SportsXpress Chatham/Kent Nov/Dec 2016

YOUR COMMUNITY SPORTS CONNECTION

Chatham-Kent & Area Edition

November/December 2016 Volume 3 Issue 6

Chatham Golden Eagles U12 Rep Provincial Bronze @CKSportsXpress

www.facebook.com/cksportsxpress

behindthebench

Get in the Game!

Chatham Sports Hall of Fame Banquet Reflections Interview by SportsXpress, Photo credit Mike Murphy Every fall local sports enthusiasts gather together at the W.I.S.H. Centre to celebrate local athletes who have made a difference in the world of sports. The Chatham Sports Hall of Fame Banquets attracts people from hours away for a night of great food, laughter and memories.

This years inductees were Marcia Thiesen (Athlete – Modern), Juli Elders (Athlete – Legend), Linda Lewis (Builder), Randy Bartlett (Builder), and the 1970 Chatham Kent Concretes (Team).

The walls were lined with displays of the inductees successes: medals, sports jackets, newspaper clippings – a story of their journeys.

Call your own shots!

Be a part of the SportsXpress Team!

SportsXpress is a grassroots media provider dedicated to the community sports lifestyle. We’re all about the athletes, coaches, their families and fans.

We publish real life stories and include all ages and skills.

We’re Growing!

Since 2008, we’ve grown to over 20 community publications across Canada. We are looking for sports-minded entrepreneurs to build new publications throughout the country.

Are you: • Passionate about sports?

• Interested in running your own community business?

• Experienced in Sales?

Join our Growing Team!

Contact SportsXpress at: 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@SportsXpress.ca Or visit www.sportsxpress.ca for more information

Want to be a sports journalist?

Get your feet wet with

Volunteer/intern as a: • reporter • writer • photographer • videographer • events/promotions coordinator

Apply online at sportsxpress.ca/volunteer

Marcia Thiesen received a full scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Pittsburg and moved on to play professionally in Europe.

Juli Elders started her track and field career at John McGregor Secondary School and eventually played at the University of Manitoba. There she competed provincially, nationally and internationally.

Linda Lewis got involved in Chatham Minor Baseball because her son played. As he grew up her involvement continued to grow as well. She was the President of Baseball Ontario in 1995 and the VP of Baseball Canada for nine years from 2001-2010.

Randy Bartlett excelled in volleyball and basketball as a youth.

But his teaching career led him to coach several successful boys’ and girls’ teams. His positive influence on countless students cannot be measured.

The Chatham Kent Concretes were the first Chatham Senior Team to win an OBA “A” title. The small town baseball team defeated cities like Oakville and London to do so.

All stories of great success, and all from small town ChathamKent. In my time with SportsXpress I have come to realize that CK has not only raised great athletes, but men and women who give back in many ways. Let us continue to work with our athletes so that the next generation is also known for its generosity and kindness, and if their athleticism stands out, we’ll consider it a bonus!

thelineup

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Chatham-Kent & Area Edition

letterfromthepublisher

05 Happy Holidays from our SportsXpress family to yours!

This Remembrance Day we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. To those who serve and have served, we thank you!

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness.

I hope that you will find inspiration in these pages once again and I look forward to many more great issues!

Rebecca Reimer, Publisher | 226.996.9100 | rebeccar@sportsxpress.ca

sportsfiles

Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams 04 | Robert Cummings Jr. 05 | O’Leary Bros 08 | Chatham Gymnastics Hugs & High Five 10 | Chatham Gold Eagles Provincial Bronze 18 | Emma Mayrand Ultimate Frisbee

asktheexpert

Informative articles on sports, health, fitness and nutrition 06 | DNA Fitness and Nutrition 09 | Why Are You S.A.D. in the Winter?

16 | Ally, Partner in Crime or Saboteur

14

behindthebench 02 | Chatham Sports Hall of Fame Banquet Refelctions 15 | CYSA

health&fitness 07 | Zumba

fromthesidelines 12 | Respect Key in ATV Bylaw 13 | Bothwell Roots Run Deep 17 | Capturing the True Spirit of Sport

15

sports@school 14 | Coaches Making it Happen

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

33

sportsfiles

Chatham-Kent

Robert Cummings Jr. – I Want To Play All Three!

Interview by SportsXpress, Photo credit Robert Cummings Sr.

Name: Robert Cummings Jr. Hometown: Chatham

Goal: To play all 3 sports in the pros! I like all sports the same!

301 Richmond St. Chatham, ON 888-467-0394

Join Victory Ford on Facebook

4

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cksportsxpress Read Us Online

CONTRIBUTORS Caleb, Vic & Tate O’Leary, Robert Cummings Jr., Robert Cummings Sr., Cathy Cogghe, Sara Hale, Robert Farrel, Shay Ireland Heidt, Dr. Brian Sides, Bryan Depencier, Gary Patterson, Sharon Smith, Rob Bernardi, Christina Roberts, Brian Horrobin, Emma Mayrand, SportsXpress team and other sports enthusiasts

volleyball team for the Gregory Drive Grizzlies.

Athlete of the Month

Magazine • Web • Sports & Event Marketing

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Debbie Dunmall ddunmall@gmail.com

Sport: 2016 Cougars Football Peewee, 201617 South Kent Lightning Hockey Minor Peewee, 2016 Chatham Diamonds Travel Baseball Major Mosquito Robert is also is a proud member of his school basketball team and

Robert Cummings Jr.

.ca

Sports Connection

PUBLISHER Rebecca Reimer 519.436.4990 rebeccar@sportsxpress.ca

Age: 11

Congratulations

Your Community

®

Thank You: Bryan Depencier for helping in hockey and coach Shannon Wilkins for believing in me and giving me lots of playing time on both sides of the ball in football. Thanks dad (Rob Cummings) for teaching me all my football skills and hard work.

Thank you for teaching me how to be the best hitter I can be in baseball too. Thanks for all the practice time together at home!

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

PHOTOGRAPHERS Cystal Teare, Linda Wolting, Sandra Conrod, Defiance Running Club, Gaetan Dussault, Diane Guenther, Janet Mieras, SportsXpress Team and members of various local sports organizations and community sports fans

PARTNERSHIP Kingston London EDITIONS Niagara Northumberland Durham Peterborough Southern Counties Waterloo Mississauga Windsor Guelph PARTNERSHIP Contact SportsXpress at: INQUIRY 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@Sportsxpress.ca

PRESIDENT/CEO Walter Browning walter@sportsxpress.ca

VP OPERATIONS Clint Szakacs clint@sportsxpress.ca

Mailing Address 50 Ottawa St. South, Unit 110, Kitchener, ON, N2G 3S7 519.208.9302 or 1.877.588.8856 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for the publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. For detailed circulation information, contact Sports Express Media Inc. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However, the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided. view & upload Photos • Video • Articles TM

box

Your Community Sports Report

sportsfiles

O’Leary Bros Racing Beyond Their Years Interview by SportsXpress, Photo credit Caleb O’Leary

I’ve done many interviews in recent years, but few stand out like this one does.

Sitting around the table with Tate, Caleb and their dad Vic O’Leary, I was moved.

Both boys have been racing since they were 5 years old. Starting with soap box cars, they soon moved on to racing lawn mowers, then go karts. Four years ago, the boys lost their mom. The family decided to take a year off of racing and instead built a track behind their house to race on.

When they returned to racing, Caleb was 13 and in the Bombers division at South Buxton. His car was stick shift and he didn’t feel as comfortable driving it as he had hoped. Not to be deterred, the boys and their dad built another car in the week between races. Having two raceable cars meant Tate got a chance to get behind the wheel. He placed fourth his first night driving.

The boys are currently in the Mini Mod division and experimenting with V8’s.

South Buxton’s dirt is their hometown track, but this year they travelled to race at Silver Bullet Speedway and Ohsweken as well as the asphalt track at Delaware and Flamboro. Tate even did double duty

one night at Flamboro, racing a V8 stock and mini mod in one evening. Racing is a family affair and when Tate couldn’t race because of hockey commitments, Vic got into his car and raced against Caleb. For Caleb, this was definitely the highlight of his year. All three enjoy challenging each other on and off the track. This season Tate had four checkered flags, placing 7th of 28 cars and Caleb ended the season as the highest placing rookie.

But winning isn’t the first priority to Vic O’Leary. He wants his boys to drive

clean and finish the race in one piece, and drivers at the track will tell you they do just that. The boys won the Wayne Daniels Memorial Award last year for their sportsmanship and willingness to help around the track The influence this single father has had

on his boys is amazing. He has raised them to be mature young men who are involved in the community and give back.

The boys both play football and hockey on top of racing, and keep their grades up too. In their free time they volunteer as coaches for Cougar football, and the Optimist Club. They also help out with the South Buxton Junior Fan Club. Last year they raised $1,600 for the Bravery Beads foundation by cutting their hair.

Both Caleb and Tate would like to thank their dad, Vic O’Leary, they know they couldn’t do any of this without him.

They’d also like to thank Mike Leque, Jason Walters, Jake Hooker Motorsports, Brad Simpson Racing, Rob Young Racing, Drew Smith Racing, Eugene Hoekstra and his crew, Andrew Phafler Racing, Michelle Mancell, Jody Mason, and GZR Motor Sports and everyone who helps at the track who has made this season that much more fun!

And as always, a big thank you to their fans and supporters!

If you would like to support the O’Leary brothers in the upcoming season contact them at O’Leary Brother Racing on Facebook

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

5

asktheexpert

DNA, Fitness & Nutrition Submitted by Cathy Cogghe, RMT, CYT(500) Genetic testing has come along way in the last two decades. Once only available for advanced disease testing, and forensics, commercial DNA testing is now available to health and fitness professionals to help design better nutrition, fitness and training programs.

Genetics influence many of our physiological processes including lung capacity, risk of soft tissue injury, muscle growth and even an athlete’s main skill set for endurance versus power sports. Genome testing can help us to better understand what our bodies

basic capacities are by identifying a genetic predisposition to increased exercise endurance, increased muscle power, muscle damage or injury risk.

This is a great tool when for formulating a fitness program.

Understanding our genetics can also help us understand our nutritional needs. Just as one size does not fit all neither does one diet type. Nutragenics involves the study of how individuals genetic variations effects interaction with components of the diet including toxins, micro and macro nutrients.

Through many studies science has identified genetic markers that can indicate how we metabolize and eliminate our foods. If you knew that you will always require extra folic acid because of your genetic make up,

would that be important to you? If you knew that you have a lower caffeine and alcohol tolerance according to your genetic profile would it make it easier for you to choose healthier options?

Most scientists agree that knowing your genetics means only knowing part of the story. Our genetics represent our internal environment and the part of our story that we cannot change. Our external environment would be our food, lifestyle and exercise choices. We can make changes here if we choose.

If you have further questions regarding DNA fitness and nutrition testing, please reach out to us at info@ wallaceburgwellnesscentre.com. Our Certified DNAFit Trainer will be happy to answer all of your questions. Happy Training.

Helping you create your best health!

Providing health products, fitness & yoga classes, and holistic services like...

• Massage, • Esthetics, • Acupressure, • Counseling, • Personal Training •& much more

519-627-9355 • www.wallaceburgwellnesscentre.com • 222 Wellington St., Wallaceburg 6

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

health&fitness

Zumba is Fun Fitness Interview by SportsXpress & Sara Hale, Photo credit Sara Hale Name: Sara Hale, Zumba with Sara Do you have a studio you do Zumba classes out of? I rent a room at the Wish Centre & a room at the Active Lifestyle Centre (ALC) Why Zumba? I fell in love with Zumba the first time I took a class. I had been working out for a few years and took a few group exercise classes, which I enjoyed. I really wanted to try Zumba as I heard it was a really fun exercise class and incorporated dance which I’ve always loved. I built up the courage to try it out by myself and was instantly hooked. First thing that caught me was the music. Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness class however it incorporates all types of international and pop music.

The music is catchy and loud so it’s very easy to just get lost in the music and time flies by. The choreography is so easy to learn because each song has only 3 or 4 steps, so it’s repetitive. The variety of dance styles, salsa, merengue, reggaeton, cumbia are fun to learn. It’s fitness in disguise; you are still working out but you’re having fun and feels more like a social time, a party time.

What are the benefits of Zumba? Zumba is a full body workout incorporating

Canada’s premier lifestyle fashion boutique

interval type training through music which helps to lose weight and improve cardiovascular health. On average Zumba burns about 500-600 calories an hour.

Even though it’s dance based, those dances are designed for fitness, to create a full body workout. Within the hour class, we will do a TON of squats, lunges, standing crunches, etc.

Improved coordination & confidence – I’ve had so many people start class and they are really self-conscious, barely moving with the music, struggling with coordination and by 3rd class they are just so much more confident, loose, selfconfident, dancing/exercising and having fun.

Introduction to exercise – I’ve known many people who join for the fun factor and end up loving the fitness aspect and furthering their pursuit to fitness by joining boot camps, gyms, other dance classes, sports etc. I love being that introduction to fitness and helping people decide to live a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s face it! Dancing is a great stress reliever, an opportunity to meet people and makes us feel happy. It’s great for the brain, the heart and the soul!

We have events throughout the year: holiday specials, theme classes, black light parties, a Christmas potluck. Events are a chance for regulars to bond and for

newbies to try us out.

Zumba Toning are specialty class which incorporate 1-2 pound weights, adding resistance to help focus on specific muscle groups.

Zumba Gold is geared for seniors, beginners, people with injuries or disabilities. Zumba Gold is low intensity and low impact dances which are designed to improve cardiovascular health, improve, improve bone density, endurance, flexibility, balance, range of motion & posture.

How can people join your classes? Just show up! The first class is free! Drop ins are welcome at all of my classes and events. I also offer 5 or 10 class passes!

You do not need to be a member of either the WISH or the ALC. My schedule is updated on my Facebook page www. facebook.com/zumbawithsara or email zumbawithus321@gmail.com Is there anything you’d like to say to Chatham-Kent? I’ve lived in Chatham my whole life and I love it here. My roots are here – friends and family. Through Zumba, I have met so many wonderful people and have had the opportunity to give back through presenting Zumba in fundraisers in partnership with many organizations in Chatham-Kent.

135 Richmond St. Chatham

Get more for less this holiday season on all your favourite name brands

www.theclosetinc.com • instagram: @theclosetinc Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

7

sportsfiles

Chatham Gymnastics – Hugs and High Fives Submitted by Shay Ireland Heidt, Photo credit Darren Heidt It’s been a great fall for the Chatham Gymnastics Centre! With over 300 kids registered in our various program we are proud to train the next generation of elite gymnasts!

Our winter registration opens up November 1st and we are excited to offer several new classes including a new adult drop in class, “Incredible Hulks” (boys age 10-12), “Spartans” (boys 8-9) and

“Tramp and Tumble” (age 7-12).

For those wanting to get into the holiday spirit, we are hosting a Christmas event, “Somersault with Santa” Sunday December 18th. Join us for games, gymnastics, crafts, and of course a photo with the Jolly Old Man himself.

We are also looking forward to competition, with some of our best routines yet!

Chatham Gymnastics Centre 20 Currie St, Chatham-Kent 519-354-9722

www.Chathamgymnastics.com

Above all we look forward to continuing to learn while having fun, our motto is and will continue to be Hugs and High Fives!

Check us out at www.chathamgymnastics.ca or find us on Facebook!

Internet Kent since 1995

Cable Internet

Domain Name Registration

Highspeed DSL

Web Hosting

Rural Access

Quick, reliable, friendly service for your internet needs.

8

519-627-7114 | www.kent.net

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

asktheexpert

Why are you S.A.D. in the Winter?

Submitted by Dr. Brian Sides, D.C. Seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D., is experienced by many during the colder months of the year. This condition is more commonly referred to as the “winter blues” and it is characterized by a sense of depression that starts in the fall and ends in the spring and is accompanied by decreased energy and initiative.

The reason many people get S.A.D. in this part of the country at this time of the year is because the sun moves toward the

southern hemisphere limiting our direct sunlight exposure. Regular exposure to sunlight stimulates our skin to release vitamin D. In truth, vitamin D is less of a vitamin than it is a hormone precursor. Optimal levels of vitamin D simulate and balance our hormones to help regulate our normal physiology.

When we are lacking adequate sun exposure causing a deficiency of vitamin D, our hormones become imbalanced resulting

in depression, fatigue and numerous other problems. If you worry that you suffer from these winter blues and weekend trips to the Bahamas are not an option, you can supplement with vitamin D. While this often works, you need to take much more vitamin D than is in your multivitamin as it does not get into the system easily. When supplementing, it is important practice caution because it is possible to get too much vitamin D. Find out what your levels are by doing a blood test and stay safe!

226-996-1712 • 467 St. Clair Street, Chatham • www.ckperformancehealth.com Chiropractic

Bleinheim 519-676-8181

•

Acupuncture

•

Chatham 519-351-1419

Massage Therapy

•

Tilbury 519-682-1284

Movement Therapy

Wallaceburg 519-627-4251

• Caulking • Furnace Filters • Firelogs • Antifreeze • Fireplaces • Smoke Detectors • Heaters • Winter Tires • Window Film • Snowbrushes • Block Heaters • And much more!

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

9

sportsfiles

Chatham Golden Eagles Provincial Bronze Interview by SportsXpress & Coach Bryan Depencier, Photo credit Crystal Teare Team: Chatham Golden Eagles U12 Rep Sport: Girls Fast Pitch Softball Division: A Division What is the Chatham Girls Minor Softball Association?

The Chatham Girls Minor Softball Association offers youth softball programs for girls aged 4-18. We have a full house league program that plays locally and a rep program that begins at age 8. Our rep teams are called the Golden Eagles. We have grown over the past few years to offer 5 rep teams and 15 house league teams.

How long have you been involved in the association?

I have been the Head Coach of this team for the past 4 seasons. At that point the girls were aged 8-9 and were very new to the game.

How has the team grown?

We decided to implement winter training to our program to help develop

the athletes and the team to be ready for completion in the spring. This has really helped with us become successful as one of the elite teams in Ontario for our age group. The down side of year long training is that sports in general are pushing athletes into one sport with having the seasons run longer because of the inclusion of off season training.

How did the team do this season?

This past season the ladies had a very successful season again capturing 2 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals and capping the season off with bronze at Provincials. This made us 3rd out of 37 teams from the small town of Chatham.

Tell me about Provincials The Eagles travelled to Brampton on August 22nd weekend to play in the A division PWSA Provincials after finishing with Silver at the Qualifier.

Our first game we played Lucan and came away with an 11-0 win. Maddison, Mckenna and Ella combined for the shut out. This set up a showdown with the

Fine Cabinetry for your Lifestyle

866.719.4649 50 Borrowman Ave, Chatham, ON N7M 5J5 windmillcabinets.com Find us on Facebook • Discover us on Houzz 10

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

Kassidy Teare Waterloo Ghosts. After jumping out to a 5-0 lead through 4 innings, the Ghosts struck for 7 in the top of the fifth. The Eagles scratched another run in the bottom half of the sixth but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles lost 7-6. Despite the loss the Eagles took confidence in the fact that they out hit the Ghosts 15-4 in the game. This loss set up the pitcher’s duel dream as the 2 best staffs in the game went head to head in a win or go home game against the Kitchener Klassics Black. The Eagles and the Klassics have played tight games all year and this one was no exception. In the 4th inning Kassidy led off with a single, stole second and was driven in with a double from Maddison for a 1-0 lead. That was all the Eagles would need they would go on to win

sportsfiles 1-0. Steller pitching from Maddison and Mckenna along with great defensive plays highlighted by Marg at short and Ella at first completed an error free game for the Eagles. Travelling on the B side the Eagles would face another Eagle team in the Whitby Eagles Major. Expecting a slug fest the game went a different route as the defence once again shined led by Rachel and Kinsey taking away multiple hits from the right side of the infield. Offence was provided by tournament leading Natalie, Martina, Macie and Marg as the hometown Eagles came away with a 5-3 victory and a date with the Brampton Blazers in the bronze medal game.

Now playing our third game in a row, pitching staff tiring fast and with only 9 players due to injury, the Eagles had there backs against the wall. We were one of only 3 teams to defeat Brampton all year long but this game was not to be. As the 4th inning arrived and the

Rachel Szymanski

Team Lined up at Provincials

Eagles clinging on to a 4-2 lead, the team ran out of gas and Brampton came away with the victory and would go on to win the Gold. Rachel Szymanski was named player of the Tournament for the Chatham Golden Eagles. As a coach, I couldn’t be more proud of this team as they gutted out every game and played the best defence of the season.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

This coming season we are entering our Junior year if the U14 division so we will be looking to develop in preparation for 2018. Our goal in 2018 is to qualify for Nationals.

What has been the highlight of your time as Head Coach?

I have had the pleasure of watching these ladies develop from young and very timid girls into the leaders on and off the field that they are today.

A lot of the ladies are now assisting with various house league teams and working with up and coming players during practices on there skills.

How does someone try out for your team?

Tryouts are held every year in September for all of our Rep teams, however anyone interested can contact Diana Cummings our Travel Director for further information. Also teams will always work with anyone that is interested during practices.

Check us out on www.ckeagles.com or follow us on Facebook Chatham Girls Minor Softball Association.

We encourage anyone interested in either enrolling their daughter in our summer house league program to visit www.ckeagles.com to register at the early bird rate or contact Bryan Depencier-president@ckeagles.com

TOM&AL’S Quality HOME

FURNISHINGS Tempur-Pedic owners are young, old, and everything in between... AND they’re more satisfied than oowners of any other traditional mattress brand.† So satisfied, in fact, that they tell an average of 7 people about their Tempur-Pedic bed.

Come in today to find out how you can start getting the best sleep of your life tonight!

519-627-1277

25 Lisgar Street Wallaceburg www.tomandalsfurniture.com * Canadian Made *

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

11

fromthesidelines Chatham-Kent Ministries

Giving Hope Today The Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent assists thousands of families during the Christmas season and year round.

We need your help to continue to meet those needs!

Ways you can give hope Organize a food or toy drive, over 1000 food hampers and 1000 toy hampers were distributed in CK in 2015

Donate Financially This years Christmas campaign goal is $450,000

Donate Your Time Stand at a kettle, several locations around CK, volunteers are needed for 2 hour time slots

Respect Key in ATV Bylaw Submitted by SportsXpress, Photo credit Vince Masse “Ride smart, ride safe, ride responsible…”

That’s the motto of the newly formed Chatham-Kent ATV club. The club was started in 2015 by Vince Masse to show support for the then failed ATV bylaw.

“The night I got a text saying that it failed I was upset. Then I started thinking, are you going to just get upset, or are you going to do something about it?”

This started a four month process of forming the Chatham-Kent ATV Club and then speaking with counsellors, the police chief, the CK legal department, as well as the traffic department to come up with a new ATV bylaw proposal for counsel. There were many reasons why the bylaw failed the first time, mainly safety concerns with no streets being blocked off or daylight restrictions being put into place.

March 7, 2016 is a date Vince and the club members are going to remember for a long time. “The place was packed! There were 50-60 of our club members at that meeting. The discussion was lengthy and when she read the vote ‘9-8 for’, I looked across the room at several members and we were speechless! We won!”

As part of the bylaw the ATV club has agreed to educate drivers about the bylaw and encourage them to take an ATV safety course.

The bylaw has been passed for a

Call your local office today!

Chatham 519-354-1430 Ridgetown/Blenheim 519-674-3765 Wallaceburg 519-627-8257 www.cksalvationarmy.org/

THANK YOU

12

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

year, at which time enforcing it long term will come up for discussion at council once again. Vince’s hope is that with proper education and respect for ATV’s in general, the bylaw will become permanent in Chatham-Kent.

ATVS MUST HAVE • License Plate • Insurance • Proper helmets must be worn • Working headlight and tail lights • Driver must have valid drivers license • No night time riding • No trespassing on private property • No riding in the City of Chatham “A lot of hours have gone into this bylaw, from the C-K council, legal department, CK police and the ATV club.

If everyone works together, obeying the bylaw and staying safe we have a better chance of passing the bylaw permanently in March 2017. It’s only a dangerous vehicle if you disrespect it, just like anything else”.

Vince has organized several rides with the club without any incident to date. The rides are a full day affair with stops at local businesses for meals and gas. And the club is about more than riding the back roads, it raises money and groceries for local food banks at every ride. Giving back is all part of the philosophy of the organization.

For those interested in joining the Chatham-Kent ATV club check out their Facebook page. You’ll find discussions on safety, future rides and maps that show exactly where riding a registered ATV is legal.

To contact Vince himself, email chathamkentatv@ gmail.com.

fromthesidelines

Bothwell Roots Run Deep Submitted by Gary Patterson, Photo credit Gary Patterson The Municipality had talked about closing the Bothwell Arena but they should think about putting a historical plaque on the front door and give tours.

NHL’ers Bo Horvat and Travis Konecny both have Bothwell roots but are just two of several players that have played at a higher level.

Horvat and Konecny are cousins.

Horvat’s fraternal grandmother, Joan Horvat, and Konecny’s maternal grandmother, Kathleen Bergey, are sisters but that is just the latest installment in Bothwell’s hockey story.

Brett McDonald was drafted 94th overall in the 1984 draft and played over 700 professional games including suiting up for the Vancouver Canucks.

Ron Horvat may have the all-time record for most points in a single professional season for someone from Bothwell as he averaged over six points per game when he scored 175 points in 29 games for the Glasgow Eagles of the Scotish League. Check out www. hockeydb.com for those stats.

Tim Horvat suited up with the London Knights and also played in Scotland after leaving the friendly confines of the Bothwell Arena.

Brian Wiseman was probably one of the most famous and most talented

players ever to skate at the Bothwell arena. Wiseman was amazing through his career as his record of 164 assists still stands as the all-time career record at the University of Michigan. Wiseman dominated the IHL and was an elite AHL player and lived the dream of played in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wiseman is an assistant coach at the University of Michigan.

Bo Horvat being interviewed by his father Tim Horvat Wiseman’s older brother Brad played College hockey in the U.S. at Concordia College in Minnesota.

Rob Vanderydt who coaches the Dresden Jr Kings was drafted by the Islanders in the 1989 Supplemental Draft and after four years at the University of Miami (Ohio) he played in the AHL, ECHL and Colonial Hockey League.

Pete Brearley suited up for Kitchener

and London in the “O” before a stint at the University of Waterloo.

After Brian Wiseman completing his schooling, Brearley went on to play eight minor pro seasons in the ECHL, WCHL, CHL and Germany.

Brad Meredith left Bothwell to put in four years at Princeton University patrolling the blue line for the Tigers.

Meredith is an assistant coach with the Lasalle Vipers of the GOJHL. Kris Belan suited up for the London Knights and Oshawa Generals of the “O” before a five year career at the University of Guelph and then moved on to play over 100 games in the ECHL and AHL. Detroit may call themselves “Hockeytown” but I think we all know that here in Chatham-Kent Bothwell holds that title!

Gary Patterson is a local sports enthusiast. Whether calling hockey, horse racing or sharing local sports history, Gary is known for his passion for sport in Chatham-Kent.

LET US TAKE YOUR GROUP/TEAM ON YOUR NEXT OUTING W E G E T YO U T H E R E

1-800-668-1974

www.badderbus.com Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

13

sports@school

Coaches... Making it Happen at CCS Submitted by Sharon Smith, Photo credit Linda Wolting

Coach Patrick McNamara

Coach Ron Berlemont

Coach Richard Koomans

Chatham Christian School has been blessed by numerous coaches over the years. We have had a variety of coaches including parents, relatives, alumni, staff, retired community teachers, neighbours, general school supporters and people who are passionate and knowledgeable about a sport and want to share it with others!

The reasons people coach are as varied as the coaches but often it is out of a desire to give back, a love of young people, a passion about a sport, a chance to develop their own skills, and sometimes simply because they were asked to.

Kyra Vellinga says, “The coaches at CCS make you feel welcome to the team. Regardless of your skill level, they help you grow in your skills and create new skills. They keep priorities in check so that you can excel in all areas of your life. Overall, they’re pretty chill.”

For many people, school sports are one of the highlights of their elementary and secondary school years and without dedicated coaches those memories, relationships and life skills would not have been developed.

Recent alumna, Michelle Vyn says,

“The time I spent playing sports at CCHS was my favourite part of high school.

Being such a small school it was so cool to actually be able to compete with the bigger teams and do well. The coaches were fantastic, so much time and effort was put in and they were always there to talk.”

Another alumna, Sarah Brouwer says, “Our coaches always pushed us to be better and to work harder. Praying before games didn’t mean we were praying for God to give us the win, we prayed that He let us play to the best of our abilities.”

Coaches give a lot of time and effort and they wear many hats as sometimes they are coaching, other times they are a mentor, a nurse, a taxi driver, a decision maker, a scheduler, a motivator, a rule maker and enforcer, a spiritual leader, a referee, a supervisor, a strategizer, a demonstrator, a problem solver, a mediator, and a cheerleader.

Nate Dam says, “My experience with the coaches at CCHS has been nothing short of excellent. The coaches are very knowledgeable and diligent. Despite the stresses of coaching a full team, they give of their time and energy and are kind and patient.”

Thank you coaches of CCS/CCHS!

Dover Duds Fall styles arriving daily Your Work Wear Specialist!

519-355-1201

Tues to Fri: 10 - 5:30 • Sat: 10 -2 Sunday & Monday: Closed

14

26662 Bearline Rd, Dover Centre www.doverduds.com

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

behindthebench

Successful Season for the Chatham Youth Soccer Association Submitted by Rob Bernardi, Photo credit Sandra Conrod The Chatham Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) competitive travel soccer teams had a magnificent 2016 season. There has never been a more winning season than this past summer. This year the CYSA had a total of 18 travel soccer teams carrying a total of 300 travel soccer players from age U9 to adult.

There were five League Champions and four Cup Champions from Chatham’s travel soccer program.

The youth travel teams are identified as the Chatham ‘Attack’ for the boys youth and the Chatham ‘Strikers’ for the girls youth teams. Teams in the U9 to U10 age group play in the soccer player development program of the Lambton Kent Soccer Association (LKSA). Youth travel teams aged U11 to U12 play in the developmental divisions of the Elgin Middlesex District Soccer League (EMDSL). Travel teams aged U13 to U17 play in the competitive divisions (Tier 1) of the EMDSL. The men’s competitive teams are represented by the Chatham Express (Premier Division), Chatham Attack and Chatham Storm (Second Division) in the Western Ontario Soccer League (WOSL).

The women’s competitive team is represented by the Chatham Eagles (Premier Division) in the London & Area Women’s Soccer League (LAWSL).

Chatham Strikers U15 Girls, EMDSL Five competitive travel teams League and District Cup Ch finished in first place in their league ampions divisions (U14 & U15 Strikers, U14 & U17 Attack, and Attack men’s).

These four youth teams next year will have the option to move up to the more competitive league of the Western Region Soccer League (WRSL) while the Chatham Attack men’s team will be promoted to the First Division of the WOSL. The remaining youth teams all finished within the top 5 of their Chatham At tack U1 divisions standings.

7 Boys, EMDSL Le ague and District Cup Ch Four competitive teams also won ampions. the Division Cups for their respective leagues. The U14 & U17 Attack and U15 A big thank you goes out to all the Strikers won the EMDSL District Cup for players, parents and coaches for their age divisions. The Chatham Attack representing the CYSA so well in these men’s team were the WOSL Second very competitive leagues. The best of Division Cup Champions. The U14 and luck for the 2017 soccer season!

U17 Strikers teams made it to the EMDSL Registration dates for the 2017 CYSA District Cup Championship game but lost outdoor summer soccer season will start in the finals. in late January of 2017.

Dresden Meat Packers “A Cut Above the Rest”

Proudly Serving You Since 1972

Meat for every Holiday Occasion Reserve Yours Today!

Dresden Meat & DELI

“Wallaceburg’s Retail Butcher Store” • Variety Packs Available

www.dresdenmeatpackers.com • Offering Locally Raised and Grown Products • Carrying Fresh Maple City Bakery Products Now at 2 Locations!

• SHOP LOCAL!

• Fresh & Frozen Meats • We now have Bright Cheese

• Custom Butchering, Cutting, & Wrapping

10210 McCreary Line, 519-683-2585 Dresden Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm • Sat 8 am - 3 pm

30 McNaughton Ave., 519-627-5959 Wallaceburg Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5:30 pm • Sat 9:30 am-5 pm

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

15

asktheexpert

Ally, Partner in Crime or Saboteur Submitted by Christina Roberts, Photo credit Janet Mieras

Do the people in your life help or hinder your healthy lifestyle?

Our friends, family, and colleagues fall into one category when we’re creating a healthy habit in our lives.

Ally – Someone who actively supports our goal because they believe it’s good for us and wants to help.

These are the folks we have constructive conversations with and take positive actions with. They might be a walking buddy, share relevant recipes or send uplifting texts.

Allies support our healthy goals and contribute to our success.

Partners in Crime – They give us the excuse we’re already struggling with in our own mind.

We’ll say something like, “I don’t feel like going to exercise class today”, “I made my lunch but I want a burger.” or “I have to cancel my massage tonight because I’m too busy!”

Partners in crime will encourage the old habit rather than helping us shift our focus to our new goal. Often, it’s because they get something they want out of it (like a burger).

Saboteurs – are closely linked to partners in crime. A saboteur will start

the old thinking while a partner in crime jumps on the band wagon after it’s already started.

We’ll be looking forward to our delicious salad, a bike ride or bubble bath. In these situations a saboteur will unexpectedly suggest a burger, a drive or a movie instead.

It’s true; nobody can make the changes we want to make other than us. The people in our lives do make the transition easier or more difficult though.

Having an honest conversation with the people in our life to ask them to be our ally instead of a partner in crime or saboteur may be needed. It’s useful to identify what isn’t helping along with what you want or need from them to be more supportive.

Want even more allies? Join a group that you know will support you in achieving your goals and connect with them regularly.

I’m Christina Roberts, Wellness Coach and owner of Vitality. My signature 12Week group training Building Healthy Habits™ provides supportive relationships and other effective strategies to help you live your best life.

Contact me to find out more about Building Healthy Habits™ or 1 on 1 Wellness Coaching.

Web: www.foryourvitality.ca • Phone: 514.294.1330 • Email: info@foryourvitality.ca

Real Estate Law: Purchasing property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re moving to a new home or considering investing in commercial space, the legal team at J.Thomas McGregor Professional Corporation has the knowledge and experience needed to assist you with your transaction.

Wills and Estates: Make sure your affairs are in order. It’s never to early to plan your estate and draft a copy of your will and power of attorney.

Consult with the legal council at J. Thomas McGregor Professional Corporation to ensure that your estate and family are properly protected.

519-627-2081 • 218 Duncan Street JThomasMcGregorLaw.ca

16

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

fromthesidelines

UE BREAKTHROUGH DESIGN

FOR THE Capturing the True Spirit of Sport

L ROOFING MARKET!

Submitted by Brian Horrobin, Photo credit The Defiance Running Club

opponent as the former was helped to her feet.

Each one helped the other to finish the race, well behind the rest of the pack, and well beyond any hopes of qualifying for the finals. It was a scene that transformed the perspectives of both runners, and everyone else who was watching.

10350 Baseline An official ruling allowed both runners to compete in the Every once in awhile, in a sporting world final as recompense for their display of tainted by selfishness and cheating, along sportsmanship, although D’Agostino was comes a demonstration of the true spirit too injured to run. Both were also awarded ofRdsport.

Today’s10668 performance the prestigious International Fair Play 8262 Dover Center Line 3800 County 21 Inneskilin Baseline Rd opens on the track at the 2016 Rio Olympics during Committee Award for their actions. the heats of the women’s 5000 meters.

Later, Hamblin spoke to New Zealand With approximately 2000m to go, tragedy radio host, Mike Hosking about her strikes for 2 athletes. New Zealand’s Nikki experience at Rio. “When I look back on Hamblin gets tripped up and falls to the Rio 2016, I’m not going to remember where track, and is soon followed by American I finished, I’m not going to remember Abbey D’Agostino, who tumbled over the my time … but I’ll always remember fallen Hamblin. Their Olympic dreams that moment.” Ah, yes, all is not lost in dashed before an astonished crowd, no the sporting world. There are still some one could have predicted what would athletes out there on the world’s grand come next. stage who have their priorities in the right “Get up, get up! We have to finish this!” place. These two young athletes proved These were the words a dazed Hamblin that sometimes a golden moment is more heard from her fellow unfortunate running memorable than a gold medal.

In the New Testament the apostle Paul compares the rigours of living a godly life to the effort and preparation necessary to running a race. Here is what he says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly… No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

When you choose to honour God in your attitude both on and off the field, you will reap eternal rewards every time.

Like Nikki Hamblin noted, you may not remember your place or your time, but you’ll always remember the moment.

t our In-House financing

fromthesidelines

ree quote!

mer

CKPL Read of the Month Submitted by Arlene Maris Chatham-Kent Public Libraries

6199 91

Hockey’s Greatest Photos: The Bruce Bennett Collection by The Hockey News (2016)

wy 21 South, DRESDEN

Phone: 519-683-6199 1420 Hwy 21 S., DRESDEN

Wishing everyone peace and joy in the upcoming holiday season!

Flip through the pages of this latest book by The Hockey News to see some the best NHL images ever caught on film.

Taken by renowned photographer, Bruce Bennett, from his over 40 years of photographing players and fans. 250 images tell the story of player triumph and defeat and audience reaction to both. Available at a ChathamKent Public Library branch near you or through our website, search.ckpl.ca. www.ckpl.ca

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

17

sportsfiles

Emma Mayrand – Backyard to Bronze Medal Interview by SportsXpress, Photo credit Gaetan Dussault

Age: 23 Hometown: Chatham, Ontario

Sport: Ultimate Frisbee Division: Canadian University Series How did you get into Ultimate Frisbee?

Honestly, I started tossing with my Dad in the back yard at a young age. I received a disc as a gift one year and it came with instructions on how to throw and catch trick shots. So I actually began tossing just for fun, until I was introduced to the sport in elementary school. Starting in grade 10 at Ursuline College, I was playing competitively on the school team and continued until I graduated. During my fourth year of University at Western, Ultimate Frisbee became a varsity sport.

I played for the team for two years as a cutter with some other amazing players, a couple who have played for Team Canada in the past two years. I completed my degree this past spring 2016, but I wasn’t quite ready to leave the field, so I joined my coach of two years, Tawnya Gonzalez, and assisted her in coaching the 2016 Women’s Mustang Ultimate Frisbee Team.

What has been the highlight of your career?

My time competing for the Western Mustangs has been the highlight thus far, hands down. I can remember specific games and points with my teammates, playing in all sorts of weather conditions, making incredible bids and laying out to catch the disc mid-air. But throughout my time as a Mustang, I grew as a cutter and was constantly improving my physical game, as well as my mental game. I ultimately became a better athlete. On the other hand, as assistant coach,

18

training and working with the team as we fought our way into the CUUC I Division at Nationals this year gave me a whole new perspective and experience with the sport. We beat our fifth place standing from 2015 and defeated McGill for the bronze medal at 14-3. Words can’t explain how proud I was to see the growth of our players and to see their true potential as athletes come out at Nationals.

What is training like?

Training is intense and challenging, because like most sports, you have to train your body and your mind on and off season. For myself, I only competed in the University Series, a six to seven week long season with 3 full weekend tournaments. We would practice for approximately 3 hours, 3 days a week, focusing on fitness, defensive and offensive strategies, skills (in catching and throwing) and position specific training (cutter vs handler). Essentially we were on the field every day of the week except for Monday and some Fridays. You have to be in very good shape to stand a chance against the top players on the field. Ultimate is an extremely active sport and when you’re on the field, you never stop running; whether the point lasts a couple of minutes or a half an hour. Our training prepares its players physically and mentally to compete in various weather conditions against teams and players of all skill levels.

How can people find out more about the sport?

Getting involved is the best way. For those who don’t know a lot about the sport itself, there is tons of information online and live feed games at various playing levels (including University and National levels) that you can check out through Ultimate Canada (https://

Chatham-Kent SportsXpress • November-December 2016

canadianultimate.com). For people looking to get started on the field, there are often pick up leagues that are great for recreational play (London Ultimate Club for example).

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

My whole family has always supported my passion for sports, be it my Dad tossing with me in the backyard, my Mom tossing with me in parking lots to prepare me for tryouts or my brother and sister playing with me outside (and inside) the house. But I definitely owe a lot of my training to Tawnya Gonzalez, the Western Mustangs Coach—I would not have achieved so much in Ultimate, nor would I have become the athlete/ assistant coach that I am today without her. And lastly, my teammate and captain for two years, Christine Jurychuk (also played for Team Canada). I’ve always looked up to her as a player and the passion she has for ultimate has inspired me so much—You seriously have to see this girl play Ultimate.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to CK? Ultimate is an insanely rewarding sport.

You learn so much both on and off the field. It is a competitive, self-refereed game, which is why it is one of the most sportsmanlike sports that I have ever competed in or coached. Ultimate is a community of athletes. And when I say community, I mean that on the field, you play your heart out in a competitive, aggressive way, while off the field, you connect with other teams and players from all over the province, country and other countries simply for the love of the game. I would encourage anyone, at any playing level to join an Ultimate Frisbee team, because of all of the sports that I’ve competed in, Ultimate has by far been the most rewarding athletic experience.

YOUR MUSIC VARIETY

THE SOUNDTRACK OF CHATHAM-KENT

MAKE CRABBY JOE’S

YOUR TEAM’S HEADQUARTER!

*Some restrictions apply. Chatham location only.

FRESH, NEVER FROZEN AND 100% PURE BEEF 395 Grand Ave. W., Chatham, ON • 519.360.9800