Three-Pitch championships!
The Manitoulin elementary three-pitch championships were held in Gore Bay for the Junior division and Mindemoya for the Intermediate finals. As usual, a great display from the girls’ and boys’ of fall was demonstrated in both locales.
In Gore Bay, C. C. McLean hosted the Grade 6-and-under teams and Bruce Lindsay (the “host-est with the most-est”) convened a very competitive tournament with results needing careful deliberation. Apparently so much so that one player was overheard to say, “Shhhh…let’s be quiet while he figures everything out!” Of course, Mr. Lindsay needed little time to figure out that Assiginack won the day with Central Manitoulin (CMPS) taking silver. The winning squad, coached by Joanne Roy-Peltier featured: Brooke Gibeault, David Gibbons, Jocelyn Kuntsi, Ethan Leblanc, Macie Setterington, Amanda Jones, Steven White, Joel Mailloux, Brodie Pennie, Sonya Jacko, Chloe Otosquiab, Katelyn Lentir, Jon Meade and Jack Pennie.
In Mindemoya, Lisa Pennie and Christy Case organized the senior event that saw the host team edge a strong team from Lakeview for the gold. Congratulations to players: Hailey McGillis-Prior, Zoe Redmond, Owen Duncanson, Tyler Leeson, Hunter Smith, Madison Skippen, Jacob Wilson, Aislinn Brown, Haylee Cress, Joe Graham, Chloe Peltier and Coach Lisa Pennie.
Coaches Travis Corbiere and Gayle Payette and guided their team to silver. Their roster included: Johnny Bushey, Nyron Panamick, Damion Debassige, Dylan Corbiere, Darci Debassige, Trinity Paul, Cierra Anwhatin, Harmony Kaiser-Fox, Tyran Armstrong, Hudson Hare and Natashia Bebonang.
Although it is always an exciting day for the future of Manitoulin ball players it is a bit sad to see fewer and fewer players coming to sign up every year. In the not-to-distant past, most schools would send an A and B team in both divisions. Although the smaller schools were not always able to field two complete squads, six Manitoulin schools have the possibility of sending upwards of 20 kids to both the Junior and Intermediate tournaments for the possibility of at least 240 kids (with a team minimum of 10 girls and 10 boys per team) getting out and being active for not only the championships but also every lunch and after-school practice. This year, only nine teams went to each event instead of a possible 24. Let us hope that the strong Manitoulin softball tradition can return to its former self.
Panther Points!
As the 2016–2017 Manitoulin Panthers’ regular seasons get set to begin in earnest it is good to see the Atoms have been getting their team up to speed with an ambitious exhibition schedule. The team currently sits with an impressive 6-3-1 record and Coach Kevin Eshkawkogan has seen massive improvements by all on the playmaking front with some great passing, going on. Their next stop is up in Timmins on October 14-16. The Panthers’ exciting home opener for all teams is October 23 and will feature special 3rd jerseys and another exciting season for Manitoulin rep hockey.
Off the rock hockey
Two Manitoulin lads have earned positions with the Muskoka Wild of the new Canadian Premier Junior Hockey League. Brandon Pheasant and Jeremiah Cooper both joined the Wild recently and are off to awesome starts. Brandon has notched 5 goals and an assist in only 3 games while Jeremiah has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists. The team which plays out of Port Carling and is undefeated in 5 games.
It’s difficult to keep the name Gregory Trudeau-Paquet out of this column as he continues to put up points with the French River Rapids. On Saturday he had 2 goals as the Rapids tied the Espanola Express 4-4 in double overtime. The Rookie skater now has 10 points in 9 games.
Former Manitoulin Dolomite Major Bantam Mark Killens (wife Kim) has a top-flight runner in the family. Their son Dion was recently named the MVP of his High School recently.
Local sports leader offers new opportunities
Hats off to Lawrence Enosse, director of the Youth Centre in Wikwemikong, as he continues to organize sports activities for the youth of the community. During October alone, events will involve kick boxing, boot camp, yoga and dance fitness. Teachers include: Patrick Peltier, Ashley Jacko, Thecla Mishibinijima and Danyka Johannsen.
Wiky Road Race
The 43rd annual Wikwemikong 10K Championships and 10K walk is set for Sunday, October 16. Once again the 10 km Slower Runner Division for beginner runners and walkers is sponsored by the Wikwemikong Health Centre Diabetes Program and it starts at 10 am in Kaboni.
The 10km championship run starts at 10:50 am, with registration going from 8:30 to 9:30 am at Wasse Abin Pontiac School. The entry fee is still just $20 for Adults and $10 for Students and it includes a t-shirt and a sure bet for some fabulous prizes. There is a shuttle service available to get runners up to the start line. A truly great event; why not give it a try. For more information call (705) 859-3164.
Wiky Invitational tomorrow!
The Manitoulin cross country season features its first meet, the Wiky Invitational tomorrow (October 6) hosted at the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course in Manitowaning. This venerable event features teams competing from across the Island as well as the north shore. The day starts off around 10:30 am with the youngest age division (8 and under) and completes each boys and girls’ race until the 13-plus divisions runs sometime around 1:00 and finally finishes the day with an awards ceremony about 1:30 pm.
Kennedys carry on with cross country in college
Wyatt Kennedy representing Cambrian College and Mikaila Kennedy of Sault College are running in fine form this fall. This is Mikaila’s second year running for the Sault and Wyatt is in his first year running for Cambrian. Many will remember that Wyatt had to take last year off from running after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Stay tuned for more info. Go Kennedys!
A good sport is good for sports. chipstoquips@gmail.com
