Issue 21, Volume 88 - The Lance

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Local singers were the spotlight of a new American Idol style audition, with the competition set to be announced in the coming days.

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University Players is back at it again with Dancing at Lughnasa -- our Arts Editor has his review on it this week.

With 800 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of cheese curds, 75 litres of gravy and an array of other fixings, February’s Poutine Fest was a hit again.

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It’s playoff season! Check out who’s made it to the playoffs in varsity sports, and how the Spits and Express are doing this season!

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YOUR C AMPUS AND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER // MARCH 3 2016 // VOL. #88 ISSUE 20 // UWINDSORLANCE.C A

Storytelling Competition Shows Some Love

HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________

From the animate to inanimate, from the romantic to plutonic, there were a variety of stories, which fell under one four letter word.

The Foundry Pub was plenty occupied with those wanting an evening of stories at the Mouth Piece Storytelling Feb. 23.

This is the fourth event of the storytelling series, which partly consists of a competition with a set of time limits and rules the contestants must follow. However between the 10 storytellers who went up, it led to a particularly intimate evening, as the subject of the month was love. It is a simple, yet broad topic, which provided true stories equally funny, and touching, all while being vivid in detail.

“It’s supposed to be in the true spirit of telling a story, like you’re telling a story to friends,” said host Vanessa Shields.

“I’m hoping that people will share good and bad love stories. It’s just an uplifting theme I think.”

On top of the ones competing, the night had a featured storyteller through comedian and poet John Wing. The story he told was of how he had met his wife, which is one he’s never told in front of

an audience of strangers. For him, love is a term, which invokes passion and intimacy, and he hopes the story he tells mixes these aspects with an entertaining listen.

“Love is about service, love is about getting somebody,” Wing said. “One of the reasons she and I are together is that I’m probably the only guy she ever met whose initial impression of her was how smart she was.”

When people have love on their minds, it’s usually towards another person, object or entity. But for Natasha Gaspar, who was among the 10 people who took the stage, it’s about loving yourself.

The story she told was emotional, disclosing details she said some of her closest friends weren’t ever aware of. By displaying an act of courage through telling it on stage, she hoped it concluded this particular life chapter.

“The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself, and I feel like a lot of people don’t realize that,” Gaspar said. “It was definitely a struggle for myself and I feel that by telling a story today, I can leave that part of me behind.”

The winner of the event was determined by audience votes, which would then clinch a spot at the finals set to occur later in the year. Shields is looking to

The fourth Mouth Piece storytelling event had roughly 50 people attending the Foundry Pub Feb. 23.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine] have two more competitions prior to,

two months, each one carrying a differ-

“It’s really picking up momentum in the

with the next one being scheduled for

ent theme, Shields is finding the Mouth

city,” Shields said. “You don’t have to tell

Apr. 11 at a location yet to be chosen.

Piece series to be gaining significant

a story, half the fun is just being the audi-

With an event occurring roughly every

traction.

ence and listening.”

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

The Paperless War: Print vs. Digital CALEBWORKMAN News Editor __________________________ The University of Windsor’s Bookstore made rounds last week to on campus locations to reach out to different programs with books, apparel and other items available for purchase.

The pop-up store brought some questions to mind - how do people read nowadays?

On a personal note, when reading literature, I prefer having a hard copy in front of me. It’s a mixture of my obsession for collections and the idea of putting a book back up on the shelf and knowing you’ve completed one more in the collection.

However, for studious and research reading, I like having a digital access bar where I can search key words, find ideas and access unlimited articles to help me out or inform me.

Digital reading has been available for many years and is something people use quite frequently; some would say every day in certain situations.

Martin Deck, sales representative for you University of Windsor’s Bookstore, said digital reader numbers have actually gone down in the last few years.

“I know a few years ago statistics said about 15 per cent of people enjoy reading digitally. Now, I read recently the number is at 10 per cent,” said Deck.

Deck said it’s something that can change.

He said companies are finding ways to make digital reading more comfortable and he said he wouldn’t be surprised if he saw a hike in the numbers in a few years.

Students could purchase items for 15 per cent off at the pop-up bookstore that travelled UWindsor last week. They also handed out coupons to save 15 per cent off of items in their CAW location.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman] used to be a devout individual, waking up early in the morning, heading to the closest convenience store and purchasing his newspaper. Now, it’s all digital for him.

“It’s much more convenient to read news on my laptop,” said Staffen. “I have the ability to read my favorite newspaper and I can also access other new sources simultaneously and without having to leave where I am.”

Staffen said when it come reading books, he still prefers to read from a physical book.

“I always prefer physical copies of what I’m reading but I feel like that’s something that could change in the next few years,” said Deck.

“Technology is something that is changing and in a few years, we’ll see digital reading progress,” said Staffen. “The one-up physical will always have on digital is the tactile aspect. A lot of people appreciate owning a physical copy to display.”

Information service librarian for Leddy Library, Graham Staffen, said for news gathering he has converted from print to digital in recent years. He said he

Reading is something that will always be a part of one’s life but how we do it is something that can change at any moment.

Martin Deck, sales representative for the UWindsor Bookstore, looked over the pop-up store locations throughout the week.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

KYLIE TIFFIN

HANI YASSINE Arts Editor

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lance 2016 staff

BRETT HEDGES

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Windsor Arts Organization Receives $50,000 From Jackman Foundation CALEBWORKMAN News Editor __________________________ The Windsor Endowment for the Arts received $50,000 from the Jackman Foundation in order to build the arts in Windsor.

The WEA will be using the money for grants to encourage Windsor and Essex County artists to study and grow in Windsor. They said they hope to make Windsor a vibrant arts community that can compete with the likes of Toronto and even New York City.

Eric Jackman, retired businessman and psychologist, was on the board for the University of Windsor and a chancellor for a number of years and said he was very drawn to the arts and what they were doing locally.

“Toronto is a mammoth in Canada for the arts but they don’t have the quaint, small-city feel that I’ve always loved about Windsor,” said Jackman. “I will always prefer it here and I hope to continue to show my support for all the wonderful artists we have here in the city and county.”

Jackman said he heard the WEA was struggling to get the money they needed to give out grants and he didn’t hesitate to help out when he heard that.

“Encouraging young people to get into the arts and pursue their dreams is something not a lot of places do and can support,” said Jackman. “It gives them a life skill, a life goal and it’s something they can do for the community not just themselves.”

President of the WEA, Carolyne Rourke, said they recognize all artists in the area and are responsible for giving all art

Eric Jackman stands, admiring his gift from the WEA from a production he was honoured at a few years back.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman] grants out.

“We’re trying to promote art to help individuals grow their own personal lives,” said Rourke. “Getting this money allows us to do more for our community, to

reach out in a greater way and there are a lot of opportunities that we get to pick from because of this donation.”

Rourke said donations like this are the things that keep our arts on the level of

Some of the WEA crew and Eric Jackman pose for a photo at the cheque presentation for Windsor Endowment of the Arts.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

the bigger cities like Toronto.

make their life here.”

“We get about $18,000 every two years usually,” said Rourke. “We’re able to give more money to more people and it encourages artists to stay in Windsor and

The current grants are at $2,000 each and are available to apply for at www. wea-arts.com. Nominations close March 4 at 5 p.m.

Chris Jackman and Carolyne Rourke work at opening Jackman’s gift from the WEA. [Photo by//Caleb Workman]

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

A Celebration of Zeppelin

HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ It began 15 minutes past schedule and a couple of audience members were subjected to a police escort. At least in spirit, the show had embodied a rock concert.

Fortunately it happened to actually be one as well.

These couple of setbacks weren’t enough to turn off the droves of people cozying up within the Chrysler Theatre upon attending “The Song Remains the Same: The Music of Led Zeppelin” Feb. 26. Not affiliated with the 1976 concert film of the same name, the show was a faithful celebration of classic ballads brought forth by one Robert, a Jimmy and two Johns. The concert marks the third collaboration between the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and the rock group Jeans n’ Classics, who previously performed to the works of Queen and Pink Floyd, effectively packing the seats with committed fans of both the groups and the orchestra.

While the event is among the final performances of the Windsor Symphony’s current season, Jeans n’ Classics are the ones who helmed the show. In being a rock group with a thorough understanding of orchestra culture, any worries of both groups devolving into a volume competition can be put to rest here. By going through 14 Zeppelin classics within the program, there was a constant demonstration of genuine unison. Rarely if ever was there a matter of overstepping or a misconfigured contribution. By being able to hear the contrasting groups clearly, the production values stayed on point.

For one night only, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra collaborated with Jeans n’ Classics to present “The Song Remains the Same: The Music of Led Zeppelin” Feb. 26.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

It helps even further when you consider how there are plenty of Zeppelin songs, which practically lend themselves to an orchestrated environment. A shining example in this case would be in “All of My Love.” where the synthesizer in the original is replaced with an array of string instruments, and a piccolo trumpet accompanies the midpoint solo. Numerous blends are arranged so the efforts of both groups are properly highlighted and complemented. But even with this in mind, it wittingly teeters in favor of a rock atmosphere with the likes of “Black Dog” and “Dazed and Confuse.”

However, there were also moments when pieces were performed without a truly distinct flavor. The rendition of “When the Levee Breaks” for example was faithful to the original track, yet felt rather pedestrian in nature. All of the energy and talent were on full display, but they can only go so far when the arrangements occasionally served as a blockade. It essentially prevented the show from being as electrifying as the Dark Side of the Moon last year, and this is coming from a person who isn’t confidently versed in the music of Pink Floyd.

Vocalist Michael Shotton and bassist Mitch Tyler perform one of the 14 Led Zeppelin songs at the Chrysler Theatre Feb. 26.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine] Still, for the fans, it’s hard to ask for anything better. While the concert may not breed a new generation of Led Zeppelin

enthusiasts, the show consisted of the exact quality you would expect from groups of this caliber. Perhaps it could

have benefitted from a more extensive song list, but if anything the complaint serves as a testament to the rock super

group which was well celebrated at the Chrysler Theatre.

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A French Canadian Culture and Tradition: The Poutine

CALEBWORKMAN News Editor __________________________

Canada is renown around the world for few things, the biggest being maple syrup. One that is always at its heels and constantly gaining popularity though is the poutine.

Originating in Quebec in the late 1950s, people from all over the world have come to enjoy and celebrate the food, which is poutine. Here in Windsor, Place Concorde has been celebrating Festival de la Poutine and it has been so popular, they’ve had to add more dates for it.

Valerie Hodgins, member of the French community centre, said the event held Feb. 26 sold out in eight days right after the New Year started.

“I think there’s a huge interest and great feedback from this because poutine is something that everyone seems to love,” said Hodgins. “Who doesn’t like poutine? Fries, cheese curds, gravy, pulled pork, chicken – there’s something for everyone and a little more than that.”

According to an info sheet provided by the multicultural group who put on the event, to feed the 450 people who came out it required over 800 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of cheese curds, 75 liters of gravy and much more for extra fixings.

Poutine: 33 per cent fries, 33 per cent gravy, 200 per cent cheese curds.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

Hodgins said the community support has been amazing and as long as they continue to keep getting the feedback they’ve been receiving, they will continue to make poutine.

“It’s awesome to see so many individuals come out and enjoy something so simple, yet so eloquent,” said Hodgins.

“Here, we always encourage our guests to ‘poutine up.’”

Travis Miracle traveled across the border from Detroit just to try the poutine served here.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Miracle. “There is honestly nothing I’d rather be doing on a Friday night than this. It’s the best way I can possibly think to spend it.”

Participants of the event paid $5 to get in and from then on in the night, everything was free game. Desserts and other things were served to compliment the poutine and promote French food and culture in Canada.

The next poutine festival will be held this month.

Travis Miracle, from Detroit, travelled the border to get his fill of poutine at the Poutine Festival Feb. 26.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Gangsters and Dolls Take Over Walkerville Brewery

CALEBWORKMAN News Editor __________________________ Gangsters and their dolls overran the Walkerville Brewery this past week for a common cause.

The local group of businesswomen, known as the Charity Chix, host events to raise money for the community and groups within. This event, Gangsters and Dolls, raised money for the Sandwich Teen Action Group which is a youth group for teens in the west end.

“Our group of ladies saw there was a void in the charitable groups in Windsor and there are a lot of galas and events for well-known charities but not a lot for the not-so-well-known ones,” said Kim Spirou, president of the Charity Chix. “A lot of these smaller organizations play a pivotal role in our community, such as STAG, and don’t get much attention or help.”

Spirou said they wanted to take those organizations under their wing and help them out wherever they can. She said STAG has been doing a lot of good and they deserve the night and the money from it.

The youth group services children from Grade 5 all the way to Grade 12 and provides programs for at risk youth. The money raised from the night will be going towards putting a new gym floor in their facilities.

John Elliot, executive director of STAG and Ward 2 city councilor, said the goal for the night was $30,000 for the new gym floor.

“It’s huge for us to have this group step

The Charity Chix of Windsor pose for a photo at their event to raise money for the Sandwich Teen Action Group Feb. 25.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman] up and support us,” said Elliot. “It’s one of those things where you’re in need and you have no idea how you’re going to get the need filled, and by chance, you meet

the right people.”

Elliot said he had met the Charity Chix by chance and they had decided to help out the minute they heard the need.

Door prizes lined the back wall for attendees of the fundraiser.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

“Windsor is the kind of city that when someone is in need, people will step out from anywhere to lend a hand,” said Elliot. “They’ll come out from any walk of

life, no matter where they are, and do whatever they can to make the difference. It means everything to the teens of Windsor and STAG.”

The event received both support from the community inside and outside of Windsor.

John Elliot said Windsor has the best people to stand up and lend a hand whenever others are in need.

[Photo by//Caleb Workman]

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Raise Your Voice Auditions Aims to Spotlight Local Singers HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ Each individual walks up the staircase towards the second floor of Vito’s Pizzeria. The room is exceptionally lit as they’re greeted by three judges who then proceed to read the biography of the artist. With multiple cameras recording, they engage in some small talk, and then proceed to do what they do best: sing.

“We think that this will be successful and we hope we can do this every year,” said Rob Palombo, one of the judges.

What Palombo is referring to is Raise Your Voice, which is directly interested in finding some of the most unique voices Windsor has to offer and present them in a classic competition. The idea is to needle the auditions down to the top 15. The first round of auditions for the event occurred on the evening of Feb. 29, where at least 15 singers were waiting to be called up and perform to the best of their ability.

Palombo is also the producer alongside Walter Riggi, who is also a judge. As music producers in their own right, they hope the event provides local singers further exposure they feel is deserved.

“Rob and I were looking for more talent to produce, and we went around karaoke bars and nightclubs and we found a lot of fantastic talent there,” Riggi said. “It should help, if anything, highlight more talent. People can come out and say ‘Know what? I did this audition, I think I can do more’.”

Joni Lariuiere performs her audition for the Raise Your Voice Competition Feb. 29.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

To date at least 50 people have registered to audition. Among those auditioning in the first round was Julie Bezaire, who was accompanied by her nephew and guitarist Justin for musical support. Acting as a performing duo in a few pubs and restaurants around the city, Bezaire hopes the audition leads to further experience and networking, but isn’t entirely sure of the success rate.

“I think it can go either way, because I’ve competed against these people and it just depends on the day you’re having vocally, or how you feel health wise. I think it’s going to be pretty tough,” Bezaire said.

The judges base their criteria within six categories: vocal range, voice quality, stage presence, tonality, emotion and song choice. Some of these aspects work in tandem with each other, but Palombo wants to underline they’re not looking for the biggest and loudest, but instead the most distinct.

“Basically if somebody’s unique, they have a good voice, not a great voice but something about them that sticks out from everybody else. That’s part of it,” Palombo said.

The date of the competition is to be determined and further audition dates will be announced in the coming days along with their location. More information can be found on the Raise Your Voice Competition Facebook page.

The judges speak to one of the singers auditioning for the Raise Your Voice competition Feb. 29.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Paper Carving Exhibit Delves Into the Whimsical HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ “I can’t believe it’s actually paper,” said Kathy Shaban who attended the exhibit’s closing reception. “Every work is so unique and so different and so original.

It’s very interesting.”

By walking into the LeBel Building’s School of Visual Arts gallery anytime between Feb. 22 and 26, you’d find yourself into the Paper Trail exhibit, which may not look all too intriguing at first glance. But as you look closer and examine the flowery landscapes and fantastical scenery, it allows you to see the near surgical precision within what is just carved pieces of paper.

“The design of it is the biggest process and the most time consuming, and once you have the design, you can just cut it out,” said Victoria Anne Ghione, the woman behind the work.

Going by her artist alias Victoria Anne, the fourth year Creative Arts and English student decided to hold her own gallery. According to Anne, she wasn’t able to partake in the graduating BFA art show due to her double major, essentially leading to the personalized exhibit.

The paper carvings represent Anne’s body of work over the past year, directly crediting the inspiration to engage this visual art to an artist she follows on Instagram.

Since even the slightest misstep can cause her to start over from scratch after hours of work, Anne said the experience can be frustrating, yet just as rewarding.

Artist Victoria Anne speaks with an exhibit attendee at the Paper Trail closing reception Feb. 26.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine] She quickly fell in love with the art and appreciates the portable aspect to it.

“It is taking line drawings, and making them tangible,” Anne said. “You can actually pick them up and it won’t fall apart, nothing will smudge, so you can

physically hold a line drawing.”

Aside from the way they’re carved and the overall attention to detail, the other connections between the works involve the tones and setting. Many of the works seem lifted from cosmic imagery and

fairy tales. In being an English double major, it allowed Anne to deeply study the literary arts, which she then applied to her visual works.

“I found out so much about them than I had realized when I was reading them,”

Anne said. “I try to change them, kind of create an alternative story or just try to create my own fairy tale.”

Over 50 people, students and community members alike had attended the two-hour closing reception Feb. 26.

Master Class Focuses on Singular Voice Talent HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ In searching for what makes a singer’s qualities inherently unique, Brian Pfaltzgraff believes it helps pave the way for a singer to gain traction during something like an audition window.

“In the auditions format, you have, if you’re lucky, seven minutes to make an impression. In most situations it’s three,” Phaltzgraff said.

This was one of the several lessons he shared with students during the singers’ master class, which was held within the School of Music on the afternoon of Feb. 27. A tenor and associate voice professor at Iowa’s Wartbury College, Phaltzgraff has performed with music companies across the United States including the Toledo Symphony, Detroit Civic Symphony and St Louis’ Union Avenue Opera. Attending with his wife and pianist Carita, the couple was there to provide impressions and build the creative process with local voice majors.

“Basically we’re like consultants,”

Phaltzgraff said. “This is a fun and rewarding experience. Not just the master class but also the career, otherwise why would you want to do something like this where you’re putting yourself out there in front of people every single day.”

One by one, six SoCA voice majors performed their pieces to both the Phaltzgraffs, who extensively walked them though where their strengths resided and the areas they can potentially build upon. The idea was to be constructive without tearing anyone down, as they were intent on bringing out the signature qualities from each singer to life and have it act as their foundation. They highlight numerous aspects, which can contribute to this foundation, such as a solid tone quality and having an optimal relationship between the singer and the pianist. Ultimately, they hope to enhance the professional presence of the students.

“It’s just like bringing a poem to life as well, and how you can become a character to make the words come alive,” said Carita Phaltzgraff. “The more you get up there and perform, the easier it gets and the better it gets.”

Carita Phaltzgraff provides feedback to students during the Singers Master Class Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

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Release Party Ushers Official Debut of McNevin and the Silence Factory HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ Following the end of their set, the crowd had mustered up a chant for an encore, one which was granted shortly after, effectively capping off a night with plenty of energy and enthusiasm in the air.

Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory was a group, which initially birthed around four months ago when they performed their first show. But the band’s CD release party, which drew hundreds to the Olde Walkerville Theatre on Feb. 27, is the first true piece of musical tangibility to eject the name recognition to what is hopefully a larger scale.

As much as said name implies, singer Nathan McNevin is the leader of the pack, to the extent where this is still treated primarily as a solo act. McNevin, who planned most of the musical arrangements as well, solely wrote all the songs from the debut album “Collection of Thoughts.” As a result, the title symbolized what he hopes is an honest reflection of his self.

“It goes all over my brain and what I’m thinking, so if you want to learn something about me, listen to it,” said McNevin. “I put a lot of work into it and I’m pretty proud of how it turned out.”

Yet even with the solo effort in mind, the band’s live presence tells a slightly different tale. Beyond their ability to perform, the chemistry between McNevin and those who make up the Silence Factory make their shows feel more like a genuine collective. In forming the Silence Factory, McNevin had chosen

Nathan McNevin performs a song with the Wiebe Family Quartet at the Olde Walkerville Theatre Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine] guitarist Nathan Schiller, bassist Shaun Miller and drummer Paul Doman. Be it through the stars or otherwise, each member was a right fit.

“When we came together as a band, right away there was this chemistry,” Schiller said. “It didn’t take long to come together and that’s why we’ve been able to do this so quickly.”

Schiller notes while it’s largely McNev-

in’s project, each band member is able to apply their own unique element into the pieces due to their contrasting influences. Another large benefit the comfort in giving and receiving criticism, as it allows for greater confidence and passion in the music being played.

“If you can’t do it, you’re not in the right place,” Doman said. “You have to be able to tell each other when you’re doing something wrong.”

Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory perform at their CD release party at Olde Walkerville Theatre Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

The group has further shows lined up in the near future, including a bit of time stateside in order to heighten awareness of the band and the record. McNevin admits he’s uncertain to the direction of the band as of now and whether or not it’ll teeter more to his end or the end of the Silence Factory. But at any rate, he’s just looking to keep doing what he loves.

life,” McNevin said. “I hope it can take

“It’s a cliché answer, but I just want to create and do music for the rest of my

able on iTunes and through the band’s

me to that place in being able to be at least financially stable and do what I love. I think it’s the dream for any artist really.”

Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory’s ‘Collection of Thoughts’ is availwebsite.

Nathan McNevin performs a song from ‘Collection of Thoughts’ at the Olde Walkerville Theatre Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Hani Yassine]

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Local Photographers and Models Show off Their Best

CALEBWORKMAN News Editor __________________________

The Windsor Photography and Modeling group held their seventh workshop this past week and had some of the best results yet according to the coordinator.

The group was put together to bring photographers and models into one location to learn from one another and practice their skills openly with fellow artists.

Joey Acott, founder of the group and photographer in Windsor, said there are so many people who practice photography and modeling in the area and there are so many people interested in them, it was counterproductive to not have a group in the area.

“There’s a lot of people you see pictures from on the Internet and find out they’re from here in Windsor,” said Acott. “What was supposed to be a onetime meet-up turned into this massive monthly workshop.”

Acott said they first started with about 15 people and have grown to over 100 in their last event.

“The number keep growing and so does the photography and modeling community in our area,” said Acott. “It’s very encouraging to see everyone come out, have fun and work on their skills.”

Another reason Acott said he started the group was to eliminate the idea that it’s a competition and to bring everyone together as friends.

“Even I’ve been in that place where I think I didn’t like someone because of their photography, or I thought it was always a competition,” said Acott. “I’ve made so many friends, even with people I didn’t necessarily think I’d get along with. Everyone here is so open and helpful. It keeps growing and everyone keeps learning. Pretty soon, we’re going to have some of the best models and photographers anywhere at this rate.”

“You can come out here knowing nothing about photography or modeling and walk out knowing more than most people who don’t come to events like this,” said Dagenais. “It’s amazing to see the community come together and grow with one another like this.”

A volunteer model and helper for the event, Gabe Dagenais, said this event means so much to a lot of people.

For more information, visit the Facebook page Windsor Photography/ Model Workshops.

This event was held at Water’s Edge and will continue to find new locations to shoot each meeting.

Photo by Chris Mailloux Photo by Joey Acott

Photo by Chris Mailloux

Photo by David Dai

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA //

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Dancing at Lughnasa – Theatre Review

HANIYASSINE Arts Editor __________________________ Even though it can tend to distort one’s perception, there’s something about nostalgia, which never fails to be warming. It allows us to reminisce about joyous past experiences without having to consider all the hardships, which may have been encountered in between them.

One of the key elements of “Dancing at Lughnasa” is how it chooses to bind the introspective with the retro. While he doesn’t take the stage as extensively as the supporting cast, Michael Evans is very much the primary character as he’s the vessel for the audience to bridge the gap between the past and present.

He constantly calls back and reminisces about the summer of 1936, a time when

he was merely a child surrounded by his mother, her four sisters and eldest brother in the Irish village of Ballybeg.

The result is an expectedly strong drama boosted by organic performances.

The entirety of the play takes place in the modest home of the Mundy family as the sisters engage in a range of discussions and quarrels which prove to be reflective on their lives and general beliefs. It’s a great way for the characters to properly blend and balance pathos and exposition, though the latter term in this case is iffy to use. This is not a story fixated on plot points, but instead the characters and the culture they embody. Family is among the prevalent themes of the play as there’s a great deal of concern between the activities of each member.

Among the issues faced can range from something as menial as a broken gram-

ophone to fears towards what the future might hold. It conducts this narrative in a clairvoyant and honest fashion. The dynamic between the characters allows each of them to be fully realized and easy to connect with. By keeping to a singular set, one by which gets the job done in combining an outdoor canvas with an impressively detailed Mundy interior, it allows for an intimate experience.

The narrative occasionally juxtaposes between the activities in the Mundy house and the adult Michael recalling his memories. This balancing act mostly works, but there’s one aspect, which felt a bit disconnected, which is during the times he emulates himself into the scenes inside the home. As David Hudyma, who plays Michael is separated from the rest of the cast; it leads of a bit of pantomiming on the supporting

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cast’s end, which doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the how the story is delivered.

Fortunately it occurs at a fairly seldom rate, but it is blemish on what is otherwise an exceptionally moving production.

By having no transitions aside from the intermission, both acts play out as a highly extended scene, which places considerable pressure on the cast. But the actors overcome this challenge easily with the help of strong characterizations and wonderful chemistry. You forget seeing students on stage and begin to see a family. To single one out would be unfair, for each actor brings forth a worthwhile element within his or her perfor-

mance, which fit together snuggly. It is a compact roster in all the best ways.

Now of course, “Dancing at Lughnasa” does indeed have dancing, and it’s a playful mix of the spontaneous and the cultural which can only be accomplished with thoughtful choreography.

But at its core, it’s a story about a family trying to stay together, even when the rift may seem inevitable. It’s often humorous, touching and thematically effective, and so it’s hard to not find something in the production to make you deeply engaged in its nuances.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” runs at the Hatch Studio Theatre until Mar. 13.

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Williams Jr. Leads Windsor Express Over Orangeville A’s BRETTHEDGES Sports Editor __________________________ The Windsor Express used another second half, come-from-behind effort to win their third game in a row and move their record to 12-10 this year with a double-digit triumph over the Orangeville A’s.

The Express trailed by only eight points at halftime thanks to a long three at the buzzer by Kirk Williams Jr., who returned from a three-game suspension and led Express with a team-high 21 points. In the third, it was an offensive spark from newcomer Eric Frederick in a crucial stretch of the third quarter which was truly the difference-maker at the WFCU Centre Feb. 26. Windsor used the 15-point burst from Frederick to ignite their offense in the second half and win 97-85 over their division rivals in front of nearly 1,500 fans.

Six scorers reached double-figures to send the A’s to their seventh consecutive loss. Along with 21 from Williams Jr., the 2015 NBL Canada finals MVP, rookie Shaquille Keith put up 16 points and Brandon Robinson had 14 points. Maurice Bolden added a double double performance with 12 points and 10 boards.

The victory caps a 6-2 record in the month of February for Windsor and head coach Bill Jones said it was good to see his team come back after the A’s took it to them in the second quarter and took control of the game.

“We got ourselves going and we were

able to battle back in the third quarter and beat a very tough basketball team,” Jones said. “Our goal was to go in and change things and have a good month of February and we ended the month off 6-2. It’s still a struggle putting together our team but we still have put our offense in and our defensive philosophies and we still need to grind out the last two months of our season and that’s what we’re looking to do as we move forward.”

The Express started off strong defensively and after a Shaq Keith three-point play with less than two minutes to go in the opening frame, the Express led 188. Windsor finished off the first quarter with a 20-12 lead before Orangeville - led by head coach Chris Thomas began their comeback in the second quarter, erasing Windsor’s lead midway through after Bilal Benn knocked down a three. The A’s didn’t stop there as they pushed their lead to 11 points before Williams Jr. hit a buzzer beating three at the end of the half to keep Windsor within single digits.

The Express came out firing in the third quarter thanks to the injection the 6’8” Frederick, who added instant length and aggressiveness off of the wing. With no fear of shooting the big shot, Frederick knocked down the first of backto-back threes, which put the Express back in the lead, 59-56 with over three minutes to go. Windsor rounded out the third with a five point 66-61 lead.

Windsor started off the final quarter of the game raining three pointers, first from Mo Bolden and then two in a row from Frederick.

From there it was all Express as Commons hit a jumper with three minutes left in the game to give Windsor a 17 point lead and an eventual 97-85 win. Orangeville saw a good debut game from newly signed guard DaQuan Brooks who showed a lot of potential alongside A’s leading scorer Justin Moss.

Moss, who scored a game-high 25 points, and Richard Amardi, who also had a double double with 16 points and 10 boards have formed the nucleus of the A’s scoring this season.

Commons finished the game with 13 points and five rebounds and said the Express have improved their strength on the interior with the signings of Frederick and 6’10” centre Rudolphe Joly along with the return of a healthy Theo Davis.

“Tony Jones did a heck of a job and now with Bill coming back we’re just building upon what we’ve developed and combine their philosophies,” Commons said. “Guys are playing well and we’re 2-0 with both of them on the bench so that’s got to be a good thing. The scary part is we’re still under-performing, there’s lot of things to work on. This is a new-new team. We have a lot of young guys and then all of these superstars so once guys enjoy winning over glory things will be better and things have gotten better.”

The Express are back at the WFCU Centre for a pair of games on back-toback nights beginning against the London Lightning Mar. 3 and the next day against the Niagara River Lions. Tip-off for both games is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Windsor Express forward Shaquille Keith battles Justin Moss of the Orangeville A’s during NBL Canada action at the WFCU Centre Feb. 16. Keith put up 16 points while Moss scored a game-high 25 points in a losing cause. Windsor won 97-85.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Kirk Williams Jr. of the Windsor Express throws down a dunk during NBL Canada action against the Orangeville A’s Feb. 26. Williams Jr., the 2015 NBL Canada finals MVP, scored 21 points to lead the Express to a 97-85 win over the A’s, moving the two-time defending league champions current regular season record to 12-10.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Windsor Express guard Tony Bennett drives baseline past DaQuan Brooks of the Orangeville A’s during NBL Canada action at the WFCU Centre Feb. 26. The Express came back from an eight point halftime deficit to defeat the A’s 97-85 thanks to 15 points off of the bench from 6’8” guard Erick Frederick.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA //

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Women’s Volleyball Goes Down Swinging To McMaster In OUA Playoffs BRETTHEDGES Sports Editor __________________________ The Windsor Lancers women’s volleyball team ended their season in the opening round of the OUA playoffs but they did not go out without a fight.

Head coach Lucas Hodgson and his scrappy Lancers squad fell to the nationally ranked McMaster Marauders 3-0 in the OUA quarter-finals in Hamilton this past weekend Feb. 26 but took their opponents and those in attendance at the Burridge Gym on an electrifying three-set ride they won’t soon forget.

After dropping the opening set 17-25, the Lancers and Marauders embarked on a journey of emotional high and lows in a marathon second set where the two squads combined for 70 points.

McMaster fought off a pair of set points from 22-24 to drag the teams into extras before outlasting Windsor on seven additional set points and finally taking the second set 34-36. The Lancers fought back from a 20-10 deficit in the third but could not take the lead, ultimately falling 22-25 and heading into the off season but with their heads firmly held high.

The middle duo of Melissa Smyth and Shannon Dean did their part for the Lancers with 11 and 10.5 points respectively but Windsor struggled to get their offence moving as a team against the Marauders, with a hitting percentage of 14 per cent. Jade Zeibarth and Carleigh Bailey led the way defensively with 11 and 10 digs.

Fifth year setter Lauren Stirling said she was very happy to see the team put up a strong fight against a nationally ranked opponent and with how the season went for Windsor, registering 11 wins for the first time under Hodgson.

“I thought we did a great job right from the start - we challenged them,” Stirling said. “Although the outcome wasn’t what we wanted we fought until the end.

The second set was unfortunate the way it went but it really tested us as a group.”

After scoring the first five of six points on the night, it was undoubted Windsor was prepared for the occasion at the Burridge Gym. The Marauders worked their way back into the set and overtook the Lancers at 12-10 after Taylor Brisebois capped a four-point run with a kill.

Errors put the Lancers further behind as Brisebois reeled off a service run to push Mac ahead 23-14 and ultimately ending the set five points later.

The Lancers hung tough as the second set began and took advantage of service errors from the Marauders.

Smyth brought her team within two

at 16-14 at the technical timeout after an ace capped a five-point run. Windsor came out of the timeout firing and took a five-point lead but Mac had other ideas, battling back from 22-24 deficit to force extra points. From that point the set evolved into a classic, with the teams playing high-level volleyball, which electrified those in attendance.

After dodging three more set points, Mac enjoyed two of their own but could not get their final point to fall. Windsor had another set point at 30-29 but failed to capitalize. In total, Windsor saw nine set points go before falling to Mac in an ironclad second set 34-36.

Momentum was firmly in Mac’s corner and they went out to a commanding 9-3 lead in the third and carried a 10-point lead into the technical timeout before the Lancers engineered a late fight back.

After digging themselves into a 10-20 hole, Windsor put together a 12-4 run but it was too little too late, as Mac ended the night on top 22-25, ending Windsor’s chance at the OUA Final Four after an 11-8 regular season record.

Dean and Durand walk away from the Lancer program as Hodgson’s first pair of recruits he signed when he left the Brock Badgers program and ventured down south to Windsor. After coming back from an 0-2 deficit to defeat the York Lions on seniors day at Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 7, Hodgson gave Dean and Durand full credit for being a key piece to the team’s success this season as well as over the past four.

Head coach Lucas Hodgson and his scrappy Windsor Lancers women’s volleyball squad fell to the nationally ranked McMaster Marauders 3-0 in the OUA quarter-finals in Hamilton this past weekend Feb. 26 but took their opponents and those in attendance at the Burridge Gym on an electrifying three-set ride they won’t soon forget. Windsor fell to McMaster 3-0 by scores of 17-25, 34-36 and 22-25 in the OUA quarterfinals.

[Photo by // Fraser Caldwell]

“They were the first recruits I brought in so they were a big part of where we are today,” said Hodgson. “If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be where we are today. Shannon played light outs and pretty much led the team [all year].”

On that day Durand said 2015-16 was her favorite season because she and her teammates became so close. Looking back on her four-year career, Durand said she and Dean were happy to be able to put their stamp in Windsor women’s volleyball history.

“This season was our choice to show was Windsor really is,” Durand said.

“We’ve always been considered the underdogs and we always seem to get overlooked so it’s nice to finish our time here showing we were able to make a difference.”

Hodgson won’t lose all three of his graduating seniors however as Stirling will now transition to the next phase of her career in volleyball as an assistant coach while she completes her masters degree at UWindsor. After a playing career featuring an OUA first team all-star in her four seasons as a Brock Badger, Stirling

Shannon Dean of the Windsor Lancer women’s volleyball takes a big swing against the McMaster Marauders during OUA playoff action at the Burridge Gym in Hamilton Feb. 26. The Lancers lost match 3-0, highlighted by an emotional marathon set loss 34-36, ending their season and the careers of middle blocker Dean, libro Emily Durand and setter Lauren Stirling.

[Photo by // Fraser Caldwell] said she is excited about joining Hodgson’s staff next year and being part of the development of the women’s volleyball program this point on.

“I’m not ready to be done with volleyball yet so I think helping to coach will be a great transition from playing,” Stirling said. “I’m really looking forward to next year and being a part of the coaching

staff. I think it’s the start of some really great things for the program in the future. This year was really nice for me personally to finish on such a good season with a great program.”

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Fischer, Brown Continue Spitfires Win Streak With Back-To-Back Hat Tricks

BRETTHEDGES Sports Editor __________________________

The Windsor Spitfires got some huge production from some familiar names once again as they look to take back their lead in the OHL’s West division.

It all started at the WFCU Centre Feb. 25 when the Spitfires beat the Barrie Colts, the former club of Brendan Lemieux, who scored the insurance marker into an empty net in a 4-2 victory in front of over 4,800 in attendance. Windsor then went on the road where they pushed their win streak to five, highlighted by back-to-back three-goal efforts from line mates Christian Fischer and Logan Brown in less than 24 hours.

Against Flint, Fischer scored three times and the Spits went 4-for-6 with the extra man in a big 6-4 win over the Firebirds at the Dort Federal Event Centre Feb. 27. The next afternoon, Brown scored two of the Spits three first period goals in a 4-3 win over the Greyhounds in Sault Ste Marie at the Essar Centre Feb. 28.

Brown, who turns 18 later this week, was named the Ontario Hockey League’s player of the week after he scored four times and added three assists in three wins as the Spitfires improved to 36-186-0 headed into a showdown in Sarnia, where the Spits and Sting will continue to jockey for top spot in the division and the Western Conference’s second playoff seed.

“We had all four lines going this weekend after a little slump,” Brown said in a media release. “Obviously my line mates have a lot to do with the points I put up this week. It’s nice to be recognized like this, but the most important thing here is that we got back on track and that we’re playing our best hockey at an important time of the season, heading into the playoffs.”

Brown is the 14th-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s list and the 6’6 centre is tied for the team lead in assists with 46 and ranks second in points with 62 to Fischer’s 79.

The Canadian Mental Health Association was in attendance Feb. 25 as part of the OHL’s Talk Today initiative, a program influencing those of any age to learn more about the importance of mental health and what you can do to prevent suicide Jenny-Lee Almeida is a Safe Talk trainer with CMHA and has taught members of the Spits to be suicide alert helpers in the community. Along with her partner she has trained fellow OHL clubs the Saginaw Spirit and Plymouth Whalers in various courses surrounding mental health and wellness.

“The OHL has put forth the initiative to train billets, hockey players and coaches to have mental health awareness,” Almeida said. “By having people in the hockey community speak up about mental health it reduces our stigma.

Mental health is out there and it affects a lot of Canadians and if we don’t talk about it and we’re not supporting one another it will constantly be stigmatized.”

Against Flint, Fischer opened the scor-

Brendan Lemieux of the Windsor Spitfires cuts across the offensive zone during OHL action at the WFCU Centre against the Barrie Colts Feb. 25. Lemieux scored his 31st goal of the season into an empty net for the insurance marker in a 4-2 victory over his former club.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold] ing just 1:33 into the game with his team-leading 30th of the season. After the team’s battled back and forth and traded goals throughout, it was Will Bitten’s second goal of the game pulling Flint within one goal at 4-3. Fischer and Latour would respond to hit the score sheet once again, giving the visitors a three-goal lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Overall, the Spits scored four times in six chances on the power play. A moment of worry came over many Spits fans when rookie goaltender Mike DiPietro was injured at the 7:20 mark of the first period and was forced to leave the game.

Mario Culina earned the win after making 22 saves in relief.

The next afternoon, the Spitfires took flight early in the first period as Brown scored on a power play blast at 5:24.

Fischer and Brown would strike again before the period would end as Windsor took a commanding 3-0 lead into the first intermission.

After Boris Katchouk cut the Windsor lead to 3-2 at 8:26 of the third period, Brown scored his third of the game and the eventual game winner less than two minutes later. Culina did the rest, making 21 saves for his second win in as many tries in his hometown. Rookie defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, the 10th ranked skater in the draft rankings, added a pair of assists as Windsor went on to win their sixth game over the Hounds this season.

Greyhound’s defensemen Gustav Booramman said the difference in the game was the pace Windsor took to the Soo from the very first faceoff.

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires corrals the puck with a Barrie Colt on his tail during OHL action at the WFCU Centre Feb. 25. Windsor has won their past five games and are now one point behind Sarnia in the OHL’s west division standings.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold] “They came out firing and we didn’t,” said Booramman. “They’re big and quick too at the same time. They’re very tough on the fore-check. Us older guys need to take more responsibility on our own end and lead by example to the younger players what we have to do. We

have to prepare the same way for each opponent and be ready to go when the puck drops.”

The Spits will return back home for two consecutive games against OHL Eastern conference foes after their matchup

at the RBC Centre in Sarnia Mar. 5. The North Bay Battalion visit Windsor Mar. 6 for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop and then the next afternoon to Lawson Crouse and the Kingston Frontenac’s with a 2 p.m. puck drop.

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA //

Jenny-Lee Almeida of the Canadian Mental Health Association helps a local man fill out his ballot to win Spitfires tickets during the OHL’s Talk Today initiative, instilled to create a comfortable environment to talk about mental health.

[Photo by // Brett Hedges]

Volunteer members of the Canadian Mental Health Asssociation dedicated their time to talk about the stigmas surrounding mental health, the prevention of suicide and providing information to those interested in being part of the initiative.

[Photo by // Brett Hedges]

The Lancer Band drumline provided the heartbeat to the pre-game tunes ahead of the Windsor Spitfires game at the WFCU Centre Feb. 25.

[Photo by // Brett Hedges]

The brass section and the rest of the Lancer Band belted out some hip tunes to passing Windsor Spitfire hockey fans prior to their game against the Barrie Colts at the WFCU Centre Feb. 25.

[Photo by // Brett Hedges]

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MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Defending CIS Champs Primed For Deep Playoff Push In Women’s Basketball KIMELLIOT The Lance Contributor __________________________ The Windsor Lancer women’s basketball team ended their regular season of play on victorious notes in tribute to their graduating seniors this past weekend in convincing fashion.

The five-time defending CIS champions finished the regular season 15-5 and in top spot of the OUA West division after they overcame the challenging 7-12 Lakehead Thunderwolves 70-55 Feb. 27 before dismantling the 1-19 Algoma Thunbrebirds 74-41 the following afternoon.

Prior to tipping-off against Lakehead, the women’s team honored Lancer graduate and CIS champion Anna Mullins with a plaque and framed jersey bearing her number. While it was the last regular season games that she and the graduates from the men’s team will be a party to in the St Denis Centre fieldhouse, which is to be renamed the Denis Farrell Fieldhouse, Mullins will stay on as a coaching assistant for the blue and gold, during their play-off run up to the OUA Final Four and CIS Big 8 championships.

Lancer head coach Chantal Vallee said she was very happy to honor Anna Mullins’ five-year contribution to the team with a win.

“Lakehead’s a good team and it was their last game,” Vallee said. “They had already very strong teams like Toronto, Western and Carleton so we knew they were going to play hard, so we had to play hard too in order to win this game.

In particular Caitlyn [Longmuir], Carly [Steer] and even Oriam [Amsalem] were knocking them down the three for us today which helped to seal the win.”

Third year Lancer power forward Cheyanne Roger finished the game with game with 14 points and finished the season 10th overall in points per game at 14.7.

“We knew Lakehead would be our tougher opponent, they are a very physical team and we knew that going into the play-offs we’d have to raise our physicality, Roger said. “Defensively Coach prefers us to keep teams under 60 but since they only had 25 at the half we were trying to hold them under 50. So there are still a couple areas we need to work on.”

After struggling with her outside shooting the second half of the season, fourth year Lancer point guard Longmuir said her stroke finally feels good.

“I’ve been putting in the work, so it’s nice that it’s finally starting to pay off,” Longmuir said. “It’s also at the right time going into play offs. Carly [Steer] and myself call ourselves the ‘snipers’ so when teams start to double us inside, we have to do our job to hit some shots to loosen things up so we can dump the

Tyra Blizzard of the Windsor Lancers women’s basketball team dribbles up court past a Lakehead Thunderwolves defender during OUA regular season action at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 27. Windsor defeated Lakehead 70-55 and finished their regular season 15-5 for yet another OUA West division title. The Lancers battle Laurier on home court at Fairall Fieldhouse Mar. 2 at 6 p.m.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold] ball back in and thus we can be successful as a team.”

when given the opportunity ... its time to just get in there and go now.”

In the first match of the home-andhome weekend Roger fell just short of her usual double-double scoring 12 points and eight rebounds. Longmuir scored a total of 12 while Kaylee Anagnostopoulos scored a team high 15 and Emily Prevost scored nine and tore down 12 rebounds - mainly defensively.

Andrea and Gillian Lavoie were the two double-digit scorers for the Thunderwolves with 15 and 11 points respectively.

Agnostopoulos responsed to comparison made between her style of play and that of former Lancer great Korissa Williams, a member of Canada’s national team, currently playing professional basketball in Germany, humbled and ready to continue to improve.

Rookie guard Anagnostopoulos, who has earned starters minutes this season through her shear grit, said when she gets playing time she gives it everything.

“My number one trait is to work hard, I may not have the skills of everyone else but it’s going well and I’ve been rewarded it for it,” Anagnostopoulos said. “My mom and dad were athletes as well, and its kind of a family trend to just lay it all on the line. The other rookies and I have had plenty of time on the floor now and in that sense we’re no longer rookies and we have no excuses not to perform

“I am honored by the comparison,” Agnostopoulos said. “I am getting back to my scoring off of penetration, after stepping back in that area when I first came up the CIS level. But coach has been encouraging me to get back to it as well as being a more aggressive rebounder.”

In a balanced scoring effort from the Lancers against Algoma where every player hit the score sheet, Windsor was lead by Steer with 13 points, followed

by Prevost with 12 and then Roger with 10 points and eight rebounds. For the T-birds Laura Meadons reached 11 points and Sydney Resch scored 10.

Finishing the season squarely on top of the OUA West, with honorable mention among coaches voting for the CIS

Top 10, the stage is finally set to see if this year’s crop of Lancer round-ballers have what it takes to extend their reign as CIS Champs in a record breaking manner to once again raise their coveted bronze baby toward the sky. First up the sixth-seeded Lancers will me their play-off nemesis, the 11th ranked Laurier Hawks at the newly named Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse, Mar. 2 at 6 p.m.

Should they come out on top of the Hawks, which they are favored to do, they will face the third-seeded Carleton Ravens who they have been looking forward to getting another crack since losing to them 80-63 back in November.

No doubt the Lancers are a much different and better team since these two teams first played, especially in terms of the playing experience their rookies have garnered. Not to mention, with each victory from here on out the Lancers have an unprecedented opportunity to rewrite history.

The other and most important ace in the hole for the Lancers is the coaching advantage they have in coach Vallee who is very inspired and moved by pro-

spective the renaming of the St. Denis Centre to that of her mentor and friend, who rewrote the CIS record books himself during a legendary 29 year career at UWindsor.

“I attended the retirement banquet for coach Farrell [Feb. 25] and when I looked at his 25 championship banners I thought how phenomenal is that?”

Vallee said. “Dennis was on the hiring committee that brought me here in 2005. In 2006 he also gave me a notebook containing his recruitment strategy - which I still use to date. In 2011 we were both awarded OUA Coach of the year and now he’s retired. The whole affair brought tears to my eyes, as it was so moving. I am tremendously proud and inspired by all of his accomplishments.”

So with all of that in Vallee’s mind, as a standard of excellence in coaching and athletic performance on campus, a 6th straight CIS Women’s Basketball championship is all the more realistic of an expectation for her and her basketball rendition of “Lancer Nation.” Once again Windsor-Essex it’s time to get aboard the blue and gold express.

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA //

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Men’s Hoops Riding Nine-Game Win Streak Into OUA Playoffs KIMELLIOT The Lance Contributor __________________________ The OUA West division regular season champion Windsor Lancer men’s basketball will battle the Laurentian Voyageurs in the opening round of the playoffs but their eyes are on a bigger prize further down the road.

The Lancers continued to be very efficient in quelling the upset minded 10-9 Lakehead Thunderwolves by a 81-60 score and the less talented but proud men’s squad from the 5-15 Algoma Thunderbirds 80-69. Prior to taking the opening jump ball against Lakehead, the honored senior Lancer graduates, Alex Campbell and Kahame Msiska with plaques and framed jerseys bearing their numbers.

It was the last regular season games the graduates played in the storied St. Denis Centre, which was renamed the Denis Fairall Fieldhouse as a tribute to Windsor’s beloved track and field coach who is the most decorated head coach in CIS history.

Against the Thunderwolves, Windsor rode the power of Alex Campbell’s game-high 24-point performance to victory alongside teammate Marko Kovac who knocked down 22 points.

Equally impressive was the Lancers defense which held Lakehead’s collective scoring to only 60 points, mainly by stifling the offensive output of Bacarius Dinkins to only 10 points and two rebounds, both well under his season average as the lead producer for the T-wolves.

Lancer interim head coach Ryan Steer said he was pleased with how the team earned a victory over Lakehead for their seniors.

“With the playoffs looming just around the corner ... I am especially pleased from a defensive stand point and in terms of how we rebounded,” Steer said.

“Lakehead is a very good team, despite that fact that we frustrated them and they never really got going.”

Graduating senior Campbell thought the Lancers really played like a team against Lakehead to pull out the win and didn’t back down from the physical type of game they tried to enforce.

“It seems as though we peaking at exactly the right time,” Campbell said. “Although this was one of my last games of my career, and I am really going to miss this place there is still a lot of basketball left and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Campbell, who is fourth in league in scoring while averaging just over 21 points per game, seemed to be playing with a point to prove. Given just a slight opening down the lane in the second half of play he raced to the hoop to slam home a thunderous dunk, which aroused the home town fans for the second time in as many home games this past week.

Graduating senior guard Alex Campbell drives past a Lakehead Thunderwolves defender during OUA men’s basketball action at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 26. Campbell is a lead candidate for an OUA first-team selection after leading Windsor in scoring this season.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold] Although the gesture was only worth two points it truly agitated Lakehead on the court and on their bench. Both the T-Wolves shooting within and beyond the arch trailed over noticeably relative to the first half as they shot an abysmal 25 per cent from the field, whereas the Lancers connected on 45 per cent of their shots and knocked down 33 per cent of their threes, as well as 87 per cent from the free throw line.

Isiah Osborne scored 16 points and hauled in 11 rebounds on the night as the other Lancer with double figures.

In addition to Dinkins 10 points, Nick Burke also scored 10 points as the only other Lakehead player to scored double figures.

The next afternoon the Lancers outlasted a scrappy Algoma squad 80-69 to close out the regular season and extend their win streak to nine games.

Both teams benefited from a balanced attack with each team having four players score double figures. For Windsor it was rookie sensation Osborne who led the Lancers with 20 points while Kovac

scored 15. Campbell chipped in 12 and rookie Lucas Orlita joined in with 10 points.

Pushing back offensively for the T-Birds Andre Barber knocked in 15 points, Brett Zufelt and Adam Benrabah scored 11 apiece and Sean Clendinning finished with 10 points.

Although Windsor’s 6’6” forward Tyler Persaud scored five points and secured four rebounds for the Lancers against Lakehead before adding nine points and six rebounds to the victory of Algoma, the Toronto native plays a key role for the Lancer with his extremely athletic and lengthy presence. Whether it’s tipping balls loose, altering shots or most importantly helping the Lancers to control the boards at both ends, his contribution to the over all outcome will be significant.

“It’s taken me a while to buy into what the coach has been asking of me all season, but I’m finally getting around to it,” Persaud said. “Despite my height I used to prefer playing on the perimeter

but because we no longer have any true power forward or centre since the graduation of Evan Mathews [in 2015] and Lien Phillips [in 2014] I’ve been asked to stay down in the post a lot more.”

When asked if Persuade could just be the ex-factor needed of the Lancers to make Alex Campbell’s final year as a Lancer, that special “One Shining Moment” that all players dream of during March Madness, coach Steer said with this team and at this time of the season - anything can happen.

“If we defend our home basket and rebound as we must anything can happen with this team,” Steer said. “We have asked a lot of Tyler in particular his need to come up bigger for us in the paint and although it has taken a while he is definitely showing signs that he along with others have bought into our defense minded approach. Which will ultimately lead to the offense we need, and are capable of, to succeed.”

With that the 5th-seeded Lancers, who have turned a 5-6 start into a 14-6 finish,

sit atop of the OUA West and a recent honorable mention in the CIS Top 10 and will host a first-round playoff game against the 12th-ranked seeded Laurentian Voyageurs before their home crowd this Wednesday, Mar. 2. If and when they prevail - as they are favored to do - they will take on the 4th seed McMaster Marauders in Hamilton over the weekend.

The winner of that game will punch their ticket to the Wilson Cup Final Four hosted by the CIS no.1 ranked Ryerson Rams at the Mattamy Athletics Center in old Maple Leaf Garden beginning Mar. 11.

For coach Steer and his coaching assistants Matt Devin and Geuff Parent and recruiting coordinator Barry Amlin who have done a phenomenal job, this will be a return to glory as he was the point guard who led the team to it’s last OUA championship in 2007-08 under Chris Oliver, a man who built such a strong program that it succeeds to the extent it has under the tutelage of his protégé while he is on sabbatical.

18 //

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Lancer Men’s Track and Field Dominate At OUA Championships BRETTHEDGES Sports Editor __________________________ Another year, another OUA team championship for the Windsor Lancer men’s track and field program.

The blue and gold captured their 23rd provincial title in 26 years this past weekend inside the recently re-named Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse at the St. Denis Centre Feb. 27. Windsor ran, hurdled, jumped and threw their way to a dominant victory for the men’s title by racking up 174 points over the two-day competition, 31 points ahead of the second place Guelph Gryphons who finished with 143 points. On the women’s side, Guelph captured the team title with 178 points, ahead of the Toronto Varsity Blues in second with 131 points and the Western Mustangs with 130 while the Lancer women finished fifth overall with 77.5 points.

In his first year as head coach of track and field, Brett Lumley said it was a fantastic to see a great group effort from both the men and the women and to see all of their athletes performing to their capabilities.

“All of our coaches got together and worked together as a team and that’s what we expect our athletes to do,” Lumley said. “Everyone performed the way that they could have and they did.

They left it all on the track and the numbers showed up.”

In the final OUA meet of his career at Windsor, Paul Janikowski raced his way to a first place finish in the men’s 3,000 meter in a time of 8:18:07. To close out day one, the Lancers’ 4x800 meter relay team compromised of Corey Bellemore, Joe Kagumba, Taylor McArthur and Nick MacMackin earned a gold medal with a stellar performance, crossing the finish line in 7:36:02. Midway through day two, Lancer men’s 4x200 meters relay team of Jaiden Brown, Chris Kramer, Javon Harding and Ildemaro Ponnambalam won the team’s final gold at OUA’s with a time of 1:28.74.

Lancer team captain Eli Pawliw threw 16.62 in men’s shot put to earn a gold medal in the event while teammate Brett Boersma finished in second with a distance of 16.40. Despite a fifth place finish in the weight throw the day before, Pawliw also broke the school record with a throw of 16.72 meters after the previous record had been held by Lance Montigny since 2003 with a distance of 16.40. Rookie thrower Brandon Dobson would also heave a personal best toss of 16.11 meters to place seventh in the event.

Chris Kramer sprints down the home stretch during his leg of the 4x400 metre relay at the OUA championships at the Dennis Fairall Fiedlhouse Feb. 27. The Lancer men blew away the competition to the win the overall team title by over 31 points.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold] Pawliw admitted he is still learning the art of weight throw but said setting the school record in the event combined with the OUA gold medal in shot put was humbling. The third year Burlington native added he and his fellow teammates have a lot more left for the CIS championships in two weeks where he, Boersma and Andrew Vermette are ranked 3rd, 4th and 7th in shot put.

“We have a lot of depth and we’ve been training together for three years so there is a lot of camaraderie and we’re going to battle every single day in practice,” Pawliw said.

A Lancer captain as well, Bellemore would also grab three silver medals for Windsor at the OUA’s, beginning with a second place finish in the men’s 1,000 meters run with a time of 2:23.13, behind only Sasha Smart of Toronto who broke an OUA record with a time of 2:21.10. The next day Bellemore finished second in the men’s 600 meters as teammate Alex Ullman rounded out the podium in third. To close out the meet, Bellemore teamed up with Matt McLaughlin, Kramer and Windsor’s

top sprinter Brown in the 4x400 meters to take home the silver medal with a time of 3:19.61.

Also earning silver was Branden Wilhelm, who cleared 2.10 meters but barely knocked the bar off at 2.16 meters to finish second in men’s high jump. In the men’s 1,500 meters, running mates McArthur and Janikowksi also took home the silver and bronze medal with respective times in 3:53.32 and 3:54.13.

In the meet’s final event and sealing Windsor’s victory were pole vaulters Chris Waugh and Milos Savic,who cleared 4.95 meters each but could not reach the 5-metre mark on this day, finishing second and third overall.

On the women’s side, Windsor took home five combined medals. Rachael Wolfs took home the silver medal in women’s pole vault by clearing 3.80 meters, behind only Western’s Robin Bone who cleared 4.05 meters. In the women’s shot put, Windsor sophomore Sarah Mitton won the silver medal with her heave of 15.20 meters. In women’s weight throw, Lancer team captain Jill Van Damme took fourth place in

the event with a season’s best toss of 16.70 while teammate Jordana Badley-Costello finished in fifth at 16.60 well below her season best toss of 17.95 meters. Leanna Garcia placed eighth and ranked 12th in CIS with her season’s-high performance of 15.21 meters.

Windsor’s Virginia McLachlin won silver in the women’s ambulatory 60-meter race with a time of 10.10 seconds while standout distance runner Stefanie Smith earned a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000 meters race with a time of 9:56.80.

In her best series of jumps all season, Caitlin McClurkin won bronze in the women’s long jump with a season’s best 5.80 meters. Lancer teammate Emily Omahen fell just outside of the podium in fourth place with a best jump of 5.68 meters and was also a member of the fourth place women’s 4x200 meter relay team featuring Mariah Wilson, Courtney Rivait and Tichina Jones who finished just off of the podium with a time of 1:42.20. Later in the same day the 4x400 meter team of Wilson, Omahen, Jones and Stephanie Shaw put up

a gutsy effort to edge out Guelph at the finish line by .01 seconds to finish in third place with a time of 3:55.29.

Now athletes will wait to see if their performances can allow them to crack the CIS top 12 in their respective events and earn a ticket to the national championships in Toronto. The York Lions will play host to the meet, which will take place over three days, beginning Mar. 10 and concluding Mar. 12. As he looks forward to his first CIS track and field championship as head coach, Lumley said coming out of OUA’s without any injuries was crucial.

“CIS is a three-day meet instead of a two-day meet so different athletes will be doing events and being healthy is the key, plus they’re sharp which is good,” Lumley said. “We’re going to look at the other conferences and see where they are at but I’m confident in our guys.

We’re very strong and we’re healthy so we’ll put it on the track and see what happens.”

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA //

19

Jasmin Kerr competes in the women’s high jump for the Windsor Lancers during the OUA track and field championships at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Ayo Agusto of the York Lions 4x400 metre relay team at the OUA track and field championships at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse in Windsor.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Matt McLaughlin of the Windsor Lancers during the men’s 4x400 metre relay race at the OUA track and field championships Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Milos Savic attempts to clear 5.05 metres in the men’s pole vault event at the OUA track and field championships at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 27. Savic finished the meet in third place behind teammate Chris Waugh, both both failed to clear the 5-metre plateau.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

Devan Primeau of the Windsor Lancers hurls himself down the runway during men’s pole vault event during the OUA track and field championships at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 27.

[Photo by // Kevin Jarrold]

20 //

MARCH 3 2O16 • UWINDSORLANCE.CA

Lancers Re-Name “Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse” To Honor Coaching Legend BRETTHEDGES Sports Editor __________________________ In a room almost as big as Dennis Fairall’s heart, the University of Windsor bestowed an honor worthy to a man who taught so much to thousands of track and field athletes, coaches and officials around the world over the past 30 years and continues to do so today.

During an event at Caesars Windsor to celebrate Fairall, who was affectionately known as “the Big Dawg” and took a long-term medical leave from UWindsor Oct. 2015, an announcement was made by University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman the St. Denis Centre was to be re-named the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse Feb. 25.

Two days later as he watched the Lancers men win an OUA track and field team championship for the 23rd time in 26 years he said even after the hundreds of outstanding achievements he accumulated over a stellar career, he was truly humbled to be standing in a building named after himself.

“Well I’ve only spent 30 years here and the building was built in ‘81 so that is only a majority of the time,” laughed Fairall. “But it was a very big honor and a very big surprise and it was certainly a pleasant surprise from the University.”

Over 300 people from across Canada and the United States came to honor the remarkable contributions of one of the most decorated coaches in Canadian University sport history. Among the countless All-Canadian athletes such as Mike Nolan, Missy McCleary, Jamie Adjetey-Nelson and Melissa Bishop were countless members of those many championship Lancer teams that remembered him for believing in their abilities while pushing them to bring out the best in themselves.

As a tribute to their beloved coach, many current and former Lancer track athletes decorated a corner of the room to symbolize ‘Lancer Corner’, a section of the campus track complex where countless people would gather at home meets over the years to cheer on their fellow teammates. Fairall said he was thrilled to finally be able to stand in Lancer Corner and was brought to tears by how many people came to the event.

“I’ve never been in Lancer corner because I was always on the infield as head coach so now I can say that I did that,” said Fairall as he grinned from ear to ear.

“The amount of people there was overwhelming and by the end of the night it was truly special.”

Fairall, widely regarded as a pioneer of track and field in Canada, led Lancer teams to 25 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships, 46 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) titles and was been honored 65 times as either CIS or OUA coach of the year in track and field or cross country. His Lancer teams won 22 of the past 25 provincial championships in men’s track and field and 17 provincial championships in women’s track and field from 1990-2015.

Fairall began his coaching career in

Dr. Michael Khan, Dean of Human Kinetics at UWindsor presents longtime Lancers track and field coach Dennis Fairall with a token of appreciation from the University for his 29 years of coaching. The picture is of ‘Lancer Corner’ a section of the camus track complex symbolic in school history of the team atmosphere Fairall molded at Windsor over his legendary career. The University of Windsor renamed the St. Denis Centre to the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse at an event at Caesars Windsor to celebrate Fairall Feb. 25.

[Photo by // Edwin Tam] his hometown of Tillsonburg in 1974 when he founded the Tillsonburg Legion Track Club. He remained the club’s head coach until 1985 until joined the University of Windsor and immediately began to build a perennial powerhouse.

Fairall coached a number of national teams and served as head coach of Team Canada at the 2005 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships held in Windsor which earned it’s highest medal count in the history of the event at the time.

Lancers cross country head coach and middle distance coach Gary Malloy said he met Fairall as a student in 1985 and as an alumnus and former athlete. He said it’s great to see him recognized for developing the track and field program to what it has become.

“It’s a great honor for a great guy,” Malloy said. “When he got here indoor track and field was kind of in it’s infancy in the OUA and CIS and he was able to set the standard for excellence and for team-building. And not just track and field and cross country but also in the sense of the whole track and field community here. He had a vision, he knew what he wanted to do and he executed his plan to a ‘T’ because the legacy he has left us with is fantastic.”

Though he has left the Windsor coaching staff, Fairall remains a founding member of the Lancer family and continues to coach Canadian middle distance runner and UWindsor alum Bishop, who has become a star over the past year. Bishop won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games and set a new outdoor Canadian record in the 800 meters last summer while also cap-

Janet andDennis Fairall thank over 300 in attendance at an event at Caesar’s Windsor Feb. 25 celebrating the longtime Lancer track and field coach. The announcement was made by University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman St. Denis Centre Fieldhouse at the University of Windsor is being re-named the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse, to honour the remarkable contributions of one of the most decorated coaches in Canadian University sport history, who took a long-term medical leave from UWindsor in October 2015.

[Photo by // Edwin Tam] turing a silver medal at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing with a time of 1:57.52. Last week, Bishop broke her own Canadian record twice in three days, setting a new mark at the Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix Feb. 18 in 2:00.19.

After nine years, Bishop refers to the

success of the track and “theirs” and together she said the goal is to make it to the 800 metres final of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil and “see where the chips fall.”

“I am so honored to work with such a kind and humble man ... every race

I run and every success I have is a testament to his hard-work,” Bishop said before she look at him with a smile and added. “We have a big year ahead of us Big Dawg. Don’t get too comfortable by not coaching 120 kids anymore because we still have some business to take care of.”