Island Track and Field will inspires once again
The annual two day Manitoulin Island Track and field meet, despite one rain-delay, postponement is now on the books. The meet, to take place last Tuesday and Thursday ran into a special weather statement for Thursday that pushed the track-only portion of the spectacle until Monday of this week. Hosted by C. C. McLean in Gore Bay, they managed to finish the event off under perfect conditions. Thanks to a lot of hard work over the season many athletes managed to surpass their personal best time or distance. Occasionally, that meant that they won a ribbon and this year several, even a new, Island record. Many, unfortunately, can’t be mentioned here but they should all take pride in their accomplishment of self-improvement. Hats off to you all.
Winning medals in the age-group divisions are as follows: Nine and under boys: Jack Bridgeman scored a perfect 12 points to take first, fellow CMPS athlete Jonah Balfe finished in second place and Little Current’s Roen Deschenes was third. On the girls’ side, Lakeview’s Damara Wassegijig was first, Layla Lockeyer (LCPS) and Lourdes Taukei (Lakeview) tied for second and CMPS’ Samantha McKenzie was third.
In the 10-year-old class, a perfect 12 point score was racked up by Little Current’s Jack Carter while Assiginack’s Rylan Pennie was second and the Coyotes’ Greyson Case finished with the bronze. Mya Balfe also put up a perfect 12 point score for CMPS while C. C. McLean’s Fia Flanagan garnered silver and there was a two-way tie for third between fellow Coyotes Prestlyn Biederman and Alesha Beam from LCPS.
In the 11-year-old boys’ division there was a one-two tally from Little Current’s Jack Koehler and Rhyis Arthurs. And third was earned by Assiginack’s Andrew Cooper. There was an amazing group of 11-year-old girls with six adorned with medals. In first was CMPS Eagle Sadie Bridgeman, while C. C. McLean’s Alex Wilson-Zegil and APS’ Phoenix Hoy took silver and a three-way tie for third was between C. C. McLean’s Tessa Merrylees and Hailey Hawke and Wasse Abin’s Shaye Omika.
The 12-year-old class was won by Jaydan Hayden (C. C. McLean) and classmate Hugh McLaughlin in second shared by LCPS’ John Michael Taggart. Assiginack’s Brodie Pennie was in third. In the girls’ 12-year-old year there was the tightest competition in recent memory with four tying for gold with nine points apiece. Congratulations to Saraya Eskawkogan (LCPS), Ava Assinewai (CMPS), Maren Kasunich (Lakeview) and Brooke Gibeault (Assiginack). CMPS Eagle Annie Balfe was second with seven points and Abby Hawke (C.C. McLean) was a right behind her with six!
In the 13-plus division, Alan Wilkin (LCPS) finishes an amazing elementary career with a perfect 12 tally mark. Classmate Billy Biederman was close behind with 11 while C. C. McLean Colt Tobias Madrigal wore the bronze. Delaney Bridgeman (CMPS) won the girls class with Lakeview’s Aysia Francis-Debassige in second and C. C. McLean’s Jazmin Colwell earning third.
Congratulations to everyone who trained hard and competed. Unfortunately, record breakers and total team results will have to wait till next week’s column.
Locals get well-deserved recognition!
The 51st Greater Sudbury Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Caruso Club featured three fine Manitoulin sports figures. It was a triple honour as Greg Lockeyer got to witness his sons Devin and Justin and their Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves teammates of 2008 inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning the 2008 Telus Cup, the National Midget Championship. As amazing as that was, Greg said it was a special honour that he got to watch fellow Islander Don Prescott inducted in the Builders Category. Greg relates that he has learned so much from Mr. Prescott over the decades and it was a special moment. Greg extends thanks to thanks to Delroy Prescott for getting his dad there and to Mickey McKinney for accompanying them. It was a great night to be an Islander!
Island runners in Ottawa
Hats off to Robin Cooper and Sarah Odjig who fought through a very rainy 5km Run for Women’s Mental Health in Ottawa this past weekend.
A good sport is good for sports.
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