The Converged Citizen - October 15, 2014.

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NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN SPORTS

NEWS

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VOLUME X ISSUE 3

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

OCTOBER 15, 2014

Why not Windsor?

Sean Frame Managing Editor

Photo by Caleb Workman Myeloma supporters pose for a photo after the 5 km walk in the Multiple Myeloma March on Sept. 28 at Dieppe Park.

Walkers draw attention to myeloma Caleb Workman Citizen Staff Reporter Families and friends of myeloma patients along with community supporters came out to the annual “Windsor Multiple Myeloma Walk” on Sept. 28.

The sunny day in Dieppe Park made for a fun event with plenty of participants and volunteers who together raised a total of $15,000.

Brooke Skinner and Simran Patel, two of the volunteers, said they were happy with the event.

“I think it’s a really great cause because it’s not really

something that’s really known of among a lot of people,” said Skinner.

Patel was impressed with the level of participation from the runners. “People make t-shirts of their own supporting a family member and people just come to support others, even if it’s just a stranger. It’s really nice to see everyone coming together,” she said.

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SRC moves forward with GSA Justin Thompson Production Manager Gay and straight students can now work together at St. Clair College to end homophobia.

St. Clair College’s GayStraight Alliance was created

by Mikael Mosley, 21, and approved by the Student Representative Council Sept.

26. Members will raise awareness of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer

and Questioning community as well as promote equality for everyone on campus.

The group is run by students and will be funded through Windsor Pride Community Resource and Education Centre and the Run for Rocky, which is a charity run that supports GSAs. Sean Frame, 23, is the vice president of the GSA. Frame spent the summer working with Windsor Pride and saw a need for such a group at St.

Clair College after noticing that the suicide attempt rate among LGBTQ youth was higher than that of straight youth.

“The benefit of having a GSA is having a resource there,” said Frame. “Someone you can talk to if you’re ever having problems. It’s also a chance to meet people who are like you at the college. You have a chance to talk to people who are going through similar issues. You have a chance to

speak out against homophobia and transphobia.”

According to the Canada Human Rights Trust website egale.ca, the suicide rate among LGBTQ youth is 33 per cent compared to seven per cent of youth in general and 47 per cent of transgendered youth have thought about suicide in the past year alone.

Mosley created the GSA

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Windsor’s population has been falling for the past five years and community leaders are searching for a solution.

According to a report last year by The Conference Board of Canada, Windsor ranked the second lowest in population growth in Canada.

The publication also explains how population growth shows equal growth in economic health. With the municipal election at the horizon many candidates have put job creation and tourism on the forefront of their campaigns.

Mayoral candidate Larry Horwitz said he believes job creation and quality of life is the next step in economic growth.

“I moved back to Windsor 20 years ago from New York which is a vibrant city,” said Horwitz. “Windsor was supposed to diversify the economy 10 years ago and it never happened… Windsor has such a potential of being a great city and I have been looking at the population growth and we haven’t grown much in 20 years.”

Horwitz added that people are moving to the west coast of Canada and taking their families because of the lack of employment in Windsor.

In his campaign he plans on promoting entrepreneurship in youth and is hoping to start an apprenticeship program that has youth in direct contact with the community’s major decision makers.

The Yknot Windsor-Essex is a Trillium funded group

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CONVERGED CITIZEN2

NEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014

Masked heroes rally to raise money at Malden Park

Caleb Workman Citizen Staff Reporter Superheroes were running with a cause at this year’s Superhero Run at Malden Park to raise money for the John McGivney Children’s Centre.

Friends, family and supporters gathered at the centre Sept. 27, for the morning five kilometre run. With plenty of volunteers and a large turnout of people, the event was considered a success.

“We thought it would be cool to dress up as superheroes and make our own costumes,” said Kelsey Willms, 22.

This was Willms’ first year attending the Superhero Run. She came with her sister Amber, 24, and friends Nicole George, 22, and Michelle Wielink, 21.

“When Nicole told me about

FROM PAGE 1 Many people attended because they had personal ties to someone with myeloma, but others were there to support the families who have been affected by this disease.

Erma Roung, co-ordinator of the march, said there are only 11 cities across Canada that hold this event. “Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer of the blood. It causes fractures, renal failure, a lot of pain and there is no known cure for it at this stage,” said Roung. She said while it is an unusual form of cancer it still affects many people.

BJ Laub, a member of the band Those Guys, has been with the Windsor Myeloma March for the four years it has been running. “The turnout is getting better and better each year… but with anything like this, it takes time to grow,” said Laub. His friend’s mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and died a few years ago, so he offered his band up to play every year since.

The Windsor Multiple Myeloma March is held on the last Sunday of September and will continue to try and make a difference for those suffering from multiple myeloma.

it… I said 100 per cent, I want to do that, it sounds like a lot of fun,” said Wielink.

The high spirits of the participants were encouraging for Jason Charbonneau, the event co-ordinator.

“This is our first year,” Charbonneau said. “We’ve had a great turnout. We were expecting a lot and I feel like we’re there. We’ve delivered and we’re really, really excited.”

Charbonneau said the Superhero Run was sparked by the success of similar runs in the Southern U.S. HCA Mindbox, a Windsor marketing and communications agency, also took part in the event by sponsoring and helping organize the event.

“There is no firm money goal,” Charbonneau said.

“Any dollar raised is good and the centre will make money today.”

He also said awareness was

Photo By Kristine Klein

Ryan Charbonneau as Batman participates in the Superhero Run on Sept. 27 at Malden Park a big issue. “People know the name ‘the John McGivney’s Children’s Centre,’ but they may not know what goes on here or what kind of programs are out here.”

McGivney CEO Elaine Whitmore said all money raised will go towards the growing number of projects at the centre. The centre helps 2,500 children

every year and this number increases by five per cent every year. They also have many new building projects including the healing garden project, which has already received a start-up payment of $5,000 from the local Rotary.

Between these two projects, the children’s centre has a lot to keep up with financially.

“We’re very happy to see the great community support from this event,” said Whitmore. She said she hopes to see the number of participants grow every year in this event and any others that are held in the future.

“The services not only benefit the children and their families, but also the community,” she says. “We have children who receive early intervention with very positive outcomes.

They become more independent and with that they can really participate in the community much more.”

Numbers drop in annual CIBC Run for the Cure Shelbey Hernandez Associate Managing Editor Despite fewer participants and less money raised, organizers of the local 17th annual CIBC Run for the Cure are happy with the turnout.

Last year, the Windsor event had 1,600 participants and raised over $200,000. This year, on Oct. 5 at the Riverfront Festival Plaza, those numbers dropped with $187,000 raised and over 18 per cent fewer participants.

The CIBC Run for the Cure is meant to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research. In 64 locations across Canada, the event raised $25 million and had 127,000 participants this year.

The money raised through this event goes to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

CIBC has been a title sponsor for the CBCF. CIBC’s involvement began in 1992, when some employees participated in the walk to support a friend who had breast cancer.

Since then, CIBC has raised more than $36 million for the cause.

Joceline Trepanier, 42, is a three-time breast cancer survivor. She has lost family members and friends to breast cancer, including her mother,

Photo by Shelbey Hernandez Run for the Cure participants cross the finish line at Riverfront Festival Plaza on Oct. 5. grandmother and great grandmother. Her aunt, who is a 10year breast cancer survivor, was with her at the event.

Trepanier wore a sign on her back with pictures of those who died from breast cancer in her family.

The three-time cancer survivor has been attending the walks for 16 years. She was diagnosed in 2008, had her second surgery in 2010 and her third surgery one year after that. At the event, she stood on stage and told her story.

Trepanier said nothing will stop her from attending the walks.

“I will attend these walks no matter what, whether I’m just getting out of surgery because I’ve done that (before) …,” said Trepanier. “I don’t care if

I have to walk (or) crawl, I will be here until I can’t do it anymore.”

The Breast Cancer Society of Canada estimates that more than 24,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,000 of those women will die from it this year. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death for women in Canada and the most common cancer among women, according to the Canadian Cancer Society For Jillian Parent, the winner of the Tecumseh pageant, breast cancer awareness is very important. Her mother is a nine-year breast cancer survivor. Since her mother was diagnosed, every year and her family have held fundraiser events. To date, they have

raised $70,000. This was the first walk she attended.

“People should go because you really get a sense of how big Windsor’s support system is,” said Parent. “Survivors and people with breast cancer can see that they are not alone and all of these people are here to help them at every step of the way and all maintain the same goal of eradicating breast cancer for the future.”

Shayla Barker, a volunteer run director at the event, has been with the committee for 10 years. For four of those years she has been directing the event. She said her grandmother and great aunt are both cancer survivors. Barker said even though there were fewer people than last year, she isn’t too concerned.

“We are really happy to have strong participation numbers, nearly 1,300 in Windsor, all showing their support for the cause.” Barker said.

Although the event is over, anyone who wants to fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure can still do so until Oct. 31. As for anyone who is coping with breast cancer, Trepanier leaves you with this message: “Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t because ‘can’ is a word that’s in cancer. Just scream it out, saying, ‘Yes I can!’”

CONVERGED CITIZEN3

NEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2014

Teen pregnancy on the decline

Millar Hill Citizen Staff Reporter Pregnancy rates among adolescents are decreasing, according to recent statistics.

According to Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Longterm Care, the rate of teenage pregnancies has been decreasing over the last 25 years.

Even though the rate is decreasing, there are still young mothers raising children in our communities.

A local mother, Chelsea Fields, 22, was 14 years old when she became pregnant with her son. At the time, she was a blue-haired, punkenthusiast who said she was headed down a bad road. She is grateful for the birth of her son because it gave her the opportunity to make a good

change.

“Naturally, I thought my parents were going to kill me.

Surprisingly, they were both supportive and still are to this day,” she said. “Raising kids is absolutely the most fulfilling and terrifying thing anyone can do. It becomes our job to love and teach these little human beings about the world and what it brings.”

Although Fields was faced with more adult responsibilities than most of her friends, she is still a young woman.

Her hairstyle varies with colour, patches are sewn onto her clothes and punk music remains a favourite.

According to Fields, when given time to herself, she continues to see bands play and socializes with her friends.

“My son and I have an amazing relationship. We do every-

thing together,” she said. “He isn’t afraid to ask me questions or speak what is on his mind. He knows I support him 100 per cent and will always be there to encourage him.”

Tara Kowalska is the executive director at The Windsor Youth Centre. It is the only drop-in-centre for homeless youth in the Windsor-Essex County region. She said the centre offers a program for anyone who is in need of support and basic parenting supplies. “We’re here for the youth. Our age group is anywhere from 16 to 25.”

In Windsor, programs to help women and young mothers are available at facilities such as Rapha Christian Centre, Women’s Health Car e Cen t r e a n d Te e n H e a l t h C e n t r e .

High school students learn about college programs Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter Secondary school students from Windsor-Essex County will have a lot to think about involving their future after attending a province-wide c ollege fair.

More than 1,000 high school students from across the region attended the College Information Program in St. Clair College’s Classic Gym Oct. 6. The event gave students the opportunity to speak with college representatives from every program at St. Clair College as well as more than 20 other Ontario colleges.

The fair, held by the Ontario College Application Service, holds more than 30 fairs across Ontario each year from late September until October in small and large cities in the province. Laiman Ng, who helped organize the event, said she was happy with the number of high school students who turned out.

“I think the whole idea of this event is to prepare them (the high school students) for the application process for next year,” said Ng, a student recruitment liaison and coordinator at St. Clair College.

“We hope that students will take advantage of this because

Photo by Justin Prince High school student Katie Jacobs (left) speaks with college professor David Harrison during the College Information Program at St. Clair College’s main campus in Windsor on Oct. 6. More than 1,000 high school students attended the event. it’s like one-stop shopping.

We have all the college representatives here along with 22 other colleges, which means there’s a lot of benefits because they don’t have to actually travel to other colleges if they are looking at going to another college. They’re here right on this campus.”

Katie Jacobs is a 17-year-old high school student at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School in LaSalle.

Jacobs, interested in the journalism program at the St. Clair College MediaPlex, said her guidance counsellor recom-

mended the program. Jacobs was nervous about coming to the event at first, but used her interest in writing to find a way to organize the information she received.

“I really feel a lot more comfortable,” said Jacobs.

“I’m really happy about this because I got a whole bunch of notes with all the information that I was looking for. It’s much better than the website. I mean the website’s good, but it’s better to speak to a person face-to-face."

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The truth behind the freshman fifteen

Photo by Taylor Busch St. Clair College student Alex White eats junk food late at night at her home in Tecumseh Oct. 1.

Taylor Busch CP Editor College and university students across the country are fighting an uphill battle to lose weight and are gaining bad habits in the process.

Rumors of the freshman 15 have been circling campuses since the late 1980s, but are truer today than ever before.

Some doctors have tried to disprove the label in recent years, but failed because almost all students gain some weight while in school. Dr. Connie Diekman summed it up in a recent interview with WebMD when she said, “Most freshmen do not gain the dreaded 15 pounds. It is more of an average.”

Doctors are concerned about the unhealthy habits students form while in school because they have a high chance of carrying those behaviours into adulthood. If a post-secondary student gains just a few pounds every year they are in school, and then continues putting on the same amount of weight after they graduate, it will not take long before they become obese.

Alex White, 21, is a two time freshman at St. Clair College who has battled with her weight for years. She said her worst habit is snacking at night which she does frequently.

“I feel like it’s kind of a stupid myth but at the same time I know tons of people who are already stressing out over classes and tests,” said White. “I want to manage my weight better this year but I know it will be hard.”

Obesity currently affects one in four Canadians. According to the Windsor-Essex County

Health Unit, approximately 17.4 per cent of teenagers and 56.7 per cent of adults living in our area consider themselves to be obese.

Elizabeth Strachan is a public health nutritionist with the Health Unit. She believes poor eating habits are a big contributor to weight gain that can have longlasting effects on a person. The Health Unit currently offers a number of programs to teach healthy eating habits to children and adults.

“A lot of the habits that students are setting up when they first go to university or college can set them up for future weight gain,” said Strachan.

Experts say the other cause of the freshman 15 is a lack of activity among students.

Though they are required to spend many hours in class or near a computer, students can still get the daily exercise they need without breaking too much of a sweat.

Sandra Ondracka has been the co-ordinator of campus recreation at the University of Windsor for more than 20 years. She said her team has always tried to make working out educational and fun so students will continue doing it after they graduate.

“We encourage students to participate in whatever way, shape or form they can,” said Ondracka.

“It’s not just about sweating and the burn, or going until it hurts.

It’s about active living.”

The University of Windsor and St. Clair College currently offer a variety of activities to students and non-students who are looking to get in shape. There are no shortcuts to losing weight and undoing bad habits is never easy, but it’s never too late to start.

NEWS

MediaPlex students host Ward 3 Debate Dan Gray Managing Editor

St. Clair College journalism students have held their first of two debates this election season at the MediaPlex in Windsor, Ontario.

Prospective Ward Three candidates Gabe Maggio, Rino Bortolin, Caroline Postma and Claude Reno gathered with residents from the city to participate in a question and answer session. Questions ranged from small business in the downtown and backyard chickens to what to do about stray cats and Transit Windsor. The event was organized and run by the journalism students a t t h e college giving them a unique opportunity to practise covering elections.

Veronique Mandal is the co-ordinator of the journalism program and said she hopes this experience helps students in the long run.

“Often students don’t have opportunities to go out and interview all the candidates running in a political forum,” said Mandal. “In this situation, they have the opportunity to ask the questions and hear the candidates giving answers about issues that, in this case, concern young people.”

When Maggio received applause during the debate when he made points on small businesses and looking to other cities in North America as examples of

what Windsor could become. He said he believes debates are an important part of any election cycle.

“It is part of democracy, it’s part of getting the information out, showing the electorate who knows the issues and where they stand on the issues,” said Maggio. “What part of the spectrum they believe in and the degree in which they are ready for the job.”

Running with past experience on city council and city boards was a major point for Postma in answering her questions.

She was able to use her past experience in answering many questions posed to her throughout the evening. She said she looked forward to the opportunity to answer questions from the residents of the city.

“It gives us all a chance to get our views out there and just talk about things that are important to the community,” said Postma.

“Everybody gets your view versus someone else’s views. It’s important you get to see the comparison right away.”

The MediaPlex will hold their second town hall on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. with the mayoral candidates of the city taking their turn fielding questions. For more information on that event, the journalism program or the MediaPlex you are encouraged to call 519-972-2727 and ask for Veronique Mandal.

CONVERGED CITIZEN4 OCTOBER 15, 2014

Crystal meth hits Windsor Shaun Garrity Citizen Staff Reporter Everyday Stanley says he rolls up his sleeve and injects himself with a liquid form of crystal meth.

The middle-aged Windsorite has been using the illegal drug since 1999 and agreed to do an interview because he wants to warn others about the dangers. The methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth can keep an addict awake for days, with little as $40 worth of product.

Crystal meth began increasing in popularity on Windsor streets two years ago according to police.

In the 1990s, Stanley owned a car and did well for himself learning a skilled trade working with cement. It is 15 years since he first experimented with the glass-like substance.

Stanley's mode of transportation now is his bicycle.

He bikes up and down Windsor's downtown core with a small hitch attached to the back, where he collects cans to finance his habit. His personal preference is to use crystal meth intravenously.

"I shoot it," says Stanley, saying that’s how he gets the best buzz. Other common street names to describe intravenously use, are to "bang" and "channel swimmer." It also can be smoked or sniffed.

Stanley says whatever way users choose to do it, many addicts in Windsor are making it their new drug of choice because the high lasts so long "They are not getting as high as they would if they bought crystal meth, where they’re going to get higher for

Photo by Shaun Garrity Sgt. Matthew D'Asti explains to the media Oct.14 that crystal meth is present in Windsor. Police are not taking the narcotic lightly because of the dangers that are tied to the deadly stimulant. a longer time."

Although the high may be stimulating and satisfying, according to Health Canada side effects can be excruciating. Some users may experience skin lesions from excessive scratching caused by drug-induced hallucinations of bugs crawling on the skin.

Stanley says he’s had a terrible experience he still remembers.

He was dealing with the death of his father, when he decided to do crystal meth with a trusted friend who also was a needle user.

"He gave me the needle, as I was pulling it out my arm, he then told me he had used that needle and I might want to go to the hospital and get checked out."

He later went to a local clinic to have his blood tested.

"I found myself positive with Hep C," says Stanley, referring to hepatitis, a common virus among intravenous users.

Back then, crystal meth was not readily available. He says addicts are attracted to the price now and it’s cheaper

than most drugs on the black market.

Windsor Police say crystal meth is frequently a Westernbased drug, showing up more often in places such as Edmonton and British Columbia.

"Our Windsor Police Drugs Intelligence Guns Surveillance branch unit is aware of it, we know it's here," says police Sgt Matthew D'Asti.

He adds crystal meth is a dangerous stimulant that carries inherent hazards.

According to Dr. Tony Hammer, who has specialized in the treatment of addictions for 20 years, crystal meth’s popularity is growing in Windsor users are getting the product from outside the city.

“These stimulants Ritalin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and crystal meth, you got regional availability and it is commoner in rural areas. I think that’s partly why you didn’t see much of it here, but that has recently changed,” said Hammer.

Harvesting the Fam Festival returns to Windsor Victoria Parent Citizen Staff Reporter Local artists, filmmakers and bands will be showing off their talents at the annual Harvesting the Fam Fest that runs until Oct. 11.

Phog Lounge, Milk Coffee Bar, and other bars and lounges in downtown Windsor will be hosting various artists for the eighth annual Harvesting the Fam Fest.

Murad Erzincliouglu, 30, has been running the festival since Jan. 2007.

Erzincliouglu sets up art galleries, brings bands together and is in charge of planning the festival.

“This year is showing up to be our best to date,” said Erzicliouglu. “Fam Fest is designed to create a space and opportunity for any medium or genre of artist.”

Fam Fest will feature a wide variety of bands includ-

ing The Lovliest Skies, Lee Gaul and Two For The Cascade. Fam Fest will also host art galleries, fashion shows and movie nights, all provided by local talents.

“Turnout’s been pretty nice,” said Tom Lucier, manager of Phog Lounge.

“If you offer something unique, people will participate.” Phog Lounge has been supporting Fam Fest since its beginning.

“Because of the way Fam

Fest is structured financially, it links the success of the event to the venue,” said Lucier.

“Hopefully I can sell booze and food. That’s the way I benefit.”

Local bands that come to perform at Phog Lounge get a percentage from food, drinks and merchandise sold.

Fam Fest is not just about showcasing the artists. People who come to watch the live shows can

also view other businesses in the downtown area.

“I just hope Murad sticks around,” said Lucier. “He is doing something really important for everyone that makes art.”

Fam Fest will continue until Oct. 11 and will have more events at various places around Windsor including Venue Music Hall, Villains Beastro and The Windsor Beer Exchange.

SPORTS

CONVERGED CITIZEN5 OCTOBER 15, 2014

Saints baseball ends regular season on high note

Photo by Mark Brown St. Clair Saints catcher Eric Cunningham takes his batting stance while awaiting a pitch in the fourth inning of a doubleheader Sunday against George Brown on Oct. 5, Mark Brown Citizen Staff Reporter The St. Clair Saints men’s baseball team posted a perfect 4-0 record to end the regular season.

The sweep of two weekend doubleheaders pushed the Saints’ record to 19 wins and one loss. The almost-perfect season reached a satisfying conclusion Sunday, October 5 at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh, sweeping the George Brown Huskies 12-2 and 8-3. In game one, starting pitcher Mike McCue struggled in the first

inning as George Brown scored first. Joel Cooper and Eric Cunningham were among the four runners that scored in the bottom of the first, on their way to the 12-2 win. Crannel Jerald and Ryan Kerstens each had two hits in the contest.

“Kerstens’ had a fantastic year,” said Saints head coach Dave Cooper. “As soon as he showed back up, he’s just the most low-maintenance ballplayer you can ever imagine…he makes every play at second base.”

Kerstens contributed another hit in the second game of the

doubleheader as the Saints picked up where they left off, scoring two runs in each of the first two innings toward an 83 win. Rookie Shane Barker got two hits and two runs batted in the second contest.

Starting pitcher Blake Donaldson struck out five Huskies, allowing just one run over four innings of work.

Conner Soulliere hurled for the remaining three innings and struck out five en route to his first save of the season.

“We’re happy with the way we’ve been doing it, we’ve been fortunate and we’ve been

able to overcome a lot of stuff. We’ve had some big injuries,” said Cooper between games. “(Previous Ontario College Athletic Association Player of the Year) Jeff Watkin…he’s been hurt, he’s played four games. Robbie Cooper’s playing with a bad back and (Chris) Horwood can’t even play, his back’s bad. So we’ve overcome a lot and it’s very fortunate to have the record we have.”

One of the players that has risen to the challenge has been Cunningham, who has played much of the season as catcher, and in the process completed the regular season by leading the team with hits (27), batting average (.458) and on-base percentage (.593).

“I’m doing pretty much what I expected. I’m doing a lot more catching, but I can’t really complain about that.

It’s one of my favourite positions,” said Cunningham between Sunday’s games.

“Hitting’s been pretty good…hitting the ball the other way better, staying out there a little bit longer.”

Cunningham, a first-year respiratory therapy student, took the lead behind the plate after Watkin was injured, and in turn became one of the team’s offensive leaders. He has also been a

threat on the basepaths this season with 14 stolen bases.

Still, Cunningham thinks that is the weakness in his game.

“I’ve got to get faster,” said Cunningham, who scored five runs, walked four times and got one hit during Sunday’s twinbill. “I can always be a better blocker behind the dish.

Sometimes I let a couple squeak by.”

With the OCAA regular season now in the rearview mirror, Cooper reflected on the success that the baseball program at St. Clair has enjoyed.

Over his three years at the helm, he has been pretty grateful.

“We’re in a position now where kids are calling us to play,” “We’re very lucky they want to play in this program and the support you get at St. Clair is second to none, said Cooper. “They treat these kids like professionals. It’s carte blanche all the way with everything that happens.

Everybody wants to come from all around the province to play for us.”

The Saints head to Dearborn, Michigan on Sunday, October 12 for a doubleheader against Henry Ford Community College, beginning at noon. The OCAA Championship takes place in Oshawa on October 17 and 18, according to the Saints’ website.

Wildcats struck by lightning Ryan Turczyniak Sports Editor The Southwest Wildcats were defeated by the Durham West Lightning 5-3 at Forest Glade Arena on Oct. 5.

The Lightning are second place in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

The Lightning were a strong match for the Wildcats as they were outplaying and out-shooting them most of the game.

Lightning forward Taylor McManus opened the scoring for Durham, giving them a 1-0 lead late in the first period.

Durham’s head coach Jeremy Murphy knew what his team was up against before going into the game.

“We expected a tough game from Windsor, they’re playing desperate

Photo By Ryan Turczyniak Durham West Lightning celebrates their victory over the Southwest Wildcats at Forest Glade Arena, Oct. 5. right now they’re a good team,” said Murphy. “One of our focuses all year is to manage our highs and lows during games, during the season. We tried to improve on things every game, we take some posi-

tives out of the game today.”

The Wildcats retaliated midway in the second period on a breakaway from Muna Fadel, tying the game 1-1. Wildcats later jumped ahead in the game after a shot from

the low slot by forward Savannah Bouzide, beating Durham goaltender Rebecca Clark. Two quick goals gave Durham back the lead when assistant captain Alyssa Gee buried a loose puck and a one

timer shot from defenceman Saroya Tinker made it 3-2 at the end of the second frame.

The third period got underway with Lightning forward Alexandra Maw getting a minor head contact penalty, giving the Wildcats a power play that Sara Mayrand would score on to tie the game at three apiece. The Lightning responded with two more goals in the period from Charlea Pedersen and Taylor Hicks, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.

“I think sometimes we have the intensity to get down during the game,” said Wildcats goaltender Hanna Slater. “I think that’s something we have to work on during the next game because sometimes they can get down and not work as hard.”

CONVERGED CITIZEN6

SPORTS

OCTOBER 15, 2014

Lancers leading the charge Mike Hugall Citizen Staff Reporter The Windsor Lancers football team is off to their best record in 30 years after a 4-1 start to the 2014 season has left them in a tie for second in the Ontario Universities Athletic Conference.

The Lancers began the season with a common goal of hosting a home playoff game after an early exit from last year’s playoffs left the players and coaches wanting more. Since the early playoff exit last season to the Guelph Gryphons the Lancers have been on a mission to host a home playoff game for the first time since 2006.

“I always have high expectations,” said defen-

Photo by Mike Hugall Windsor Lancers running backs Terrance Crawford, left, Nathan O’Halloran, middle, and Beau Lumley, right, work on their ball control skills in practice at Alumni Field. top players (at his position) sive coordinator Donovan the job.”

Carter.“We have guys Burns, a fifth year defen- in Canada. He was ranked returning like Josh Burns, sive back is highly regard- 15 before a punctured lung like Louis Polyzois so we ed by Canadian Football cut his season short. have veterans that can do League scouts as one of the Nonetheless, he is back to

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prove he can still compete at an elite level. So far Burns has totaled 14.5 tackles and one interception through five games.

“You just got to keep trusting the system, you just want to be better,” said Polyzois. “If everyone does their assignment then good things will come out of it. The game plan is to make sure that we win so we can achieve our goal of hosting a home playoff game.”

Polyzois, a fifth year linebacker, is getting his first opportunity to start in a Lancers uniform and is second on the team with tackles (23) and tied for the team lead in interceptions (1). The Windsor

SEE PAGE 8

SPORTS

CONVERGED CITIZEN7 OCTOBER 15, 2014

Spitfires’ rookie finds early offensive success Evan Mathias Citizen Staff Reporter

Despite the Windsor Spitfires losing three of their first five games at home, they do have positives to build from.

After missing the home opener against the Erie Otters Sept. 26 with an ankle injury, rookie centre Logan Brown has a pair of goals and assists in four games, good for third on the team in points.

Originally the Niagara Ice Dogs’ sixth overall pick at this year’s Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Windsor acquired the 16-year-old in August in exchange for six draft picks.

Brown notched his first OHL marker on a late, first period power play in a losing effort against the Guelph Storm Sept. 28.

“I was lucky enough to get the puck and be able to score. It felt great to get the first one,” said Brown.

His second came the very next game against the

FROM PAGE 3 But for many students, their opinions can change over time. According to Kayla Kirk, a 19-year-old student at W.F. Herman Secondary School, she originally wanted to join the army, but considered that goal unrealistic.

Now, she said her interests include economics, working with the environment and sports. Kirk, who had been to the event before says whatever program she enters has to be local.

“I know there are other colleges, but I live in Windsor, so I kind of want to stay in Windsor,” said Kirk. “I want to keep the Windsor rep going

Barrie Colts, the six-footsix, 215-pound Chesterfield, Mo. native one-timed a pass in the slot from overage winger Chris Marchese.

“It’s felt good to get a few goals and give my team a chance to win,” said Brown. “Definitely, coming in I wanted to make an impact immediately and I’ve started off pretty well.”

It is never an easy process for 16-year-olds to make the jump into the OHL. Players have to go through the transition period that comes when playing in a new, faster paced league.

Windsor ’s coaches know the rangy centre has more developing to do but are impressed with his early season success.

“If there’s one thing he (Brown) has to work on it would be skating,” said Spitfires assistant coach Bob Jones. “His legs aren’t completely underneath him yet but his hockey IQ is off the charts and he’s ultra competitive.”

Despite having early success, Brown knows his game

can still improve as he adjusts to the new league. In 19 games for the Indiana Ice Midget U16s last season, Brown tallied 19 goals and 12 assists.

and go to St. Clair College.”

Many of the programs at the college also made sure their booths were interactive. Kirk, who was looking at the landscape horticultural booth, said she was attracted to the program setup by the flowers placed on the table. Other booths at the event had similar setups, from a cooking demonstration at the culinary management booth to posters and animated videos at the graphic design booth to crowds of students signing up for a free tuition contest at the Humber College booth.

“I think a lot of the students who have been by have seen us by chance,” said Sandy MacDonald, a professor in the

landscape horticultural program at St. Clair College.

“They’ve just walked by and they’ve noticed some plant materials sitting there and had an interest in gardening, but I don’t think a lot of them have been targeted. They haven’t noticed us on the list (of courses available) and come to see us, it’s by chance as they’re walking by, which I believe is true for a lot of them programs here.”

The application deadline for an Ontario college program is Feb. 1, 2015. According to the OCAS website, once the deadline has passed, college programs will accept students on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For the latest news visit:

Photo by Justin Prince Windsor Spitfires’ rookie centre Logan Brown makes a pass during second period action against the Peterborough Petes at the WFCU Centre Oct. 9.

“Just getting used to pace of play, playing U16 last year and jumping to the OHL, it’s a pretty big jump… so just getting more comfortable in the

FROM PAGE 1 because he wanted to do something positive after his boyfriend committed suicide.

“A couple of years later when I finally did accept the death and I could move forward with my life, I thought there are other LGBTQ students and youth that would go through or will someday go through some sort of experience like I did,” said Mosley. “So I wanted to be that personal helping hand to guide them and be their support.”

As an openly gay student

league,” said Brown.

Brown, along with linemates Marchese and Markus Soberg will need to continue to produce at St. Clair College, Daniel Walsh, 22, supports the idea of a GSA because they are a great support system for students who have not come out yet. He said a GSA should give these students acceptance and a sense of community.

Students wanting to join the GSA will have to pay a $5 membership fee per semester.

The group should have its first meeting by the end of October.

FOR GSA INFO VISIT:

www.mygsa.ca

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OPINION

CONVERGED CITIZEN8

Being thankful OPINION

Mark Brown Columnist As an American living in Canada, I celebrate two Thanksgivings. The first is Canadian Thanksgiving in October, celebrated the same day as the American Columbus Day. American Thanksgiving is in late November, characterized by huge parades and football games, most notably the Lions’ game in downtown Detroit. The differing times are widely accepted as coinciding with harvest season.

Canada being further north than its U.S. brethren, harvests earlier.

Even with football games, the parades and all the wanton gluttony, the real reason for this holiday often gets overlooked. It’s a shame that it does.

Being thankful.

Just as the real meaning of Christmas is overlooked by commercialism, I believe the real reason of Thanksgiving is overlooked by giant balloons and floats, as well as turkey drumsticks given out to the winner of an NFL Thanksgiving Day game.

FROM PAGE 6 Lancers, having beaten the Queens Gaels, Waterloo Warriors, Laurier Golden Hawks and the York Lions will carry their 4-1 record into a what is being dubbed “must win” by most of the players.

“For me really it’s about going out with a bang, it’s about winning a Yates cup and that’s how I plan to go out,” said quarterback Austin Kennedy.

Kennedy, is also in the fifth year of his OUA career and said he is very

Being thankful.

It actually hit me like a thunderbolt last week. I was sitting in the MediaPlex newsroom talking to a couple of my partners-in-crime on our MNN Sports Podcast. I looked at my watch and realized it was time to leave for the day so I could pick up my kids from daycare.

The guys, understanding completely, said “see you later” and shook my hand as I walked out – a ritual that happens among us almost every day.

I got into my car and started driving toward home but then I started to get emotional, so much so that I had to pull into the parking lot of a Tim Hortons and stop. That was the moment when I realized I had so much in my life to be thankful for.

So leading into Thanksgiving, I’m thankful.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to school after so many years away, working and raising a family. It was not an idea I embraced at first but now that it’s happened, I’m loving every minute of it. I’m thankful to have a chance to update the skills that made me successful in this business in the past and the chance to learn those aspects of the business that I was so hazy with before.

I’m thankful for my classmates…you all know who you are and I wish I had the time and the composure to tell each of you in person how much I value knowing you. You are the reason I enjoy coming to the MediaPlex every day.

I’m thankful for all of the instructors who have shown

patience while passing their knowledge of the business on to me and everyone else. I’m thankful for the editors who look over my work to make sure it’s at a high standard, the radio leads that make us sound good and even the classmate or two who has agreed to venture into the field with me to ensure that my feet are wet.

I’m thankful for my cohorts on the sports podcast. There’s never a dull moment when we sit around talking about which topics we’re going to discuss and then going into the radio studio and letting it rip. A great group of guys and gals to talk sports with, then hang out at a burger joint afterwards.

I’m also thankful…

For living in a country where freedom to express our opinions is a cornerstone of daily life. For being able to participate in a free press that is not censored by the government or by special interests.

For living in Canada, a place of human warmth, brilliant colour and spectacular nature.

For being an American and being fortunate to still be able to travel the short distance to visit family and friends.

For living in Windsor, a city of so much style and oomph, a city of so many cultures and creeds.

But most of all…I’m thankful for my family, for allowing me the opportunity to go back and take care of unfinished business. I’m so thankful for my wife and my two beautiful little girls. You are the reason I get out of bed every day.

From the bottom of my heart – I’m thankful.

grateful for the return of a number one wide receiver like Evan Pszczonak. He and Pszczonak have jelled early on connecting for 25 receptions totaling 539 yards and five touchdowns.

Although Kennedy and his offence have been solid averaging close to the top (fourth in total yards per game), he said there is still work to be done.

“We have to be more consistent, you’re moving the ball every drive and we need at least one first down,” said Kennedy.

“Also, we need to score points when we get in the

red zone we need to score points, no questions about that.”

There is still much to be won and lost for the Windsor Lancers moving forward into the final half of their OUA season. They will start tonight with a battle against the fifth place Ottawa Gee Gee’s before playing Carleton in a game that could grant them their home playoff game.

The Lancers will finish up the regular against their rivals, the Western Mustangs to close the season.

OCTOBER 15, 2014 meeting FROM PAGE 1 promote Windsor.

that encourages young people to be a part of the community.

The group promotes the youth making connections with local decision makers.

Dan Brown is the coordinator of the Yknot campaign and says youth are important for the future of Windsor Essex.

The Yknot group helps youth with employment and promotes entrepreneurship as well as volunteering.

“The biggest reason people leave is employment, career opportunities and jobs,” Brown said. “It’s definitely not the only reason and in a city that was hit probably the hardest by the recession and manufacturing automotive withdrawal, people– when their jobs disappear so do they.”

The Yknot group attempts to show youth alternative ways to be successful in the community. Every third Thursday of the month Yknot holds a networking mixer to

people in

Ward 9 candidate Kieran Mckenzie is involved with various programs in Windsor and said he takes pride in his community. One of Kieran’s main goals in council is to improve Windsor’s quality of life.

“I want to continue to contribute to improving Windsor and improving the quality of life in this entire region,” said Mckenzie. “We are well positioned to improve the economy and I have been working on a lot of these issues in my capacity as a legislative assistant to our member of parliament Brian Masse.”

Windsor’s population growth from 2008 to 2012 averaged about -0.1 per cent.

In correlation with lack of the population growth Windsor has the second highest unemployment rate in the country.

According to a Canadian research group, population growth is a critical factor in every city’s economic health.

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