from a
very poor American family, Adrion’s
educational and vocational options
were limited. Most of the boys in his
neighbourhood were recruited into
gangs, and ended up in prison or dead.
Dreaming of becoming a baseball star,
Adrion joined a local league and it
wasn’t long before Adrion’s true athletic
talent was identified. The coach encour-
aged him to switch to football, and by
doing so, changed his life. During his
transition from baseball to football,
Coach Chris Shelton went above and
beyond the normal expectations of
sound athletic training and mentorship.
As soon as Adrion’s mom said that they
had no way
to get Adrion
to practices
or games,
his coach
volunteered
to transport
Adrion to and from every practice and
game. It is because of this man’s gener-
osity that Adrion was able to realize his
full athletic and academic potential.
Adrion credits Coach Shelton with
changing his life. As the first in his family
to attend and graduate from college,
Adrion went on to enjoy a very successful
career as a professional athlete. Years
after their first encounter, Adrion
acknowledged the man who had
changed his life, by giving him one
of his coveted Grey Cup rings.
Now a dad living in the GTA, Adrion
supports his children’s participation
in local sport associations, and makes
celebrity appearances where he tells
his tale to reinforce the importance of
volunteerism in our community.
chAngIng lIveS A Few hourS At A tIMe ||| By sarah smith, evolution Gymnastics aurora
226 Industrial Parkway North, Unit 6, Aurora, ON (905) 726-2001www.evolutiongymnastics.ca
Winner of 2011 ERA Banner
Reader’s Choice Award for
Best Gymnastics & Family Fitness!
• Award-winning programs and customer service • Bright, clean, state-of-the-art 11,500 sq. ft. facility • Programs for all ages & abilities. Spacious viewing areas for parents• Full & half day summer, school break, and P.A. day camps• GREAT birthday parties• As
** Winter Holiday Camp dates: December 27, 28, 2012 & January 2, 3, 4, 2013 **
a proud member of Gymnastics Ontario, all our coaches are nationally certified
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 17
SPORT IN AURORA
The Aurora Barbarians junior
men’s program joined the
groundswell of support for the
Olympic version of rugby – “seven-a-
side” play, this fall by participating in
the first annual Ontario competition
featuring club matches for boys and
girls ages fourteen to eighteen.
“The idea was sprung upon the clubs
late in the playing season” explained
program director Sandy Townsend.
“Sevens rugby has attracted a lot of
attention since the announcement of its
inclusion in the Olympic Games starting
in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. Rugby Ontario
has been looking for a way to promote
this version of the game”.
The competition took place over four
weekends in September and October
and featured matches in three locations
in Southern Ontario. The Barbarians
opted to enter two boys’ teams, U-15
and U-16.
“It would have been great to enter all
age and gender categories” declared
Khalil Ajram, coach of the U-16 group.
“But, there were limited resources and
not a lot of time to get organized”.
The Aurora club leveraged use of the
new turf facility at St. Maximilian Kolbe
Catholic School to enter the program.
“Without this field there would be no
program” offered John McRogers,
coach of the U-15 team. “With the lights
and the consistent field conditions we
could assemble the boys after school
and train regardless of darkness or the
weather. It was certainly an advantage
to us”.
Both teams made it to their respective
championship rounds with the U-16s
loosing narrowly in the Cup champion-
ship, while the U-15s prevailed to win
their Plate competition.
Club President John Reich added “It
was a great start to sevens as a regular
competition. I am asked all the time
about what it will mean to have rugby
in the Olympics. I am excited about
showcasing this sport in Aurora. We
have local athletes that could make
an Olympic team in 2016 and coaching
resources that can guide them there.
And now with this impressive facility
we hope to see the pieces fall into
place. I am optimistic we can host a
full 7s competition with teams from
across Ontario here next year”.
rugby 7s ||| story and photos By aurora Barbarians rugby Football club
Position Most Played Forward
Favorite BasketBall teaM Toronto Raptors
Favorite BasketBall Player Chris Bosh
What do you like Most aBout your BasketBall teaM? “ We work together, we have fun. We pass
the ball. We all get along and I like shooting the ball in the net.”
What are the goals you Wish to achieve this year? “ Dribble the ball down the court. Dribble the ball without looking. Get lots of balls in the net.”
Cole DobsonF 10
18 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Who Needs the NhL WheN you have the tigers Midget aa’s?
||| By James Wansbrough
HOCKEY
Another “Home and Home” against Newmarket is now in the books. I want to begin by congratulating all players, coaching
staff and parents for an outstanding weekend. Not only were we successful on the ice but also in our collective fund-
raising efforts which I can attest were very rewarding. I can’t begin to tell you as to how many parents from Newmarket
congratulated our Organization on how we all worked together in efforts to raise as much as we can for Kerry’s Place Autism
Services. It goes without saying that our volunteers did a fantastic job selling 50/50 raffles, BBQ
and pumpkins. Our student volunteers were also extremely busy and, they as well, served our as-
sociation with the utmost respect and dedication to their task on hand and dealing with others.
This year, the AMHA will donate to Kerry’s Place Autism Services a total of $4000.00.
I hope that everyone enjoyed the weekend despite the weather or outcome of your games. We
should all be proud for the weekend that we’ve shared as an Organization, in hopes that our chil-
dren learn how we can involve the playing of the great game of hockey, with another Community
and help a group like Kerry’s Place benefit from the event.
Congratulation also goes out to Newmarket Minor Hockey Association in their fundraising
efforts as they had many donations of non-perishable items which in turn, they donated to their
local food bank.
In closing, I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped make the weekend as successful
and smooth running as it was. The Tiger Jersey will now hang in Newmarket’s office until we battle
again next season. Final Tiger tally: 23 wins, 20 losses and 9 ties.
Another SucceSSful “home And home” SerieS for 2012||| By Joe Bentolila, president, aurora Minor hockey association
An NHL lock-out may be cancelling hockey games
across North America, but the Steel City in
Pennsylvania played host to some exciting early
bird hockey.
The Aurora Tigers Minor Midget AA Team participated
in the Pittsburgh Pre-Season Challenge the weekend of
September 28. The Tigers faced-off against three American
teams and one Canadian team.
In the first game, the Tigers played the Montgomery Blue
Devils from the Washington D.C. area. The game was a fast-
paced, skilled effort by both teams. It wasn’t until the second
period when Adam Newell scored on a power play and Kory
Wansbrough scored on a break-away that the score board
changed. The Tigers finished the game with a 2 – 0 victory
thanks to the excellent goal-tending by Brendan Bilotta.
The Pittsburgh Predators were the next opponent for the
Tigers. The scoring attack started with a penalty shot by Joey
Stipec and the Tigers never looked back. In the end, the Tigers
were the victors in a 5 – 0 game.
The Tri-City Eagles from Maryland were the next to try
their luck against the Tigers. In the end, the Tigers won
the game 4 – 0.
The last game of the round-robin series
found the Tigers facing off against the
other Canadian team, the Toronto
Colts. While the score ended up 2 – 0 in
favor of the Tigers, the game was never in
jeopardy as the Colts only managed three shots on net against
the Tigers.
The undefeated Tigers were then set to play the
Montgomery Blue Devils, their biggest challenge, in the finals.
The game was again a fast-paced, physical match as both
teams wanted to bring home the gold medal. But unlike the
Americans in the Ryder Cup that was being played at the same
time, the Tigers did not fold. The Tigers scored in the first
period with a sniper shot by defenseman Jimmy Abels. Buoyed
up by the success of that shot, Jimmy tried his luck again in the
same period and scored another to give the Tigers a 2 – 0 lead.
The Blue Devils were not about to give up though and rallied
to make it a 2 – 1 game. But late in the third period, Jack Ellison
scored the insurance goal for a 3 – 1 score and Nick Papousek
added an empty-netter for a 4 – 1 final decision.
While the games were exciting offensive displays, it was
largely due to a strong defensive attack and outstanding
goal-tending by Brendan Bilotta who only let in one
shot in five games.
The Tigers wanted to dedicate the tour-
nament victory to Mike Insley, father of
goal-tender Austin Insley, who passed
away in September from cancer. Mike
was a long-time, proud supporter of the
Tigers and will be greatly missed.
18 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 19
HOCKEY
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Today’s young hockey players
continue to have challenges find-
ing the right education system
that allows them to flourish in their
favorite sport. Tournaments are often
scheduled at the same time as exams
and assignment due dates, training
takes up many evenings and week-
ends, travel takes them away from their
support infrastructure and it’s hard to
stay awake long enough to get pesky
homework done.
The elite players, those fortunate to
have been offered opportunities in the
OHL or QMJHL, have even more chal-
lenges as the demands of their seasons
tend to dominate their time schedules
totally, forcing them to abandon school
altogether so that they can pursue
“living their dream”. As has been well
documented, few realize their dream to
become professionals so the educa-
tional sacrifices they had to make along
the way leave them in a challenging
situation when looking past hockey at
new career options for which they are
not adequately prepared.
On-line learning can play a key part
in addressing this issue. It offers an
opportunity to allow for better time
management – going to school when
time permits, in between the hockey,
hockey, hockey. Some school programs
are emerging that combine on-line
learning with in-class learning providing
ambitious hockey students an excellent
chance of succeeding at both sports
and academics. The elite player contin-
ues to learn with their peers while they
also focus near full-time on developing
their hockey skills. Conflicts between
school and tournaments are reduced,
marks go up and the student succeeds
in keeping post-hockey options open.
The public education system will not
likely ever accommodate the life-style
of these kinds of athletes. Although the
technology available for on-line learning
is fast becoming main-stream, it seems
only the more innovative private sports
schools are starting to offer mixed pro-
grams and special semesters for these
elite athletes so that they can learn and
train without conflict, anywhere, any-
time. They allow the classroom to come
to the student so they can achieve
excellence both on and off the ice.
hockey PLayers aNd educatioN||| By stephen pollack, everest academy
Instructor Jim Thomson on-ice with Everest Academy students.
20 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
BASEBALL
AMbA celebrAteS excellence ||| By Javed khan ||| photo courtesy of Daniel langlois
On October 24, 2012,
the Aurora Minor
Baseball Association
(AMBA), celebrated excel-
lence and recognized top
players, coaches, umpires
and volunteers from the
past baseball season.
coNGratulatioNs to the FolloWiNG recipieNts For the 2012 seasoN
house league recipient
Coach of the Year Dan Bortolotti
Junior Rookie Player of the Year Finn Walker
Senior Rookie Player of the Year Jackson Maclean
Mosquito Player of the Year Darius Dynra
Peewee Player of the Year Jonathon Ferguson
Bantam Player of the Year Will Tatham
Midget Player of the Year Greg Milligan
rep recipientCoach of the Year Ian MacKinnon
Rookie Player of the Year Ethan Belisle
Minor Mosquito Player of the Year Andrew Langlois
Mosquito Player of the Year Lucas Lombardi
Minor Peewee Player of the Year Jason Langdon
Peewee Player of the Year Tyler Justice
Minor Bantam Player of the Year Markus Hamann
Bantam Player of the Year Joey Stipec
Minor Midget Player of the Year Matt French
Midget Player of the Year Aaron Giroux
umpires & Volunteers recipientJunior Umpire of the Year Alessandro Bitondo
Senior Umpire of the Year Mark Presacco
Volunteer of the Year Carol Giroux
Volunteer of the Year Tammy Hicks
AurorA DIggerS – wInter trAInIng ||| By Dan hale, chairperson, aurora Diggers ||| photos courtesy of aurora Diggers
While house league
starts in May and
ends in August
the more competitive side
of the Diggers, their rep
teams, go for ten months of
the year. They start working
in November indoors in the
gym and work on catch-
ing and throwing, batting,
and endurance. They also
work on game plays and the
proper coverage of their in-
dividual positions in various
game situations.
The rep team as well as
the house league will have
the opportunity to attend
pitching clinics during the
off-season. One put on within
the guidelines of Softball
Ontario for beginners and
developing pitchers and
another more difficult pro-
gram for the more advanced
pitchers. We are also looking
at an indoor batting facility
for the winter months.
Our teams continue to
improve every year. As an
example this year our midget
team won silver medals in
Port Perry and in the league
playoffs. They also qualified to
play in the provincial playoffs
because of their top eight
finish among all teams in
the province.
Our squirt team devel-
oped from one that other
teams loved to play because
they were guaranteed a win
to one that the other teams
really didn’t want to face
because it was going to be a
tough competition. Our girls
have a reputation for never
giving up and fighting for
the win.
Our sport is growing locally.
Last year we fielded three
rep teams and this year we
will field four. The Aurora
Diggers are recognized
around the province and
our players are known and
respected for their competi-
tiveness, fair play, and pride
they bring onto the field.
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 21
SPORT IN AURORA
I was a fi gure skater for 15
or so years. We all started
as fi gure skaters back in
our days in Huntsville and
my brothers moved on to
hockey. My sister was the
artistic one, and I was the
athletic one. She skated at
a more competitive level
over a longer period of time
and spent summers training
in Toronto at the Tam ‘O
Shanter. By the time I got to
that level Doug Leigh had al-
ready moved from Huntsville
and set up shop in Orillia.
My spring, summer, and falls
were spent on the ice right
at home. Oh the glorious
days riding my bike home in
the summer from Twin Lakes
arena in my skating outfi t…
and sometimes leotards.
Coach Doug was a master
technician. He had all the
technology and gadgets
long before anyone had
started thinking in that way.
He brought to fi gure skating
what Roger Neilson brought
to hockey. In our 15 minute
sessions, he would fi lm
various elements and then
run them in slow-motion,
reverse-motion, back and
forth, give correction and
repeat. It’s incredible how
you can speed up the
learning process when you
give good visuals. The way
it feels vs. the way it looks
can be miles apart.
Doug was all business on
the ice. He wanted kids to
achieve and he knew how
to push the right buttons.
I think I frustrated him at
times though. There would
be times he would stand in
front of me and practically
jump up and down and yell
trying to get some emotion
to come out and I was so
stubborn I refused to let him
see any. He wanted to know
that he was getting through,
and I wanted to let him know
he wasn’t ‘getting’ to me. He
was “hard-core” and we all
knew how to work hard.
But the real genius, and
the greatest lesson I took
from Coach Doug came
during competition. Coach
Doug would typically have
several skaters competing
on any given day of compe-
tition, but when it was your
event, he’d be right there;
calm, cool, encouraging,
and in that moment, I was
invincible. In competition,
unlike others, I could lay it
all out there. I became a
different person for those
3-4 minutes.
When I train coaches now,
I often relay my personal ath-
lete experiences to others.
So often I see such extreme
behaviours on the sidelines
in competition, and despite
what coaches think, athletes
rarely react positively to it.
Practice is for extreme behav-
iour, working through the ups
and downs, learning to be
consistent, understanding
details, dealing with challenge,
preparing for the unexpected.
When everyone is confi dent
in their preparation, competi-
tion is just execution… and
athletes become invincible.
Joanne Stanga is currently
the Director for the Women’s
National Team Programs
for the Canadian Lacrosse
Association and is an NCCP
Master Learning Facilitator
-Women’s Field Lacrosse
as well as a Women’s
Competitions Committee
Member for the Federation
of International Lacrosse.
She is a former Coach of
both our Canadian Women’s
U19 National Team and the
Women’s Provincial Junior
Team. Joanne is a former
and current athlete and has
worked locally in Aurora for
the last 25 years.
iNviNciBLe||| By Joanne stanga
Invincible: in·vin·ci·ble/ adjective – “incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued.”
coNGratulatioNs to the FolloWiNG recipieNts For the 2012 seasoN
house league recipient
Coach of the Year Dan Bortolotti
Junior Rookie Player of the Year Finn Walker
Senior Rookie Player of the Year Jackson Maclean
Mosquito Player of the Year Darius Dynra
Peewee Player of the Year Jonathon Ferguson
Bantam Player of the Year Will Tatham
Midget Player of the Year Greg Milligan
rep recipientCoach of the Year Ian MacKinnon
Rookie Player of the Year Ethan Belisle
Minor Mosquito Player of the Year Andrew Langlois
Mosquito Player of the Year Lucas Lombardi
Minor Peewee Player of the Year Jason Langdon
Peewee Player of the Year Tyler Justice
Minor Bantam Player of the Year Markus Hamann
Bantam Player of the Year Joey Stipec
Minor Midget Player of the Year Matt French
Midget Player of the Year Aaron Giroux
umpires & Volunteers recipientJunior Umpire of the Year Alessandro Bitondo
Senior Umpire of the Year Mark Presacco
Volunteer of the Year Carol Giroux
Volunteer of the Year Tammy Hicks
andrew BlaireSince Andrew joined the
Special Ducks a couple of
years ago he has nearly
mastered the deep water.
He now can easily swim
many lengths without any
assistance from his coach-
es. Way to go, Andrew!
sean VeinoWhen Sean started with
the Special Ducks he was
very uncomfortable put-
ting his face in the water,
but now one of his favou-
rite things to do is to play
underwater games with
his coaches. Who knows…
maybe he’ll compete at
a swim meet with the
Special Ducks soon?
By nature it’s not a quality i ever feel instinctively…
but there have been moments.
22 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
S.A.C.
A student new to St. Andrew’s College this year is
making a name for himself in the classroom, on
the stage, and especially on the playing field.
Chris Merchant, 17, arrived from Calgary in September and
the 6’2”, 175-pound quarterback is gaining attention across the
league. “He’s a brilliant athlete who can do it all,” says David
Grossman of Sportsnet590, The Fan, who was on hand Nov.
7 as Chris led the Varsity Football Saints to a Conference of
Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) victory
and an undefeated season.
Perseverance is Chris’s key to success. In the championship
game, he brought the Saints from behind in the fourth quarter
to give them a 21-14 win over arch-rivals Upper Canada
College. “It was the best feeling in the world,” Chris says of
winning. “Words can’t even describe it.” It has been Chris’s
dream to win a championship, and for the grade 11 student,
it has come true.
“Chris epitomizes the very best attributes of our football
program,” says Head Coach, Len Gurr. “He is a tremendous
leader and teammate, and one of the most talented quarter-
backs in the entire country.” He is also academically strong,
with a grade average of 90 percent.
“What makes Chris special is his unrelenting drive to be
great,” continues Gurr. “He’s at his best when the game is on
the line, and he has a unique ability to elevate the play of those
around him.”
Chris was also a cast member in the School’s fall play,
Crazy For You. “Chris is a great kid. Such a talent,” says head
of drama and play director, William Scoular. “He runs off the
field and onto the stage,” Scoular says of the Varsity Football
player who dances, sings and acts. “He is an amazing actor
too [and] could be a lead next year.”
Chris is hoping to parlay all his skills to an Ivy League
university in 2014. He wants to do it all – have a career in
kinesiology or psychology and play football. “If I could play
at any professional level, I’d be happy,” he explains, “I’m willing
to go wherever life takes me.”
chriS merchAnt: Athlete, Actor, ScholAr||| By Nicolette Fleming, st. andrew’s college
||| photos by paul Mosey
Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne ||| 23
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tion to keep you warm, dry and comfortable, plus all the latest styles and
fashions. Follow our guidelines below then dress in layers with heavier outer
layers for rain, snow or high winds. It’s crucial to check the thermometer before you
leave and consider these four crucial areas when deciding what to wear: your head,
torso, hands and feet. Wear slightly lighter clothing, yet be prepared for colder temps
on open roads and descents by carrying a vest or jacket. Whether you’re commuting
to work, training for the upcoming season or can’t bear the thought of being off your
bike for more than a few days, there are plenty of reasons to ride through the winter,
and our advice will help you brave the cold, windchill and snow while you stay fit for
the spring.
CYCLING
BikeSportS Winter tip!
WhAt to WeAr for Winter ridinG!||| By Bike sports, aurora and Newmarket
24 ||| Sport In AurorA MAgAzIne
Your son. Our mission.
When he opens the door to St. Andrew’s College, he opens his mind to a world of possibilities. Since 1899 we have provided enriched academics, unparalleled athletics, and dynamic arts programs resulting in strong, independent and intelligent young men.
Discover why SAC is the right place for your son.
905.727.3178 • [email protected] boarding and day school for boys grades 5-12.
Open House • Saturday, January 19, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Experience SAC Day • Wednesday, Februrary 13, 9:30am - 12:30pm
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