“Field of Dreams” comes true!
Hats off to Greg Lockeyer on leading the charge to get some amazing, Toronto Blue Jays’ funding for the Central Manitoulin ballpark. Mindemoya received the maximum allowed by the program, some $150,000. Mayor Richard Stevens of Central Manitoulin praised Lockeyer for his “fantastic job.” The project is identified as the “Field of Dreams,” part of the “Jay’s Care” by giving back to grassroots ball.
3 on 3!
This fun format annual attracts many Manitoulin teams to rethink their regular hockey thoughts into more of a speed, chess match. As usual, the Sault must have seemed like “old home week” for many Island people, as many local teams converged in one last hockey showdown. At least seven Manitoulin teams headed west to the popular event. Although anecdotally, all teams held their own, the tournament website had yet to update the final results at press-time.
In the 2002 (birth year), Thunderbird category, the Manitoulin Chiefs made the quarterfinal after three straight runs of 6-4, 5-1 and 5-2.
The 2003 Thunderbird division saw the Pink Misfits: win, tie and lose. The A.O.K. Eagles entered the very competitive, 2004 Greyhound division. Despite having only 6 players they made it to the playoffs where they were unfortunately eliminated. The Manitoulin Snipers in the Thunderbird category tied their first game and hammered the Ice Gators in the second game. They still had two games to play in the round-robin but results have not yet been posted. The 2006 Thunderbird category included the Island Jr. T-Birds. They tied game one, 6-6, lost game two 3-1, lost game three 6-2 and won game four, 7-0 in their final round robin. The team ended up 3rd in the standings and played the 2nd place team in the semi and lost a close one: 6-5. The Island Jr T-Birds Roster featured: Coaches Brent Assinewai, Bart Case. Players: Ava Assinewai, Annie Balfe, Aiden Case, Brodie Pennie, Brooke Gibeault, Corbin Best, Eli Locke, Kordell Elijah, Liam Lariviere and Macie Setterington (G).
Congrats to all. Hope to catch up with all the teams’ results next week.
Kudos time!
Former Wiky Hawks/Manitoulin Panthers Eddie Shawana, Jeff Pitawanakwat, Jamie Peltier and Greg Mishibinijima were among those presented with Long-time Service Awards recently by the Wikwemikong Tribal Police. Congratulations to some great hockey players.
Track and Field Time!
Sudbury’s Track North held their annual Black Fly track and field event this past weekend. A number of Island athletes competed turning some excellent results. Victoria Trudeau earned the bronze medal in the girls’ 200 meter race although she was competing against High School Runners and then doubled her bronze medal performance in the long jump. Victoria attends Pontiac School in Wiikwemkoong.
Johanna Ogbamichael of Manitoulin Secondary also took a bronze in the senior girls’ high jump. She also competed in the senior girls’ long jump and triple jump.
Another bronze medal came from Francesca Pheasant of Pontiac in the girls’ 3000-meter open run. Her third place finish left her only 12 seconds behind the winner, Sierra Pangowish who won the event!
In the boys’ 1500 metre midget race Julian Wemigwans (only 13 years old) notched a 7th place finish against high school runners, kudos to track coach Robin Fisher.
This is a great early-season tune-up event. It is a great opportunity to test your readiness for the spring/summer season. Keep up the good work, all!
Track hopefuls?
Manitoulin track and field enthusiasts, be advised that Track North organizes regular evening meets throughout the summer. The first outing is Wednesday, June 28 at 6 pm. Update yourself at: tracknorthweekly.com/summer-twilight-meets.html.
Happy Birthday, B.C.
Best wishes to Little Current’s Braeden Case who turned 18 last week. Braeden, a member of the AAA NOHA Midget champion squad was the recipient of a special cake made by Mom, Lori!?
Runners invite
Runners have another opportunity to check their Fitness level on May 14 to 17. The annual Sudbury rocks 1 K, 5K, 10K, half marathon and full Marathon gives everyone a variety of distances from which to choose. Check out the website at www.sudburyrocksmarathon.com.
There is also a marathon relay race. No doubt the Fisher-Odjig clan will enter en masse again as the family usually does on an annual basis. Good luck to all Manitoulin runners.
Correction time!
Whoops! Last week we posted a list of Manitowaning Wolves’ players who won the Soo Extravaganza Tournament. Unfortunately we missed Jake Smith on the roster. Sorry Jake, good show between the pipes!
Fun on two wheels?
For the human Powered cycle enthusiast, remember the annual “Passage Ride” which takes place on June 3rd and 4th of this year. For further information, check the website at: manitoulin cycling.com/registration.
Following that is the slightly less taxing tour for the “Ride Manitoulin, Motorcycle Rally.” Beginning in Providence Bay this July 14 and continuing to the 16, you will be treated to the amazing sights of the Island, in the least time possible. Go to www.ridemanitoulin.net for full details.
A good sport is good for sports
chipstoquips@gmail.com
