Wiky Invitational
Usually, running coaches have a hard time keeping their runners warm enough before their run, but last Thursday at the annual Wiky Invitational, coaches had the exact opposite conundrum. Thanks to an early-fall heat wave, with temperatures approaching the high Celsius 20s some runners had a hard time regulating their internal heat.
In the first of the annual Manitoulin cross-country challenges, eight Island and North Shore schools were on-course at the Rainbow Ridge golf course in Manitowaning. In what were the most beautiful conditions in written, W.I. memory. At the end of their amazing day Central Manitoulin Public School was crowned as the 2016 overall team champions. Finishing in a close second and third were Gore Bay’s CC McLean and Wikwemikong’s Wasse Abin.
Individually, in the eight and under girls’ division the medal winners were: Mya Balfe (CMPS) 1st, Samantha Mackenzie (CMPS) 2nd and Sapphire Case (APS) 3rd. Similarly, in the eight and under boys’ race medalists included: Rylan Pennie (APS) 1st, Jackson Noble (AB Ellis) 2nd, Jack Bridgeman (CMPS) 3rd.
In the 9 – 10 girls’ Ava Assinewai (CMPS), Maren Kasunich (Lakeview), Jasmin Colwell (CC Mclean). The boys’ was an exciting affair with Davin Deschenes (LCPS), Brodie Pennie (APS), and Mathis Bredin (APS) completed a 1-2-3 podium.
Avery Sutherland, now of A.B. Ellis, broke the tape for the 11 – 12 girls’ division, with Amber Wiwchar (CC McLean), Victoria Trudeau (Wasse Abin) taking the rest of the podium. Sporting the medals for the boys include: Trent Bell (CC McLean), Liam Bridgeman (CMPS) and Bay Migwans (CC McLean).
Unfortunately, in the 13 plus division no school had a complete team so several individual names were not sent to the score table for acknowledgement. Congratulations to all the medal winners! Here are the names submitted. Francesca Pheasant (Wasse Abin) 1st, Sierra Pangowish (Wasse Abin) 2nd, no runner submitted for 3rd. In the boys’ race an A.B. Ellis runner just edged Owen Duncanson of CMPS right on the finish line to earn the silver medal. Unfortunately, there was no score sheet submitted for the third place runner. Many of the local runners will compete tomorrow at Shawanosowe’s Bobcats Invitational in Birch Island with the Manitoulin championships on the next Thursday, October 20 being the last meet of the year. No snow please!
Manitoulin High Performance Coaching Symposium
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, an amazing opportunity is coming up for all Manitoulin hockey coaches who want to tap into the potential of themselves as leaders and their future players. Finally details have been released and the clinic is coming to Little Current on October 28 and 29. Headlining by well-known presenters the Manitoulin Tourist Association (through Trillium Ontario) is sponsoring a hockey education clinic for all hockey coaches as well as those contemplating coaching this year. The first 35 who register will be accepted. There is no fee as the organization’s proposal wanted to encourage all to attend. They would especially like to inspire female coaches as girls’ hockey is on a monumental rise in Canada for coaches and players. The symposium is supported by both the Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association and the Manitoulin Panthers.
Among the presenters are: Dr. Randy Battachio, sports psychologist, who will be speaking on “Mental Performance.” Randy has worked with Junior, University and OHL clubs. The goaltending coach of the Sudbury Wolves Miguel Beaudry (himself a former Wolves goalie) will be presenting a session on “How to incorporate Goaltending Drills into the Regular Practice.” Corey Bricknell, head coach of the Elliot Lake Wildcats Jr A (a former member of the Barrie Colts and a Minor-pro player), will speak on “developing a Defensive System.”
“Every Coach is a Manager” will be the presentation by Todd Stencil, general manager of the Wildcats and longtime Jr A coach as well as an assistant coach in the OHL. Todd is a member of the NOHA’s “High Performance Coaches Association. His session will address the fact that Head Coaches need to know all aspects of coaching a team to be successful. Todd is an excellent student of the modern game. There will also be some on-ice sessions to demonstrate practical drills. These sessions will be divided into age groups so that coaches will experience drills appropriate to the various age levels. This portion of the symposium will be under the direction the RHP Hockey Academy and presented by Jim Emmett, long-time hockey school expert. Local athletes such as Nick Esposto (OHL) and Jesse Peltier (NOJHL) will be among those assisting Mr. Emmett.
The presentations hope to give any dedicated coach some practical advice on how to coach Minor Hockey. Participants will be treated to a couple of meals and will also be eligible to win other prizes. Since registration is limited and the event is quickly approaching organizers urge you to register ASAP. To do this, please contact Shelba Millette at the Manitoulin Tourist Association 368-3021 or by e-mail at mta@manitoulin.net, Lawrence Enosse at the Wikwemikong Youth Centre, 859-3597 or 859-3552 (Fax). You also can phone Larry Leblanc at 377-4673 or e-mail, larrycleblanc@yahoo.ca. If you desire to be a better coach and wish to help your athletes to develop their skills please register early.
Island alumni
Many of you will remember former little Current referee Dan Smith who now lives in the Grimsby area. He was a frequent official at house-league and Manitoulin Panthers games, always doing an excellent game. Dan’s son Matthew is an awesome cross-country runner (in the Manitoulin tradition!). He recently finished 16th in the Grimsby, District Finals despite falling early in the race. What a great example of perseverance: getting up, brushing yourself off and carrying on. Good for you Matthew, never give up!
A good sport is good for sports
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