Island soccer championships!
At C.M.P.S. in Mindemoya the junior event took place with both an A and B trophy up for grabs. L.C.P.S., following up from a great season last year, took both divisions again. Although rosters were not available at press time we will get their pictures and members in for our next issue. Of note however were three grade 8 refs from Lakeview who were not able to on a team of their due to a lack of players. They did an amazing job in a real leadership role showing what they could aspire to. Congratulations to Gabe Hare, Damion Debassige and Hudson Hare.
The senior tournament was hosted at Pontiac in Wiikwemkoong for the first time. Under perfect weather conditions, Convener Deana Debassige hosted a great event with a four game round-robin and then an A and B championship games for the top-four squads.
The first final of the day was for the “B” title and was contested between Assiginack and the home-field Warriors. The Pontiac side prevailed in a very close match to take the bronze position. The Warrior roster included: Shaolin Roy, Raven Pheasant, Maria Shawanda, Latoya Beaudry, Shaye Ominika, Deea Peltier, Jenelle Akiwenzie, Quintina Trudeau, Julian Wemigwans, Lattrell Peltier, Dustin, Lavallee, Kenneth Kagige, Isaiah Manitowabi-Bell, Drake Trudeau, Tatum Pangowish, Dorral Recollet, Ben Lewis and Coach Deana Debassige.
In the “A” game, The L.C.P.S. Coyotes played a very controlled, ball possession game and downed the second place C.M.P.S. Eagle squad 3 – 0. The majority of their roster could be the who’s who of elementary sports featuring: Brett Mastelko, Noah Volpini, Jared Toope, Jayden Rohn, Jared Cortes, Darwin Wood, Aysia Francis, Autumn Deschenes, Whittier Gauthier, Guadalupe Anaya, Cat Rose, Billy Biedermann, Riley Lockeyer, Alan Wilkin, Dakota Mishibinijima, Jorja Peltier, Hillary McBane and Coach Mark Volpini.
Belated, Hypothermic Half, kudos!
In the short days of winter, diehard runners are putting in their training religiously waiting for spring to arrive. Thankfully, a mid-winter race can provide the motivation for runners to pull on that balaclava, one-more-time! The Runnings Room’s Hypothermic Half (as well as a 10k and 5k option) offered their annual cordiality to a couple of Manitoulin runners.
Hats off to Wiikwemkoong’s Aurel Fox who won the 10km event. In the 21.1km, half marathon, Gold medal winning, world special Olympian Austin Featherstone finished in ninth place in an amazing 1:44 clocking!
Air Traffic Control…hockey?
Congratulations to a pair of local air traffic controllers who have taken their career and passion for hockey to the next level. Matt Orford played in the 45th anniversary of the ATC World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia last month. The YYZ Hogs finished in third, only behind two Russian teams.
Meanwhile in Slovenia, cagey veteran and life-time, Providence Bay Refill member Roger Morrell was at an ATC tournament. Good show guys, a welcome distraction from an understandably stressful job.
Young CrossFit phenom, now a vet, still in the mix!
Hats off to Phil Cress who, in his early high school years transformed himself from a rather sedentary student to a fitness level we could all aspire to! Under the tutelage of Jon and Tina Balfe a member of the first-ever, high school based, CrossFit affiliate (Genetic Potential). Phil competed at a number of the hierarchical competitions that pit athletes against those in our region then against those from Eastern Canada and finally this year Phil competed in the CrossFit World’s competition where Mr. Cress finished 571st in the world! Way to go Phil, inspirational.
Black Fly Relays
Although the black flies may be in short supply this year, our Manitoulin athletes appreciated fewer distractions. Pontiac’s Victoria Trudeau was 2nd in the 200m and 4th in the 400m. Shaolin Roy was 5th in the 800m. Autumn Peltier was 4th in the 100m. Avery Sutherland from Whitefish River First Nation was 3rd in the 1500m. What a great start to a great start, runners!
NSSSA Badminton
Congratulations to Wasse Abin’s Ian Dokum and MSS Mustangs: Jake Robinson, Owen Duncanson, Morgan Wall, Shaylee Taylor, Nathan Temple, Boston Thibault, Darci Debassige, Dream Saunders and Coaches Dave Robinson, Peter Kategiannis and Sherri Toner for their efforts in getting their athletes though into the NOSSA Badminton championships in Sault Ste. Marie two weeks ago.
3 on 3 correction
There should be some corrections to my report on the Manitoulin 3 on 3 Competition. The novice winner for the Passing Accuracy was actually Brian Bisson, and the shootout winner for Novice was indeed Eric Thibeault, and the goalie winner was James Panamick, 4th who made 13 saves on 16 shots. All of these players played for the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.
A good sport is good for sports. chipstoquips@gmail.com
