sport in aurora vol. 2 issue 1

Volume 2 ||| Issue 1

VILLANOVA KNIGHTS BASKETBALL COMPLETES HISTORIC SUCCESSFUL SEASON PG30

AURORA COMMUNITY TENNIS CLUB PG9

PLUS

HOCKEY AMHA Minor Midget “A” An Unforgettable Year

RUGBY Aurora Barbs “Rising Star” Credits Local Experience

GYMNASTICS Kieran Sutch – All-Around Gold in Men’s Gymnastics

AND MUCH MORE

HELPING KIDS GET A

PG8JUMPSTART

CHASING A

DREAM PETER McCLELLAND Canada’s Olympic Hopeful

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.

For our open house schedule and a glimpse into what an education with balance is all about, please visit our website.

Education With Balance

13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca

CDS InSport.indd 1 12-03-28 12:59 PM

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.

For our open house schedule and a glimpse into what an education with balance is all about, please visit our website.

Education With Balance

13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario 905.833.1220 [email protected] www.cds.on.ca

CDS InSport.indd 1 12-03-28 12:59 PM

05 Editor’s Note

06 From the Director of Parks and Recreation

08 Helping Kids get a Jumpstart

09 Pickle Ball Play-Offs

09 Aurora Community Tennis Club Eyes the Future

10 CDS Cyclone U14 Hockey Team Skates to CISAA Division II Championship Win!

11 Aurora Jay Meets Toronto Blue Jay

11 Aurora Diggers Squirt Fast-Pitch

12 An Unforgettable Year for Minor Midget “A”

12 Minor Atom Tigers Complete Successful Season

15 Opti Hockey Finishes the 2012 season

15 Athlete Profile – Figure Skating

14 Aurora Women Pull Out Win for the Homeless

14 We Raise Our Sticks to You!

16 Chasing a Dream

18 Aurora Special Dunks 2011-2012 Season Update

19 Aurora Ducks Paralympics Bound

20 Kieran Sutch, Men’s Artistic Gymnast

21 The Benefits of Staying Fit, Healthy and Happy

22 Aurora Master Duck Founder Accepts Post at Masters Swimming Canada

23 Ducks Ready for the Summer Season

24 Rising Rugby Star Credits Local Experience

25 Off-Season Training: The Key to Rugby Success

25 Baseball and the Rotator Cuff

26 CDS Cyclone Dome Opens!

27 The Ultimate Experience

28 Choosing the Right Bike This Spring!

29 Multiple Championships for St. Andrew’s Sports Teams

30 Villanova Knights Basketball Completes Historic Successful Season

08

09

20

30

contents

Cover photo by Kevin Light Photography – PETER McCLELLAND – Elk Lake

16


March/April 2012 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

PUBLISHERInsport Media & Publications Inc.

EDITORRon Weese – Sport Aurora E-mail [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF SALESLaurie MuellerPhone 905.713.5027 E-mail [email protected]

SALES REPRESENTATIVEDavid MacDougallPhone 905.716.1967 E-mail [email protected]

ART DIRECTORFranco Di Tomasso

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONSport Aurora Members Judy Coultes-MacLeodTown of Aurora Paul LamannaJoshy Kallungal Karen McLeodDan Hale Jaclyn BlackJim Thomson Sarah SmithMelony Teague Jana MontgomerySimone Garcia Dr. Carey AveryTamara VanBakel Doug AdairAdrian Marples Len GurrDerek Alexander

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


AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE OLYMPICS

It is even more exciting when you know someone who is an Olympian or some-one who is committing their life to this dream. Such a guy is our cover story, Peter McClelland. Peter is an Aurora boy who is counted amongst the best row-ers, not only in Canada, but the World, because of Canada’s “standing” in the sport. Peter’s story is a unique one and I urge you to read it for some inspiration.

Aurora has other Olympic hopefuls. Just the weekend before this publica-tion went to print we learned that Ducks Swimmer, Summer Mortimer, broke a World record at Trials and is off to the Paralympic Event in London, accompa-nied by her coach Reg Chappell. Last is-sue we covered Sarah Peirce and, since then, she has placed second in Canada in her sprint event. I have asked her broth-er Dr. Michael Peirce to keep us posted there as well.

Small Town Aurora…and such talent-ed athletes. My guess there are more we

don’t even know about, but we will learn and bring their stories to you.

Sport Aurora Projects are Coming TogetherSport Aurora has been busy with a number of important sport projects and many have progressed significantly. The Breakfast of Champions Event is now scheduled for October 21st at “The Mansion” and we will be sure to cover the Awards Ceremony. At recent count, almost two hundred Provincial and National Champions that play in Aurora will be celebrated and congratulated that day. In November, we will once again hold the Volunteer Recognition Event, where the best of Aurora’s Sport Volunteers will be honoured for their contributions. And just as we distrib-ute this issue we have offered the first Women in Coaching Course designed to swell the coaching ranks with women who want to be a part of the sport lives of

kids. Finally, the Sport Hall of Fame is moving ever so cautiously, but steadily, towards the production of a Feasibility Study that we hope will result in the Aurora Sport Hall of Fame sometime in the near future.

Before you read on…I ask that ev-eryone consider May 26th, which is Jumpstart Day, not only in Aurora, but all across Canada. The Jumpstart infor-mation inside (page 8) will tell you not only why you should participate, but how you can make a difference in a child’s life as well.

Spring is here so enjoy what amateur sport in Aurora has to offer!

Ron Weese Editor, Sport in Aurora Magazine

editor’s note

I don’t think there is anything that is more exciting, nothing that holds the collective attention of the World, like the Summer Olympic Games. And while we all like the Winter Games here in Canada, (for obvious reasons) the Summer Games are such an important global event. We are just a few months away now from opening ceremonies, but eyes are now turning to this quadrennial celebration of sport.


Youth Centre in Final StagesAfter months of comprehensive

planning, a new youth centre for The Town of Aurora is in the

final stages of approval. Aurora Town Council now has the opportunity to re-view options for several different loca-tions and facility designs.

The creation of a youth centre was one of several recommendations in the Youth Needs Analysis report, completed in October 2010. The Report suggested more drop-in, leadership, specialty and summer programs to engage youth in ad-ditional recreational activities.

The Town currently provides approxi-mately 38 hours of youth programming each week in 20 locations at 11 different facilities. The addition of a youth centre would provide a great deal of flexibility with existing programs as well as sup-port for new ones.

There are a number of youth centre options available for Council consider-ation, including:

• Re-purposing the existing fitness fa-cility at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and relocating the fit-ness facility to the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex

• Building an addition to the Aurora Family Leisure Complex

• Building an addition to the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex

• Locating the new centre on the second floor of the Aurora Community Centre

• Developing a site near Yonge Street and Wellington Street as part of a Public/Private Partnership

• Leasing or purchasing the Foodland facility at Orchard Heights Boulevard

All of the options provide easy accessibil-ity via public transit, with each provid-ing different benefits.

Council is expected to narrow the se-lection to two options and make a final determination following an analysis of costs for each option.

Please read the next edition of Sport in Aurora magazine to see to see how this exciting project is moving ahead.

This summer, enrol your child in a Town of Aurora Summer Camp!

Our camps are well-planned, creative and an enthusiastic place for your child to spend their summer days. The Town of Aurora’s qualifi ed staff is committed to preparing safe and enjoyable programs to ensure all children have a summer fi lled with friends, fun and laughter!

Through all of our camps, your child will be encouraged to learn, experience new things, be creative, co-operative, confi dent and independent.

With more than 30 camps to choose from, your child can spend the summer exploring their interests and developing their talents. There is a camp for every child!

Our camps include:Adventure Camp• Art Express• Conservation Kids Camp• Junior Chef Cooking Camp• Kinder Kamp• LIT, CIT and Youth Day Trips• Super Sports Aurora• Super Swimmers • Technology Camps• Theatre and Dance Camps• Tots of Fun• Wacky Science Adventure Camp•

Our camps feature:Programming for children ages 3 to 14 years• Swimming, skating and day trips*• A welcoming environment for children with special needs• Staff who are fully certifi ed in standard fi rst aid, • CPR-C and AODAExtended-care before and after camp•

* Selected camps only. Camp day trips are within a one-hour bus ride from Aurora

Town of AuroraDepartment of Parks & Recreation Services100 John West WayAurora, Ontario L4G 6J1www.aurora.ca/summercamps

Call 905-841-PLAY(7529) or visitwww.aurora.ca/summercampsfor more information.

Join us this summer!

NEW!

NEW!NEW!

NEW!

Al Downey Director, Parks and Recreation Services

Town of AuroraUpcoming Special Events

Aurora Art Show and Sale Saturday, May 5 to Sunday, May 6 Aurora Town Hall Each spring, The Town of Aurora and the Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA) hosts a juried art show and sale at Aurora Town Hall. Admission is free!

Aurora’s Adrenaline Rush Sunday, June 17Lambert Willson Park and Sheppards’ Bush Athletic enthusiasts are invited to this physical challenge that includes a 5 km run with mud-hurling “rush stops”. This event is geared to those who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty! Pre-registration is required.

Celebrate Canada Saturday, June 30 to Sunday, July 1The Town of Aurora celebrates Canada Day in style every year. The fun starts on June 30 at Town Park with the popular “Dance in the Park” event. The celebration continues on July 1 with a Canada Day Parade travelling south on Yonge Street, followed by a celebration at Lambert Willson Park. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display!

Doors Open Aurora Saturday, July 14This free event offers the public a rare opportunity to explore sites of historical interest, many of which are not normally open to the public. Participants are able to tour buildings, take guided walking tours and view special exhibits and displays. For more information about Doors Open Aurora, please call 905-727-3123 ext. 4351.

To register or 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

NEW!

This summer, enrol your child in a Town of Aurora Summer Camp!

Our camps are well-planned, creative and an enthusiastic place for your child to spend their summer days. The Town of Aurora’s qualifi ed staff is committed to preparing safe and enjoyable programs to ensure all children have a summer fi lled with friends, fun and laughter!

Through all of our camps, your child will be encouraged to learn, experience new things, be creative, co-operative, confi dent and independent.

With more than 30 camps to choose from, your child can spend the summer exploring their interests and developing their talents. There is a camp for every child!

Our camps include:Adventure Camp• Art Express• Conservation Kids Camp• Junior Chef Cooking Camp• Kinder Kamp• LIT, CIT and Youth Day Trips• Super Sports Aurora• Super Swimmers • Technology Camps• Theatre and Dance Camps• Tots of Fun• Wacky Science Adventure Camp•

Our camps feature:Programming for children ages 3 to 14 years• Swimming, skating and day trips*• A welcoming environment for children with special needs• Staff who are fully certifi ed in standard fi rst aid, • CPR-C and AODAExtended-care before and after camp•

* Selected camps only. Camp day trips are within a one-hour bus ride from Aurora

Town of AuroraDepartment of Parks & Recreation Services100 John West WayAurora, Ontario L4G 6J1www.aurora.ca/summercamps

Call 905-841-PLAY(7529) or visitwww.aurora.ca/summercampsfor more information.

Join us this summer!

NEW!

NEW!NEW!

NEW!


HELPING KIDS GET A

Jumpstart

Did you know that one in three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their children in sport and recreation activities because of financial barriers? (Ipsos-Reid,

2011). That means that many kids are missing out and sitting on the sidelines not being able to play. Canadian Tire Jumpstart along with organizations like Sport Aurora help to remove barriers, so children can participate in organized sport and recreation. Jumpstart believes it is equipping kids for life as participation in organized sport and recreation increases a child’s chance for success. The kids have a chance to discover and participate. They gain self-confidence. They develop self-esteem. They learn leadership skills. Their lives become richer.

Jumpstart charity has a unique model which consists of an extensive, national network of more than 310 local chapters. Chapter members are volunteers who are committed to help-

ing get kids active and healthy- Sport Aurora is a current local chapter partner. Sport Aurora works together with its sports organizations to discreetly identify children in the greatest financial need looking to participate in organized sport and recreational activities. Canadian Tire Jumpstart then covers registration, equipment and/or transportation costs to help them participate in a sport or recreational activity of their choice.

Since our launch in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given 417,835 kids across Canada the chance to play and helped many kids in Aurora.

One of our most exciting and important days of the year is Saturday, May 26th, Jumpstart Day. If you or your family is free you should come be a part of this amazing event to help the kids from your local community. 100% of your donation will go back into Aurora. On Jumpstart Day, most Canadian Tire stores will have a day filled with fun activities and draws to help raise money for their local community. Last year this one day helped 30,000 children get off the sidelines and into the game.

A variety of different fun and free events take place at Canadian Tire stores in your Community including balloon pop events where you have the chance to win free prizes, table top hockey tournaments, free car wash’s and bbq’s. Check out your local Canadian Tire store to see how you can participate!

For further information about the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program check us out on the Sports Aurora website:http://www.sportaurora.ca/Admin/SideMenu/10006.aspx?TopMenuID=10006

Donate today JUMP

www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstartor text to 45678 to donate $5

Help us help kids play.Your support stays in your community.

at

Jumpstart changes that.can’t afford organized sports for their kids.1 in 3 Canadian families

R130.116 CTJS Generic Ad - 7” x 2”

Donate today JUMP

www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstartor text to 45678 to donate $5

Help us help kids play.Your support stays in your community.

at

Jumpstart changes that.can’t afford organized sports for their kids.1 in 3 Canadian families

R130.116 CTJS Generic Ad - 7” x 2”


TENNIS

PICKLE BALL PLAY-OFFS AT THE AURORA SENIORS’ CENTRE

||| By Joshy Kallungal

After 10 days (over a 5 week period) of

round Robin pickle ball play at the Aurora

Seniors Centre, the top eight players were

selected for the Playoffs. The Playoff was

combined with a potluck social event and

was participated in by several members

from ASA and pickle ball players. The list

of winners are listed below:

Championship Winners:

Minoo Sedighi Nejad & Aghdas Akhavan

Finalists: Harry Basil & Charles Sequiera

Consolation Championship Winner:

Joanne Keates & Neil Pemberton

Consolation Finalists:

Sue Wilding & Annette Gagne

Prizes and Certificates were awarded to the

eight players following the playoffs. Everyone

enjoyed the excellent potluck refreshments

while watching the competitive matches.

A total of four matches (each the best of

three games) were played to determine the

championship standings of the playoffs.

In a boldly-titled video presenta-tion (see online at auroratennis.ca) the ACTC Board of Directors are

presenting their vision for a multi-use, all season, cost effective “playhouse” situated at Fleury Park. The first stage calls for an additional two courts to be added at Fleury Park. The ACTC’s pri-mary goal is to have access to these covered courts when inclement weather interferes with their tennis programs at McMahon Park (opened 1937).

According to Brent MacKinnon, ACTC Board President, “The plan is based on a foundation of cost effective factors including making use of an existing “fallow” recreational asset to provide 12 months of uninterrupted usage for multiple recreation & cultural activities

such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis, an alternate site for the Rib Fest, the Jazz Festival, and even movies in the Park”

“The unique structural design of the proposed facility includes open side-walls that address flood plain concerns in the area. In this central location ample parking is available and is also close to bus lines and four schools” he continued. “There is great potential to re-vitalize the downtown core without congesting the Yonge/Wellington inter-section”, he added.

What’s best about the plan from Brent’s perspective is that existing Town assets are developed rather than build-ing new facilities from scratch.

AURORA COMMUNITY TENNIS CLUB EYES THE FUTURE

Organized tennis prOgrams fOr beginner tO advanced levels:• House leagues • intercounty teams • tournaments • socials

Qualified club prOfessiOnal prOvides:• private lessons • instruction clinics • children’s programs

fees:•adult: $80 • couple: $130 •family: $145 •Junior: $35

SeaSon open from april to September

facility features:• 3 lighted courts with cushioned surface • renovated club house with deck and shade awning• rebound Wall • ball machine

Located at historic McMahon Park(MaPLe & FLeury st.)

Provided in PartnershiP with the town of aurora, aCtC is a self-sustaining, non-Profit Community organization dediCated to affordable tennis Programs to PeoPle of all ages and abilities.

fOr mOre infOrmatiOn and tO register Online, visit www.auroratennis.ca•905-727-3719


On Wednesday, February 29th, with unbridled team spirit and incredible skill, The Country

Day School (CDS) U14 Hockey Team advanced to the finals with Ridley College in the 2011-12 CISAA Division II Hockey Championships.

In the championship game, CDS came storming out of the gate with James Wyndham-West (King) splitting Ridley’s defense and firing on net. Beau Binnie (Gormley) crashed the net, and lit the lamp 8 seconds into the game. Throughout, the scoring went back and forth with CDS taking a 4-3 lead with 6 minutes remaining in the final period. Ridley tied it up with 4 minutes on the clock. Baylee Wise (King) provided solid goalkeeping – making big, momentum-changing saves at key points of the game.

As the two teams battled for puck possession and scoring chances over the final 4 minutes, CDS’s relentless pressure was finally rewarded. Victor Mete (Woodbridge) forced a neutral zone turnover, skated in unopposed and lit the lamp with only 25 ticks remaining on the clock to earn CDS the victory and the championship.

One of The Country Day School’s eight guiding principles is to Advocate Fitness for Life, encouraging its students to take part in physical activities, whether competitive or recreational, in order to

promote good health, sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance or simply to achieve personal goals.

US SCHOOLS COME CALLING FOR CDSEach spring, universities from across the globe start to ramp up their offers of admission. Often, these offers to institutions of higher learning also include an invitation to play on one of the university’s athletic teams. A number of The Country Day School’s soon-to-be grads have already heard the good news from universities near and far, includ-ing Kate Martini ’12 (King) who will be attending Yale University and playing for the Yale Bulldogs Women’s Hockey Team this fall. Bennett Jull ’12 (Schomberg) recently signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to attend Robert Morris University on a full scholar-ship. RMU is a small, private university in suburban Pittsburgh and is home to a top-notch business school. In addition to hitting the business books, the NLI is Bennett’s commitment to the school’s NCAA Division I Soccer program, play-ing for RMU’s Colonials.

CDS CYCLONE U14 HOCKEY TEAMSKATES TO CISAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP WIN!

CDS



On my family vacation in Florida I had a chance to watch our be-loved Toronto Blue Jays. I want

to share my story with you.On Saturday March 8th I went to see

the Toronto Blue Jays vs. the Houston Astros. It was cool seeing Brett Lawrie, Edwin Encarnacion and Rajai Davis play right in front of me. We sat 5 rows up from home plate! During one of the innings I noticed Alex Anthopoluos just sitting a few seats away! I was so happy and excited! I also couldn’t believe he was sitting so close to me. Just to let you know, he is the Blue Jays General

Manager and Senior Vice-President. All I know is that he’s the guy who selects the players to be on the team.

Also, there were 7 scouts sitting beside me! There was one scout from the 2011 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals! During the 7th inning stretch I went to meet Alex Anthopoluos! I took a

photo with him and got him to sign my baseball! The game was great, the Blue Jays won 11-2! After the game when we went to wait a near the Blue Jays dugout and the home plate umpire gave me the game ball! I was so excited !

My dad was just sitting there when a lady went and sat beside him. They started talking and I couldn’t believe who she was! She was Anthony Gose’s

stepmom! He played for the Blue Jays in that game! She said she was also taking Travis D Arnud, the Blue Jay’s catcher to the hotel! She went down to the seats with me and she got Anthony Gose and Travis D Arnud to sign my baseball too!

The best base-ball game ever I’ve been to!

AURORA DIGGERS SQUIRT FAST-PITCH||| By Dan Hale, Squirt CoachFor some of us the ball season is just starting but for the Aurora Diggers squirt team it’s been ongoing since January as they’ve been meeting in the gym to practice their skills and work on conditioning.

It was supposed to be an easy year for me with my daughter only playing on weekends this season. But in September I was asked to help with the team tryouts and met this great group of squirt girls and they had me hooked. They were so eager to learn and so dedicated to their sport that I just had to volunteer to coach them. So I’ll go to my daughter’s games on weekends and coach these girls during the week.

The Aurora Diggers offer a girls House-League which is a lot of fun and teaches skill development to players. They play locally and have a blast. The squirt rep. team is the next level. These are girls that have a better skill set and play fast-pitch softball. They play very competitive teams from different towns and represent the town of Aurora in League and Tournament play.

The girls have worked very hard in the gym and are itching to get out on the field where they can expand workouts to include fly balls and other things that just can’t be practiced in a confined space like the gym.

Starting in May, Thursday nights at Fluery Park will be very entertaining with the squirt team playing at 6:30 and the midget team playing at 8:30. Come on out to watch!

E

AURORA JAY MEETS TORONTO BLUE JAY||| By Adam Khan


BASEBALL


AN UNFORGETTABLE YEAR FOR MINOR MIDGET “A”||| By Coach Jim Thomson

MINOR ATOM TIGERS COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL SEASON ||| By Judy Coultes-MacLeod

I knew that moving to Aurora Hockey was going to be an exciting time for me. I took over a team that

finished in 8th place the previous season so I knew there would be challenges but opportunities as well.

As the season started, I realized I had a special group of players as well as the best parent group I’ve ever experienced. When the season was over we had fin-ished in first place in our League as well as being ranked in the top 3 teams in Ontario. What a huge achievement for these young men.

Silver Stick TriumphOur first goal was to play well at the Silver Stick qualifier in Owen Sound. We beat Oshawa in the final that gave us the opportunity to play against the best teams throughout North America in the 2012 Silver Stick tournament in Newmarket.

In Newmarket we went undefeated and played London in the finals. Everyone thought they were the team to beat. It

turns out our team was the “team to beat” because we won with a final score of 1-0. I can truthfully say that in all the games I have been involved in over my career this was right up there for excitement and satisfaction. This includes when I played game seven with the L.A. Kings against Toronto to advance to the Stanley Cup finals!

What I will remember most from this amazing year will be our great group of players and parents and also how I was

blown away from my experience with Aurora Minor Hockey. It is by far the best Organization I have been involved with and I have coached for 20 years. Aurora Minor Hockey Association and all players and parents involved are a pleasure to work with. Thank you for a year I will never forget.

For more information about Jim Thomson, please visit his web site at http://www.jimthomsonsdreams.com

The Minor Atom AE Tigers won the 2012 Stouffville Clippers Year-Ender-Bender Tournament held over the March 30th to

April 1st weekend. The Tigers were up against their familiar rivals from Stouffville, Newmarket and Georgina. The team went 3-0 in round robin play, out-scoring their opponents 11-3. In the champion-ship game, the Tigers faced the Georgina Blaze, a team never to be underestimated. The Tigers domi-nated the game from start to finish, out-shooting the Blaze 28-5. In the end, the Tigers won 2-1 to take home the championship! The boys played hard throughout the tournament, showcasing their “team play” mentality that they have been devel-oping all season long. This was the second tourna-ment win this year and the coaches and parents are very proud of the team’s accomplishments! Do it again Tigers, do it again!!

HOCKEY


OPTI HOCKEY FINISHES THE 2012 SEASON||| By Paul Lamanna

While the 2011-2012 Aurora Optimist Hockey Season has come to a close, the love of the

game, the friendships developed and the skills and confidence gained will con-tinue. This past winter was made all the more special by the tremendous work of the volunteer coaches, the support of the parents and the effort and joy from the players that participated. This past season demonstrated so much of what is great about the game of hockey and how it brought out the best in our community. The program continued to grow this past year with 12 teams of 22 players partici-pating and hopes to build on this success for many years to come.

The 2012-2013 registration will open in early April 2012. We encourage all interested to visit the website at: http://www.auroraoptihockey.ca/

Opti Hockey is an ice hockey skill develop-ment program for girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 6 years old. Children born in 2006/2007 are eligible to register for the 2012/2013 season. Any children wish-ing to play who are born in 2008 must go on a waiting list until August 31st, 2012, at which time if the program is not full they will have the opportunity to register. Opti Hockey runs from the September 22th, 2012 until March 24th, 2013 with some exclusions. Practices are one hour on Saturday between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00am (rotating schedule). Games are on Sundays between 7:15am and 12:15 pm, again with a rotating schedule. The first six weeks are dedicated to prac-tices exclusively. Half ice, non competitive, game play begins in November and full ice play begins in February.

ATHLETE PROFILE – FIGURE SKATINGLauren Cooper has been skating since the age of 3. She progressed quickly through CanSkate and StarSkate, Skate Canada Programs. By the age of 14 Lauren was competing at Novice and Junior levels all while maintaining hon-ours at school. Lauren has competed at the Provincial level now for over 4 years.

In 2009 Lauren won a qualifier that enabled her to attend a National event

in Fredericton in the Gold Triathlon event. This was the last year for a National event for Triathlon.

This year at Central Ontario Sectionals, Lauren won 1st to qualify for Provincials in North Bay. She had great success and won 3rd in the Gold Triathlon for the Province.

Lauren has worked hard to achieve her goals and attributes her success to the support and training from her coaches Blair and Andy Klein of the Aurora Skating Club. Many times they have forsaken personal family time in order to lead Lauren through training and accompany her for out-of-town competitions.

In addition, for the past 5 summers, Lauren has been a cast member of the Figure Skating Show at Canada’s Wonderland.

Lauren has recently graduated from University of Western Ontario with an Honours degree in Science (Biology) and in September she will be pursuing a 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic Degree in Toronto. The Aurora Skating Club is very proud of Lauren and wishes her great success on and off the ice.


This season a number of our local hockey moms accepted the chal-lenge of being the first female

teams to play in the Toronto region’s HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS (HHTH) Fantasy tournament in its 14 year history. Our region was the test site for gauging the success of includ-ing women’s recreational teams and the CWHL (aka the female equivalent to the NHL) into this national one day event. These tournaments held in all NHL centres across Canada give men and women the opportunity to play with greats such as Steve Thomas and Gillian Apps to bring awareness and support to the homeless in our communities. Here’s what some of our Aurora moms had to say about their day on the ice:

“I had the opportunity to play defence with Team Finland member and Olympic Bronze medalist Annina Rajahuta. They say that great players are those that make their teammates better, and that she did. Finni, as we called her, made my bloopers, gaffs, and mis-plays look, maybe not like TSN high-lights, but at least not embarrassing. With the confidence of knowing I had an Olympic champion behind me I jumped into the slot, scooped up a loose puck and scored on a CWHL and Team Canada goaltender. No matter where my waning hockey career takes me I have that moment to share with, well honestly, anyone who will listen… and it gets better every time I tell it.” – Heather Morning

“I felt like a pro walking into the dress-ing room with my hockey buds seeing a line of pro-style jerseys hanging shoulder to shoulder personalized with our names. The whole day was very well organized and so much fun! I am looking forward to playing in this tournament with the same team next year!” – Val Ashfield

“A Bucket-List kind of day. Playing with Dupuis, Apps, and Bendus, it just doesn’t get any better than playing hockey with the Pros!” – Sabrina Schuetze

“HHTH reaches out to people that truly need help and aids in that critical transition

from living on the streets to integrating back into a home life. I feel extremely fortu-nate to have a loving, supportive family and a warm home. Homelessness is a complex issue but I am hopeful that we were able to make somebody’s life a bit easier and stable.” – Lynn Pavlik

“ I felt privileged to be a part of the hard working volunteer committee who put this tournament together to support homeless outreach programs here such as Belinda’s place and Inn From The Cold. And I couldn’t have been prouder of my hockey sisters who jumped into the game at the Magna Centre to fundraise and play their hearts out with our men’s rec teams making our local tournament the most successful of the seven across the country this year. Ladies, we made the cut!”

Karen MacLeod organizes and champi-ons NeverTooLate Hockey development while Heather Morning transforms the brave and the enthusiastic into formida-ble recreational hockey players. To learn more contact Karen www.ntlhockey.com or call 905 841-3299

AURORA WOMEN PULL OUT WIN FOR THE HOMELESS||| By Karen McLeod

WE RAISE OUR STICKS TO YOU!||| By Karen McLeod

Congratulations to the PerSisters who skated away with the Division 2 CYGA Senior Recreational Championship title on Sunday March 25th. Bravery, enthusiasm, coach-ing, and a unified belief that it’s never too late to learn the great Canadian game have lifted these hockey moms from out of the stands, onto the fast, hard ice, and now up to the great podium. Eleven out of fifteen skaters on this team never thought they would ever play hockey let alone win their league championship title in their third year on skates. They’ve come a long way from the time they stepped out onto the daunting ice that first Tuesday morning and we couldn’t be prouder.

Back Row: Sue W, Cathy S, Cindy F, Nancy J, Dorothy H, Paula J, Judy M, Ann BCentre Row: Sue H, Harther M, Flo P, Karen T, Michelle CFront Row: Cheryl B, Katie BMIA: Lynn P, Kathryn B

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I walked into the local coffee shop looking for Peter McClelland. I had never met him. I knew him only by

reputation. I read in the local paper how Peter was rowing at the Pan American Games and wondered how a kid from land-locked Aurora became such a world-class force in rowing a boat. I walked up to the tallest guy in line for a coffee. I watched him order a juice. I knew I had my man.

Twenty-eight years old, 6 foot 3 inches tall, 215 lbs., Peter McClelland stands out in any crowd. But he also stands out as a member of Canada’s Olympic rowing hopefuls. He is humble as many high-performers are. He tells me he is actually one of the smallest guys in the Olympic rowing selection camp!

His story is what interests me and I get a few pages of his life. I hear about his Dad, Ian, wanting…no, insisting, that he play hockey (just like most Dad’s in Canada I guess). After what he describes as an “epic” fight not to play, he eventually played and loved the game. He claims he was average. I also hear about his high school multi-sport involvement at St. Andrew’s College where he was a “jack-of-all trades” playing Football, Lacrosse, Hockey and Cross-Country, and where he actually found some excitement and success in middle distance running. He began to excel under the guidance of Coach Nick Tsioros at St. Andrew’s and thought his future was in track.

What he describes as a tragic but “big” moment in his career happened while walking home with friends one evening in the summer after his Grade 11 year. A car ran up on the sidewalk, hit a pole, the pole snapped, hit him and broke his leg. A year of rehab ended his dream of a track scholarship.

That’s when things changed. A close St. Andrew’s friend, Nick Weedon, and Nick’s father Greg, suggested at gradu-ation that he consider rowing when he went to school at the University of Western Ontario. There, he met Volker Nolte, a legendary coach in Canadian Rowing. In Peter’s freshman year, even though he knew little about the sport, he was identified for his talent and physical ability. During his years at UWO he was a part of a team that won the 1st ever Canadian University Rowing Championships for Western. He also was named Canadian University Rower of the Year in 2006 for his accomplishments. He rowed at the Royal Henley Regatta in England in 2008 and won the collegiate eight’s division with Western. Oh yes…he also achieved his Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology while studying there.

In 2008 a nagging back injury kept him out of possible selection for the Olympics and he decided to accept an opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge, England. He eventually ended up rowing for that historic team in the 2010

||| By Ron Weese ||| Photos by Kevin Light

DreamCHASING A

“DO WHAT

YOU LOVE

AND DO

IT WELL.”


COVER

edition of the classic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. He of course earned another Master’s degree while there, this time in Management, and then returned to Canada and stepped into the National Rowing Program. He competed last October at the Pan American Games winning a bronze medal in pairs and a silver medal in eights.

Peter now resides in Victoria and rows 200+ km a week in 3 per day workouts, 6 days per week as a “carded” athlete. He makes just enough money from Sport Canada to share an apartment with two other rowers while he trains with the hope of being chosen for this summer’s London Olympic Games. Final selection is under-way and he is one of 10 athletes remaining for the 6 spots in the Canadian Olympic pair and four boats. He counts himself fortunate to have received sponsorship from his youth part-time employer, Bäckerhaus Veit, who is located in Woodbridge, Ontario. He looks forward to any opportunity to say thanks to this family owned bakery that provides him a monthly living stipend so he can live and train.

Peter’s advice about living life? “Find something you can put that kind of effort into. Do what you love and do it well”.

We will be following Peter McClelland as he attempts to make the Canadian National Rowing Team and hope he has luck chasing his dream of an Olympic Medal this summer in London, England.

Nick Weedon, Peter McClelland, Nick Tsioris


SPECIAL OLYMPICS

AURORA SPECIAL DUNKS 2011-2012 SEASON UPDATE||| By Jaclyn Black

The Aurora Special Dunks Basketball Team started its second year of offering basketball skills and competition to individuals with an intellectual disability in October,

2011. Seven new players joined the roster and the team now has 26 players ranging in age from to 11 to 35 years old.

As for coaching, the Dunks brought on board new coaching staff lead by Wendee Beach, who is a sergeant for York Regional Police (Y.R.P.). In addition to this Head Coach role, the Dunks are really grateful for the nine other volunteer coaches, includ-ing one athlete-coach and one parent-coach.

The team trains for 1.5 hours on Wednesday nights at the beautiful Yuill Gym at St. Andrews College, a proud partner of our team. It is a guiding principle of Special Olympics in Ontario to do more than offer training for these athletes; com-munities must offer competitive opportunities as well. This sea-son, the Dunks participated in four intramural games, and took part in the annual Mary Matthews Basketball Classic, held at St. Andrews College. The Mary Matthews tournament had 20 teams playing in four basketball courts. Last year the Dunks submitted one team, this year two teams with 10 players each. The athletes played well, enjoyed their tournament experience and received awards for their participation.

With the season coming to an end, two of the more social competitions in which the Dunks will play are the “Parent vs. Player” game and the “Second Annual Dunks vs. Police” game that will see members of Y.R.P. don their basketball wear and play against the team.

In order to inspire the players, Team Manager Jaclyn Black, a civilian member of Y.R.P., has arranged to take the players and families to a Toronto Raptors game (now that the strike is over). Other fun activities include participation in Aurora’s Santa Claus Parade, Staples’ “Give a Toonie,

Share a Dream” promotion, and of course, Christmas and year-end parties.

In order to fund facility rental, competition costs and uni-forms, Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora seeks financial help from the community. We need, accept and truly appreciate per-sonal donations of any size as well as Corporate Sponsorships. Thank you in advance for helping.

To learn more, volunteer or donate, please go to: http://aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca/

FAVORITE BASKETBALL TEAM Toronto Raptors

FAVORITE BASKETBALL PLAYER Michael Jordan

This is Ruby’s second year as a Special Dunk. When asked what she likes most about her team, she states that she loves playing with all her friends and thinks her coaches are the best!

FAVORITE BASKETBALL TEAM Toronto Raptors

FAVORITE BASKETBALL PLAYER Lebron James

Derek’s interest in basketball peeked at the age of 12 when he started playing with friends at school. Now, in his second season as a Special Dunk, Derek says what he likes most about his team, is that everyone is always happy and fun to be around. Derek’s future goal is to continue working towards being the best he can at making shots.



LUKE IS A MEMBER OF THE AURORA SPECIAL EAGLES GOLF.

Luke will turn 24 years old in April. Luke is very loving, kind, funny and very stubborn. You must have the gift of patience to spend time with Luke.

HOBBIES:

He loves swimming and trains with the Sunshine swim team at Variety Village. They compete in numerous Special Olympic meets. Luke has also developed a strong interest in golf.

UNIQUE:

Luke’s passion in life is flags. He has been collecting flags from all over the world since he was five yrs old. They range in size from very large to very small. Our friends feel compelled to bring him back flags from their world travels. “I also know every flag dealer in Toronto” he notes.

NOTABLE FAVOURITES:

Presently in an adult day program, which he loves, in Scarborough. They are involved in many community based activities including volunteering in the lo-cal public school plus numerous trips via subway to activities downtown.

SPECIAL DUCKS SWIMMING

Athlete Bio: Devin

A thumbs up for Special Ducks Swimming.

Although Devin is a quiet kind of guy, it is easy to see that he loves Ducks. He has recently started competing and loves that too!

HANNAH IS A MEMBER OF THE AURORA SPECIAL EAGLES GOLF.

She is in Grade 5 with many friends in Mr. Coates’ class

HOBBIES:

Newmarket nighthawks hockey; singing and dancing; Eagles golf; Dunks Basketball; bowling, snowmobiling and ATV-ing.

UNIQUE:

School choir member,

Alter server

Runs her “Hannah’s treasure chest” at school

NOTABLE FAVOURITES:

Mom and Dad, big sister and brother, Haley and Samuel.

Hannah tries so hard at skating, though it is friends and coaches that keep her coming back —because she likes them so much! In Hannah 1st yr of hockey in her 1st tournament in Boston, 2011 where Hannah scored her 1st goal!

Aurora’s Special Eagles Golf Team will start up again on Sunday, June 3rd with weekly practices. For more on the Eagles visit the website at http://aurora.specialolympicsontario.ca/sports/sportsgolf. This year is a qualifying year for golf in the 2013 Special Olympic Ontario Summer Provincials. If you are interested in volunteering with the Eagles as a coach, caddy or cart driver, please contact [email protected].

AURORA DUCKS PARALYMPICS BOUND

Ducks swimmer, Summer Mortimer missed the World Record in the 100 meter Freestyle by 0.2 seconds at the Olympic and Paralympic Trial heats in Montreal but made the world take notice when she posted a 28.17 sec World Record time in the finals on Sunday, April 1st.

This capped off an outstanding trial competition for Ms. Mortimer as she won 3 Gold Medals and one Bronze. Because of her fine showing she has been nominated to Canada’s Paralympic Team and will represent Aurora and Canada in London, England in August.

Summer’s Coach, Reg Chappell is also proud to be nominated to coach the Canadian Paralympic Team


GYMNASTICS

Now in his 5th year of competi-tive gymnastics, 16 year old Kieran Sutch is riding a wave

of success. At this season’s 1st Ontario Cup, Kieran’s routines earned several gold medals, and the all-around title. As a member of the rapidly growing Evolution Gymnastics Aurora Team, Kieran trains 12 hours per week, on six different apparatus.

Success hasn’t come easy however. Born with a congenital condition which delayed both his vocal and literacy de-velopment, Kieran underwent speech therapy as a young child and partici-pated in literacy and reading recovery programs. Diagnosed with asthma, Kieran’s options for athleticism seemed limited but just before his 10th birth-day, Kieran decided to give gymnastics a try. His above-average flexibility, and a quest for fitness drew him to the sport

that develops a multitude of physical attributes. Kieran reports that his par-ticipation in gymnastics has made his asthma barely noticeable.

Kieran’s mother Susan credits gym-nastics with providing him with his ability to focus, and consequently his straight “A” school performance. By the age of 13, Kieran was reading at a post-secondary level, and he now dem-onstrates incredible aptitude for math, science and technology courses.

According to Kieran, gymnastics has provided him with his best friends and has helped him conquer his communica-tion challenges. His coaches have taught him far more than gymnastics skills and routines and, by example, have shown him how to be a respectful, good citi-zen. “The coaches have taught me many things” says Kieran, “including how to determine how well-done a steak is.”

Kieran now shares his love of the sport by coaching recreational gymnastics at the Club. Balancing high school, train-ing and coaching, can be tricky, but he has learned to be more efficient with his time, and to prioritize. Kieran has lofty ambitions for his post-secondary educa-tion. He plans to use his math and tech-nology aptitude to obtain a University degree in aeronautical engineering.

Kieran hopes that he can teach oth-ers how to be successful in life. “Just like my coaches have done for me”, he concluded.

KIERAN SUTCH, MEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNAST||| By Sarah Smith, Evolution Gymnastics


FITNESS

I was recently privileged to go to Siberia as part of a team from Agape

Unlimited, a non-profit medi-cal organization which reach-es out to those in need. I had a wonderful time getting to know the local people while handing out close to 250 pairs of reading glasses in five ru-ral villages in the Irkutsk Region of Siberia. Prior to leaving on the trip I prepared myself physically by training with Body Transformation Specialist, Igor Klibanov

of Fitness Solutions Plus to build my strength and stam-ina and boost my immune system. The training paid off because not only did we have long, busy days, but an aver-age of only six hours of sleep a night. I was able to keep up with our busy schedule and had the energy necessary to perform the required daily tasks without needing to rely on caffeine, which was a good thing, because tea is the most popular hot drink in Russia, not coffee.

Most of the rural Siberian people that we saw needed guidance on how to improve their health. The number one health concern for rural Siberians is hypertension. The causes are mainly life-style: obesity, little exercise, poor diet with too much fat and too much salt.

The next major health concern is alcohol and drug abuse, followed by mental health problems, such as de-pression and suicide. A lot of these are the result of chal-lenging social situations and

hardships without alterna-tive coping strategies. Our team did our best to bring hope and advice to the people we met.

Of course there is the ex-ception to the rule. One lady who was 74 years old was so excited when I handed her new reading glasses that she exclaimed, “Thank you God, I am so happy, now I can run.” I put it down to a translation error, this elderly lady, run? I sincerely thought I had heard incorrectly. She then proceed-ed to visit with the doctor on the team who then asked the standard health care ques-tions, one of which was: “Do you exercise?” Her reply was. “A little…” Upon further in-vestigation it turned out that this dear lady ran two hours a day, four times a week. She was in top shape and very healthy indeed. What a won-derful example of the benefits staying fit, healthy and happy.

At the end of our trip, three of my team members were able to participate in the 8th Annual Lake Baikal Ice Marathon. Dr. W. Etzkorn

from Toronto, came second in the seniors division of the Marathon while Andrew Grenfell, who is from Great Britain and functioned as an interpreter on our team, took first place in the half marathon (21 km) and went

on to come in seventh on the full marathon distance. If I am able to go to Siberia at the same time again, I want to be sure to participate in the Lake Baikal half mara-thon too.

The Benefits of Staying FIT, HEALTHY and HAPPY ||| By Melony Teague, Aurora Master Ducks

Igor Klibanov Body Transformation Specialist


In Halifax on February 10, 2012 — Masters Swimming Canada (MSC) President Robert J Diewold, M.D.

announced on behalf of the organiza-tion’s Board of Directors that Aurora’s Nancy Black has been appointed as the new Executive Director. According to the MSC press release: “Nancy is a proven marketing professional, whose creative vision and focus on building new part-nerships and membership development will serve MSC well,” said Dr. Diewold. “She is dynamic and influential, the

ideal person to represent us as our or-ganization aims to play a leadership role in the aquatic and adult sport communi-ties. And her enthusiasm is contagious!”

The Master Ducks are proud of Nancy for her achievements in the Masters Swimming world and look forward to her

direction and enthusiasm in the sport they love. Although some feel that the Aurora Master Ducks Swim Club name should be changed to “fitness and social club” there is in fact, much that goes on with a team which is not just about swimming. There are a number of swim-mers who like to partake in competitive events. There are no qualifying stan-dards for local, Provincial or National events. The Master Ducks sent over 40 swimmers to Etobicoke at the end of March for the 2012 Masters Provincial Championships and will send up to 30 to Kelowna, B.C. For 2012 National Championships in May.

Members can join anytime and April is as good a time as any. Open water swimming typically starts in June and is available to all club swimmers. Venues for open water training include Preston Lake, Lake Wilcox and for the more advanced swimmers, Lake Simcoe. This is really wonderful for pool swim-mers to get out in the open water and is especially useful for new or experi-enced triathletes to get ready for the upcoming competitive season. In 2011 the Master Duck triathletes placed sec-ond overall for clubs with more than 40 members in the Triathlon Ontario Club Championships. Triathlon Ontario has undergone a name change and was for-merly known as “Ontario Association of Triathletes”.

For more information go to: www.masterducks.ca

SWIMMING

AURORA MASTER DUCK FOUNDER ACCEPTS POST AT MASTERS SWIMMING CANADA||| By Melony Teague

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Master Duck, Dr. Doug Legallais


Following a highly successful short-course championship sea-son which included the Central

Regional Championships, the Eastern Canadian Championships and the Ontario Provincial Championships, where Hayden Spiers, age 11, won a gold medal in 50 Butterfly, becoming the new Provincial Champion in the event, the dedicated coaches and athletes at Ducks Swimming began an intensive prepara-tion for the spring and summer long-course season.

Over march break, Ducks Swimming ran three training camps for the vari-ous programs. Coach Sam Montgomery conducted a camp at the home pool while Coach Reg Chappell took Olympic prospect and current World Record Holder Summer Mortimer and High Performance swimmer Elizabeth Clarke to Florida for some long-course taper training leading into the Olympic Trials. Coach Jana Montgomery took a group of 10 swimmers (Michelle Wojcik, Sarah Shum, Kathryn Minkhorst, Lise Cinq-Mars, Nicholas Clarke, Noah Clarke, Karina Robb, Corina Dumitriu, Hayden Spiers and Soorna Choheili) to Margarita Island, Venezuela, for a warm-weather long-course training camp.

The 15-day-long Venezuela camp saw the swimmers programmed from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm each day and consisted not only of in-water practice, but also

of many cross-training elements such as Sunrise / Sunset yoga, running (dis-tances between 1.5 and 12.5 km), weight training, and inventive fitness activities such as stair-running waterslide circuit training. When the athletes weren’t ex-hausting themselves by pushing their bodies to their limit, they were improving

themselves in other ways such as goal-setting and team-building activities. Swimmers also completed the Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion course.

In the water, the workouts were most often butterfly-based, and also included challenging distance swimming ele-ments, such as a continuous 10km swim. They swam for 6 hours a day most days, over two workouts (morning and af-ternoon). But even with all of the hard work, the swimmers found time to have fun and experience another culture. They spent a lot of time at the beach and body-surfing in the ocean waves. They saw performances of traditional Venezuelan dance, went on a sailing trip to a tiny outlying island, and visited a local market to do some shopping.

The swimmers have returned home better, stronger and faster, and ready to race in the upcoming long-course competitions.

SWIMMING

DUCKS READY FOR THE SUMMER SEASON ||| By Jana Montgomery


RUGBY

RISING STAR CREDITS LOCAL EXPERIENCE ||| By Simone Garcia

From the first time Eric Selvaggi played rugby as a Grade 7 stu-dent at the Country Day School

he was in love with the sport. To fur-ther develop his skills, Selvaggi joined the Aurora Barbarians youth program.

Playing with the Barbarians since 2005, Eric has achieved great success. He represented Canada on the Under 17 National Team in 2007, and later went on to win a Canadian National Championship with the Ontario Under

18 team. In 2011 he triumphed at the Ontario University championships, playing for the University of Western Ontario Mustangs.

One of the proudest moments for Eric’s parents occurred when he trav-elled to England to compete for Canada as a U-17. As his mother Doris states, “He was only 15 at the time… it was the proudest moment for both my husband and me.” When asked about his success, Selvaggi says, “I just put a lot of work into accomplishing my goals. I did as much as possible, and even more work off the field than on it. I set short and long term goals, which I have progres-sively worked on and slowly but surely have achieved.”

This rugby season, Eric will be work-ing out full time in Langley BC at Rugby Canada’s National Training Center with the both the Senior Men’s and Under 20 National Teams, and hopes to be playing for Canada at the Junior World Cup in June, hosted in Salt Lake City.

For all aspiring rugby players, Selvaggi has this advice, “It’s all about work ethic, and what you are willing to put into it. Play as much as you can; play for your school and try to get involved with the age-grade Ontario Program. Being part of a great club like the Barbarians also adds a lot. You need to be willing to make sacrifices, and devote a lot of time to see results.”

SPORT IN AURORA MAGAZINE ||| 25SPORT IN AURORA MAGAZINE ||| 25

The season for the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club ends in the last week of October however

the Club begins its preparations for the next year’s campaign almost immedi-ately with planning going on for player recruitment, upgrading coaching certifi-cation, strategy development and meet-ings with local and provincial bodies to improve the rugby experience and en-hance the quality of play.

A continuing goal of the club is to en-sure players take the time to heal and rehabilitate from any injury suffered through the season but not let fitness decline or skills deteriorate. In the win-ter of 2011/2012, the club is involved in two strategies to keep players active and their interest in the game at a high level.

Junior players are being nominated for an Academy program being run at the Aurora Dome two evenings a week under the watchful eye of the club’s Technical Director Thinus Pienaar, a former professional player from South Africa who has made his home in Aurora and is committed to developing rugby

skills for boys and girls from ages 14-18.For senior men and women the club

has subscribed to the GTA Touch Rugby League, a competition launched by the Barbarians’ Steve Shortly and run from the SoccerPlex in North York on Friday evenings. Touch rugby is fast paced and uses the running, passing and strate-gies of the full contact game without the wear and tear on the body. Shortly la-ments the lack of space for such a league to be run in Aurora or elsewhere in York Region saying, “We tried, but the space simply wasn’t available. We have to take space where we can find it. Indoor turf facilities are maxed out everywhere in Southern Ontario and we are lucky to have a place at all.”

Club president John Reich extols the virtues of offseason training without the physical stress of full contact. “The boys and girls give 100% for 10 to 16 weeks during the course of the summer. I think some would be tempted to go all year but the body needs to recuperate. I am happy to keep an eye on the players to make sure they keep their fitness and skills up.

More importantly the change from contact allows everyone to have a bit more fun.”

The KAIWHANA high performance Academy is a combination of novice and elite players competing against them-selves to improve their stamina, strength and rugby skills while preparing for the high school season which starts at the end of April. The Barbarians provide coaching assistance in Aurora’s local high schools and encourage players to migrate to the Club’s various junior pro-grams to continue playing through the summer months.

The senior man and women move out-doors as soon as the weather permits. Pre-season commences in mid-April with the Leagues kicking off on May 13.

OFF-SEASON TRAINING: THE KEY TO RUGBY SUCCESS

As I write this article, MLB spring training is well under way and already there are a few reports of

rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that hold the shoulder joint together and also are the primary movers of the shoulder. Baseball season in Aurora is 1-2 months away but I al-ready have had several patients voicing concerns about a sore shoulder that they want to be in game shape for the upcom-ing season. Aside from rehabbing their injury this is what else I tell them:1. Strengthen your shoulders/

Maintain good flexibility – Baseball requires a lot of repeti-tive high speed movements from your shoulder. Strong rotator cuff muscles will keep the joint where it is supposed to be and stretching will safely maximize your range of motion.

Free weights are safest as they both decrease strain on the shoulders, and better activate stabilizer muscles.

2. Avoid prolonged overhead activity – whether you are painting a ceiling or sleeping with your arms above your head you are not being kind to your shoulder. Avoid this position like the plague!

3. Rest – Pitchers need recovery days in between starts, they do it in the majors why don’t we always do it in little league?

4. Technique – Have your coach analyze your arm motion during your throw to make sure you are doing everything properly to avoid shoulder strain

5. Therapy – If something doesn’t feel right get it attended to right away. The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body and

requires maintenance at the first sign of trouble to avoid further damage

Best of luck with your season and if you do experience any discomfort get it checked out ASAP by a healthcare pro-fessional. The longer you wait the longer it will take for you to get better!

Dr. Carey Avery B.Kin. D.C. 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]

BASEBALL AND THE ROTATOR CUFF ||| By Dr. Carey Avery, B.Kin., D.C.


p ro p e r t y m a i nte n a n ce

This winter, The Country Day School’s new Cyclone Dome, with its state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, officially opened! For this happy occasion, students repre-senting each division of the School par-ticipated in a ceremonial kickoff that officially opened the newest addition to the School’s athletic complex. The dome covers a new state-of-the-art synthetic turf field that is the second instal-lation of its kind on campus. The School’s first synthetic turf field was installed in 2009, and both are manufactured to ex-acting standards. The turf fields comple-ment 6 natural playing fields, 3 full-sized gymnasiums, 4 tennis courts, 2 softball diamonds, a synthetic-surface track and field complex, and 2.5 kilometres of cross-country and mountain-biking trails on the 100-acre campus. This dome is available for rent by external groups, clubs and associations. Inquiries regarding community rentals are welcome and available by contacting Bassam Naim at [email protected] or 905.313.8661. For inquiries about renting other athletic space on campus, please contact Bruce Carman at [email protected] or 905.833.1220.

CDS CYCLONE DOME OPENS!


ULTIMATE FRISBEE

p ro p e r t y m a i nte n a n ce

The sport of ultimate—frisbee, that is—is young, but it’s as dynamic as its name leads you to

believe. Just ask Andrew Watts. “To me, it’s the most exciting sport,”

says Watts, a native Auroran and mem-ber of the Canadian National Team who took gold at the 2010 WFDF World Under-23 Ultimate Championships.

Watts wasn’t introduced to ultimate until high school, when it became a passionate pursuit. He has since won OFSAA, placed fourth at the 2005 Jr. Nationals in Winnipeg, and co-captained the University of Western Ontario’s men’s varsity team, leading them to the finals at the 2009 Canadian University Ultimate Championships.

But his greatest journey began in the early summer of 2010, when try-outs were being held in Toronto for the Canadian national team.

“I just went to the try-out,” Watts recalls. “I got hurt,

played hurt, and I guess they liked what they saw.”

After only one weekend of practice in Vancouver, the team took off for Florence, Italy, and a shot at the World Ultimate title.

“It was about forty degrees by 9:30 in the morning,” Watts laughs. “I remem-ber trying to find the practice field one morning, hunting down all the green spaces on the map, running around Florence in my Birkenstocks.”

Team Canada made the playoffs. “We dusted Switzerland in the quarters,” Watts recalls, “then beat Columbia in the semi-final. The final was against Japan. They were the most fit.”

It was a hard-won victory: the final score was 19-18. Watts and his team-mates flew back to Canada as World Champions.

“I was on such a high for so long after that,” says Watts.

Rightfully so—a world title is no mean feat. And competitive

ultimate, despite being a non-contact sport, is not for the fainthearted. Watts has suffered numerous injuries over his ultimate career: sprained shoulders, bruised ribs, even a knee effusion that he had to have drained.

“You’re rarely playing at one-hundred percent,” Watts allows. “It’s usually the ankles and the knees that take the worst of it.”

Weather, too, can be a challenge—games are played in anything short of lightning storms.

“You adjust. If it’s raining, use low throws, lots of spin, keep them level and short. It’s all defense at that point,” Watts explains, adding, “I love play-ing in the rain—the ground’s softer. It doesn’t hurt as much.”

Ultimate requires minimal equipment, moderate space, and is self-refereed—it is an ideal after-school activity. Yet while ultimate is growing in popular-ity—there are even some professional teams emerging in the US—access to the game, particularly for children, is

relatively limited. “I’ve run a few clin-

ics in Newmarket for kids. You don’t get many, maybe six or so, but hopefully they con-tinue with it, and tell their friends, who tell their friends, and so on,” says Watts.

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE||| By Tamara VanBakel


CYCLING

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIKE THIS SPRING!||| By Doug Adair, Rec Cycle and Sports and

Adrian Marples, Raleigh Canada Limited

Whether it’s for recreation, com-muting, road racing or ex-treme off road riding choosing

the right bike is a key decision. Recreational riding usually involves

paved roads and some light off road paths and trails. The wide tread on the 26” mountain bike wheel enables you to ride both on and off road safely and comfortably. Items such as front suspen-sion forks and 27 speeds help you up and down hills and make the handling of some rough terrain easier.

If you are commuting you want a larg-er wheel size such as the 700C wheels on a hybrid. This will get you there faster and have less resistance on the pave-ment. You will also want the comfort fea-tures on a hybrid such as the suspension seat post, to handle the bumps and an adjustable handlebar stem that will al-low you to ride in the most comfortable position possible.

The speed and freedom of road racing is extremely exhilarating. For this you will want a multi speed, light weight, narrow tire, drop bar racing bike that will get you there fast and easy.

Some riders want a relaxed easy ride around the neighborhood or along a

designated bike path. The upright easy ride of the cruiser is for them.

No matter what your riding style is, spend some time in your local sports store and they can find the right bike for you. They know bikes. Let them help you with your bike buying decision.

Doug Adair is the owner/operator of Rec Cycle and Sports and has provided sport services and has been a consistent sup-porter of local sports teams and service organizations in the Aurora Community since 1992.

GREAT THINGS HAPPEN...WHEN SOMEONE THINKS DIFFERENTLY

Spec ia l i z ing in

4 co lour pr int ing on s i te

Colour and B lack White Copy

Eng ineer ing Copy/ Scann ing fu l l co lour

Posters , S i gns and Banners

B indery and F in i sh ing

Laminat ing

305 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 21Aurora, Ontario L4G 6X7

T. 905.727.1389F. 905.727.8449

[email protected]


MULTIPLE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ST. ANDREW’S SPORTS TEAMS ||| By Coach Len Gurr

S.A.C. VARSITY

It was a winning winter for several of St. Andrew’s College’s sports teams. With 58 teams across 22 sports, over

99% of SAC students participate in athlet-ics, including intramurals.

This season, championship titles were claimed by 1st Swimming, Senior and Junior Nordic Skiing, 1st and U16 Squash (for the sixth consecutive year), and for the first time ever, Open Curling. The gold medals were earned through the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), a collabo-ration of 36 independent schools across Ontario that offer approximately 141 leagues and 1,300 teams.

CISAA silver went to U14 Basketball, U12 Swimming, U14 Squash, Boys Curling, 1B Alpine Skiing, and Varsity

Hockey, which lost to UCC 4-3 in game 3. Saints’ Varsity Hockey were also champs in the Midwest Prep Hockey League (MPHL), the St. Francis and St. Sebastian Tournaments, and bronze medalists in their annual MacPherson Tournament in January.

Many of the CISAA champions ad-vanced to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations’ (OFSAA) provincial championships, including the SAC swimmers. With 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals amassed at CISAA, 14 Swim team members qualified to advance to OFSAA, the largest contingent in re-cent memory. At OFSAA Spencer Brown of Aurora earned gold in the Senior 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:03.22, a per-sonal best and school record. Spencer garnered himself a second gold in the Senior 200 Medley Relay with teammates Keaton Ward, Brian Chan, and Ching-To Li, winning the race by just over two sec-onds and breaking SAC’s school record. The same four swimmers won silver in the Senior 4X50 Freestyle Relay, while Mark Chan came away with a silver medal for his effort in the Junior 100 Individual Medley. It was a fitting, yet bittersweet sendoff for John Walden, who has coached swimming at SAC for 33 years and retires in June as Assistant Headmaster.

Another noteworthy sporting achieve-ment was in Floorball, where the

Saints took the Ontario High School Championship. Floorball is a fast-paced game similar to floor hockey, combining the skills of both hockey and soccer. It is a fast-growing sport in Canada and was just introduced to St. Andrew’s last year by a student who had played it at his for-mer high school in Hamilton.

“Sports at St. Andrew’s is taken se-riously,” says Greg Reid, Director of Athletics, who points out that SAC has the most school teams and highest par-ticipation rate per capita in CISAA. A full 88% of St. Andrew’s students play on at least one school team. “This past season is a testament to the opportunity our students have to play and excel in a sport of their choosing, while still being able to excel academically.”

Spencer Brown of Aurora won 3 medals at OFSAA, including gold in the Sr. 100m Backstroke with a time of 1:03.22, a personal best and new school record.

The Saints’ Sr. Boys 4X50 Freestyle Relay team won a silver medal at OFSAA. (l-r) Spencer Brown (C), Ching-To Li, Keaton Ward (AC) Brian Chan, and alternates Carlos Guraieb Abella and Tega Omene.

GREAT THINGS HAPPEN...WHEN SOMEONE THINKS DIFFERENTLY

Spec ia l i z ing in

4 co lour pr int ing on s i te

Colour and B lack White Copy

Eng ineer ing Copy/ Scann ing fu l l co lour

Posters , S i gns and Banners

B indery and F in i sh ing

Laminat ing

305 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 21Aurora, Ontario L4G 6X7

T. 905.727.1389F. 905.727.8449

[email protected]


BASKETBALL

The 2011-12 basketball season witnessed the emergence of the Villanova College Senior Boys Basketball Team as a force to be reckoned with in Ontario. The team posted an impressive 32-5 record for the year, the school’s best finish in the program’s 11-year history.

The team was excellent in tournament play, posting a 16-1 record and winning four of the five tourna-ments it entered.

In CISAA league play the Knights put together an impressive 9-2 record, placing them first in CISAA’s West Division. After rolling through their quarter-final and semi-final match-ups over Upper Canada College and Ridley College respectively, the team faced perennial powerhouse, St. Michael’s College, in the CISAA Championship game. Although the team was unable to capture the gold medal, they did capture the respect of their opponents and fans alike who witnessed an inspiring display of heart and determination by the young Knights.

The Knights were also able to achieve another milestone in the school’s history by becoming the first boys team to qualify for, and participate in the Provincial Basketball Championships. They defeated Trinity College to earn a place in the 2012 OFSAA ‘A’ Basketball Championships held in St. Catharines. The team was ranked as the #2 seed heading into the championships.

In their first round game, the boys easily handled Runneymede Collegiate Institute from Toronto, beating them by 42 points. In their second round game they then de-feated Aldershot High School from Halton by a score of 54-34. In the quarter-final, the Knights cruised to a 33 point victory over Renfrew Collegiate Institute to earn a berth in the semi-final against Pretty River Academy. The young Knights would taste their one and only defeat at the champion-ships against Pretty River Academy, the eventual OFSAA Champion, by 1 point. With heavy hearts, the boys came togeth-er to end their OFSAA Championships by defeating the #1 seeded E.S. Algonquin by a score of 61-50 to capture the OFSAA Bronze Medal.

This season was a great success. The coaching staff would like to thank every player, parent, fan, and VC supporter, for a great season. It was a testament to what a community with one dream and focus can accomplish.

“Veez Up!” GO KNIGHTS! GO BLUE!

Villanova College is an independent Catholic, Augustinian school of 600 stu-dents in grades 5-12. It is located in King City, Ontario. Our mission is to deliver university-preparatory education while en-gaging young people in their spiritual, in-tellectual, physical and social development.

www.villanovacollege.org

VILLANOVA KNIGHTS BASKETBALL COMPLETES HISTORIC SUCCESSFUL SEASON ||| By Derek Alexander

Villanova College“It starts here”

A Catholic School in the Augustinian Tradition

www.v i l lanovacol lege.org

Villanova CollegeKeele Street & Bloomington Sideroad

King City, Ontario905-833-1909

Committed to excellence•

Dedicated to education•

Engaging young people in their sp• iritual, intellectual, physical, and social development

Co-Educational University-Preparatory Day School Grades 5-12

Aurora Sport Jan 2012.indd 1 1/17/12 12:25:10 PM

Villanova College“It starts here”

A Catholic School in the Augustinian Tradition

www.v i l lanovacol lege.org

Villanova CollegeKeele Street & Bloomington Sideroad

King City, Ontario905-833-1909

Committed to excellence•

Dedicated to education•

Engaging young people in their sp• iritual, intellectual, physical, and social development

Co-Educational University-Preparatory Day School Grades 5-12

Aurora Sport Jan 2012.indd 1 1/17/12 12:25:10 PM


YOUR SON IS READY. ARE YOU?

SAC is an all-boys school offering boarding and day, grades 5–12. To learn more, contact our Admission Office at 905.727.3178.

www.sac.on.ca

At St. Andrew’s College your son will find endless inspiration. He will benefit from small class sizes, participate in competitive sports and discover art, drama and music. He will share in that experience alongside 600 like-minded students from across Canada and around the globe. At SAC your son will be celebrated for being the boy that he is. Now are you ready?

Introducing Grade 5 – September 2012. Offer him an education that you’ll both love.

Publication Sport in Aurora Insertion Date Size 7.375” w x 9.625” hInk CMYKMisc. If possible, place ad in upper, outside, right-hand page

Client St. Andrew’s CollegeProject Name Grade 5 Introduction Ad

Client Contact Kim Sillcox St. Andrew’s College 905 727 3178 x232Pub. Contact Laurie Mueller [email protected] 905 713 5027

4160_SAC_SportAurora_Grade5_FIN.indd 1 11-09-16 4:31 PM

sport in aurora vol. 2 issue 1

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