Island Ref moving up the ranks!
Providence Bay’s Michael Niven has shot up from reffing Manitoulin Minor House League. He put away some university money, cringing through Manitoulin men’s sportsmen tournaments and away at university, by steadily increasing the level of competition he could don the vertical stripes.
This summer he once again attended an upper level clinic where hundreds of hopefuls try out but only 15 make it through. He is now able to ref Tier II Junior A. He also had the chance this summer to line OHL tryout games. These games have many players on the bubble, who may not have the total skills needed to make the “O” with offensive or defensive skills. They hope to be noticed by their coaches for being able to throw down with the goon on the other side. Good luck, Michael. You will make it!
Island Alumni shining on post-secondary varsity stage!
Joseph Maxwell, once a top under-18 shot put and discus thrower in Canada, and among the top five for under-18 worldwide, is currently on a scholarship at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Joseph recently posted “Attention athletes! I’m proud to announce I’ll be interning with a company called Athlete Network this semester. Athlete Network is designed to connect you with companies and other like-minded people to help with your career after sports. We’ve partnered with over 400 companies and we host a network of over one million current and former athletes.” Good job, Joseph!
Additionally, Sandfield’s Hanna Hutchinson is on the Ottawa University rowing team. Hailing from Evansville and Joseph’s brother, Jacob Maxwell, is on the University of Guelph, Western riding team while Little Current’s Bronwyn Cooper is leaping for their English riding team.
The card of Big Lake, Greg Doane has just made it onto the Cambrian College’s varsity men’s volleyball team. Greg started by placing 2nd at NOSSA in Grade 10. Then in his fourth and fifth year at Manitoulin Secondary, won NSSSA, NOSSA, made it to OFSAA as the Mustang’s captain.
Greg was always the collegial athlete. He could bring a bunch of players out of the doldrums to rise to their individual and team’s potential. When asked if he had some advice to younger athletes who hope to play post-secondary volleyball classic, Greg advised, “If you love the game and you’re willing to put the time and effort in, the skills will come. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not the tallest person out there. What matters most is that you’re the hardest worker! I didn’t think I could play this level due to my height of 5’10” but I went with a good attitude and put 110% into tryouts and earned a spot on the team.” You have earned everything, Greg. Keep up that effort and attitude.
Full Value Fitness!
Next Saturday, September 29th a unique fitness challenge will take place. Manitoulin Secondary teacher Jonathan Balfe, a tireless promoter of healthy eating and fitness has developed an amazing and unique fundraiser for two Manitoulin Panther teams.
The event will take place up on the Manitoulin Secondary track in M’Chigeeng. The timed event will have people go through eleven different sections for time. Mr. Balfe will be setting up a schedule so that you can book the most convenient time for your Saturday anywhere from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM so you can get your time and then go on your merry way if you would prefer.
The events are all very functional skills that you would normally have to perform on any given day as you go about the 11 tasks on your schedule as officials record your times. Jon is a huge proponent of self-improvement and not feel a huge pressure to finish faster than anyone else. It is all about you becoming healthier.
Jon has created an amazing trailer of what his course will look like, complete with very cool drone footage of the location and his own children performing most of the tasks. It looks like it will be a ton of fun and amongst a super-supportive atmosphere. Check out Jon’s posts on YouTube labeled, Full Value Fitness Challenge Trailer, he explains it better than I can here!
Paul Williams Memorial Fastball and Ladies
Slo-Pitch Tournament the 2nd!
Not sure of press time exactly how many teams are needed. It appeared as though there were two men’s sides required. Please check out Gerard Baibomcowai’s Facebook post!
Dance class Opportunity
The Wiikwemkoong School of Dance presents classes by Dansations. Registration is on Tuesday September 25 from 4:30-7:30 PM. Contact Lawrence Enosse at Wiikwemkoong’s Waasa Nabin Community Youth Services Centre, for additional information.
A good sport is good for sports.
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