Lancers Capture Track & Field Major Awards Plus… WEFL Spirit of Football Award Recipient
Shane Topalovic - Elite Trainer www.nxlathletics.com • 519-984-6607 • shane@nxlathletics.com
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Network
thelineup
March/April 2018
Windsor/Essex Edition
sportfiles
teamprofiles
05 | Season wrap up 06 | Learn to play while getting educated 13 | The Bruce Awad Summer Program
07 | Valiants teams capture gold in London 15 | Youth shine at W.E.F.L banquet
sports@school
health&fitness
Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams.
Profiling community sports in words and photographs.
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Informative articles on sports health & fitness.
Highlighting articles on all school sports and athletes. 08 | Shannon Kennedy: A Basketball Odyssey 12 | Three Lancers win OUA track & field major awards
04 | Sport Recovery Centre 10 | New methods, new gains
PARTICIPATE. INTERACT. SUBMIT. SportsXpress has a targeted readership reaching committed sports enthusiasts — 37,500 readers throughout the sports zone
Get in the Game! Linda Miklas • 519-972-3999 linda@windsorsportsxpress.ca Get Connected to Windsor: www.windsor.sportsxpress.ca
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Sport Recovery Centre
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Check out our website at www.Windsor.SportsXpress.ca
Mar/Apr 2018 PUBLISHERS Linda Miklas
linda@windsorsportsxpress.ca 519-972-3999
GRAPHIC DESIGN Alyssa MacLeod alyssa@sportsxpress.com
CONTRIBUTORS Dean Lapierre, Windsor Minor Hockey Association, Josh Leeman, Windsor Valiants, Shane Topalovic, Next Level Athletics, Graeme Williams, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, Windsor Essex Football League, Shannon Kennedy, Laura Ryan, Pursuit Restorative Therapy Centre, Autism Services Inc., Elisa Mitton, University of Windsor, Mij Ydennek, James Kennedy
PHOTO Windsor Minor Hockey Association, CONTRIBUTORS Windsor Valiants, Windsor
Pursuit Restorative Therapy Centre, featuring our unique Sport Recovery Centre, consistently strives to be the most up-to-date muscular recovery and treatment facility around. Your care is our first priority! • • • • • •
Massage Therapy Sport Massage Deep Tissue Myofascial Release Acupuncture Manual Therapy
• • • •
NormaTec Compression Cold Laser Therapy Infrared Sauna Thermal Massage Bed
5th year anniversary special – we are offering 2 weeks unlimited use of our Sport Recovery Centre for only $35 (limit of one per person)
Express, Shane Topalovic, Next Level Athletics, Graeme Williams, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, Windsor Essex Football League, Laura Ryan, Pursuit Restorative Therapy Centre, Autism Services Inc., Elisa Mitton, University of Windsor, James Kennedy, Shannon Kennedy, Windsor Express, Sevillano Legal Services, St. Clair College Athletics, Mij Ydennek
PARTNERSHIP Chatham/Kent EDITIONS London Tri-City Windsor
1695 Manning Rd, Tecumseh 519.979.6422 www.pursuitcentre.com Windsor SportsXpress is an independently owned and operated member of the SportsXpress Network Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Please contact the publisher. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors 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, 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. Windsor SportsXpress is published six times per year. Windsor SportsXpress 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 Windsor SportsXpress attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and Windsor SportsXpress 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.
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sportsfiles
Season wrap up Well, this season has come to an end and what a season it was. By the time you read this, the Day of Champs games will have been played and I’m sure a great time was had by all. We would like to thank all of the volunteers who help us run our great association. Also, a huge thank you to ALL of our sponsors and most of all we thank all of our players and parents for a great season. We are always looking for new sponsors. Check out www.wmha.net for all needed information.
Have a safe off season! Keep hockey growing!
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sportsfiles
Learn to play while getting educated Students across Windsor-Essex now have the chance to pursue their passion by devoting their attention to their sport of choice while earning their education. Launched in the fall of 2014, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board now operates sports academies that will be offered in Windsor at Central Park Athletics, Aikido Canada and at Windsor Squash & Fitness, at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle, at the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore and at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex in Leamington. We offer students from grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to develop their skills in hockey, soccer, squash, baseball, basketball, dance, gymnastics and volleyball.
New This Fall — Squash This issue we focus on Graeme Williams, the skills expert at the board’s squash academy at the Windsor Squash & Fitness Club. Graeme Williams is the Head Squash Professional at the Windsor Squash & Fitness Club. He is the Canadian Women’s National Coach, bringing his team to the World Championships in Paris 2017 (finishing 11th) and to
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the Toronto Pan American Games 2015 (capturing three silvers). Graeme won the distinction of being Canadian over 30 and 35 Champion, in addition to being the Squash Canada Athlete Pathway Manager. Mr. Williams has been fortunate to have several key influences on his career. His father, also a squash player and coach, his wife, Malcom Willstrop, one of the best coaches in the world, and Chris Roberston, whom Graeme credits for helping him become a National Coach. Coach Williams believes his strengths lie in his organization of sessions and his communication. “I try and keep things fun but also insist players give their best at all times.” “My vision for the Academy is twofold. First, is to further grow the game of squash in Windsor and secondly to allow the students to
be able to train and prepare in a professional environment”, states Williams. Squash is a great sport with amazing health benefits and is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in North America. Williams’ goal through squash is to have the students learn about themselves and find strengths in their character they did not know they had. Most importantly, he says, “Squash, like all sports, allows you to give your all, fail, learn and come back again – better!”
teamprofiles
Valiants teams capture gold in London
Windsor Valiants’ travel teams made their way up the 401 in February to compete in the annual London Rambler Tournament. After a slow start in their tournament opener versus the host Ramblers, the U11 (Atom) team was able to bounce back with some strong performances with wins over Brantford CYO and Valhalla to advance to the Semi-finals. Once again, the Valiants’ Atom team was able to prevail against a Tecumseh Saints squad winning 38-30 to advance to the Championship game and a rematch facing hosts London Ramblers. In a strong defensive effort, they held the Ramblers to just 11 points on route to a 28-11 victory to claim the Gold Medal and win the tournament. Great job ladies and coaches on a great weekend and best of luck with the rest of your season! The U10 Novice Valiants Squad went undefeated on their quest for the Championship! The tournament hosted by the London Ramblers on the weekend of February 16th-18th was the third successful tournament for these ladies. The first game pitted the Valiants against a smaller yet ambitious team from Brantford CYO. Although the score may say otherwise, there was no quit in Brantford. The Valiants took the win in a
battle with every possession heavily contested. As time ran down, we again saw our Valiants finish strong with a 24-20 win. This put the Valiants at 3-0 and ready for Championship Sunday. After a good night’s rest, the Valiants were prepared to battle hard for a win. They faced the Huron Lakers who proved a worthy adversary. The first half was evenly matched with the Valiants up 11-9 at halftime. With time to refocus and make adjustments, the Valiants came out and increased their lead in shifts 5 thru 8. The Valiants clinched the championship with a 34-21 win! Congratulations to the U10 Novice Valiants Team on an exciting weekend of basketball. Thank you to the London Ramblers Basketball Association for hosting a great tournament. Both Coach Dan and Coach Jason have worked hard with the ladies, and are very proud of the teamwork they showed in winning this championship. Thank you to all the parents, family and friends for your continued support and passionate cheering throughout the season.
37-0 decision. On the first of two games Saturday, the Valiants played the Guelph Gryphons. What started out as a back and forth battle, eventually saw the Valiants settle down and prove too much for a savvy Guelph team. The Valiants came out on top with a 42-23 win. Saturday’s second game proved to be the biggest test of the weekend for our young Valiants. The winner of this one would go on to the championship game. They played the KW Vipers in front of a spirited crowd of family and friends. This was an evenly fought
Keep up the good work ladies! Go Valiants!
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sports@school
Shannon Kennedy: A Basketball Odyssey An interview with Shannon Kennedy: a look at her career, accomplishments and memories Submitted by Mij Ydennek Shannon Kennedy is a fifth year senior on the St. Clair College women’s basketball team. Shannon has just finished her career, winning the Ontario College Athletic Association Consolation Championship. Along the way, Shannon has achieved All Canadian status (both academically and as a player), named OCAA Rookie of the year and OCAA player of the year. She is a five time OCAA All-Star and became the OCAA alltime leading scorer. Here is her story. Mij Ydennek: How has life changed since your retirement? Shannon Kennedy: Changed? Nothing’s changed yet, it’s only been a week. Right now it feels like the end of any other season. I think it will hit me in September when the next season starts. MY: What is your earliest basketball memory? SK: I remember small ball with Riverside Sports when I was 6. I remember the Valiants Novice basketball team and playing in the Ontario provincial championship when I was in grade 4. We won the gold medal by a crazy score of 20-16.
the AAU Championship. There was an opening ceremony with all the teams from all over the U.S. We were the only Canadian team and we walked in like it was the Olympics. It was really well done. 2) I remember playing in the Blessed Sacrament tournament in Hamilton. It was a really tough tournament and we pulled out the victory and a gold medal. Our coach was so happy that he jumped out of the gym! 3) It was nice to finish my career and be honoured as the first recipient of the Tony Piccinato award for outstanding player, leadership and citizenship. MY: The Valiants wasn’t your only team? SK: No, I played for four years at St. Joseph HS on the senior girls’ basketball team. I honestly walked into the wrong tryout! My coach, Don Hollerhead asked me to stay, they asked me to play in their first tournament that weekend. I was lucky enough to score 27 points in my second game. They kept feeding me the ball and after that, they told me I had to stay. “There’s no way you’re playing junior basketball.” I had no choice — I stayed for four years and I’m glad I did.
MY: You mentioned the Valiants — tell us about the Valiants and who you played with. SK: The Valiants are an all-girls basketball organization. I played for ten years and 10 different teams. I remember the coaches; I had 15 of them and a whole bunch of great teammates.
MY: I guess it was a good decision you were selected to the WECSSAA allstar team for four years and finished as the all-time leading scorer, rebounder, assists and steals at St. Joes as well. SK: Oh really, I didn’t know you did your homework. I think it was because I had tremendous teammates.
MY: What is your fondest memory of playing with the Valiants? SK: It’s hard to pick just one but I can narrow it down to three: 1) We had an awesome trip to Cocoa Beach Florida. The founder of Windsor Valiants, Tony Piccinato organized a trip to Florida for
MY: Things really stepped up when you decided to attend St. Clair College. How did that happen? SK: When it came time for me to decide, my coach Andy Kiss was appointed head coach. I’ve known coach AK my whole life and it played a huge
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roll in my coming to St. Clair College. Plus, I’ve always been interested in working with kids and taking the Early Childhood Education program was the right fit for me. MY: It certainly wasn’t your average career. Things really took off with the Saints. Tell us about your St. Clair Career? SK: As a rookie, I was thrown into a starting role. I had to earn the respect of my older teammates and fit in as a younger player. The transition was almost seamless with the coaching staff and the support of my veteran teammates. The game changed; it was bigger, faster, better and a whole lot of fun. In my first year, we played across Ontario and won an OCAA Bronze medal;
sports@school still one of my favourite memories. In my second year, we moved to the new SportPlex. Our team changed but we made it to the Ontario championships again. The competition has always been tough and I was honoured to be voted in as the OCAA Player of the year and achieve All-Canadian recognition. In my third year, we hosted the CCAA National Championship and we fell just five points shy of knocking off the number one seed. MY: Wait a minute here, DIDN’T you skip a pretty important record in your third year? SK: With the help of my teammates, I broke the St. Clair women’s all-time scoring record. MY: That was only the start of your record breaking career. let’s get back to your fourth and fifth year? SK: I did decide to continue my academic journey and enrolled in the Educational Support Program and Autism Behavioural Sciences and continued to play basketball. In my fourth year, our team struggled a bit but remained competitive. It was this year that I made my mom the most proud by becoming an Academic All-Canadian. Year five was a real turn around. It seemed like I went from being the youngest on the team to the oldest overnight. This year we had 8 rookies, 1 second year, 1 third year and myself in 5th year. I must say this year has just flown by like no other. My teammates are the biggest part of it. There was a lot of doubt from other people playing with a young team but it has been a complete pleasure. Our team gelled after Christmas during our trip to Montreal where we went 3-1 for the first time ever. This kicked off our run to the OCAA tournament once again. I’ve been lucky enough to have great teams and at least compete at the OCAA tournament for 5 consecutive years. MY: Shannon, you didn’t just compete each year, and this year saw some pretty impressive records fall. Tell
us about the Ontario College Athletic Association record? SK: During the first semester, my coach sat me down and let me know I was on track and had a chance to break the All-time OCAA scoring record. We talked about the process and agreed it had to be team first and from that, the records will come. I decided I didn’t want to know the number nor the date. I didn’t want the pressure. My team and coaches supported me every step of the way. I was lucky enough to break the record on February 17th at Humber College.
minutes into the game. To tell you the truth I was relieved and then focused on finishing the game. It was nice to have two more games to finish my regular season career. My teammates were fantastic and seemed to be happier for me than I was. They kept giving me the ball and helped me finish my career with 1401 regular season points. MY: You seemed to have given the game your all. What do you walk away with? SK: A countless number of relationships across the province, pride in my achievements and most of all friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
MY: How did you break it and how did it feel? SK: It was within the flow of the game and it came on a three pointer about 4
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health&fitness
New methods, new gains If you ask people in the gym about what program they are on, most of the time you will get an answer like, “I do three sets of 10 to tone my muscles” or something like, “I lift heavy for 3-5 reps for size.” Now I can’t sit here and say that this is bad. It is only bad when it has stopped working and you keep doing it. There can be many reasons why
Submitted by Shane Topalovic, owner of Next Level Athletics
those workouts stopped working for you, and if that is the case, it may be time to change up the method. There are many methods that a person can use. You just have to find the right one that works for you and your goals. If you want to run a marathon you wouldn’t use the Cube method. If you want to be a powerlifter you might use the Cube method, or
the Juggernaught method. Most of the methods are used to target a specific goal. German Composition training for example is used to target fat loss and hypertrophy, while the 5/3/1 system is used to gain strength. Below I will briefly explain a few methods I personally like to use in my programming at Next Level Athletics.
Next Level Athletics Methods 1. Rest Pause Method I have seen variations in the rest pause method but the one I like to use the most is using 60% - 80% of your one rep max and holding the bar in the stretch position for a hold of 1 -2 seconds. This variation gives you a loaded stretch which has been shown to increase blood flow to the muscle, help you recover and indeed help the muscle to grow. An example of this would be on the bench press. When you lower the weight to the chest, the goal is to hold it there for 1 or 2 seconds and press it back up to the start position. This will help you get stronger and should help with flexibility as well.
cases, the set is over within 20 seconds or less. This is a great way to add some muscular endurance and it is notorious for leaving you sore the next day. Explore what times and weights work best for you, but always remember to be very careful when you are experimenting with the weights.
2. Negatives
Rest Pause Method: Hold in stretch position
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If you have ever done negatives, you know they can become extremely hard, extremely fast. The idea with this method is to lower the weight at a slow tempo. For this you can use anywhere from 3 – 10 seconds. In some cases I have seen some people use more time lowering the weight but using less reps. The goal time for muscle hypertrophy is between 30 and 70 seconds of tension. If you were to decide to use 10 reps with 4 second negatives, that would give you 40 seconds of muscle tension. Now don’t be alarmed if you can’t hit the 10 reps. Look how much time we spend under the bar in a regular 10 rep scheme. In most
Negatives Method: Lowering the weight to the ground is called the negative.
health&fitness (left) Contrast Training Method: Use a heavy weight for the main movement and follow with an explosive movement.
3. Contrast training This one is exactly like the title says. In this method we go from a heavy exercise to a light exercise or a light exercise to a heavy exercise. Use whichever variation suits you the best. In the case of a basketball player wanting to increase his vertical, I would first have him or her squat somewhere between 85% and 100% of their one rep max, rest 2 minutes then do a light explosive exercise like a box jump or a jump to touch the rim. I like to keep the reps to no more than five on each exercise. The idea is to prime your neurological system to be able to recruit more motor units to really maximize the use of the muscle.
and decrease the reps. The fourth week is used as a deload or rest week. This program is done four days a week using one main lift each day followed by accessory work; which means lifts that help bring up the areas where you find that you are struggling. For example, if I had a hard time in the bottom of the squat, I would program in some glute and hamstring work. We do that because those are the muscles that we really need to fire when we are in that position. These are just a few quick overviews to help you understand that there is much more than the regular 3 sets of 10 that most of us use. Do some research and find what methods work and who is doing them. Like I mentioned before, everyone has different goals, so find the method that suits you best. If you have any questions or feel like you are stuck in your workouts, feel free to email Shane@nxlathletics.com
4. 5/3/1 I love this method because it is very easy to follow and works extremely well. With the 5/3/1 you stick to the main lifts, the squat, bench press, deadlift and military press. Each week for 3 weeks you increase the weight
Meet Shane Topalovic from Next Level Athletics Shane Topalovic is the owner of Next Level Athletics and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Windsor Express. Shane has also been appointed Director of Health and Fitness for the National Basketball League of Canada. For more information, call 519-984-6607 or email shane@nxlathletics.com
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sports@school
Three Lancers win OUA track & field major awards The Windsor Lancers are pleased to announce that three Lancers have captured OUA Track & Field major awards, as announced by Ontario University Athletics (OUA). Putting the entire conference on notice this season, the award for female Most Valuable Performer on the track goes to Kelsey Balkwill (Woodslee, Ont.). In only her first year with her new team, Balkwill has had one of the most impactful seasons of any Lancer to don the blue and gold. Coming into the 300m sprint as the No. 1 nationally ranked athlete in that event, Balkwill had her sights set on gold, and she accomplished just that by crossing the line in a blistering 38.13 mark. Doubling up the distance on Day 2, she featured in the 600m final as well and led from start to finish therein, coming through in a
time of 1:30.62. After finally capturing that elusive double gold medal performance, Sarah Mitton (Brooklyn, N.S) is being recognized as the female Most Valuable Performer in the field. Entering the competition as the defending champ and No. 1 nationally ranked thrower in the shot-put event, Mitton beat out the competition on Day 1 by almost three meters, throwing an impressive 16.82m for her efforts. She followed that up with a throw of 16.47m in the weight throw competition the next morning, which was also helped her capture gold in that event. For her contributions on and off the track, distance phenom Stefanie Smith (London, Ont.) is this year’s winner of the female Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
Kelsey Balkwill
Sarah Mitton
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Smith currently volunteers her time with the university’s Adapted Physical Exercise Research Group, where she works with participants with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability, training them twice a week in a specific fit program. Volunteering with Learn to Run clinics, working with UWorkItOutUWin, and coaching with the University of Windsor Athletic Club Youth Cross Country program, Smith has combined her passion for physical activity with her drive to support others during her time as a varsity athlete. The fifth year distance specialist also placed fourth in the 1500m (4:36.26), fourth in the 4x800m relay (9:10.57), and fifth in the 3000m (9:39.66), qualifying for the U SPORTS championships in all three events.
Stefanie Smith
sportsfiles sportsfiles
The Bruce Awad Summer Program Proudly sponsored by
Through the hard work and diligence of dedicated volunteers, at the Board of Directors level, a unique, one-of-its-kind program was developed by Bruce Awad in 1984 for one of our most vulnerable individuals in our community...children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autism. The highly structured program has provided family respite and relief while offering a safe, healthy and educational place for young people with autism to thrive, learn and avoid regression during the summer vacation. In 2010, to show their appreciation to Mr. Awad, the board of directors voted to officially rename the program to “The Bruce Awad Summer Program”. Over the years, the demands for the program continued to grow and with grants, donations, and additional fundraising, the program has expanded to try to meet the community’s ever-increasing needs. Today we have one location in Windsor with eight classrooms and one location in Essex with two classrooms. In total, we are now serving fifty-seven families equating to sixty students. Being the only program in WindsorEssex to provide a specialized, continuous 6 week program, we have greatly contributed to the well-being of not only our students, but their families and our innumerable staff over the past 33 years. The training of our staff is one of high quality, delivered in conjunction with several community agencies. As our summer program accepts those who have the highest needs in our community, the students in our program tend to be individuals who have been diagnosed with the most severe forms of autism. Many are nonverbal, have extreme difficulties with communication and socialization and have immensely challenging behavioural difficulties.
Our highly developed and strongly structured program has great positive effects on our students, as seen by their families and educational staff when they go back to their regular school placement in the fall. Continuation of a structured learning environment that they are provided during the regular school year is very important to help them maintain and improve their educational and life skills. Summer break is also a time for fun, games and adventure and the students attending the Bruce Awad Summer Program don’t have many options for this type of experience due to their unique behaviours, high needs and the necessary support required for their safety. At our program, we aim to provide this fun part of summer by regularly visiting community pools, splash pads and parks as well as taking weekly field trips to area recreation facilities such as bowling, gymnastics and mini golfing to name a few. This recreational component also provides the opportunities for improving community integration and community acceptance. It’s important for individuals with ASD to be out in the community to interact with others and experience everyday life. This helps to overcome isolation and marginalization that often happens to many individuals with ASD and their families. In 2016, ASI produced a video showcasing the Summer Program. The end result is a six-minute video and four shorter one-minute videos highlighting specific topics. Videos of the Bruce Awad Summer Program can be watched online at our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/ UC8ZeNr6Oi9nVDspjC3Jwxww For over 30 years, volunteers from our
organization have participated in pasta dinners, fun runs, golf tournaments, cheese sales, service club and community presentations… and many other fundraisers and events to bring awareness and to raise money for our summer program. We have partnered with Windsor Essex Family Network, Community Living, Autism Ontario and Windsor Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports to facilitate community information sessions with experienced guest presenters from the financial and legal professions. Since 2009, ASI has partnered with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board and their Focus on Youth Program. The Bruce Awad Summer Program has provided field placement for St. Clair College students entered in the Autism & Behavioural Science Program allowing them to gain valuable practical experience working with individuals with autism. We represent a small part of our community, however we have had a big voice and a big presence over the years. Autism is now much better understood and known to the community at large and that is due, in part, to the determined efforts of organizations such as ours to inform, educate and bring awareness to people about the life-long and enormous challenges that face individuals with autism. To learn more about The Bruce Awad Summer Program and autism, please contact: Cheryl or Christine at Autism Services Inc. 3600 Curry Ave Windsor, ON N9E 2T6 Phone: 519-966-7283 or email: autism@mnsi.net. Please view our website www.autismservicesinc.com.
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teamprofiles
Youth shine at W.E.F.L banquet
On February 10th, the Windsor Essex Football league held its year end banquet at the Windsor Sportsmen’s Club. More than 300 people came out to honour our youth and reflect back on the 2017 season. Teams were called to the stage and the coaches introduced each player and gave them a quick shout out on the successes of their season. Trophies and medals were given to players to keep as a reminder of the all the hard work, fun, and the relationships formed throughout the season. The smiles on each of the player faces were priceless. All board members, coaches, volunteers, players and parents deserve a pat on the back for a very successful season, but there were two individuals that really stood out this year. The first is Eric Szorvas, a young man who on the field tried his hardest on every down, and stayed positive throughout a season that left his team without a win. But it was his off the field example is what awarded him the “W.E.F.L Outstanding Achievement Award”. Every week Eric stayed after his game and helped tear down the fields and pack up the game day equipment and bring it back to the storage unit. Even on Championship Day, through the wind, cold, rain, and everything else mother nature threw at us, Eric was right there loading the truck, and setting up the field. He was always
given the option to go home, but Eric chose to stay and help. Thank you Eric for displaying hard work, staying positive, and being a great team player. The second person who stood out was Parker Tessier. The WEFL presented its first ever Spirit of Football award. It was presented to Parker, brother of Nathan, one of our Peewee Hawkeye players. Parker has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the disease has taken his ability to walk. But that doesn’t stop Parker. He was at every game and practice, cheering on his “little” brother. He cheered loud and long; always urging his Hawkeyes on to victory. Even though Parker has never played a down of football, he is a Hawkeye, through and through, and there is NO ONE more deserving of the Spirit of Football Award than Parker. Parker has always been Nate’s number 1 fan. He’s been there on the sidelines to encourage, cheer and sometimes yell at the boys (all in good fun)... Parker is so proud of his brother and all his football brothers on the Hawkeye’s team. It’s not easy being the older brother and watching your younger one live his life like he wishes he could but he never let that get him down... Never let that get in the way of being their number one supporter. I think it’s because he
was made to always feel he was an important part of the team - and he is. His resilient spirit is what made him such an integral part of the Hawkeye’s family. When asked, his exact words, “I never thought it would ever happen. I never thought I’d get a trophy for a sport when I couldn’t actually play”. His mother replied, “Well son, anything is possible, isn’t it?” In addition to his award, Parker was also given a jersey with his name printed on the back. His jersey number will be retired on the Hawkeye’s team. It will always be remembered that this incredible young man with resilient spirit did so much more for his team than he ever thought possible. Thank you Parker for being such an inspiration. One more thing that the league would like to do in Parkers honour is to rename the award to “The Parker Tessier Spirit Award”. Going forward, it will be given to an individual that demonstrates nothing less than what Parker portrayed with his Hawkeyes. Registration is open online at wefl.ca. Bring a new player to the league and receive a $50.00 thank you. Our first free football camp will be on May 26th. Stay tuned for details. Don’t want to miss out on upcoming events, share and like our Facebook page.
See you on the field!
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