sport in aurora - vol. 6 issue 2

Volume 6 \\\ Issue 2

Pickering college’s HigH Performance student atHlete Program Praised PG.22

PLUS

TENNIS Higher Education From Sports Beginnings

SWIMMING Ducks Division 1 Team Championships 2016

RUGBY Nadia Popov’s Journey to Olympic Gold in Rio

AND MUCH MORE

St. Andrew’S College VARSITY LACROSSE

BATTLESDOWNTOWN RIVAL

AURORA SPORTS HALL OF FAME Pg.11

PULL-OUT SECTION!CDS ATHLETiCS inSTiLL RESiLiEnCE AnD PERSEvERAnCE Pg.08

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v6i2 / SPort In AUrorA / 3

CONTENTS

05 Editor’s Letter

06 From the Director of Parks and Recreation

07 Storm Volleyball #1 in Ontario

08 CDS Athletics Instill Resil-ience and Perseverance

10 The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is Proud to Induct Four Individuals in 2016

11 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Pull-out Section

15 The Journey to Rio Gold

16 Player Profile – Drake Porter

17 St. Andrew’s College Varsity Lacrosse Battles Downtown Rival

18 Division 1 Team Championships 2016

19 Higher Education From Sports Beginnings

20 Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora Part of Activate Aurora

21 York Synchronized Swim Club Makes a Splash at End-Of-Year Meets

22 Competitive Swimmer Praises Pickering College’s High Performance Student Athlete Program

St. Andrew’S College VArSIty lACroSSeBattles Downtown Rival Photo courtesy of Paul Mosey

07

Volume 6 \\\ Issue 2

PICKERING COLLEGE’S HIGH

PERFORMANCE STUDENT

ATHLETE PROGRAM PRAISED PG.22

PLUS

TENNISHigher Education From

Sports Beginnings

SWIMMINGDucks Division 1 Team

Championships 2016

RUGBYNadia Popov’s Journey

to Olympic Gold in Rio

AND MUCH MORE

ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE

VARSITY LACROSSE

BATTLESDOWNTOWN RIVAL

AURORA SPORTS HALL OF FAME PG.11

PULL-OUT SECTION!CDS ATHLETICS INSTILL RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE PG.08

08

16152217 CoVer Story

4 \ SPort In AUrorA \ v6i2

May/June 2016 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2

PublisherInsport Media & Publications Inc.

editorRon Weese – Sport Aurora e-mail [email protected]

director of salesLaurie MuellerPhone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]

art directorFrank Di Tomasso e-mail [email protected]

editorial contributionSport Aurora Members Naomi CoteTown of Aurora Greg ReidNancy Black Nancy BlackJohn Reich Bruce StaffordKim Sillcox Bill Maron Kelly Hughes Jackee King

contact usInsport Media & Publications412 McCafferey Road Newmarket, Ontario L3X 1T5Phone 905.713.5027 e-mail [email protected]

editorial contributions Submissions are wel-come from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Contact Ron Weese, editor. We as-sume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contri-butions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, pub-lish, reproduce, distribute 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 article, 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 Media & Publications Inc. Insport Media & Publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may col-lect 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, contributors and Insport Media & Publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We as-sume no responsibility for any actions or decisions tak-en by any readers based on the information provided.

PRINTED IN CANADA


We welcome the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame as our feature in this issue. What a great time

for this feature as they announce their 2016 slate of Inductees. And what a great slate it is. Please turn to page 10 to see the biographies of the new Inductees and the four-page feature that follows. I hope you are as proud as I am of the rich sport heritage we have here in Aurora.

We also have Storm Volleyball back in this issue as they recount the banner year they had in elite volleyball circles. They continue to grow as a Club and continue to produce Champions. I have to give credit where it is due. One of our Sports Hall of Famers; Bruce Stafford, is the founder of this important Club and he is a staunch believer in developing physical literacy in children. He works to ensure all kids learn the basics at a young age. Mr. Stafford is on the Board of Sport Aurora and will be instrumental as we roll out the Activate Aurora Program.

On page 18 you will read about the success of Ducks Swim Club founded by another Sport Aurora Board Member; Reg Chappell, who is also integrally involved with Activate Aurora. There is a message here about patience with

athletes; encouraging multi-sport involvement at an early age and ensuring that athleticism is built early with multiple sport opportunities and multiple skill development.

As is mentioned by Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Downey on page 6, Sport Aurora is now working very closely with the Town in the delivery of the Sport Plan. This will lay the foundation for a variety of sport-related initiatives over the next three years. In cooperation with the Town, sport will thrive and will become an important part of the Community; building healthy, happy and active children and bringing multiple activity opportunities to everyone.

Just at press time we learned that students at St. Andrew’s College had donated $30,000.00 to the Canadian Tire Jump Start Program; effectively doubling the amount of funds available to families in need for youth registrations. This is a welcome addition to funds for this Community and these students are to be congratulated for their selfless efforts. If you know anyone in need of subsidization, please have them contact us at [email protected]. Funding is available through Sport Aurora

as we are a Jump Start partner, but also though the All Kids Can Play Program that we operate. There is no reason why any child who wants to play should sit on the sidelines.

As summer approaches we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the variety of sports and activities available to them. Also, be on the lookout for new opportu-nities to join Activate Aurora as we build a number of initiatives for the fall of 2016.

See you on the fields, beside the pools and in the gyms.

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

SPORT ExCELLEnCE EVIDEnT EVERYwHERE In AuRORA

EDITOR’S LETTER

Shop online now!teamwear . footwear . apparel . equipment

www.soccer-nation.ca@soccernation_on

38 Wellington St. E

www.aurora.caTown of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 • 905-727-1375

Upcoming Special Events

TOWN OF AURORA

PLEASE NOTE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, AMEND OR CHANGE LOCATIONS AND ACTIVITIES.

Allan DowneyDirector, Parks & Recreation Services Town of Aurora

Canada Day Celebrations Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1 Town Park, Yonge Street and Lambert Willson ParkThe Town of Aurora celebrates Canada Day in style every year. The celebrations begin on June 30 at Aurora Town Park with the popular “Dance in the Park,” hosted by the Rotary Club of Aurora. On July 1, a Canada Day Parade travels south on Yonge Street, followed by family entertainment and activities at Lambert Willson Park. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk!

Concerts in the ParkWednesday evenings in July and August Aurora Town ParkBeginning Wednesday, July 6, The Town of Aurora hosts a series of free concerts at the outdoor bandshell at Aurora Town Park. For your comfort, please bring lawn chairs or a blanket.

Theatre in the Park Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 Aurora Town ParkJoin us for our annual outdoor celebration of live theatre! The Humber River Shakespeare Company presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” live at Aurora Town Park.

To learn more about these and other Town of Aurora events, please call 905-726-4762 or visit www.aurora.ca

We have recently completed our first “Play Day” in partnership with Sport Aurora. Play is an acronym for “Physical Literacy for Aurora Youth.”

Aurora is one of 199 organizations from across the country to receive a 2015 RBC Learn-to-Play Project grant. The Town working with Sport Aurora through the Activate Aurora Working Group, executed this project in May. Activate Aurora is a collaborative, multi-focused, 3-year project that has a goal of making Aurora “Canada’s Most Active Community” by 2020.

The event introduced the concept of physical literacy for students in Grades 1-3 from Rick Hansen Public School. The students were instructed to perform a number of physical skills such as kicking a ball, hopping, throwing and catching. The students were evaluated on their proficiency level. They were provided with the opportunity to play a game with their newly learned skill.

The event was held at The Aurora Family Leisure Complex (AFLC). This was the ideal setting for indoor and outdoor activities, plus the Sports Dome was fully utilized. Staff were trained and volunteers were also recruited from St. Maximillian Kolbe High School to assist.

Based on the reaction from the participants, teachers, the school’s Principal and staff, the event was a huge success and will definitely be repeated.

Special thanks to Laurie Mueller and Ron Weese from Sport Aurora for their leadership and support. This is a great partnership opportunity with many promising and flourishing results.

Sincerely,

2016 Sport In Aurora June.indd 1 01/06/2016 10:58:14 AM


Another incredible season for Storm Volleyball, every year seems better than the year before.

Last season we had two Ontario Champions and four teams finishing 2nd at Nationals. This season we had the highest average finish of any club in the province and we were the only club to have a team finish in the top 5 in every age division for both boy’s and girl’s at the Ontario Championships. We were in the finals in every girl’s age division and came away with three Ontario Champions and four 2nd place finishes, plus two 2nd place finishes for the boys. We also added two girls National Champions and a boy’s 2nd place finish. We have four teams looking forward to attending the Mayor’s Breakfast of Champions on June 2nd 2016 at King’s Riding Golf Club. Storm Avalanche, Monsoon, Typhoon and Vortex.

Many clubs are increasing practice time by lengthening practice and/or adding extra practice days in order to get ahead or to manage the demands from parents who believe their children need more training to ensure they get the best scholarship opportunities. Storm has stuck to the same two hours of practice twice a week in order to ensure the athletes still have time for school work and some unstructured time of their own. Once in a while a team might use some extra time to do some specialized training but not every week.

Storm Typhoon wins their 4th Girls Ontario Championship in a row!! They won at 13U, 14U, 15U and now 16U, then went on to win the 16U National Championships. First out of 103 teams in the 16U age division is an incredible accomplishment while the athletes continue to develop and grow each season. They also

came 4th out of 80 teams playing up an age at the 17U Ontario Championship.

Storm Vortex also had a great season winning the 17U Girls Ontario Championships and coming 2nd playing up an age at the 18U Ontario Championships

Storm Avalanche came 2nd at the 14U Girls Ontario Championships and 2nd playing up an age at the 15U Ontario Championships. They also won 14U Nationals.

Storm Monsoon won the 13U Girls Ontario ChampionshipsThe Storm League has had a large impact on our success

because athletes are developing their skills and love for the game at a younger age in a fun and non-competitive environ-ment. Keeping it fun while still challenging them as athletes is the way to keep them interested and hopefully active for life.

SeaSon GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL

2013/2014 24 19 15 58

2014/2015 28 23 24 75

2015/2016 32 27 16 75

VOLLEYBALL - Storm

Storm VolleybAll #1 IN ONTARIO/// by bruce Stafford /// Photos courtesy of Storm Volleyball


CDS AThLETICS INSTILL RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

ATHLETICS – The Country Day School

\\\ by by Kim Sillcox of Country day School

\\\ Photos courtesy of Stan behal & nick Iwanyshyn

Lucas Dasovic, one of this year’s graduates, learned how to play rugby and competitive volleyball while at CDS and recently shared the following advice at an Athletic Assembly. “If you don’t try new things and put yourself out there, you will never know what you are capable of.”

The following are a few examples of our students who have exhibited these important traits in their approach to athletics.

Jane Stanton (Grade 10 from King) has been a part of the CDS Track and Field team since Grade 4, the first year she could join. This spring she won all four of her events at CISAA: Junior Girls 80M Hurdles, 100M, 200M and Relay. Later this month, she will compete in the 80M Hurdles at OFSAA for the second year in a row, having placed 7th last year. Also a three-term athlete, Jane has played basketball since Grade 5 and was MVP on the undefeated U16 Girls’ Basketball team this year, which won CISAA Gold in November. She was also a key contributor to the U16 Girls’ Volleyball team’s second place finish this season.

Jane Stanton’s favourite part about competing in sports at CDS is the friendships she has made with her teammates.

AT THE COunTRY DAY SCHOOL, wE TAkE A BALAnCED APPROACH TO ATHLETICS.

wHILE PARTICIPATIOn In SPORTS IS nOT MAnDATORY, OuR COACHES SPEnD A LOT

OF TIME TRYInG TO InSTILL quALITIES SuCH AS RESPOnSIBILITY, HARD wORk,

DISCIPLInE, PERSEVERAnCE AnD GRIT InTO ALL THE ATHLETES THEY COACH.

THE COACHES ARE ALSO SkILLED AT TEACHInG FunDAMEnTALS TO nEwCOMERS,

RESuLTInG In InCREASED COnFIDEnCE AnD A HEALTHY DOSE OF RESILIEnCE.


U14 Boys’ Rugby CISAA Champs

ATHLETICS – The Country Day School

Three-term athlete, Jake McMillan (Grade 7 student from Aurora) has played sports at CDS for the past four years. This year he was MVP for the Middle School Cross-Country team, an integral member of the U14 Boys’ Hockey team, and a hard working first-year player on the U14 Boys’ Rugby CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletics Association) Championship team. Outside of school, Jake has played rep hockey for the Aurora Tigers for the past six years, as well as house league lacrosse and soccer.

Jake McMillan’s philosophical approach to athletics is to “never give up.”

Four-sport athlete and this year’s recipient of the McNally Athletic Director’s Award, Beau Binnie (Grade 11 from Gormley), has been a dedicated athlete and leader on CDS Soccer, Hockey, Rugby and Track and Field teams for years. A centre for the Richmond Hill Coyotes, ranked one of the best Midget AAA hockey teams in Canada throughout the regular season, Beau’s ability to balance his high-level commitment to outside hockey with

his devotion to CDS sports is exceptional. Next year in his final year at CDS, he will play for the OJHL’s Stouffville Spirit. A steadfast ambassador for his school and role model to his peers, Beau always puts his teammates first. While narrowly miss-ing qualifying for Metro Track and Field Championships for shot put this spring, he was up early the next morning to attend practice and train with a teammate, even though his track season was over.

Beau Binnie leads by example, always demonstrating a commitment to his peers to be there for them, and a commitment to himself to achieve his goals, no matter what the sport.


Michael “Mike” Murphy (Athlete/CoACh/builder)

Michael “Mike” Murphy was born in Toronto on September

12, 1950 and lived in the Town of Aurora from 1991 to 2009. Murphy

was the Team Captain of the L.A. Kings for six consecutive seasons and three seasons as an assistant coach. In 1987, he became Head Coach of the L.A. Kings for four seasons. He has been only the second person to rise to this position after being both player and captain of the team. In addition to the L.A. Kings, Murphy played or coached for the Omaha Knights, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators. Throughout his National Hockey League (NHL) career he scored 556 points in 831 games. As a resident of Aurora, he founded the Murphy Hockey School where young athletes can pursue excellence in the sport of ice hockey. Murphy is now serving as Senior Vice President of Operations with the NHL.

Mike “kitch” kitchen (CoACh)

Mike “Kitch” Kitchen was born in Newmarket and

began his love for hockey as a young player with the Aurora

Tigers. Later, Kitchen played Junior A with the Toronto Marlboros and won the Memorial Cup in 1975. In 1985, Kitchen and his family became residents of the Town of Aurora and his passion for hockey continued. He playing in the NHL for eight years, then took a position as assistant coach to the Newmarket Saints before moving back to the NHL to coach various teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup twice while he was assistant coach (2013 and 2015 respectively).

karen SteMMle (Athlete)

Karen Stemmle was born on January 27, 1964 and raised

in Aurora. She competed in figure skating at a provincial level

until the age of 17 then switched to ski racing full-time and won the Junior Canadian Ski Championships at Lake Louise, Alberta. Stemmle went on to represent Canada internationally for five years and had numerous top five finishes on the World Cup Downhill circuit. A career highlight was competing at the 1984 Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo. Recently, Stemmle shared the Rob Thompson Memorial Award for her long-time dedication to the Danny Gallivan Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament.

“I was completely thrilled and honoured when I received the news about being inducted into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame with not only my amazing brother, but so many other talented athletes from Aurora,” said Karen Stemmle.

Sheldon W. Galbraith (CoACh)

Sheldon W. Galbraith was born in Teulon, Manitoba on

May 24, 1922 before he moved to the Town of Aurora and became a

long-time resident. While he passed away in April 2015, he left behind a legacy in the sport of figure skating for his contributions as a coach and pioneer of sport, both in Canada and on the inter-national stage. Throughout his career, he coached athletes, such as Barbara Ann Scott, as well as many national and international skaters and medalists. He is a member of Canada’s Hall of Fame, Skate Canada Sports Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame and received the Order of Ontario, The Order of Canada and The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. Galbraith also supported athletes be-yond coaching with a bursary fund for young skaters.

The AurorA SporTS hALL of fAMe iS prouD To inDucT The foLLowing four inDiviDuALS in 2016

Aurora Sports Hall of Fame

4th Annual Induction Dinner Celebration

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2ND, 2016

St. Andrew’s CollegeCocktails: 6pm | Dinner: 7pm

Master of Ceremony: James DuthieLive Fantasy Auction

TICKETS: $90FOR MORE INFO:aurorashof.ca

[email protected]

t h i s y e a r ’ s i n d u c t e e s :

Sheldon Galbraith | Mike Kitchen | Mike Murphy | Karen Stemmle

BE A PART OF S PORTS HIS TORY

AURORA SPORTSHALL OF FAME

DISCOVER SHARE SUPPORT

“”

“Most of the people I know in the town are because of some

kind of involvement in sport. So when I think of the role of

sports in a community, I think of what it does to bring the

community together.”

– James Duthie

TSn Personality and aurora Resident

”““Your speech really inspired me to

become a better and more fit person.

The things you did are so amazing, I’m

surprised you are not a super hero.”

– William H - 10 years old

aSHoF Sports History alive

“”

“Community based sport is woven into the fabric of

every community and aurora is no exception. Sport

helps to strengthen a community by building social

capital, family bonds, helping newcomers to integrate

quicker, fostering greater inclusion of people with

disabilities and so many other benefits.”

– Jake Courtepatte, The auroran


An agency of the Government of OntarioUn organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

DISCOVER SHARE SUPPORT

”

“”

“now that you encouraged me,

I am going to follow my dream.

I will run around my block 2 times

every day. I will do lunges for

1 minute every day. I think it’s

awesome that you have a street

named after you.”

– Megan - 10 years old

aSHoF Sports History alive

“

”


“although I am not

competing anymore,

while I was, I felt a great

deal of support from

the community.”

– Mark Hesse

Honoured Member of the

aurora Sport Hall of Fame

AURORA SPORTSHALL OF FAME

EVENT TICKETS &RAFFLE TICKETS

To purchase Hoedown tickets, please contact the ASHOF:[email protected]

647-632-6911

FUTURE HOME OF

Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC)

1400 Wellington Street E., Aurora

FALL 2016

The AurorA SporTS hAll

of fAme thanks

our ChArTer DonorS


An agency of the Government of OntarioUn organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

For more information on how to Sponsor or Donate to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame,

please contact:

[email protected]


/// Story and photos by John reich, Aurora barbarians rugby Football Club

RUGBY – Aurora Barbarians RFC

Twenty-two-year-old Nadia Popov from the Aurora Barbarians trains six days a week at Rugby

Canada’s center of excellence in Victoria B.C. aspiring to a coveted spot on this Nation’s 12-woman roster to go to Rio de Janeiro and compete for Olympic Gold in Women’s 7s rugby in August.

The former Sacred Heart student has already adorned her trophy case with a National Championship as an Ontario U-18 junior, an international championship as a member of Canada’s U-20 Nations Cup team, an Ontario Women’s League championship as a member of the Aurora Barbarians and a Gold medal from the Pan-Am Games in Toronto last summer.

Having temporarily set aside her other life goal of attending medical school the determined Popov says “My immediate objective is to represent Canada at the Olympics, and to win a Gold medal”.

Nadia’s coach at the Barbarians, Paul Loader speaks of her choices. “I remem-ber Nadia returning from England having represented Canada U20 at the Nations Cup” he says. “She told me that pulling on the Canada jersey was just the most

incredible experience. She said that when the tour was over she knew she had to make it happen again. She has put her medical career on hold to pursue this dream and I have the utmost respect for her choices and her passion. Nadia has worked incredibly hard to be where she is today.”

Nadia puts her rugby career in perspective in a most eloquent way. “Rugby builds character. It’s given me an environment where I can be unapologetically powerful and strong as a woman, and it challenges me to be a better person every day. Being a part of the National Program, I’ve learned how to deal with setbacks and heartbreak, and to not let failure define me as a person. Above all else, rugby has welcomed me into an international community of belonging, and taught me that the wonderful people you meet along the way are what make this sport so special. I am forever grateful for all the people who have supported me along my journey, including all my family, coaches, the Aurora Barbarians and friends.”


PLAYER PROFILE

PLAYER PROFILE - Drake Porter

Drake Porter is an Aurora, Ontario based goalie who has played organized lacrosse since he was

6 years old. Drake has been accepted to attend Syracuse University (Newhouse School of Communications) commencing in the Fall 2016 where he will be a member of the Division I Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team.

Drake is currently playing for the IMG Academy Varsity and National Teams based in Bradenton, Florida. He was the starting Varsity goalie for St. Andrew’s College in his sophomore and junior years and was a member of the Edge Canada 2016 and 2017 teams. An exceptional ball-stopper and outstanding passer, he is fearless in challenging shooters. Drake is an athletic goalie who takes pride in his leadership of the defense.

Key ACComPlIShmentSDrake has been officially named to the final roster of the U19 Team Canada men’s lacrosse team which will represent Canada in the World Championships to be held in British Columbia in July 2016. Drake was named to the All-Star Team at the All-Canada Games in July 2015 and led the St. Andrew’s College Saints to the silver medal in the Ontario school championships in June 2015. He was named “All-Ontario” goalie in 2014, leading his U19 Newmarket Redbirds club team to the 2014 Ontario Fall Field Lacrosse championship game. An accom-plished multi-sport athlete, he has played varsity football, rep level hockey, box lacrosse, baseball, and tournament golf.

“”

“Drake is a passionate player who absolutely hates to let a single ball in the net, even in practice! At the age of 16, Drake was “All-Ontario” goalie in the OJMFLL U19 field lacrosse league. Without question, he has all the tools to be an NCAA Division I starter in his freshman year.” – Coach Greg Reid

PlAyer detAIlS

Birth date: June 1, 1998ncAA entry year: 2016Di commitment: Syracuse Universityheight: 5’ 11”weight: 165 lbs.

prep School 2015/16: IMG Academy (Florida)past prep School: St. Andrew’s College, CanadaAcademic average: 92% (4.0 GPA)intended field of study: Communications/Business

Drake Porter


/// by greg reid, St. Andrew’s College /// Photos courtesy of Paul mosey, St. Andrew’s College

St. Andrew’S College VArSIty lACroSSe bAttleS downtown rIVAl

LACROSSE – St. Andrew’s College

Over the last decade, St. Andrew’s College’s Varsity Lacrosse team has played Toronto’s St. Michael’s College (SMC) in every league final; SAC winning four

straight from 2006-2009, and St. Mike’s the last six. So when the two rivals faced-off once again for the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) final this spring, it’s fair to say there was history.

Earlier in the season, the St. Andrew’s Saints beat SMC 10-7 on their field for its first head-to-head win since 2010. The SMC Blue Gaels returned the favour a few weeks later when they topped the Saints 9-8 at SAC.

The Saints earned home field advantage for the champion-ship May 27, with both squads starting slowly in a methodical, offensive style. SMC opened the scoring on the first possession, with the first quarter ending 1-0 for the Blue Gaels. SMC took back-to-back penalties in the second, and the Saints capitalized scoring two quick goals on extra-man offence (EMO) to take a 3-1 lead at halftime.

The pace picked up for both teams in the second half, with St. Mike’s dominating the quarter on the scoreboard with a five-goal run. St. Andrew’s had no answer for their midfielders, who were able to penetrate its defence and score from short range. The Saints continued to battle but faced a 6-3 deficit by the end of the third.

SAC’s Julian Smith-Voudouris was a warrior on face-offs, winning the majority of possessions in the fourth quarter with the help of Lucas Thorne and Cole Chapman on the wings. This allowed the Saints’ offence multiple opportunities, as they continually switched offensive sets and plays.

With 3:30 remaining, Lucas Thorne scooped up a ground ball and fast-breaked a twine-popping solo effort to tie the game at 7’s. Corey Andonovski and Jacob Miller combined for the go-ahead tally on the next possession.

As the clock ticked under the two-minute mark, St. Mike’s pulled their goalie and executed a ‘10-man ride’ (leaving the net empty to double-team the ball carrier). The Saints’ Cam MacDonald was able to beat the double team and get off a shot, but it missed the empty net! John Buchan regained possession on the missed shot, and seconds later Cam drilled home an empty-net goal on his second attempt.

An unfortunate tripping call against SAC gave the Blue Gaels one last hope on an EMO opportunity with 1:03 remaining. But a save by SAC goaltender Caleb Creasor stymied the SMC offence and the Saints ran out the clock, outscoring the Blue Gaels 6-1 in the fourth for the 9-7 win!

This was an emotional win for SAC’s 14 graduating players who have waited four years to both beat St. Mike’s and to bring home the CISAA Championship trophy.


Ducks – SWIMMING

Sixty-five competitive swim clubs competed in the Ontario Team Championships April 29 – May 1:

thirty-three teams in Division III at the Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford; nineteen teams in Division II at the Markham Pan Am Pool; and,

thirteen teams in the top Division at the Windsor International Aquatic Centre. Last season Ducks Swimming placed 2nd in the Division II Provincial Team Championships and earned a promotion to compete in the premier division.

Fifty swimmers from the Aurora based swim club competed in the annual provincial team event which focuses on team points rather than individual performances. The Ducks captured two 1sts, four 2nds, and four thirds and a total of 25 swimmers advanced to the finals at the 3 day competition. The athletes also shattered 22 club records.

DIVISION 1 TEAm ChAmPIONShIPS 2016

finalists: Sarah Bond, Brent Davison, Hunter Edwards, Ashley Endicott, Jayne Kim, Tyler Legallais, Emma Lindsay, Stephen Liu, Christopher McLelland, Thomas Nelander, Connell Oliver, Simon Rasmussen, Natalie Shears, Megan Sidor, Ava Sprogis, Chloe Taylor, Emma Tubaro, Michael Whitehead and George Zizakovic.

\\\ by Kelly hughes \\\ Photo courtesy of edit Varga

SoornA ChoheIlI

1st Boys 15-16 50 m Free

tyler dA Ponte

2nd Boys 10 & Under 100 m Free

3rd Boys 10 & Under 100 m Butterfly

3rd Boys 10 & Under 50 m Free

3rd Boys 10 & Under 50 m Butterfly

nIColAS mAChell

2nd Boys 13-14 200 m Breaststroke

CArter mCwIllIAmS

1st Boys 15-16 100 m Backstroke

3rd Boys 15-16 200 m Backstroke

tomA nodA

2nd Boys 11-12 100 m Breaststroke

hAyden SPIerS

2nd Boys 15-16 200 m Butterfly


TENNIS – Total Tennis

As parents in this technology-focused time, we are struggling to help our children balance ‘screen

time’ with active playtime. The physical benefits of introducing our children to active sports at a young age are numerous and fairly obvious. Many parents may not be aware that when their 3 or 4 year old develops a fascination with a particular ball or certain sport that it just might lead to higher education down the road. Below are two examples of Total Tennis coaches who turned a love of a sport at a very young age into a successful playing career and eventually into a university education.

Nicole Knudsen starting playing T-ball when she was 4 years old after watching her older brother play in local baseball leagues for years. After T-ball Nicole moved into house league ball and then graduated to ‘rep’ level with the Aurora Diggers when she hit her teen years. As an honours student Nicole helped to lead her team to much success, Nicole has now completed her 3rd year at the University of Toronto where she has been a team leader and all star for each of her three seasons. She will complete a bachelor of physical education and a teacher’s degree next year.

Nikki Carnovale watched her grand-mother play tennis on their family court for many hours when she was a toddler. She started to hit a ball around with a racquet when she was 3 years old. Nikki didn’t have formal instruction until she was 7 years old, but she quickly excelled in winning many tournaments over the next few years. Nikki trained many hours per week and climbed to be ranked #2 in Canada for under-14 girls.

Nikki received a sports and academic scholarship to York University where she is working on a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. She made a very strong first impression on the court earning the Ontario Universities Athletic Association Rookie and Player-of-the Year awards.

hIghER EDuCATION FROm SPORTS BEgINNINgS/// by bill maron, total tennis /// Photos courtesy of total tennis

Nicole Knudsen is the baseball coach of the pilot project ‘Elite Athletes Camp’ for 11 to 15 year olds being offered by Total Tennis and The Town of Aurora this summer.

Nikki Carnovale coaches part-time for Total Tennis and also works at the Veneto Tennis Club in Vaughan.


\\\ by nancy black, Special olympics ontario-Aurora

\\\ Photo courtesy of maria borges

SpeciAL oLyMpicS onTArio – AurorA

pArT of AcTivATe AurorA

Special Olympics Ontario - Aurora

As the Mayor gathers the Task Force on Physical Activity and the Activate Aurora Project, the participation of individuals with an intellectual disability will be ensured.

From Special Olympics Canada “Sport is a crucial part of the lives of the world’s population. It offers to persons with intel-lectual disability the same values, pleasures and satisfaction. In addition it is an invaluable means by which social, physical and psychological skills can be taught and learned. Sport is a major contributor to good health. It can transform the lives of individu-als with intellectual disability by giving a new stimulus, a feeling of success, self-worth, achievement and belonging. It can also transform the lives of parents and carers. Ability not disability is the catalyst for change. Athletes with intellectual disability com-peting at any level not only provide role models for others, but also assist in breaking down the prejudice and ignorance, which so badly restricts the lives of people with intellectual disability.”

Among other areas featured in the newly approved Aurora Sports Plan – which is being partially delivered by Sport Aurora – focus will go to: the Sport Participant. Some of the goals of this are to:• Provide a broader ability to

participate in sport through Sport Literacy training; and

• Be more inclusive with respect to persons from low income backgrounds, persons with disabilities, culturally, diverse residents and ensure that females have equitable access to sport. One of those beneficiaries will be

Madison Bailey-Borges. Madison Bailey-Borges (aged 16) is part of the Aurora Special Olympics Ontario program Ducks (Swimming), Aurora Dazzlers (Rhythmic Gymnastics) and Aurora Dunks (Basketball) and plays golf in Uxbridge where her mother Maria, is a coach.

Sport is very important to her and Madison supplements her sports training – locally, Madison has enhanced her swim training by joining Ducks Swimming – an unofficial partner of the Partners in Play initiative whereby athletes with intellectual disabilities are encouraged to join generic, local clubs or teams. There are indeed, no barriers for sport in Aurora.

Madison working on her swing at the Abilities Centre.

York Synchronized Swim Club – SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING

/// by Jackee King, york Synchronized Swim Club

/// Photos courtesy of york Synchronized Swim Club

york SynchronizeD SwiM cLuB mAKeS A SPlASh At end-oF-yeAr meetS

Synchronized swimming is a hybrid sport that provides swimmers of all ages and levels the opportunity

to fuse their love and passion of dance, gymnastics and swimming together. These swimmers train up to 5 times a week with practices that are 2 to 5 hours in length. Swimmers work together as a team all season with a goal to deliver their best-performed routines at their end-of-the-year meets.

These meets are organized into four categories: Solo, Duet, Team and Combo. Although synchronized swimming is seen as a graceful and gentle sport, it also requires a stage-like charisma, along with precise timing of elaborate movements, strength, flexibility and above all, aerobic endurance.

On Wednesday, May 18th York Synchronized Swim Club (York Synchro) travelled to Ottawa to compete in the 5-day Ontario Open Age Group Championships where they had huge success with seven podium finishes. 16-year-old Ella Smylie said she had a personal best performance in the 16-20 Figures event where she placed 18th out of 88 swimmers and added, “I couldn’t be prouder of my accomplishments.” Smylie also captured the Bronze medal in the Combo event and placed 4th in the 16-20 Duet event with partner Anna Shalin who said, “I have been training so hard for this meet,” and “with the help of my teammates and amazing coaches, I pulled myself together and absolutely killed it in the water.” Sarah Sutherland-Pace said she had a blast at the meet. Twelve year-old Sutherland-Pace contributed to the Bronze medal earned in 11-12 team event and said, “I felt really good about our performance at Age Groups. It was a

“wow” experience. We pulled off all of our lifts and felt our routine was strong.”

In this sport swimmers develop a sense of camaraderie and team spirit while building confidence. The core values instilled in young synchronized swimmers are respect, cooperation, commitment and above all, good sportsmanship.

On Saturday, May 28th York Synchro’s novice stream synchronized swimmers competed at Competitive Novice Routine Meet and claimed two of the top spots. Ten year-old Misha Rizi contributed to the Bronze medal earned in 11-12 Novice team event and said she was very happy and proud of her team. Rizi said her favourite part of the meet was performing her routine and receiving her medal at the award ceremony. The 8 and under Novice team respectfully earned the second podium finish at the meet. Eight year-old Ainsley Foster said “I was very proud of our team for having a great swim and our 4th place finish” and teammate 7 year-old Sloane Zeidman added, “I was happy with the swim, our patterns were tight and we had a lot of fun too.”

York Synchro claimed many of the top spots in Ontario at many of the different meets throughout the year and has been ranked the 6th best club in the province.

Congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches and members of York Synchro on a great season.


11-12 year-old Novice Team

Anna Shalin & Ella Smylie – 16-20 Duet

8 and under Novice Team


A competitive swimmer since the young age of six, Matthew Mcgill, now in Grade 11, was intrigued when he first found out about Pickering College’s High

Performance Student Athlete Program for students in Senior School.

This program, unique to Pickering College, offers a supportive environ-ment for students with elite-level athletic pursuits outside of school, or students with a substantial outside time commitment, to have a spare during the day and a pardon from the Co-curricular Program. Its mis-sion is to assist exceptional student athletes in achieving their academic potential while striving for athletic excellence. Each year, approximately 10 students in Grades 9-12 par-ticipate in the program while they pursue a wide variety of individual and team sports including swim-ming, equestrian, gymnastics, golf and soccer.

Not only does Matthew train for nearly 20 hours a week with the local swim Club, he just completed his second year as a swimmer with the Pickering College Pumas. Coach and faculty member Lindsey Rife allowed for flexible practice attendance to accommodate his rigorous Stingray training schedule.

Earlier this year, at the CISAA Swim Championships at the University of Toronto, Matthew placed 1st in the 200 m Freestyle, 1st in 200 m Individual Medley, 2nd in the 100 m Butterfly. These results allowed him to swim at OFSAA in

Windsor. Not only did he swim against athletes hoping for an Olympic trial, but placed 11th in the 200 m Freestyle and 5th in the 200 m Individual Medley, earning personal best times in both events.

The pressure during the competi-tive season is intense – in the span of four weeks Matthew had six competitions, including the Eastern Canadian championships and the Ontario championships. In the future, he has his sights set on the senior national team.

Matthew has high praise for the High Performance Student Athlete Program and the flexibility it has given him to balance his school life and his demanding training sched-ule. “It’s amazing having the extra time, during a spare, to get work done,” he says.

To learn more about the High Performance Student Athlete Program, please contact Pickering College’s Admission Office at 905-895-1700 ext. 277 or [email protected].

ComPetItIVe SwImmer PrAISeS PICKerIng College’S hIgh PerFormAnCe

StUdent Athlete ProgrAm\\\ by naomi Cote, Pickering College \\\ Photos courtesy of Pickering College

Pickering College is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

As part of our Quaker values, we celebrate diversity in all aspects of the school. This is

reflected both in our Global Leadership Program and our commitment to a

co-educational environment. We believe when boys and girls share their environment

and learn together it fosters a spirit of equality and respect and allows both genders to

learn from one another’s strengths. Our graduates are well prepared for what lies ahead

in post-secondary education and as contributing citizens of society.

Come and find out how our nurturing environment and specialized programming can

help your child to succeed.

Please call us at 905-895-1700 ext. 277 or email us at [email protected] Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, ON, Canada

Visit us at www.pickeringcollege.on.ca

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sport in aurora - vol. 6 issue 2

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