CrossFit phenom
Phil Cress continues to get stronger and faster, as each day goes by apparently! The young fitness aficionado finished in 52nd position in the preliminary round of the CrossFit Games Open in all of the Canada East region. Needing a couple of qualifiers to back out of the Regionals, some may have predicted that Phil stay on the bottom of the leaderboard. As the three-day competition started this past weekend in Mississauga, Phil opened with a monstrous effort in the opening workout, tying for 19th place with a 225 pound maximum lift in the “Snatch.” Phil also finished in 21st place in the 4th workout that included 21-15-9-6-3 reps of 1st, handstand push-ups, 2nd, front squats with 195 pounds, and 3rd, burpees (all in 16 minutes). The other workouts consisted of: a walking hand-stand for distance, one legged squats, muscle-ups, cleans, rope climbs, sprints, rowing, etc. a total of seven, grueling work-outs over three days. After the last labour on Sunday, Phil ended up in 40th place… in all points east of Manitoba, way to go, Phil!
Phil’s former coach and CrossFit Genetic Potential founder Jon Balfe is also making a name for himself in CrossFit circles. Dealing with injuries this year, Jon was not able to make it to the regionals, however his attention to form and technique is also valuable as a judge. When every repetition counts in an event like this the need for a pair of skilled eyes is paramount. The recognition of Jon’s skills had him judging in all of the important showdowns over the weekend.
Mustangs prep for NOSSA push
The Manitoulin Mustang track and field team competed in the pre-NSSSA meet last week in Blind River. At this stage, aggregate team totals were not available but coach Jim Stringer has them neck and neck with their long-time rivals from Espanola. With approximately 60 kids participating, they brought back over 80 top 3 results, including 25 firsts! Notable performers included Bronwyn Cooper (1st in junior girls 1500 and 3000), Braedan Case (1st in midget boys 400 & 300m hurdles, 2nd in 800), Hayley Noel (1st in junior girls’ 100, 200 and 80m hurdles) and Kennedy Lanktree (1st in senior girls 100, 400 and long jump).
The team is back to Blind River today (Wednesday) for the NSSSA Championship with the full crew of about 80, looking for their first victory in several years, and hoping to qualify at least half for NOSSA in the Sault on the 28th and 29th. Good luck team.
MSS Tennis
The 2014 MSS Tennis Team hosted NSSSA Tennis last Friday, after a few days of delay due to rain. Although it was a cold day on the courts, the athletes were hot! MSS won 7 of the 10 spots available to continue on to NOSSA, which was easily enough to take home the NSSSA banner for this year. First place finishes came from Cole Dumond and Harrison Noble in Boys Doubles, Carly Newlands and Meranda Noble in Girls Doubles and Brett Varey and Mackenzie Turner in Mixed Doubles. Also qualifying with second place finishes were Greg Doane and Bryce Mastelko in Boys Doubles, Taylor Bain and Adiam Gebrekristose in Girls Doubles, Andrew Smith and Bettina Turner in Mixed Doubles and Alexa Gordon in girls’ singles. The season continues with MSS hosting the NOSSA tournament this Thursday at the school. Go Mustangs, go!
Manitoulin Tennis Club
The cool spring kept the bugs away as the M.T.C. hosted their annual Blackfly Doubles tournament this past Saturday, May 17th. This is a fun tournament where players rotate partners, while shaking off the winter rust. This year the best records were recorded by Ryan Migwans and Perry Bebamash with many people tying for second. Regular sessions for the club now continue on Wednesdays and Sundays all summer at 6pm on the courts at Manitoulin Secondary School. New members are always welcome and lessons are available for all ages. See you on the courts!
Junior Soccer Champs
In last week’s reporting of the Island Soccer championships I missed the Junior Soccer champs who hail from Mindemoya’s CMPS and who prevailed over the CC McLean Colts. The Grade 4/ 5/6 team featured: Avery Sheppard, Marjorie Scott, Morgan Wall-Varey, Amber Wahl, Madison Skippen, Laura Orford, Taylor Smith, Jasen Millette, Caleb Byers, Hunter Smith, Liam Bridgeman, Carter Taziar, Jacob Wilson, Owen Duncanson, Alex Hore and coaches Ellen Ferguson and Michael Bridgeman. Congratulations, team!
Active adults
Wikwemikong’s Wayne Pheasant doesn’t spend all of his time making cool cedar furniture, he also makes time for regular walks. Keep up the good work, Wayne.
A good sport is good for sports.
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