FPEH News
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s and women’s swim teams swept both titles in the second annual Swim Canada University Challenge Cup held on November 27.
Eight of the top Canadian university teams took part in an exciting showdown in Varsity Pool, but when it was all said and done, U of T and UBC finished 1-2 in both the men’s and the women’s team races.
“With all the local and national rivalries that exist between some of these teams, we were able to create some great early-season racing and an exciting atmosphere for the swimmers“, said Varsity Blues head coach and meet director Byron MacDonald. “It was a lot of fun.”
Toronto started out with upset wins in the very first individual event. Blues captain Cam Cummings (Oakville, Ont.) and first-year swimmer Andrea Jurenovskis (Timmins, Ont.) won their respective 100m backstroke races.
“Those swims really got the team fired up,” said MacDonald. “They both swam lifetime best times—this early in the season, it was impressive.”
While U of T had the lions share of the victories, including double gold by Jurenovskis, second-year swimmer Poppy Ruksys (Kingston, Ont.), Mississauga native Sasha Theron and 2008 Olympian Colin Russell (Burlington, Ont.), there were some fantastic finishes by other individuals.
Redman swimmer Steven Bielby in the 200m IM, Laval’s Nicholas Murray in the 100m IM, and UBC’s Martha McCabe and Rory Biskupski in the 100m breaststroke and 100m butterfly all won their races in convincing fashion.
The swimmers are in town this weekend and will also compete in the Canada Cup swim meet in Etobicoke. This event features nearly 500 of the top senior level swimmers in all age categories.
FINAL SCORES:
MEN:
1. Toronto 230
2. UBC 221.5
3. Laval 184
4. Dalhousie 171
5. Ottawa 169.5
6. McMaster 169
7. McGill 158
8. Guelph 143
WOMEN:
1. Toronto 247.5
2. UBC 227.5
3. McMaster 198
4. Guelph 184
5. Dalhousie 153
6. McGill 139
7. Waterloo 136
8. Laval 127
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Nov 27/08 - Faculty honours top achievers
Reception for Scholars celebrates exceptional students
Over 200 FPEH students, friends and families convened on November 24th at the Isabel Bader Theatre for the 2008 Reception for Scholars ceremony. The awards celebrate the academic and leadership achievements of some of the Faculty’s brightest students.
Awards were handed out by donors, friends and faculty members to students based on their academic merit, leadership skills and contributions to the community.
Fourth-year students Jaymie Sampa and Danielle Lobo opened the evening with an engaging presentation about their recent internship with the Physically Active Youth (PAY) program in Namibia. The program promotes physical activity as a tool in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, allowing Danielle and Jaymie to apply the theories they learn in the classroom.
During the awards ceremony, standout new students were welcomed to the Faculty with the Dean’s Entrance, Jean Forester and Donald H. H. MacKenzie scholarships. Students who have significantly improved their grades over the past year were also acknowledged. Strong community leaders were also awarded. Top graduate researchers were also celebrated for their contributions to the field of exercise sciences.
Many of the evening’s honourees were members of the Physical and Health Education Undergraduate Association and the Exercise Sciences Graduate Student Society. Outstanding student researchers in the graduate and undergraduate departments were also acknowledged.
“These students achieve academic success in the classroom and contribute to their communities through extracurricular activities, athletics and volunteer work,” says Bruce Kidd. “They represent the true philosophy of this Faculty.”
For a list of award recipients, click here.
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In his final season as a member of the Varsity Blues football team, quarterback David Hamilton capped off his career by becoming the 23rd recipient of the Russ Jackson Award when the CIS annual football awards were handed out Thursday, November 20th at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
The Mississauga native is the first Varsity Blue to receive the prestigious Russ Jackson Award presented since 1986 to a player who exemplifies the attributes of football skill, academic achievement and citizenship.
“It is an honour to receive such an award and a fantastic way to finish my university football career,” said Hamilton in his acceptance speech. “I want to thank my family and friends for sticking with me through all of the down times; to my teammates for their support and friendship; and to coach DeLaval – it was an honour to play for you this season.”
The fifth-year pivot helped the U of T snap a 49-game losing streak with an 18-17 season-opening win over Waterloo, and had a career day in week three throwing for 465 yards and four touchdowns to garner CIS player-of-the-week honours. He finished the campaign with 2,139 yards through the air, becoming only the second Varsity Blue in history to reach the 2,000-yard plateau after Hec Crighton-winning quarterback Dan Feraday in the early 1980’s.
As a human biology major, Hamilton’s scholastic achievements have been just as impressive. He was a 2007-08 academic all-Canadian, the recipient of the Faculty of Arts and Science Racozki Award (for highest standing in an independent study on international economic history), a two-time recipient of the football award of merit, winner of the 2008 Maynard captain’s award, and a University of Toronto Bronze T-holder award winner for excellence in athletics and academics.
Hamilton volunteers with the Paediatric Ward of the Toronto East General Hospital, where he spends two to four hours per week counseling and entertaining children. He was the top fundraiser for Athletes in Africa in a friendly competition between York University and the University of Toronto, an organizing member of the on-campus Christian organization, Athletes in Action, and a volunteer with the Evergreen Youth Shelter where he spent time counseling at-risk teenagers.
“David is a constant reminder to me personally on how to have balance and perspective in my own life,” said Toronto head coach Greg DeLaval. “I am inspired by the fact he is an outstanding student-athlete who is strong in his faith and a believer in service. He has remained steadfast as a captain of the Varsity Blues during an extremely adverse period of time for the program. He is a special person that handles adversity and leadership very well.”
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The University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimming team recorded a first-place finish at the Campbell Division Championships November 15-16 at Varsity Pool.
The Blues finished with 1871 points, 336.5 points ahead of their division rivals Western Mustangs.
“We had a comfortable lead, which wasn’t a surprise,” said head swim coach Byron Macdonald. “We’ve had several best times today, which is a sign we are moving in the right direction.”
Andrea Jurenovskis (Timmins, Ont.) led the Toronto women’s team, picking up two gold and two silver medals. Jurenovskis defeated 2007-08 OUA swimmer of the year Hayley Nell (London, Ont.) from Western in the 200m freestyle and finished first in the 100m backstroke. She also placed second in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle events.
Fourth-year fine arts student Sasha Theron (Mississauga, Ont.) also had a good performance, finishing first in the 50m and 100m butterfly and third in the 50m freestyle and 200m individual medley (IM).
Other top female performances included Poppy Ruksys (Kingston, Ont.) and Kristin McIllroy (Milton, Ont.) with three medals apiece and two from Toronto natives Heather Maitland and Kaleigh McKinnon.
Melanie Davis (Brantford, Ont.), Stefanie Hassell (Calgary, Alta.), Maxine Bacher (Cornwall, Ont.), Brittney Scott (Alma, Ont.) and Jen Wilson (Oakville, Ont.) round out the eleven Toronto women who medalled at the meet.
In men’s action, Oakville natives Cam Cummings and Zach Chetrat led the way for the Blues. Cummings picked up first-place finishes in the 400m IM as well as the 100m and 400m freestyle events. Chetrat claimed the gold medals in the 200m butterfly and the 100m and 200m backstroke. He also picked up a silver medal in the 50m backstroke.
Serguei Bagrianski (Richmond Hill, Ont.) earned the gold in the 50m butterfly and added two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. Stevan Kalaba (Toronto) dominated the breaststroke events, winning the 100m, and placing second in the 50m and 200m. Luke Hall (Swaziland, AFR) finished first in the 50m freestyle and second in the 100m freestyle.
“Luke was a surprise addition to the Toronto team when he moved here last winter,” added MacDonald. “He’s a fantastic addition to our team - he’s always very upbeat, trains hard, and he’s getting fast.”
Other medalists on the men’s side included Frank Agueci (Woodbridge, Ont.), Curtis Samuel (Etobicoke, Ont.), Mike Smerek (St. Catharines, Ont.) and Troy McDonald (Toronto).
The Toronto women also won two of the three relay events, while the men picked up gold medals in all three of their relays.
The Varsity Blues host the SNC University Challenge Cup on Thursday, November 27 at Varsity Pool. The action is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.
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Oct 28/08 - OUA acknowledges some standout Blues
Megan Brown, Cailie O'Hara and Danielle Greene at the top of their games
Varsity Blues fourth-year standout Megan Brown claimed the women’s individual title, upsetting the defending OUA and CIS champion Lindsay Carson at the 2008 OUA cross country championships on Saturday, October 25. For her performance, Brown was named this year’s cross country MVP.
A Physical Health and Education major, Brown also helped the University of Toronto women’s cross country team earn a silver medal at the Fort Henry Hill course in Kingston.
In the women’s 5km race, the Guelph, Ont. native dominated the field with a time of 17:26, 34 seconds ahead of pre-championship favourite Carson, to claim her second individual OUA title. She won her first OUA cross country crown in 2006.
BLUES TOP PERFORMERS
DANIELLE GREENE - Danielle Greene of the University of Toronto won her third straight individual gold medal at the OUA women’s golf championship at Crosswinds Golf Club, Oct. 20-21, leading the Varsity Blues women’s team to a bronze medal.
Greene (Gananoque, Ont.) was tied for the lead following a fabulous opening round of 72, and then pulled away from the field with a final round of 78 in frigid and windy conditions to claim the title by five strokes. For the second year in a row, the fourth-year Physical Health and Education student defeated Waterloo Warriors golfer Tiffany Terrier, and Cheryl Beech of the University of Western Ontario placed third.
It was the second victory of the fall season for Greene, who was named a first-team OUA all-star on the strength of her performance in the championship and in tournaments throughout the season.
CAILIE O’HARA - For the second consecutive year, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Cailie O’Hara (Oakville, Ont.) is the OUA Player of the Year after Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced their 2008 all-stars and major award winners on Thursday, Oct. 23.
On top of setting up the game-winning and insurance goal in the OUA semi-final game, the fifth-year Criminology student was also named a first team all-star for the fifth year in a row. She was the Blues most valuable player of the game in the championship final, leading her team to a conference title and a berth in the CIS field hockey championship at the University of Victoria, Oct. 30- Nov.2.
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Over 300 student athletes, family, friends and faculty gathered in the Grand Ballroom at the 89 Chestnut Residence on Monday, October 20th to celebrate the many academic and athletic successes at U of T during 2007-2008.
The ceremony acknowledged students who excelled not only in their sport but in the classroom and their communities. Faculty of Physical Education and Health alumnae and Olympian Jennifer Button emceed the event, joined by Blues head swim coach and sports broadcast commentator Byron Macdonald.
Eighty-three athletes received their first colour “T.” This honour, given on behalf of the T-Holders association, recognizes students who achieved athletic success while at the same time maintaining an honours standing or its equivalent.
The Roy McMurtry Football Award of Merit was handed out for the first time to fifth-year receiver Cory Kennedy. The award was established by the Friends of Football and named after the Honourable Roy McMurtry, a Blues alumnus and Chief Justice of Ontario.
U of T welcomed many successful first-year student athletes for the 2008-2009 season, including the 12 recipients of the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Athletic Awards of Merit, were also recognized at the event. A complete list of the all Academic Excellence honourees can be found here.
“Each year I have the privilege of attending this ceremony, and each year I am amazed by what our student-athletes can accomplish,” says Liz Hoffman. “Their commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom is inspiring. They go above and beyond every day.”
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The Varsity Blues tennis teams have a lot to be proud of with an OUA title and top coaching accolades. The men’s tennis team defeated the York Lions 5-2 on Saturday, October 18, to win the University of Toronto’s first OUA championship of the 2008-09 season.
The last time the men’s tennis team won the coveted title was 2001.
The Varsity Blues men’s tennis team defeated the McMaster Marauders 6-1 in semi-final action and plays the winner of the York Lions and Waterloo Warriors in the OUA final, tomorrow (Oct. 18) at 3 p.m.
The women take on the Université de Montréal Carabins tonight at 7 p.m. in their semi-final. The matches are hosted by the Western Mustangs in London, Ont.
2008 OUA all-star Rob Schmidt (London, Ont.) led the way with a win in his doubles match as well as in singles play. Number two Schmidt, partnered with Cameron Starratt (Bedford, N.S.), defeated Lions number two doubles team of Stan Faynberg (Thornhill, Ont.) and Anthony Rakic (Toronto, Ont.), 8-2.
The fifth-year Education student also took on the Lions number two, Tomo Ono (Toronto, Ont.), and beat him handily 6-2, 6-3. The Varsity Blues number three, four and five tennis players; Rowan Thompson (Toronto, Ont.), Aamer Javed (North York, Ont.) and Starratt also picked up wins, defeating their respective opponents.
Javed was the only winning Blues player that was pushed in his three sets (1-6, 7-5, 7-6). Thompson defeated Faynberg 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and Starratt blew away Matthew Porter (Toronto, Ont.) 6-1, 6-3.
In Friday afternoon’s semi-final matches, the second-seeded Blues defeated the Université de Montreal Carabins 6-1.
All three Toronto doubles teams were successfully in their matches. Following that, number one Stan Szczepanski (Toronto, Ont.), number two Schmidt, number three Thompson, number four Javed and number six Arren Skandarajah (Toronto, Ont.) were tested, but all five prevailed, putting the Blues into Saturday’s final.
Blues tennis head coach Nabil Tadros has been recognized by his peers as both the men’s and women’s OUA coach of the year for the 2008 season.
After finishing out of playoff contention in 2007, Tadros guided the men to an impressive 4-2 regular season record that has them tied for second in the OUA and in contention for their first championship since 2001.
With eight players in their first or second year, Tadros helped lead the women’s team to a fourth-place finish during the regular season and has them ready to capture the OUA championship title this weekend for a fifth year in a row.
During his tenure with the Varsity Blues tennis program, Tadros has led the Blues to 15 OUA tennis titles. He has been with the program since 1984, becoming the women’s head coach in 1998 and the men’s head coach in 1999.
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The women’s cross country team was voted No. 1 in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) top ten national rankings this week (Oct. 6).
Under the direction of head coach Ross Risstucia and assistant coach Jill Mallon, the Blues women’s squad has taken home the team titles in two of the three races so far this season.
The Blues won the Don Mills Open in Waterloo two weeks ago, as well as the Queen’s Invitational in Kingston this past weekend. Megan Brown (Guelph, Ont.) broke the Queen’s Invitational course record and finished first in the women’s 5km race, posting a time of 17:09, while Erin McClure (Waterloo, Ont.) claimed the silver with a time of 17:54. Tamara Jewett (Toronto, Ont.) also ran a great race, finishing fourth with ! a time of 18:11.
The Varsity Blues men’s cross country team also moved up in the rankings this week. After finishing second at the Queen’s Invitational, the squad jumped five spots and is tied at No. 3 with the Western Mustangs and St. Francis Xavier X-Men.
Mike Delmonte (Guelph, Ont.), Etienne Bredin (Oakville, Ont.) and Jeff Barr (Burlington, Ont.) led the Blues men’s team to a second-place team in Kingston. Delmonte recorded a 10th place finish with a time of 33:25, Bredin finished 12th in a time of 33:31 and Barr was close behind in 15th place finishing with a time of 33:54.
Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams travel to London on Thursday, October 9 for the Western Open and St. Catharines on Saturday, October 18 for the Brock Open before heading to the OUA championships back in Kingston on Saturday, October 25.
In other CIS rankings, the men’s soccer team stayed put at No. 6 this week, while a 2-0 loss to the Nipissing Lakers dropped t! he women’s soccer team two spots to No. 6.
The Blues take on the Ryerson Rams on Wednesday, October 8 at Varsity Centre. The women’s action begins at 7 p.m. with the men to follow at 9 p.m. The men play the Queen’s Gaels on Friday, October 10 at 6 p.m. in their last home game of the season, while the women host two important matches against the No. 4 Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday and the Laurentian Voyageurs on Sunday. Saturday’s match begins at 2 p.m. and Sunday’s is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team is ranked No. 6 this week, as they opened their season with a 2-0 win over the Brock Badgers and a 2-1 overtime shoot-out victory over the No. 9 Guelph Gryphons.
The Blues travel to Waterloo on Saturday, October 11 to take on the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. and then return to Toronto on Sunday, October 12 for their home opener against the Windsor Lancers at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 5:00 p.m.
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The University of Toronto Varsity Blues soccer teams moved up in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national rankings this week.
The women climbed four spots to number four, while the men jumped two spots to number six in the country.Under the direction of interim head coach Eva Havaris, the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team has risen to the top of the CIS ranks and now holds the second best record in Canada.
They have tallied 26 goals for while only allowing two against. This past weekend, the Blues crushed their opponents, recording 5-1 and 6-0 victories over the Trent Excalibur and the RMC Paladins, respectively. With a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Blues currently sit atop the OUA with a 7-1-0 record.
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The deadline to submit nominations for representatives on the Council for Athletics and Recreation (St. George campus) has been extended to Wednesday, October 1st at 5:00pm.
There must be one male and one female representative on CAR and one of the two must be a part-time undergraduate student.
Both positions are for a term of seven months (October 10, 2008 to April 30, 2009).
The council is responsible for overall athletics and recreation policy including: allocation of funds to program areas and staffing, rental and fees policies.
Nomination forms are available online, in the main office or program office at the Athletic Centre and in room 2083 or 1060 of the Warren Stevens building. Nomination papers must be filed at one of these offices.
For full information, please contact the Chief Returning Officer, 978-2136.
For more on CAR, or to download the nomination forms, click here.
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| The University of Toronto Varsity Blues soccer teams went undefeated in OUA action this weekend. The No. 7 Blues men’s team scraped by with a 1-0 victory over the No. 2 Carleton Ravens while the Blues women’s team trounced the No. 7 Ravens 4-0 on Sunday, September 21 at Varsity Centre.
The men’s game proved to be a back-and-forth battle, with both squads producing quality scoring chances. Defence was a key asset as the first half remained scoreless.
The Blues came out on fire in the second half, itching for that elusive first goal. Things were looking grim until Blues rookie sensation Dylan Bams (Fanny Bay, B.C.) drove through three Ravens defenders and slipped one past goalkeeper Arjun Langford (Oakville, Ont.) to put the Blues up 1-0 in the 88th minute of the match.
Blues first-year goalkeeper John Smits (Mississauga, Ont.) stepped up and earned the shut out for his squad.
The Blues victory ends the Raven’s OUA East regular season 31-game winning streak.
In women’s action, the Blues got on board quickly as Jenessa Banwell (Toronto, Ont.) took a centering pass from Jennifer Siu (London, Ont.) and beat Ravens goalkeeper Kate Shaughnessy (Ottawa, Ont.) in the first minute of the match.
Erica Basso (Richmond Hill, Ont.) tallied the next goal for the Blues off a pass from fifth-year veteran Lindsay Lashley (Ottawa, Ont.) to put the Blues up 2-0 at the half.
Carleton rallied in the second half, but could not put one past Toronto goalkeeper Mary Anne Barnes (Scarborough, Ont.). In the 74th minute, Siu took advantage of being wide open and sent a booming shot into the Ravens net.
Juliana Bergin (Barrie, Ont.) scored in the 87th minute off a beautiful cross from Siu, securing the 4-0 victory of the Blues. Siu tallied one goal and two assists in the win.
On Saturday, the Varsity Blues men’s and women’s soccer team travelled to Peterborough, Ont. to face the Trent Excalibur. The women came away with a 5-0 victory, while the men drew to a 0-0 tie.
Nav Deol (Mississauga, Ont.) scored first for the Blues women’s soccer team, heading a corner kick from Banwell straight into the Trent net. Laura Machado (Mississauga, Ont.) notched the next goal off a cross pass from Christina Fantozzi (Richmond Hill, Ont.) giving the Blues a 2-0 lead at the half.
Jackie Miklovich (Aurora, Ont.) fed Shirley Ho (Calgary, Alta.) for the Blues third goal of the game, while Laura Arduini (Mississauga, Ont.) scored on a penalty kick midway through the second half. Gwen Kern (Aurora, Ont.) rounded out the 5-0 victory for Toronto.
In men’s action, Toronto and Trent drew to a 0-0 tie. Although the Blues recorded numerous shots on net, they could not find a way past Excalibur goalkeeper Navi Sidhu (Peterborough, Ont.).
The Varsity Blues soccer teams return to action next weekend (Sept. 27-28) when they take on the Trent Excalibur on Saturday and the RMC Rams on Sunday at Varsity Centre. On both days, the men kick off at 1 p.m., with the women to follow at 3:15 p.m. |
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On Saturday, September 13th the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health is honouring the 1993 Vanier Cup team with a special presentation during the halftime festivities of the annual Red and Blue Bowl.
With several confirmed attendees, including the 1993 Churchill Bowl MVP Mario Sturino, Lou Tiro, the 1993 CIS President’s Trophy winner as the country’s outstanding defensive player, and the 1993 Vanier Cup MVP Glenn McCausland, this is sure to be a memorable moment as they approach the 15th anniversary of their national championship title.
1992 OUA Coach of the Year and Blues head coach from 1988-2001, Bob Laycoe, and his wife Sue are making the trek across Canada to attend and rekindle this storied event in Blues history.
The Varsity Blues are also honoured to have Nick Volpe, a football operations consultant with the Toronto Argonauts, on hand this Saturday. Nick will present the Argonaut Cup to the winning team of the Red and Blue Bowl.
As per usual, U of T is please to offer first-class performers as well as some excellent promotions that include Paramount movie passes, Vanier Cup giveaways, Wilson prizing, and a chance to kick you way to Cancun, Mexico, courtesy of Breakaway Tours.
All of this with a lot more in store for this Saturday’s OUA football match-up featuring the visiting York Lions (0-2) and the Toronto Varsity Blues (1-1). The action takes place at Varsity Centre (299 Bloor St. W). Game time is 1 p.m.
For more ticket and promotional information, please visit www.varsityblues.ca.
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The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team ended their 49-game losing streak as they defeated the Waterloo Warriors 18-17 on Saturday night at Varsity Centre.
The Warriors were up 9-1 in the third quarter when Scarborough, Ont. native, Matthew Morris, made a 92-yard kick off return that led to a Mark Stinson (Calgary, Alta.) touchdown two plays later to pull the Blues within one.
Waterloo responded minutes later when Evan Martin (Kitchener, Ont.) connected on a beautiful 19-yard pass to Joshua Svec (Blenheim, Ont.) for his second touchdown of the game that put Waterloo up 17-8.
The Blues did not give up and with 2:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, Toronto receiver Drew Meerveld (Guelph, Ont.) caught a touchdown pass, through traffic, from quarterback David Hamilton (Mississauga, Ont.) to narrow the score 17-15.
Hamilton kept the fire going as he found Michael Prempeh for a big 35-yard gain, his longest toss of the night, to put the Blues in field goal range. First-year kicker Andrew Lomasney (Toronto, Ont.) stepped up under pressure and knocked in a 32-yard field goal, with 26.2 seconds remaining in the game, to put the Varsity Blues up by one.
The final seconds of the game were not without excitement but the Blues held on for their first win in six seasons. The Blues last victory came on October 13, 2001 when they defeated the Windsor Lancers 13-11.
Hamilton completed 13 passes for 189 yards and Walter Cariazo (Toronto, Ont.) rushed for 76 yards. Meerveld posted three receptions for 67 yards for the Blues.
Running back Marvin McCoody (Mississauga, Ont.) rushed 13 times for 64 yards while Martin completed 21 passes for 375 yards and two touchdowns for the Warriors. Svec notched two touchdowns in his eight receptions for 375 yards against the Blues.
The Varsity Blues (1-0) travel to face the Windsor Lancers (1-0) next Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. The Waterloo Warriors (0-1) will host the McMaster Maurders(0-1) on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. as well.
Game winning FG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ-M9B_TNJ8
On the field post game celebration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PpSr2-HFa4
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Aug 29/08 - Welcome Back Students!
2008-2009 is off to an active start!
To our returning students — brace yourselves because St. George campus is busier than ever this September! New to U of T? Get ready! There’s a lot going on to help you get know some new people and help you figure out what’s here for you on your new home turf.
Here are some ways to get started!
Cheer on the Varsity Blues at the football season opener. The Varsity Blues face off against the Waterloo Warriors on Monday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. U of T students get in FREE! Click here for details.
Not sure what to do when you’re not hitting the books? Well, that’s what UTSU Day is for. Come out to campus on Friday, September 5th when hundreds of clubs and campus groups are set up on Front Campus, ready to answer all your questions. Look for the Athletic Centre/Varsity Centre booth at the north end, near University College. Click here for details.
Interested in joining a team that’s low on pressure and high on fun? Even if you’re a bit more serious about the game, with so many teams at various levels, there’s an intramural team that’s right for you. Learn more here.
Planning to stay in shape or get fit this school year? Get to know your options with a full week of FREE classes at the Athletic Centre – September 15th to 19th. Yoga, Jazz, Pilates, Cycle Fit — there really is something for everyone. Click here for details.
Have you ever watched the show The Amazing Race? Think you could handle the rush on a slightly smaller scale? U of T’s Active U program is going to get you strategizing, problem-solving and, of course, moving! Active U’s Campus Challenge will be held October 5th. Get your team assembled and sign up today! Click here for details.
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In an international field of older and more experienced gymnasts, 19-year-old Rosie MacLennan proved she’s a force to be reckoned with. The trampoline superstar finished third in her qualifying round on August 15th and advanced to the finals. Maclennan confidently bounced to a score of 35.50 to finish seventh out of the eight competitors in the trampoline final. Rosie’s teammate, 27-year-old Karen Cockburn, finished just shy of gold and is taking home the silver, her third Olympic medal in as many years.
For more on Rosie, click here.
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The Faculty of Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto invites applications and nominations for the new senior position of Assistant Dean, Co-curricular Physical Activity and Sport.
Click here for details.
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The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health (FPEH) announced today that Varsity Blues assistant coach Eva Havaris has been appointed the interim head coach of the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team for the 2008 season.
Beth McCharles, head coach from 2004-2007, has stepped down as the part-time head coach of the Blues soccer program in order to focus on completing her PhD in Exercise Science-Sport Psychology.
With an already accomplished coaching history, Havaris came to the U of T having served two years as head coach at Fanshawe College (2005-2007). The 2005 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) coach of the year, she led Fanshawe to two consecutive top-two finishes in league play, its first provincial championship in 10 years and a very successful fourth-place finish at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship in 2005.
Havaris has also been an instrumental leader as head coach of the London City Soccer Club’s U14 and U15 provincial championship teams, and served as an assistant coach with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs in 2004, where she helped guide the team to its first OUA championship in six years. She finished her own illustrious intercollegiate playing career with the Mustangs in 2003 after tallying a long list of awards, including being named the CIS player of the year in her final season.
“Eva’s resume speaks for itself,” states Liz Hoffman, Director of Athletics at the University of Toronto. “She is a young but accomplished coach with an incredible passion for the game. She will undoubtedly continue to develop and grow the Varsity Blues women’s soccer program.”
McCharles made an immediate impact upon her arrival at the University. She led the Blues to a 9-3-1 record and a bronze medal at the OUA championship in 2004 – a major turnaround for a team that saw only one victory in 2003. During her tenure, McCharles was named 2006 OUA coach of the year, while her squads produced four all-Canadians and 17 OUA all-stars.
“Beth did an incredible job as the head coach of our women’s soccer team,” says Hoffman. “We wish her all the best in her studies as she looks to complete a very demanding PhD program.”
A search for a full-time athletic instructor and women’s soccer head coach will begin in October 2008.
The Varsity Blues women’s soccer team finished the 2007 season as the runner-up in the OUA East division. The team lost a quarter-final match to the visiting Carleton Ravens in a shootout, ending their playoff run. Five players were honoured as 2007 OUA all-stars, while one – midfielder Erica Basso – was also named a second team all-Canadian.
U of T is set to host the 2009 CIS women’s soccer championship from November 12th to 15th at Varsity Centre, and will also host the CIS men’s championship in November 2010.
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Bob Howes and Greg DeLaval will lead the 2008 Varsity Blues football program. Liz Hoffman, the University of Toronto’s Director of Athletics, today announced the interim football staff for the upcoming season, with Howes serving as Director of Football and DeLaval as head football coach.
Under the interim model, Howes will guide the overall direction of the football program and DeLaval will oversee the on-field team operations and recruiting, reporting to Howes.
A national search for a full-time head coach will begin in October 2008.
“I’m just thrilled that Bob agreed to come on board as the Director of Football,” said Hoffman. “He brings such sheer football wisdom and invaluable experience to the table. His strong leadership and underlying knowledge of the Blues football program will be a tremendous resource as he guides the team through the 2008 season.”
Hoffman is also excited about DeLaval’s return to U of T. “Greg was a strong, positive influence on the team in his previous time with the Blues. He has extensive CIS coaching experience and knows our players well, having recruited a number of them. I know that both Bob and Greg will be huge assets to our football program.”
Howes and DeLaval previously coached side-by-side on the Blues staff in 2003 and 2004.
Howes, an offensive line and defensive assistant with U of T in 2003 and 2004, has a quarter-century of CIS coaching experience under his belt. The Thornhill native was the head coach of the Queen’s Golden Gaels from 1995 to 1999 and a two-time OQIFC Coach of the Year. Howes played on the offensive line with the CFL’s BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos from 1968 to 1981, and has five Grey Cup rings as a member of the Eskimos dynasty of the late-70s and early-80s. In his university days, he played at Queen’s on the offensive line.
“This struck me as a great opportunity to help further the rebuilding process of one of North America’s oldest football teams,” said Howes. “There’s a rich tradition here, an outstanding spirit among the veteran players, and a beautiful new stadium. I’m looking forward to this season. Appointing Greg DeLaval as interim head coach gives the Blues the best chance for success in the 2008 season.”
DeLaval previously served as the Blues full-time assistant during the 2003 through 2005 seasons, coaching special teams and receivers. He has spent the past two CIS seasons as the special teams coordinator and offensive assistant of the Calgary Dinosaurs. DeLaval played with the St. Francis Xavier X-Men, starting at wide receiver in St. FX’s 1996 Vanier Cup appearance and serving as team captain three times. He returned to his alma mater as assistant head football coach for 2001 and 2002. DeLaval has co-ordinated recruiting at St. FX, Toronto and Calgary, and recruited the core of the current Varsity Blues veterans.
“I’m excited to be back with U of T football,” said DeLaval. “There’s a strong commitment to revitalizing football at this school, and I look forward to helping return this team to its former glory.”
Dan Feraday, an executive member of the U of T Friends of Football, enthusiastically welcomed the interim appointments. “It is a positive step in the right direction. Bob’s football history speaks volumes to his leadership and ability to find success.” Feraday, a former Yates Cup winning assistant coach, and recipient of the 1981 Hec Crighton Trophy as most outstanding player in CIS football, noted he had coached with Howes and DeLaval in 2003. “I feel that together they stabilize our current situation with the abilities they bring and very importantly, with their familiarity with all facets of our current program: current players, current assistant coaches, current athletics administration and alumni.”
Returning veteran and team captain Mark Stinson has high hopes for the new leadership. “Both individuals are excellent choices and are very qualified. I came to U of T because of Greg DeLaval and I’m excited that I now have the opportunity to play for him, especially under the leadership of Bob Howes. I believe the two of them will make this transition a lot easier. They know most of the players, they know the program, and more importantly, they know the tradition. It will be a pleasure and an honour to play for them.”
Established in its current form in 1877, the Varsity Blues football program marked its 130th anniversary in 2007 with the opening of the new Varsity Centre, a state-of-the art, 5,000-seat stadium on the site of the historic Varsity Stadium. In 131 years, the Blues have won eight national championships (1895, 1905, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1920, 1965, 1993), and since the establishment of intercollegiate play in 1898 have won 25 Yates Cup conference championships.
Howes and DeLaval will renew acquaintances with Varsity alumni and friends at the annual Friends of Football Golf Tournament on Tuesday, August 5th at Glencairn Golf Club in Milton. For ticket information, call Bonnie Shepherd at 416-978-6944.
The Varsity Blues open their training camp on August 18th and kick off the regular season on Monday, September 1st when they host the Waterloo Warriors at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.varsityblues.ca or call Ticket Break at 1-866-9-GET-TIX.
2008 Varsity Blues Football Schedule
Sept. 1 - Waterloo at Toronto - 7:00 pm
Sept. 6 - Toronto at Windsor - 1:00 pm
Sept. 13 - York at Toronto - 1:00 pm – Red and Blue Bowl for the Argo Cup
Sept. 20 - Queen’s at Toronto - 1:00 pm – Shrine Game
Sept. 27 - Toronto at Guelph - 1:00 pm
Oct. 3 - Toronto at McMaster - 7:00 pm
Oct. 9 - Western at Toronto - 7:00 pm
Oct. 18 - Toronto at Ottawa - 1:00 pm
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Jul 02/08 - Drakich headed to Beijing
Blues volleyball coach will officiate at Olympic Games
Ed Drakich, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball coach, is the latest Varsity Blue bound for Beijing this summer as one of beach volleyball’s international technical officials for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Drakich will be a member of the control committee, a small group of people that are responsible for managing the entire tournament. This will be Drakich’s first Olympic Games in the capacity. He last attended the games as an athlete in 1996 in Atlanta.
During his time as an athlete at U of T, Drakich won two OUAA titles and a CIAU bronze medal. He was a four-time OUAA all-star and three-time CIAU first team all-Canadian, becoming the first Varsity Blues volleyball player, male or female, to earn a first team all-Canadian honour. Drakich was awarded the 1984-85 George M. Biggs Trophy for the male student who contributed most to athletics, sportsmanship and leadership while at U of T.
Beyond his time as a Varsity Blue, Drakich was a member of the national indoor team from 1985-88 and competed in the 1985 FISU Games and 1987 Pan Am Games. He was a key component of the National beach squad from 1989-96 and represented Canada with fellow Varsity Blues alumni Marc Dunn at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Upon retiring from competition, Drakich has adopted many important roles off the court. He has served as Ontario’s Beach Volleyball Director, a FIVB technical supervisor and Chair of Athletes CAN. As a FIVB technical supervisor, he has been a part of 45 tournaments around the world, most recently visiting China for the China Shanghai Jinshan Open.
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The University of Toronto is proud to announce that it will host a two-game international basketball series between Canada and Italy at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym June 24-25, 2008.
The Sports Gym, which is home to the U of T Varsity Blues basketball squad, will serve as an intercontinental stage when Canada’s development men’s basketball team hits its floor, featuring some of Canada’s best players from across the CIS and NCAA, including Josh Gibson-Bascombe (Ottawa), Boris Bakovic (Ryerson), Max Paulhus-Gosselin (Davidson College) and Kyle Landry (Northern Arizona University).
The University of Toronto is no stranger to international basketball, as Varsity Blues women’s team head coach Michèle Bélanger and assistant coach Mary Ann Kowal each have extensive experience playing and coaching for Team Canada. In addition, U of T men’s basketball head coach Mike Katz is a veteran of Canadian basketball, having served as an assistant coach on the national basketball squad during the 2000 Olympic Games and World Championships in 1993 and 2002. Katz also guided Canada’s team to a silver medal at the 1997 World University Games in Sicily, Italy.
Over two consecutive days, Canada will face an all-star Italian team composed of top-tier players culled from the country’s many professional and developmental basketball programs.
The event is expected to attract scouts and basketball fans from all facets of Toronto’s basketball community, including Maurizio Gherardini, vice-president and assistant general manager of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.
Tickets are $10 at the door and $5 for kids under the age of twelve. Children 2 and under will be admitted free. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. each evening.
This international series, which takes place just days after Athletics Canada announced its decision to hold the 2009 and 2010 Canadian Track and Field Championships at the state-of-the-art new Varsity Stadium, demonstrates the University of Toronto’s revitalized reputation as a premier location for athletic events.
For more information, contact Simon Yau at 416-614-8037 x 248.
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