Opinion

Sports SPORTS EDITOR VACANT sports@thecord.ca

CAMPUS SERVICES

Fall 2022 athletic complex services

BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR

Active Golden Hawks can find many ways to stay active at Laurier’s on-campus Athletic Complex this upcoming year.

At no additional cost to their OneCard, both part-time and full-time students have access to the Fitness Center and lane swim. Further, students can reserve a squash court, studio or multi purpose room within the Athletic Complex.

In addition to these free services, students have the ability to pay a fee in order to make use of the climbing wall, towel service, lock service and day use equipment service rental.

For those who need more guidance on how to make the most out of the fitness center, personal training packages are available to purchase through the Laurier Recreation website.

With plan packages ranging from $74 to $682, there is an appropriate option for any student.

Looking to take a group class? The Athletic Complex features dance and group exercise classes for any fitness level.

Those looking to join a dance class will enjoy trying out the wide slate of dance programs available from September 12 - 16.

As a free trial period, this week is the perfect opportunity to try out the range of the classes available.

All dates and dance class descriptions can be found on the Laurier Recreation website under “shop”.

Not interested in dance? Group exercise classes can be purchased for $97. Classes vary by term, and the Fall 2022 free trial period is running from September 12 - 18.

After the trial period, you must purchase the appropriate ticket for your dance class/group workout class in order to continue.

Interested in registering for Intramurals or Interuniversity Sport Open Tryouts? Fall 2022 tickets can be purchased now on the Laurier Recreation website for the posted fee.

New and returning Golden Hawks can begin or return to using the Athletic Complex as normal in the Fall 2022 term, hours ranging from 6am to 11pm Monday-Friday and weekends from 8am to 8pm.

Women’s only hours take place Monday to Friday from 7am to 9 am and 4pm to 6pm.

Welcome back, Golden Hawks.

KASH PATEL/ MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Coach faulds’ 2022 football outlook

ETHAN CAPLAN

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

It’s that time of the year again where we all move back to school and catch up with our roommates, friends and colleagues about how our summers were. Maybe you’re moving into a new house or apartment off campus. Or maybe you’re starting out here at Laurier living in residence.

Whether you’re a first-year student who knows absolutely nothing about Laurier, or a fourthyear about to start your final year, there’s an air of excitement in the air that can be associated with the start of a new football season here at Laurier.

This year, there is a lot to cheer for as the Golden Hawks try to soar above the competition and compete to take the championship.

“It was great to have a training camp in August this year, since we haven’t had one since 2019. This year, with less restrictions with a full OUA schedule, both players and coaches seem to be excited.” Michael Faulds, head coach of the football team, said.

“The expectation is that we get better every week. When we were in the Yates cup in 2016-17, we were truly playing our best football at the end of the season. We want to constantly improve throughout the season. You see some teams peaking in week two or seven. We gotta be at our best in late October early November.”

His philosophy makes sense when looking at former champions. For example, the Super Bowl Champions, the LA Rams, this previous season were arguably playing their best football.

Alternatively, take a look at the 2019 NBA Champs, the Toronto Raptors. They finished the regular season not ranked as the highest team amongst the NBA and finishing second in their conference. They then went into the Eastern Conference Finals without home court advantage and still moved on to win the whole thing. When you have a healthy team at the end of the season who have experience under their belt, they know inherently how to win the championship.

This team is fueled with young talent coming into the program this year. For starters, Faulds has appointed Sophomore Quarter Back Taylor Elgersma to replace Conner Curasello.

“He went out and earned the keys to the starting role from us. He is a great leader, passionate about

football, liked by both players and coaches, and also the most hard-working player on the team,” Faulds said.

Elgersma seems to bring the energy and fire that this team needs to surpass his best football skills later on in the season.

“He feels that he has a lot of playmakers so he knows he doesn’t have to do too much, instead be a great facilitator as he is.”

“Everything is surrounded by Taylor. Around him we have returning veteran receivers like Nick Peterman but we’re also looking for EJ Jordan or Tyriq Quayson to really step up. Our offensive line is one of the biggest that I’ve had in my time at Laurier, so I think we’ll be a lot better to run the football as well.”

“We got a stable of running backs that can add to our rushing totals every week,” Faulds said on the entire offensive staff coming in this season. In coaches’ words, “We don’t rebuild, we reload.”

There is plenty of depth in both running backs and wide receivers that will always be ready to perform at their best when their number is called.

“It was tough to have a culture during the COVID years. Being accountable and looking out for each other is the philosophy now in person. We have team captains but we have a leadership group of 10-15 players. They are eyes and ears from the coaching staff to the hundred players on the team. I ask them to not be afraid to call people out and lead by example,” Faulds, said.

“We’re doing this because we want to be the best version of ourselves and win football games. We are always meeting to get the locker room feels and so we can stay ahead of issues that might arise.”

This strategy shows how communication is key between players and coaches here at Laurier. Faulds is trying to encourage a welcoming culture where players can express what they think should be changed. In addition, he encourages them to analyze what they could do better in certain aspects of the game. This is something that is led by Faulds to increase morale and team spirit.

Defensively, this team has a lot of veteran leadership accompanied by new team players. The departures of the cornerbacks may look disappointing on paper, but it’s next man up for the Golden Hawks.

“With our defense we are never rebuilding. We always have guys chomping and ready for the opportunity. We are going to be super solid, super-fast—linebackers with incredible speed. It will be a dangerous group and one of the most dangerous groups in the conference for sure.”

Players like Ife Onyemenam can lead this defense after a promising sophomore season. He recorded 20 solo tackles and had one sack.

Coach Faulds is someone who brings a community spirit to Laurier.

He is not only here to coach and win football games—he’s someone who builds a strong relationship and connection with each player out on the roster. He is the person who leads the charge of shaping a community that Laurier athletics strives for.

KASHYAP PATEL/ MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

The expectation is that we get better every week. When we were in the Yates cup in 2016-17, we were truly playing our best football at the end of the season. We want to constantly improve throughout the season.

-Michael Faulds, Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks Football team

It was tough to have a culture during the COVID years. Being accountable and looking out for each other is the philosophy now in person.

Michael Faulds, Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks Football team

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

OUA 2022 football schedule

BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR

With eight games scheduled overall for the OUA season—football has made a triumphant and long-awaited return to Laurier. In addition, it remains a must-see event for every university student.

The season kicks off on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., with the Golden Hawks facing off against the Western Mustangs in the first home opener.

From there, the Hawks will go to Varsity Stadium to play the Varsity Blues on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. before traveling to York Stadium to face off once again against the York Lions. Next, the Hawks will return to Waterloo for homecoming - playing the Ottawa Gee Gees on Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.

This will prove to be an exciting matchup as the Hawks look for glory during homecoming weekend.

After the titular homecoming game, the Hawks will travel to Windsor to play the Windsor Lancers on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. before taking part in the famed “Battle of Waterloo” game against the Waterloo Warriors at the Warriors’ home turf on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

Make sure to wear your Laurier swag on this day—as the most exciting football game of the year, the “Battle of Waterloo” requires all Golden Hawks to show their support.

Wrapping up the fall season, the Hawks will conclude with hosting the Guelph Gryphons on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. before playing Queen’s Gaels at 1 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Ready to cheer on your Golden Hawk Team to victory?

Make a plan to attend a game this season—all information about this year’s football season can be found through Laurier Athlerics online on their website at https://laurierathletics.com/index. aspx.