SPORTS: OUA sports are back for 2021-2022 season

University sports return to play for the 20212022 school year

OUA announces approved structures for the upcoming season

PHOTO C/O JJAVA, Adobe Stock

Jovan Popovic Sports Editor

The Ontario University Athletics has recently announced their plan for university sports to return to action in the 2021-2022 school year. They released individual league-based structures for each sport, as well as championship structures to allow sports to safely resume across the province.

Many sports will receive shortened seasons — such as the football team, who’s season was reduced from eight games to six.

Although the reduction doesn’t allow athletes to get a full and regular season in, most are satisfied just to get back together with their team and compete as usual.

Tori Rigas-Didomenico, a member of the McMaster women’s basketball team, commented on the anticipation leading up to the return to play this season.

“I am super excited about the announcement. I think that after a year of not being able to compete, it’s very exciting to see some progress being made, and seeing that light at the end of the tunnel,” said Rigas-Didomenico.

After bringing home the U-Sports title in the 2018-2019 school year, the team had another strong season in the 2019-2020 school year, finishing in a heartbreaking one point loss to the top seeded Western Mustangs in the quarter final. Like the women’s basketball team, many McMaster teams are eager to compete once again after finishing dissatisfied, and hungry for more prior to the pandemic.

“I think we had a great season,” said Rigas-Didomenico, referring to the 2019-2020 season. “We still got to be in contact with each other over this pandemic year, and based on public health guidelines, we did have some practice. We were constantly building on things from the years prior, so it’s going to be a great season when we get there. We are all very ex-

Many sports will receive shortened seasons — such as the football team, who’s season was reduced from eight games to six.

“I am super excited about the announcement. I think that after a year of not being able to compete, it’s very exciting to see some progress being made, and seeing that light at the end of the tunnel.”

Tori Rigas-Didomenico

Student-Athlete, McMaster Women’s

cited because we miss competing, and we miss being on the court.”

Offering perspective on the general mindset of athletes, Rigas-Didomenico continued to discuss the excitement surrounding competition, even despite shortened seasons, new protocols, and league alignments.

“For most athletes, we’re just really excited that there has been progress, and that we can get out there soon. Whatever they give us is great news, and whether it be just a few games, or lots of games, we just want to be playing. We’re all excited that the chance to play is coming again,” said Rigas-Didomenico.

The upcoming season might be much different than what most athletes would have ever experienced, but it provides a sense of optimism and hope. It isn’t a full scale return, but it is a big improvement from before. After over a year without competition of any kind, university sports are making a return to Ontario.

The upcoming season might be much different than what most athletes would have ever experienced, but it provides a sense of optimism and hope.

Horizontal: 1. McMaster houses the largest research _______ in the Commonwealth 5. McMaster Museum of Art houses one of this famous artist’s paintings 7. Place to grab coffee in MUSC 9. Acronym for newest building on campus 11. Name of the surrounding area 12. Who represents you? 13. Apply to this if you need a loan or grant 15. Street where homecoming party occurs 17. When was McMaster founded (spell) 19. ______ flower, that smells like rotting flesh, can be found at at the greenhouse on campus. 21. Editor-in-Chief of the Silhouette 22. Bubble tea on campus 23. Can be found on the fourth floor of Mills Library 24. Name of the student newspaper 25. Protected area located behind campus 27. Name of MSU service representative and school colour 28. Famous Mac alumni and former Photo Editor of the Silhouette (last name) 29. Namesake of the university Vertical: 2. McMaster’s brain bank houses a piece of this theoretical physicist’s brain 3. Our number one crossword fans (also serves coffee and bagels in MUSC) 4. Location of the Silhouette office 6. McMaster athletes are called _________. 8. ________ University 10. McMaster University is located in the city of _______ 14. Name of bar owned and operated by the MSU 16. MSU President 18. Previous city that McMaster was located in 20. Graduate bar 25. Your campus radio station 26. Number (written) of faculties at McMaster

SIX INCHES AND DELICIOUS Mac students protest to bring back their beloved hot dog stand M8 TUESDAY

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McMinster COVID starter kit

Arts and craft your way to a safe and healthy return to campus

KRISTOFF BROADWAY

Waiting to make my return Your face mask is incredibly important for keeping the virus out and also hiding from everyone the fact that you keep your mouth open under the mask.

Of course, a handy-dandy 6-foot pole is key in ensuring those who REALLY don’t understand personal space stay AWAY. (not to scale.)

Lucky for you, we’ve provided a complimentary COVID-19 vaccine for your health and safety! Microchip included! (not lube.) INSIDE

MICROSOFT TEAMS WORKS FOR THE FIRST TIME. FLUKE? A3 STUDENTS CONGREGATE ON CAMPUS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE KEGGER LAST NIGHT A6 DON’T CALL BY-LAW ON ME B2 VAN DOUGHNUT: A LOVE STORY B5 MAN VS. WILD: MUSC STARBUCKS LINE EDITION C1 GROW YOUR OWN BRAIN CELLS, EASY AS 1, 2, MAXIPAD

C4

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