SportsXpress Chatham/Kent Nov/Dec 2014

Sixteen Year Old Maroons Defenceman Levi Tetreault

Signs to OHL

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Dresden’s Josh Rich

Dominates in Pro MMA Career @CKSportsXpress

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Chatham-Kent & Area Edition

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editor’snote Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports - the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing their experiences with other fans.

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Give us a call at 226.996.9100 ext 1 or email Amber Valade at amberv@sportsxpress.ca ~ from the Chatham-Kent SportsXpress team

coverstory 12 | Sixteen Year Old Maroons Defenceman Levi Tetreault Signs to OHL

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05 | Barrel Racer Amanda Craven Makes Top 5 at Congress 06 | Wallaceburg’s Matt Mapletoft Curling for Wilfred Laurier 07 | Dresden’s Josh Rich Dominates in Pro MMA Career 08 | Irish Dancer Emma Howlit Takes First 09 | Wallaceburg’s Tough Mudder

sportsfiles 10 | The Jeff Bechard Memorial Mentored Hunt 14 | NBA Comes to Chatham-Kent 15 | Meet Ben Weibe 23 | The Lambton-Kent Community Sports Field Improvement Project

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behindthebench 16 | Finding the Right Hockey Stick 18 | South Kent Lightning

health&fitness 0 | So You Want to Develop Breakaway 2 Speed?

21 | Protopapas Pro Training Centre’s Ultimate Hockey Camp

athletespotlight 22 | Hime for Haiti

22 Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

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Your Community Sports Report

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Barrel Racer Amanda Craven Makes Top 5 at Congress Interview by Chatham-Kent SportsXpress, Photos by Shane Rux Photography

What did you need to accomplish in order to qualify for Congress?

What kind of saddle do you use?

To be part of the team you have to send in an application, which includes information about your riding experience and team ethics. They really just want to make sure that you are a team player and are easy to get along with! Then they also ask that you get some sponsors and attend either two shows or two meetings so that they can meet you and watch you ride.

I actually ride in a treeless saddle, which is a newer style, however it is starting to become pretty big with barrel racers in this area. It has no tree which allows for a lot closer contact to the horse and a better feel for what the horse is doing underneath you. It’s amazing how much I can feel when I’m riding in a treeless and it goes both ways, he is able to feel what I’m doing a lot more too. A bonus feature is that it is also a lot lighter!

What is your horse’s registered and barn name?

Bronson’s registered name is The King Chex In.

How would you describe Bronson’s running style?

He’s actually a 100% cow bred horse so he runs a bit different than most barrel horses! He’s got a lot of power in his back end and a huge stride that makes him look like he doesn’t really run all that fast. I always have people comment on how slow he looks all the time! He’s a bit wider than most horses going around barrels simply because its so hard for him to shut down but he makes it up with how hard he digs in between barrels.

What is it you like best about him?

I would say my favourite thing about my horse is that he always gives me all he can. He’s a horse with more heart than he knows what to do with and he is so eager to impress. The amazing thing about that is you cant breed or train that into a horse. They’re a lot like people in the way that they either have a want to be successful or they don’t.

How do you prepare him for runs?

I do a lot of neck bending and moving him off my leg before a run. More than anything though I really just try to keep him relaxed and focused. Horses, again like people, run so much better when they aren’t stressed out so the more quiet he is before a run the better!

What kind of bit do you use?

I use a really short-shanked 3 piece Tom Thumb made by Tom Balding on Bronson.

It’s a really light bit because he’s a nice soft-mouthed horse and doesn’t need all that much control when he’s running.

If you were to share a barrel racing tip what would it be?

If I could share one tip for barrel racing it would be to always ride for your horse.

Don’t ride for the people watching you, for that red ribbon or the money. Always ride for the four-legged animal underneath you. At the end of the day they’re the only one you should worry about impressing because without their cooperation you won’t be successful.

What is your fitness routine?

At home I just work on bending Bronson’s neck a lot. I trot and lope a lot of circle bending and working on getting him to move of my leg. I’ll do a barrel or pole pattern here or there but never run him full out at home. A lot of times I’ll just take him for a trail ride or a run in the field because you don’t want them to get bored of always working either!

What has been your toughest competition?

I would say Congress is for sure the toughest competition I’ve been in. You are running against top youth barrel racers from all

across North America. If that’s not intimidating, I don’t know what is! Every person there is running to win and it shows with their caliber of horse and hustle in the ring.

Who would you like to thank for supporting your career?

I have been blessed with so many encouraging people in my life, it’s hard to know where to start. I would love to thank my whole family, my two brothers Adam and Andrew and especially my Mom and Dad for supporting me ever since I fell in love with horses twelve years ago. They’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams and taught me to pick myself back up again when things didn’t go as planned. There is no way I would be where I am today without all the love and support they have shown me.

BIO

DOB: April 6, 1996 Hometown: Eberts, Ontario Athletic Career: Two time member of Team Ontario as a barrel racer for the National Youth Activities Team Tournament (Top Ten in 2013, Top Five in 2014), Four years of high school basketball, track and badminton for the Ursuline College Lancers, 2012 OFSAA West Region qualifier Education: Graduated from Ursuline College Chatham in 2014 and currently attending the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Hobbies: Barrel racing, basketball and 4-H! Favourite Quote: You can give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

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Wallaceburg’s Matt Mapletoft Curling for Wilfred Laurier

By Chatham-Kent SportsXpress, Photos Courtesy of the Canadian Curling Association/ Michael Burns

Matt Mapletoft, a Wallaceburg native, was introduced to curling by his father at age seven.

The twenty-four year old now lives in Corunna and plays for team Squires at the KW Granite Club in Waterloo.

Matt started his curling career by playing at the Sydenham Curling Club in Wallaceburg . He also played for his high school team at Wallaceburg District High School. In his last year of Bantam curling (16 and under), he and his friends won Provincials. It was in university that his curling career really took off. In his first year at Wilfred Laurier, Matt played lead and his team won both Provincials and Nationals, which qualified them to play in China the following year. Mapletoft played on the Wilfred Laurier team for the next three seasons. In his third year of university, his rink won Junior Provincials and Nationals. They travelled to Switzerland for Junior Worlds in 2010, bringing home the bronze medal.

Matt has been curling in the men’s division for the last four years and has made it to the provincial level. At twentyfour years old, he is still quite young to be playing at this level of competition.

“Once you get to men’s, you’re playing

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people like Glen Allen that you see on TV, so it’s a bit of a change from Juniors”, he says.

This year he and some friends from Wilfred Laurier are playing a less stressful four to five tournament schedule before Christmas because of school and work commitments. “When you’re playing seven to eight events before Christmas, you’re on the road a lot. It takes up pretty much all of your time.”

Matt says his greatest accomplishment in his career was winning the bronze medal in 2010. “Competition is pretty intense. It’s a long road with three months of tournaments. The last game of the tournament was a tight one.

Getting to that stage is pretty exciting!”

While many people dream of playing for the Canadian Olympic team, Mapletoft says it’s not one of his goals yet. “Right now it’s just getting back to Provincials every year and having more success at it. We’ve been there twice and gotten third and fifth. We want to break into the final and get to Nationals some year. That’s kind of the goal now.”

If he could choose any professional curler to be on his team it would be Glen Howard. “He’s a pretty down to earth guy. He’s not afraid to go and talk to everyone. He’s also really smart on the ice and works hard at what he does.”

While Mapletoft no longer lives in Wallaceburg, he sits on the board for the Sydenham Curling Club. He uses his travel and experience to find out how other curling clubs are running and then brings the ideas back home to try to generate more interest in the club.

Matt’s thankfulness to his home club was evident. “Throughout my curling career I’ve always had amazing support from our curling club. They’ve always stood behind me wherever I went. They did fundraisers when we went China. It’s a good time to be an athlete and be from Wallaceburg.”

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Dresden’s Josh Rich Dominates in Pro MMA Career Article submitted by Thomas Armstrong Photo by Mark Ruddick Photography

Josh Rich started his training in September, 2009, at Armstrong Submission BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) located in Chatham (currently known as “Gracie Barra Chatham MMA”). Josh took on his first submission grappling competition in November, 2009, and won gold in his division. He has been dominating ever since.

In 2012, one week after receiving his blue belt in BJJ, he competed in Grapplers Quest Toronto Championships and won gold in the Gi (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) division and bronze in the No-Gi (submission grappling) division. Josh went on to compete in 2013 Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association Provincial Championships and won gold in No-Gi and silver in BJJ. This was Josh’s last competition in blue belt division as he was awarded his purple belt in May, 2014.

Knowing that he needed more than just grappling if he wanted to start a career in MMA, Josh began training in Muay Thai Kickboxing in November 2009 with current UFC fighter Chad Laprise and Jay Hallatt at Destruction MMA. Josh continued his training with Chad until Chad decided to close Destruction MMA

and move to London in 2010. At that time, Jay Hallatt moved over to GBC and continued his Muay Thai coaching there.

This worked out well for Josh’s training he was able to train all his disciplines in one gym.

Josh took his first Josh’s hand being raised after his win over James Mancini on October 18.

MMA bout in August, 2010, and won by round and also won him fight of the night guillotine choke in the first round. Josh did on the Provincial Fighting Championship a total of six amateur MMA fights with a (PFC) Sarnia card in June, 2014. record of 5-1, three wins by submission, Josh’s last match up was his toughtwo wins by decision, and one loss by TKO. est yet. He fought James Mancini, a 2-1 Most of the bouts took place in Michigan MMA fighter on October 2014 in London, through Triple X Cagefighting, which is one Ontario, through PFC. Josh defeated of the top MMA organizations in the state.

Mancini by rear naked choke at 1:17 in Josh was ranked as the #4 135 pound the second round. Mancini is a decorated fighter in Michigan at the time. At the end wrestler fighting out of Tristar Gym in of his amateur career Josh had won and Montreal. Josh won the “Submission of defended the 135 pound TXC Title and the Night” award from TopMMAnews.com. ended up retiring his amateur career with This was a great stepping stone for Josh the belt. and will open up more doors for him in the “The Ripper’s” last professional MMA mixed martial arts world, with the UFC’s bout was against Ryan Thomson. Josh deThe Ultimate Fighter tryouts being the top feated Ryan by guillotine choke in the third on his mind.

Matt Marsh

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Irish Dancer Emma Howlit Takes First Submitted by Cornell School of Irish Dance, Photo by Devin Cornell Cornell School of Irish Dance student Emma Howiit took first place in Preliminary Championships girls under 16 at the recent Newmarket competition. With the win, Emma is now qualified into the highest ranking of Irish Dance competition, Championship level.

Emma and her peers at the Cornell School of Irish Dance in Chatham are hard at work preparing for the Eastern Canadian Championships taking place November 14th - 16th in Montreal.

The Championships act as a qualifier for both the North American and World Championships, which will take place this year on Canadian soil for the first time in competitive Irish Dance’s 45 years history.

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Meet Joe Perry Wallaceburg’s Tough Mudder Interview By Chatham-Kent SportsXpress, Photos by MJ Perry pass for this year. That’s the goal this year - to put enough miles in at World’s to win another pass.

Can you tell me about World’s?

Can you tell our readers what a tough mudder is?

Oh boy! It’s my life. That’s what it is now. It’s a ten to twelve mile obstacle course with military design and obstacles along the way. We do crazy things like crawling under barbed wire and jumping off twelve foot platforms into cold water, walking on balance beams and carrying things – tires, wood, people - through the water, gravel, and sand. They mix it up all the time. That’s the beauty of it - you don’t just train for one thing.

You’ve gotta be fast, agile, strong, quick.

There’s a lot of things.

So is this a team sport?

You can go the course alone, or with a group. I always say it doesn’t matter who you start with - I always end with a new friend. For some of the obstacle courses you definitely need help. It’s not timed, that’s the beauty of it, it’s a challenge, so nobody cares how fast you do it. So you don’t mind stopping and helping other people.

What’s the motivation or prize?

At the end of every lap, you get an orange headband and a beer. I just try to do the course as many times a weekend as I can.

Joe currently has 55 headbands, signifying 55 laps of Tough Mudders completed in three seasons.

Is there a cost?

Each event has a cost. But because I did so well at World’s last year, I won a

It’s the Super Bowl of Tough Mudders. It’s a twenty-four hour event. You try to do as many miles as possible. At first it was held in New Jersey in November. The first year it took me months to get the feeling back in my finger tips. It was the most pain, the most joy I’ve ever experienced. The moment I finished, it was like, I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to get back here. So I did forty miles in 2012. We finished ninth as a team. Last year I went as an individual and finished thirty-sixth out of one thousand people, second in my age category.

Joe Perry is a small business owner from Wallaceburg.

“

Once you’ve got the mud in your blood, you can’t get it out

So what kind of training is involved?

Well, we have to figure out what to wear, what to eat out there.

These things are constantly on my mind, because it’s not just a running event, you have to have upper body strength, stamina, speed, everything. I have a barn with some exercise equipment, and I’ve built some of the obstacle courses.

that I’ve inspired them – and doing this (Tough Mudders) changes their lives!

What’s your favourite part of doing TM? There’s so much to look forward to the challenge, the obstacles. The weather can change the course. But the people - I can’t say enough about the people.

We’re all similarly weird - this drives us.

We stay connected via social media. It’s a new family, a mudder family. It’s so much fun! I also paint my head – every day is different. People are always excited and wondering what it will be next.

Who is your biggest cheerleader?

My family. I don’t know though, they probably think I’m a little nuts! I’ve developed such a following. People tell me

What word of encouragement do you have for someone that can’t seem to get themselves off the couch?

Why not? There’s nothing that’s stopping you from getting up and doing something. I see amputees running these things. They’re missing limbs, and it hasn’t stopped them. You’ve got two legs! There are people fighting worse battles than you, and they’re not letting it stop them. I know people with cancer, and this doesn’t stop them. They’re out there just to prove that they don’t have to stop. Sitting at home feeling sorry for themselves isn’t living - this is. Live your life, find something that motivates you – there is something out there for you!

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

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sportsfiles

The Jeff Bechard Memorial Mentored Hunt

by Chatham-Kent SportsXpress’ Editor, Amber Valade In October, I was given the honour of participating in the fifth annual Jeff Bechard Memorial Mentored Hunt, hosted and sponsored by the Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers’ Association.

The organizer, Mike Moynahan, explained that the hunt was a great opportunity for youth, or anyone new to the sport of waterfowling, to get out in a blind with a seasoned hunter, and learn firsthand how to hunt ducks and geese.

On the Friday night, when I arrived at the park, it was raining and cold, and everyone was gathered in the pavilion with tarps wrapped around the walls to block the wind. I instantly couldn’t stop smiling.

There were dozens and dozens of people, adults and youth, all in Realtree or Mossy Oak, all eager, all excited, all totally in their element. The presentations on the local wildlife were engaging and informative, and I felt right at home, welcomed with warm smiles and eager faces.

The program ran until around 7:30 that night, and then we were matched up with our mentors. I was hunting with two youth, a girl named Jacquelynn, age twelve, and a young man named Zac, age twenty-two, who had driven down from Ottawa. Our mentors were John Deneluzzi, Kevin Ball and Jerry Hoekstra. I felt kind of awkward, being thirty years old and one of the “youth,” but everyone I talked to was just happy that I was there.

After the draw for which blind we would hunt from, we went back to the waterfowl office and filled out our registration cards.

We made our plans for the morning, and were on our way. Most of the hunters camped at Rondeau that night, and the camping and meals were provided by RBWA. The next morning was cold and wet, but I barely noticed. By five, we were all fed and dressed and ready to go. With so many teams of hunters, we were the last ones to get brought to our blind. My mentors John and Jerry had already gone out and set up the decoys, and Kevin took us in to the dock. By six in the morning we

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Photo by Cole Russell - Left to right: Danielle Russell, Chole Pugh, Emma Skinn and Michelle Wight.

were loading onto John’s boat.

The boat ride out to the blind was full of anticipation. When we got there, it was still dark. I am used to having to toughen up and be one of the guys, but my mentors were such gentlemen, pulling the boat right up onto the blind, Kevin holding my bag and taking my hand to steady me while I climbed out of the boat. I didn’t expect such chivalry, but I definitely appreciated it. John even offered me some of his coffee.

I came to find out, in our conversations in the blind, that my oldest mentor, Kevin, was battling cancer and had recently finished another round of chemotherapy. And yet here he was, out in a duck blind in the rain, teaching me from his wealth of experience, doing what he loves to do. There is a different kind of strength, that doesn’t come from working out, and Kevin has that. It’s rare to meet anyone as genuinely friendly and kind hearted as Kevin.

We waited quietly for the sun to come up, and as we decided to load up, we heard some shotguns firing in the distance. It was time. John said he had two rules. One - Keep your gun pointed up and out of the blind, with your safety on until you are ready to fire. Two - No shooting his decoys! We laughed and agreed.

The first time we had some ducks come close enough to hear our calls and come check us out, I was nervous because I had never shot at a bird before. I am used to holding stock-still and waiting for that perfect, clean shot. I don’t like to miss. John jokingly explained, “Butt, beak, blow,” meaning trail the duck in your sights, first at his butt, moving forward to his beak, then shoot in front of it so that by the time it moves, your shot will be there.

My mentor Jerry was super encouraging, and when the first flock were in range he excitedly coaxed, “Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em!” I raised my shotgun and lined up, flicked off the safety, but for some reason I didn’t shoot. Now, I’m not nervous firing a shotgun. Although I’m more used to a rifle, I do love that

explosive POW and the kick back into my shoulder. But I had never shot at something moving so fast, and I just didn’t have the ‘perfect shot.’ This is something I’m going to have to work on!

The rest of the morning was cold and wet and rainy, and so much fun. We didn’t see a lot of ducks, and when they did come close, although Jerry was a fantastic caller, some of the other blinds would call them away, or they were just out of range.

I did end up shooting four shells, but I just missed each time. I am definitely going to have to find some time to try skeet shooting for practice.

Right before we were ready to leave, Zac got a beautiful little Gadwall. He was pretty excited, and I was glad his trip down from Ottawa had paid off for him.

(He sent me an email later in the week to tell me how delicious it was!)

At ten o’clock, we pulled out of the hide, and went to the pavilion while Jerry and John went back to take in all the decoys.

The lunch was delicious, as several men manned barbecues of hamburgers and giant sausages.

There were fantastic presentations

by Rondeau Park, the RBWA, the MNR, and we received many donated gifts like hats, duck calls, a beautiful book, a whole bunch of stickers and decals, lanyards, and reading material. I was blown away by the support for new hunters. And if you’re like me, and didn’t grow up with parents who hunt, it’s a lot harder to get involved or find people to hunt with. I loved the support, not just for hunting, but for the wildlife. I find hunters to be some of the most passionate advocates for wildlife preservation. They’re the ones that are truly out in it, experiencing it, more than the average person.

Sitting in a duck blind may sound cold and wet, and it definitely is, but if you love nature, you can truly appreciate the experience. You’re out in the middle of a marsh, on a cold morning, watching the sun come up, and if you’re quiet and still and well

“I loved the support, not just for hunting, but for the wildlife. I find hunters to be some of the most passionate advocates for wildlife preservation.” camouflaged, you can see some pretty remarkable things. We saw some tiny diver ducks (not on our menu) who were bobbing up in and around the decoys, diving down and eating and popping back up with their tiny little bodies. We saw geese, and seagulls, and all kinds of little birds.

The sound of the wind blowing through the rushes, and the rain falling on the water, were all part of the beautiful and peaceful experience. I’m an avid trail rider, and I’ve canoed and kayaked around Rondeau Bay my whole life from our family cottage in Erieau, but being in the marsh in this time of year, this early in the morning, was not something I’d experienced before.

What I found most fascinating, though, wasn’t just the nature. There is a sense of responsibility among hunting youth that I haven’t seen in many kids these days, and a different attitude altogether. These kids were out before the crack of dawn, in the cold and wet, eager and excited, not

complaining, pulling their own weight. They weren’t waiting behind tablet screens, or texting on their phones, not even in the wait for the food after the hunt. They were eagerly talking, comparing stories and ducks, laughing, cleaning up, working hard. These young teens were safer and more responsible and respectful than I would expect adults in their thirties to be these days.

I found that a lot of the misconceptions people may have about young kids who hunt, being in it just to shoot at or kill things, was completely bogus. These kids are true sportsmen, and I never heard a single tone of anything vindictive or crude.

When the presenters for the park were speaking, the youth were engaged and answered questions quickly and correctly, that most adults would have no idea how to answer. They even taught everyone

Photo by mentor John Daneluzzi - Left to right: Mentors Kevin Ball and Jerry Hoekstra, hunters Zac Lalonde, Amber Valade & Jacquelynn Lalonde, in the #9 duck blind at Rondeau Park

how to properly clean the ducks after the presentations.

I urge anyone who is interested in getting their hunting license to do so, and to apply for this mentored hunt next year. It was an incredible experience that I was privileged to participate in, and I am so thankful I was able to try out waterfowling for the first time. I’d like to thank Mike Moynahan and Brad Martin, as well as my mentors, John, Kevin and Jerry, and everyone else who mentored and participated to make this hunt possible for myself and the other hunters.

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

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coverstory

Sixteen Year Old Maroons Defenceman Levi Tetreault signs to OHL

By Chatham-Kent SportsXpress, Photo by Helen Heath

Sixteen year old Levi Tetreault, a resident of Pain Court, recently signed with OHL team Guelph Storm as their fourth round draft pick. Levi is also a defenseman for the Chatham Maroons. We met up with Levi after a practice to ask him a few questions.

When did you start playing hockey?

I was probably around four or five years old when I first started skating and playing hockey. I started at a very young age.

Have you always been in Chatham-Kent?

Ya, I live in Pain Court, and I always played in Chatham, except I did play a couple years in Sun County for Sun County Panthers AAA. Then I switched over to Chatham for the rest.

What do you do during the summer?

I usually just train. I’m training with Colin Roeszler at Athlete’s Fuel. I also do session with Andy Paquette at his centre out in Tecumseh. And I golf, too, in the off season.

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What’s your mindset during a game?

anything, he’s always there. He’s been a huge impact.

My mindset is to focus on every shift.

You can’t think too far ahead, just go out every shift and give it one hundred percent, and do the best you can.

What do you like most about your position?

Do you have any pre game rituals?

Ya, I mean, everybody has a few. I have a couple that I like to follow and stand by.

I usually tape my stick every single game, make sure my sticks are set, make sure my water bottles are all set in a certain area before I head out.

So nothing weird?

No, no. Nothing crazy! No.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of hockey?

Probably golf. I like to golf in the summertime. It’s a sport I’ve played for a couple years now and I really enjoy that.

Just for a hobby.

If you could spend a whole day with any hockey player in the world, who would you pick?

Um, it would probably be Chris Pronger.

I mean, I’ve always looked up to him, I’ve always tried to model my game after him.

So I think it would be really cool to spend a day with him and just see what he’s like.

Aside from your family, who have been your biggest supporters?

Probably my coaches along the way.

Like, Ken Gagner has coached me for three or four years, and he’s played a huge impact on my success. If I’ve had any questions in the past or need help or

I just like defence. I like controlling the play. You know, as a defenceman you have the puck on your stick a lot, you’re kind of the quarterback back there, so I like setting up the play.

Do you have any advice for young hockey players?

I think work ethic is probably the number one thing. If you go out there and work hard every single practice and every single shift, you’re going to get noticed.

So I’d say, obviously you need some skill, but I think a good work ethic is probably going to get you a long ways.

What’s it like to play for a storied team like the Maroons?

Oh, it’s a huge honour. Every time I’m putting on the jersey it’s just a huge honour to be playing for the Chatham Maroons and it’s an awesome experience.

So you’re going to Guelph next year. What are your plans after that?

My plan would be to get drafted to the NHL. So I’d like to go to Guelph and just learn from the guys up there, learn from the coaching staff, and just get better and better and be ready for a draft year.

coverstory

“I just like defence.

I like controlling the play. You know, as a defenceman you have the puck on your stick a lot. You’re kind of the quarterback back there, so I like setting up the play.”

- Levi Tetreault

Levi Tetreault Chatham Maroons Defenseman #19

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

13

C-K Wildcats Chosen For Jr. NBA Program Article and photos submitted by Jamie Ireland for the W.I.S.H. Centre

The NBA is bringing a new program to Canada called the Jr. NBA and our local Chatham-Kent Wildcats have been selected as one of fifty clubs across Canada and only nine others in Ontario to be a host to this new program.

Canada Basketball recognized there were not as many kids playing basketball, Front row, left to right: Bella Burgos, Brynn Larkin, Olivia so they turned to the NBA Burgos Back row, left to right: Jamie Ireland (Coach and and asked for help. The NBA Junior NBA coordinator for Chatham-Kent Wildcats), answered with the Jr. NBA Robin Dudley (Wildcats president), Chris Alicpala (Project Program.

Employee, Marketing & Events with NBA Canada), and Basketball has a lot of tricky Catherine Day rules that can make the game (Wildcats Treasurer). difficult for younger children to learn. So the NBA asked Kathy Brook, a Senior Coaching Consultant at the Coaching Association of Canada, Chris Clunie, a Manager of International Basketball Operations at the National Basketball Association, and Ted Johnston, who trains coaches in the Canada Basketball National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), to come up with a program for younger children to start to learn the game of basketball.

Jr NBA kickoff was held on September 28th. Several coaches from the Wildcats were trained on the new curriculum by Chris Alicpala, Project Employee, Marketing and Events for NBA Canada. Tto kick off the program Chris brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The trophy was on display at the W.I.S.H. Centre and local basketball fans were able to come out and have their picture taken with the trophy.

Jr NBA is for girls and boys between the ages of five and seven who are keen on learning the essential basketball skills using a learner-focused curriculum. It covers the development of all fundamental movement skills (running, jumping, throwing and catching) and basketball skills (footwork, dribbling, passing, shooting) that are appropriate for the age level.

The program focuses on maximum basketball touches to ensure every player gets a chance to handle the ball with exciting game-based drills to allow the players’ experience to be the most enjoyable it can be.

The program will be a 12 week program running 1 hour per week. The equipment is built to suit younger children starting with the baskets. These baskets range from 4.5 to 6.5 feet in height, so the children can meet with success. The children will receive a logo’d Jr. NBA t-shirt with one of 4 NBA teams on it, and each child will use and keep a lightweight size 5 multi-coloured Rawlings basketball.

Jamie Ireland, coach and Jr. NBA coordinator for the Wildcats said, “I’m so excited and thrilled to be part of this program. It is amazing having the NBA bring a program into our backyard.” Ireland went on to say, “After the training and seeing how this program is going to run I’m extremely stoked. It is very exciting and positive program for younger children. This program will pay huge dividends in the future to basketball in Chatham-Kent.”

For more information and registration checkout jrnba.ca or chathamkentwildcats.

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Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

sportsfiles

Meet Tilbury’s Ben Weibe interview by Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

When did you first start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old but it wasn’t my favourite sport at first. It was all about soccer until the fourth grade. My sister Helena was the first person to hand me a basketball. Then everything changed. There was something about basketball that kept bringing me back to play more and more. It got to the point where I was playing basketball nonstop, even unknowingly skipping meals because I was so into the sport.

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing basketball consistently since the fourth grade and competitively since the sixth grade and I still play today. I’ve been playing for fifteen years.

I played club basketball my first year at Wayne State University and then transferred to the University of Windsor. I am playing intramural basketball and training for the varsity team next year at Windsor.

What is your ultimate goal?

To push my limits as far as I can and see how much better I really can get.

What is your favourite thing about basketball?

The sound of a swish, when the ball goes straight through the net without hitting the rim; that’s music to my ears.

I would have to say the Michigan State Spartans. They’re my favourite college basketball team and I love watching them play.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my sister for being the first to hand me a basketball and starting this journey for me. Thanks to my brother George for coming to all of my high school games. My coaches throughout grade school Mr. Noble, and my grade eight coach Mr. Saunders. My grade nine coach Mr. Larsen, for teaching me the fundamentals of the game. I would like to thank Mr. Grainger and Mr. Brinkman for teaching me not only how to become a great player on the court, but off the court as well. And finally I would like to thank my friends for coming and watching my games and my teammates who came to every practice and worked their tails off to get better.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to play sports?

My advice to anyone who wants to play sports is, don’t take your sports games for granted. It’s a privilege to play sports and you should enjoy every minute you play.

If you want to go far in sports, work-hard and don’t give up!

Lisa Friesen

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What has been the highlight of your career?

I did have some great games when I played in grade school and high school, but I think the progression I’ve made until now is what matters.

CONSULTANT

What was the most disappointing moment in your career?

I played in the Kent Championships in grades ten, eleven and twelve.

The most disappointing moments in my career were never being able to bring home a Kent championship for my teammates and coaches who worked just as hard as me at practices and games.

Who is your greatest role model?

No doubt Kobe Bryant because his work ethic is unmatched and incomparable.

If you could be the head coach of any team, which would it be?

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

15

sportsfiles

Buying the Right Hockey Stick Article by HockeyStickMan Over the last decade, the hockey stick has undergone a dramatic change. We have gone from the traditional wood to the technologically advanced world of composite. There are some people (like myself) who anticipate the release of every new stick and enjoy learning about the technology behind it, while others admit they just want a stick that feels good, performs well, and doesn’t cost them too much. Either way, here is a step by step process I suggest you follow when buying a stick: Step 1 – Know your ‘Player Type’ – The first thing that you should do is an assessment of the type of player that you are.

This will help you make an informed decision. For instance; how many times a week do you play? How hard are you on sticks?

Do you take lot of slap shots or wrist shots? Do you skate standing up tall or crouched down? Are you a stick handler?

These questions will help determine the type of stick that you will want to buy.

Step 2 – Be Prepared – Every hockey player should have two sticks. Besides not wanting to be that guy saying “Hey can I borrow your stick?”, having only one stick may put you in a position where you are desperate to purchase and invariably you

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Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

will not find a good deal or get the stick that you want.

adjust until you feel that you have the right combination of stick length and flex.

Furthermore, you need to know the type of stick you like, and if you see a deal on it buy it! If you’re playing with a top end stick now, you’re not going to want to go back.

People that begrudge spending the money on them and wait till they absolutely need it probably end up spending more in the long run.

When going to purchase, I suggest that you bring your old stick to compare.

Typical stick flex ranges – Junior 40-50, Intermediate 60-77, Senior 75+

Step 3 – Determine Height and Flex – These considerations are made together as the playing height of your hockey stick will affect the flex. The general rule of thumb is that stick height should be between your chin and nose, and that your stick flex should be roughly half your body weight (flex is measured by the amount of weight in pounds it takes to bend the stick one inch = loading the stick).

For instance; a player who cuts a few inches off their stick may choose a lower flex, and one that uses an extension may need a higher flex. A defensive player may choose to have more length, whereas a dangling forward may want it shorter. Of course this is just speaking in generalities.

You must consider your ‘Player Type’ to make an accurate choice, and then slightly

Step 4 – Know your pattern – It’s tough to keep up with pattern numbers and a seemingly rotating door of new players associated with different curves. Most people like to stick (pun intended) with what they like, which therefore makes it tough to switch brands. I suggest knowing the similar patterns in other brands before going out to buy a stick (if you’re flexible with brands, you’ll find more deals).

Patterns are differentiated by curve depth, curve origin (heel, mid, toe), blade lie, an open vs. closed face and a round vs. square toe. Retail patterns come with a designated lie, where the lower a lie the flatter the stick sits on the ice. The lie is defined by the angle between shaft and blade (4 = 137°, 5 = 135°, 5.5 = 134°, 6 = 133°, 7 = 131°). Below is a grouping of most popular patterns on the retail market today; • Big mid curve – (Lie 5.5 - 6) Far and away the most popular on the market

sportsfiles today this stick is designed for control, toe drags and loading the blade, Ex. (E3) Hall/ Sakic, (P92) Backstrom, (H87A) Crosby, (H11), Kopitar.

• Small mid curve – (Lie 5 - 6) Designed for puck handling and wrist shots these sticks make it easy to release a shot from anywhere on the blade, Ex. (E7) Iginla, (P88) Kane/Lindros, (P40) Perron/Hossa, Kovalchuk.

• Small mid-heel curve – (Lie 4 - 5) Designed for stick handling and shooting forehand and back, Ex. (E4) Cammalleri, (PM9) Stamkos/Malkin, Burrows/Savard, (H42) Duchene/Couturier • Big heel open curve – (5.5 - 6) Built for hard shots loaded from the heel and great for deflections and going top shelf, Ex. (E5) Parise/Drury, (P91A) Stall, (P36A) Phaneuf, Kovalev.

Other patterns of interest – The old Lidstrom (now Getzlaf/P02 Kesler) is seemingly not as popular as it once was

and can be difficult to find. Gaining some serious attention is the new (E28) Open Toe curve pattern or the (P46) Landeskog, Bergeron, and (P14) Toews.

Step 5 – Find your stick – Right now Bauer is the most popular brand and is carrying three lines of sticks (Nexus, Vapour, Supreme), followed by Easton (Velocity Series, Synergy), CCM (RBZ, Tack), RBK (Sickick, Ribcore), and Warrior (Dynasty, Covert). Beyond this there are a lot of lesser known stick brands that produce excellent quality sticks, and typically sell for cheaper.

Stores will carry a line of the brand name sticks at various price points. Their top end sticks are designed to perform and you will find a significant difference in weight, POP, and overall feel between them, and sticks at the lower end of the line.

However, the top end sticks are not necessarily more durable. Consider browsing online to compare different prices. You may find a top end stick that had been released a few years earlier at a significantly reduced rate. If a 30 day warranty is not that valuable to you (if you’re not playing a couple times a week) you may consider trying to find a deal on a Pro Stock stick.

We wish you the best in your hunt for the most interesting and fascinating piece of sports equipment on the planet, the composite hockey stick!

For more information visit www.hockeystickman.com

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

17

South Kent Minor Hockey Association Submitted by Derek Trudgen

Blenheim and Ridgetown’s Amalgamated Hockey League On May 1, 2014, Blenheim and Ridgetown’s hockey programs amalgamated to become the South Kent Minor Hockey Association, or, the South Kent Lightning.

All teams from Novice through Midget Divisions have joined the SKMHA. The biggest difference is that now they are fielding an AE (Additional Entry Representative Team) in each division. Since hockey registration numbers have declined for both arenas over the past few seasons, this year was the perfect time to amalgamate. This allowed for both arenas, only a twelve minute drive apart, to be used to full capacity.

The following hockey programs are being offered:

Four HIP teams (first time playing hockey) four tyke teams, one novice LL team, one novice AE team, one novice rep team.

HIP, tyke and novice division are for players that are four to eight years old as of December 31.

In the Atom Division they have one rep team and two local league teams. This division is for players that are nine to ten years old as of December 31.

In the Peewee Division they have one rep team, one AE Team, and two Local League teams. This division is for players that are eleven and twelve years old as of December 31.

In the Bantam Division they have one Rep team, one AE team, and two Local

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Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

League teams. This division is for players that are thirteen and fourteen years old as of December 31.

In the Midget Division we have one Rep team, one AE team, and three Local League teams. This division is for players that are fifteen, sixteen and seventeen years old as of December 31.

If you are interested in getting your child into a hockey program the first step is to register your player with SKMHA. If your child wants to play Rep or AE, they must live within the defined area for South Kent Minor Hockey. Any player can play Local League for any centre. Second, one parent must take the Respect in Sport online course which is mandated by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. Then all that’s left is to get your child the appropriate gear and get them on the ice.

SKMHA’s New Logo

For more information check out South Kent Minor Hockey via our Website southkentminorhockey.com, on twitter @SouthKent1, and on Facebook at facebook.com/SKMHA.

behindthebench

Bullying: Not Just Children Article by Phillip Millar Anyone in sports knows that the competitive environment surrounding sport promotes intense competition.

And every one of us has experienced the overzealous parent who pushes the boundaries in their support of their child or their team.

This observation is made in the context of recent media stories exposing the real danger bullying poses to our children.

It’s ironic though, that we, as adults, condemn and prosecute children for bullying in schools, yet we tolerate it on the soccer field and in the hockey arena. We see grown men (and sometimes women) yelling at youth referees, screaming at opposing coaches, and criticizing our own players and intimidating with subdued threats of violence.

But yet we tolerate it. Coaches ignore it, and if the offending parent’s child is skilled, clubs avoid confronting it. Responsible parents on the sidelines look the other way. All the time, our kids watch bullying behaviour in adults expressed on the field and they

see it occur without consequence. Kids notice when adults do not take action against unacceptable behaviour.

They judge us as hypocrites when we lecture them not to tolerate bad behaviour in the schoolyard. Yet we, as parents, tolerate it on the field and on the rink.

My recommendation is that clubs adopt clear policies on parental behaviour and abuse of officials and kids. Teams and their coaches must be clear that it won’t be tolerated and they must be prepared to lose their best player if the parent is not a good example.

Perhaps we can lead by example and stand up to other adults who bully children. Perhaps this will send a stronger message to our children than any of our lectures about how ‘they’ should act.

Because, in reality, the bullying parent’s child is often expressing bullying behaviour already.

Because dad does it, the behaviour is normalized.

As parents, we might show a little courage and stand up to bullying in our midst, at least before we ask kids to do what we have failed to do ourselves.

Clubs, associations, coaches, managers, parents, referees, and kids should stand up to adult bullying that occurs in plain view. Our kids are watching our actions more than they listen to our words.

Phillip Millar is a lawyer, former Assistant Crown Attorney and Combat Officer in the Canadian Forces who practices in London Ontario. He represents clients injured by forces beyond their control.

Our kids are watching our actions more than they listen to our words.

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

19

health&fitness

So You Want To Develop Breakaway Speed?

by Colin Roeszler

The most sought after physical trait in sports is SPEED! Every athlete wants to get faster. Speed is king in sports.

Speed is one of those things that can’t be developed overnight. It takes lots of time and effort to increase speed. In fact, of all physical qualities, speed is the hardest to improve. It’s not like conditioning; a good interval-based protocol can get you “in shape” in as little as 3 weeks in some cases depending on your current physical condition and sport.

There are some key attributes to developing breakaway speed.

They are:

1)

High relative strength: Speed is about developing force production. You develop force production by getting stronger. All the speed drills in the world won’t improve speed as effectively as developing strength.

2) Be extremely flexible & have

great mobility in your joints: This is why we spend so much time at the beginning of our workouts improving tissue density and quality so we can truly lengthen muscles and improve our range of motion around the joints that need to be more mobile (ankles, hips, thoracic spine).

Whenever I speak about improving speed in the weight room (because that’s where the foundation of speed is developed), I always focus on the posterior chain. I spend a lot of time developing these muscles; the glutes, hamstrings, spinal erectors, and latis-

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Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

simus dorsi. Yet it amazes me how many athletes I see that spend little or no time on developing these areas.

The message is simple - Awaken your gluteus! What is so often seen is flat glutes, or what I like to call “glute amnesia”. We live in a quadricepsdominant society, which includes our athletic population. We need to focus on developing the backside to be more explosive, and at the same time this will greatly decrease the epidemic of sore backs and knees.

How do I improve glute function and strength?

Now that you understand that your glutes are important, you should also recognize that your glutes might not be activating to their fullest function. For instance, when was the last time your glutes were sore after a workout? If you can’t remember, that tells you that you don’t use your glutes enough. If you asked our athletes the one spot they were sore most frequently, undoubtedly they would agree that it would be their glutes. It’s no wonder then that our athletes comment on how much more explosive they have gotten while training with us (while at the same time having to buy bigger jeans because of the “big butt syndrome”).

The process starts with checking glute activation. An exercise I use quite frequently in our warm-ups is the 1-leg hip lift: Basically you drive one knee as close as you can to your chest. From there, you drive your other heel into the floor and lift that hip off the floor towards the ceiling. Hold that position for 5-10 seconds, squeezing your glute as hard as you can (like a fist). If you feel your hamstrings cramping, that is a sure sign that your glutes are not activated enough and you lack glute function. This is known as synergistic dominance. The hamstrings main function is to act as a synergist for the glutes.

However, when one lacks proper glute function, the hamstrings work overtime and compensate for this lack of glute function. They are essentially doing a job they were not designed for and this results in cramping. In this case, your glutes are in serious need of reeducation. You must teach them how to function properly.

Quadruped Bent-Leg Hip Extension We perform some variation of glute activation EVERY workout. Our goal is always to develop better conscious awareness of the function of the glutes and to hopefully wake the glutes up so they will be greater contributors. This variation is one we teach to all of our new athletes.

We modify the exercise from some of the more traditional hip extension forms is a few ways: We perform it from the forearms and not the hands. This creates a more advantageous angle for the glute because it shuts down the lumbar spine’s ability to contribute to the exercise. We want the lower back to be stable and avoid going into flexion and extension. This is the lumbar spine’s way of compensating for poor glute function.

We perform it with a bent leg. This allows the hamstring to be shut down and all of the movement is performed by the glute. Many athlete’s that lack glute function will instead use their synergist to perform the movement; the hamstring. This is what we don’t want.

Perform 3-5 iso-holds, with each isohold being 5 seconds. Focus on squeezing the glute as hard as possible, and try and relax everywhere else.

It’s a process. Without proper glute function you can’t improve your glute strength. Learn how to properly engage the glutes in these two exercises I have spoken on today. Then you can really build your glutes through posterior strength to get the speed (and strength) you need to blow by the competition.

Protopapas Pro Training Centre’s Ultimate Hockey Camp

by Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

Protopapas Pro Training Centre (PPT) is an elite athletic training facility in Chatham, that trains top athletes. They boast a custom-built gym intended for hockey players and other athletes alike to take their strength and conditioning, and all around athletic career, to the next level.

Rafie Protopapas, a Chatham native and owner of PPT, was a professional hockey player, who worked with some of the top trainers in the world, and uses his career to help him be the best coach he can possibly be. He played on several different OHL teams and played around the world and in Europe. Rafie won the 1999 Chatham Southern Cup Championship with the Chatham Maroons, and chose to stay in Chatham and train up other athletes after him.

“I’ve already been there and I got the experience. I know what to expect, and what the testing is going to be like. I still interact with the coaches and trainers, and we relate back and forth, which is very unique here.”

Rafie develops any athlete who wants to step up their game. They measure

everything, test them, and make sure their strength gains are huge.

“We have programs that are individualized for each sport,” Rafie explains. The facility focuses mainly on hockey, but they work with any athlete at any level looking to improve themselves.

“We take kids from a young age, and they’re given the opportunity to work with one trainer through their whole career. We guide them through to be a top athlete, and we cover everything. We work on all the different components of fitness, balance, flexibility, power, endurance, explosiveness, coordination, reaction time, movement, strength and conditioning. To be a top athlete, you have to be good at every aspect of training.”

Rafie has trained OHL players, NCAA players, Olympic athletes, and works closely with his current NHL prospects.

“Our main thing is athletes, but we do a little bit of personal training as well.

We don’t push people away because we believe in getting people healthy and fit.

If they approach us that shows that they want our help, but it’s just tougher than a normal training place. We’re going to push them. We’re very results-driven.”

PPT also offer personal lessons where they train athletes on ice with power skating and skill development. They work in

UHC has brought in several NHL players… to help train, pass on their tips and pointers, and give back to the kids at the camp. Many of PPT’s past athletes come back even amidst their professional careers.

the gym and on the ice to make sure their game is sound, all-around.

Protopaps also owns and operates the Ultimate Hockey Camp (UHC) which is a fifty hour a week camp they hold during the summer where the kids are on the ice twenty of those hours. They develop a lot of top athletes out of those camps. UHC brings in kids from all over Canada, regulars coming from Thunder Bay, Michigan, and Calgary during the summer camp.

UHC has brought in several NHL players such as Ryan Jones and Jeff Petry of the Edmonton Oilers, to help train, pass on their tips and pointers, and give back to the kids at the camp. Many of PPT’s past athletes come back even amidst their professional careers.

At Christmas, they host a three day UHC camp as well. “We like to keep their skills sharp while they’re on Christmas break, and it builds their confidence. We show them new things and new moves, and keep their skating sharp.”

Rafie has trained athletes Kyle Hope, an NHL prospect from Blenheim, his brother Brett Hope, an NCAA player, and Brady Campbell, an NCAA player also from Blenheim. Rafie also trained Derek Whitson for the Sochi Olympics, where he brought home a bronze medal.

“With athletes, you need to accommodate to them a little bit. I make sure I do my best to work around their schedule.

Athletes need a little special treatment, and you need to realize that as a trainer and work with them the best you can.”

His wife, Candice, is a registered nurse and diabetic educator, and gives the nutrition advice and tips, and helps the athletes with their diets.

Rafie encourages anyone interested in stepping up their game to contact him. “I’d love to give a tour of the place, and make them feel welcome.” He’s confident they will like the facility and prides himself on being family-oriented and flexible.

Protopapas Pro Training Centre is located at 444 Riverview Drive in Units eight and nine.

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

21

athletespotlight

Hime for Haiti

by Emily Hime

For the past four years now, I have been traveling. I have been to four of the seven continents. I have been traveling to countries that most do not ever wish to go, sometimes even dare to go, because I felt a tug in my heart. Yes, every place I visit, everything I do, all comes down to this tug in my heart. If I don’t feel it, I don’t go. But when I do feel it, I don’t have a choice.

Because I often follow my heart, that means that sometimes all logic is pushed aside. During these past four years I have exposed myself to many things, some things that broke my heart, caused immense suffering, and others that made me feel whole and put me back together. I have engaged in cultures, languages, and foods, I have been exposed to illnesses, diseases, death, violence, rape, abuse, poverty, corruption, natural disasters, religion… Must I go on? I have seen a heck of a lot in my 22 years of walking this earth.

I have laid in a hospital bed in Haiti 99% sure that I was going to die as I fought an entire body infection that the doctors were unable to figure out. I became content with death at this point. But my body kept on fighting. I also suffered from Malaria, typhoid, and double pneumonia.

I had twin girls come come into my home that were one year and six months old that were so malnourished that they were swimming in new born diapers and clothing. They had big alien heads but arms and legs the size of pencils. The doctors told me that they are very unlikely to live much longer. But now, a year later, they are beautiful, happy, and full of life.

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Chatham-Kent SportsXpress

I also had a one month old baby boy dropped off. His eyes were puffy and swollen and I could tell that he was sick.

I rushed to a hospital with him- where I ended up spending a week. He slept on my chest, I fed him, bathed him, and give him his daily injections. I named this baby boy Tyson. He is my little fighter.

Then the doctor called me into a little room and told me that this baby, who had already stolen my heart, was infected with HIV. My heart shattered to pieces. I didn’t know what to do. She told me she could find a home for him that only kids with HIV go to, but I said no. He came home with me and became a part of our family. He is now a year and a half and is running around, talking, smiling, and has the most gorgeous eyes. And I still love him to absolute pieces.

When hurricane Isaac hit, I sat in my home as I watched storms rummage through and wreck the tents that people had relocated to. I watched as they lost everything yet again. And I felt more helpless than ever. I ventured out on a moto in search of my security guard’s family to bring them to shelter at our small house.

The rain felt like little knives piercing my skin. It was so cold. We took that moto to the top of the mountain. I huddled in a hut made of mud with this family hoping that the storm would calm so we could head back down. We held each other as the walls of their home fell to the ground. All of their belongings washed away. As those walls fell, I also saw hearts crumble.

I have been threatened, I have been stalked and robbed by a sex trafficking mob. I have had to jump out of a moving taxi as the driver tried to take off with me.

I have been deliberately crashed into by a motorcycle that resulted in a burn on my leg and a broken foot, and yes, I have been brutally attacked and left without justice in a country that was not my own. Most people say I am like a cat; I have been given

Emily Hime is a 22 year old Chatham native who started an orphanage called Maison Ke Kontan, in Haiti, at the age of 19. She currently has 18 children in her care. nine lives. And can you imagine all of this happened due to a tug in my heart ? A lot of people would say that I am absolutely crazy, and they are probably right.

I have been able to witness children who were supposed to die, fight back and reclaim their lives. I have witnessed people with absolutely nothing, open their arms, their doors, and their hearts to me. I have seen children who have suffered a great deal of trauma, smile, laugh, play, and love.

And that right there offers a joy that nothing in this world can compare to. It gives you motivation to keep pushing through the hardest days.

I have seen children so eager to learn and to go to school and with the help of folks back home I was able to make that dream their reality. I have witnessed strength and resilience all over this world that I don’t believe exists in North American society. I know that I cannot change the world, that would be like trying to empty the ocean with an eye dropper. But if I can help one person, if I can save one person, If I can make one person feel loved and needed, then to me, that is worth any sacrifice.

Many have told me that I have “changed” since Haiti .. and I have to agree with them. Wouldn’t it be strange if I hadn’t changed at all ? I am more serious now, quieter, and no longer the life of the party. I think that’s because the dials are always turning in my head. I have a lot more to think about now. I have had to grow up a lot in this past year. And to be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. We humanitarians know the risks coming into this work. We know that we are going to experience loss, death, tragedy, and trauma. Although sometimes we can be naive, we choose to sacrifice because this work; the helping others, the living in hard conditions, the exposure to violence and critics; it becomes a part of who we are.

It’s what keeps us going. It’s what gives us peace of mind. It’s what we call living.

behindthebench I want to send out a huge thank you to my community, friends, family, and strangers that continue to support, donate, spread the word, and fundraise for us. And a ENORMOUS thank you to the volunteers that have been brave enough to leave the comforts of home and get a taste of the Haitian culture. You have brought so much joy and love to my kids and we appreciate all of your help. We could not keep things going without everyones help. I am still amazed thinking back to that day a few years ago when I decided I was going to move to Haiti in 2 weeks with only $500 in my pocket. I didn’t know how I would survive or how I would provide for these kids. All I knew is that $500 would secure us for one month of food. We went without many times. We struggled. But just when I would begin to lose hope, someone would come through with a donation to keep us going. I am forever thankful to all of you.

BIO

DOB: May 30, 1992 Hometown: Chatham, Ontario Athletic Career: High school hockey and soccer Education: BA Honours in Criminology & Sociology from University of Windsor Hobbies: Music, traveling, reading Favourite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Ghandi

The Lambton-Kent Community Sports Field Improvement Project Article Submitted by Ian Avery In June of 2013, the Dresden Community Development Association (D.C.D.A.) proposed the formation of a school-community partnership to affect needed repairs, and additional improvements to expand the use of the L.K.C.S. campus within the community.

A collaborative group was assembled with members providing financial and/ or other supports that include: The D.C.D.A., Dresden Minor Soccer, Dresden Minor Baseball, Dresden Rotary, Dresden Kinsmen, Dresden Legion Br.113, Dresden and District Horticultural Society and the Catherine McVean Chapter of the I.O.D.E. Though not a formal member of the collaborative, the L.K.C.S. Booster Club has played an integral role in fundraising as well.

Since that time, fundraising has gone beyond expectations. In the spring of 2014, the Lambton-Kent District School Board pledged $50,000 to the project, which was quickly followed by a $134,500 commitment from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This past August, the Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded the D.C.D.A. $114,000 to be used toward phase one improvements, with an additional $10,000 coming in via the Farm Credit Corporation Agri-Spirit Fund this past September.

In mid-September, North Kent Mutual

pledged to match any community donations up to $50,000 over a three week period ending October tenth. Just prior to midnight on October tenth, this goal was achieved with an outstanding show of civic pride and generosity! Fundraising will continue, but the overall Project goal has now changed from rolling out in three phases, to the possibility of completing it all at once, with immediate benefits to the community and potential cost savings being achieved.

All signs point to a minimum of phase one (two resurfaced and irrigated soccer fields, 400 metre asphalt track, and baseball field) breaking ground in July of 2015. Phases two and three, respectively, consist of the expansion of the current Trillium Trail and the building of wheelchair accessible washrooms, storage and concession facilities on site.

The completion of the Lambton-Kent Community Sports Field will serve over five hundred youth in the area currently registered in minor sports (between soccer, baseball and Legion track) as well as the elementary feeder schools from Thamesville, Bothwell, Dawn-Euphemia and Dresden.

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