Sports opportunities contribute to student experience at Lakehead
January 15, 2014 - Orillia, ON
Lakehead University opened its doors in 2006 and within one year the student body wanted to become more involved in sports. The first Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves team – men’s hockey – was established in 2007. In that first year there were just 20 student athletes donning the Thunderwolves uniform. That number has since grown to almost 100 athletes participating with six different University affiliated teams: men’s and women’s hockey, co-ed soccer, men’s basketball, equestrian and dance.
The men’s hockey team opened the 2013-14 year for Lakehead University with the Orientation Cup in September. They had the support of the school as they took on the Georgian Grizzlies in front of a capacity home crowd at Rotary Place. Brodey Marshall, a first-year Business student, and men’s hockey player, said the team appreciates the support the school and classmates have given the team.
“The start of the year was very promising… as a player, it’s always fun to have people cheering you on, and I hope that we can get more and more fans to come out to help support the team when hockey picks back up in the second semester.” The team has used this support to get off to a 6-1-0 record in Super League play with Georgian.
The women’s hockey team brought in a new coach this year – Trevor Ritchie, whose goal is to have the team qualify for the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Challenge Cup. Coach Ritchie runs his teams with a positive and competitive attitude. “I look for players who are coachable, work hard and enjoy coming to the rink and having fun!” The team is currently competing, and winning, in tournaments against other universities and colleges, including Georgian College teams.
This is the first year Lakehead University has fielded a co-ed soccer team. Although the team began with a slow start, they have since found a rhythm, winning their last two games. The team is currently playing in a competitive league in Barrie and this semester will begin tournament play against other universities and colleges. Brianne Martin, a second year Concurrent Education student, said: “Being part of a co-ed team creates a more competitive atmosphere, but once we’re on the field we just play.”
The men’s basketball team has welcomed 10 new players to this year’s squad, including a trio from Winnipeg: Casey Blanca, Joshua Magpantay and Chrisson Xue. This is just Lakehead’s second season. The Thunderwolves began play last year as an exhibition team and struggled, compiling a 1-7 record. This season, Lakehead Orillia’s first year as a member of the Ontario Colleges Committee on Campus Recreation, the team has dribbled into contention, sporting a 4-8 record in league play despite not having a home gym. The squad plays all of its 25 games on the road and uses Orillia’s YMCA for early morning practices.
The equestrian team is currently competing in the Ontario University Equestrian Association in both English and Western style riding events. Joanna Chute of Rushmount Equine Sports is the English style coach and is very proud of how the team has done so far; “We are putting Lakehead Orillia on the scoreboard and have a chance of making it to the championships at the end of the season." Kelly Simpson coaches the riders in Western style and said, “Our team is developing essential skills that will definitely take our riders to the next level.”
Lakehead Orillia also has a dance team, started in 2011, which competes in two events during the second semester each year. Nicole DePoorter, fourth year Environmental Sustainability student and team captain, said: “We have been a team for three years now and even though our numbers are small, we have a strong group of girls who have significantly improved over the years, as well as newer members who have brought a lot to our team.”
Being a student athlete has a huge impact beyond that of just participation in a competitive sport. Students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills, communication, time management, and overall as an individual. Students gain practical experience balancing their schoolwork with a commitment to their teammates.
Rebecca Dimoff, a second year Business student and member of the equestrian team, said that being part of athletics while at school has enhanced her university experience. “Being involved with the equestrian team has been an incredible experience. This opportunity has helped me develop my leadership and teamwork skills, and also further developed my self-confidence.”
Trevor Boucher, a first year Criminology student and member of the basketball team, added: “Being on the men’s basketball team had made my school experience much better. It has helped my time management skills, and also a great way to meet new people.”
Lakehead University athletics continues to grow each year. After being announced as an official member of the Ontario College Athletic Association last spring, the school is looking forward to developing more sport opportunities. As the school adds more teams, it will only increase the amount of enthusiasm and school sprit the entire student body shows for the Thunderwolves.
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Sidebar:
New Athletic & Recreation Facilitator
Neil Quinn is the new Athletic and Recreation Facilitator at the Orillia campus. Neil replaces Liz Ross who left the University last fall to pursue new career opportunities. Neil is a valued member of the Lakehead community, having formerly held positions in Student Affairs and Admissions & Recruitment. He has been actively involved in coaching Lakehead's men's extramural hockey and brings much expertise and enthusiasm to the portfolio. To find out more about Lakehead athletic and recreation activities, or to check on upcoming tournaments and competitions, visit lakeheadu.ca (event calendar) or email orathlet@lakeheadu.ca.
Neil Quinn, new Athletic and Recreation Facilitator at Lakehead Orillia.
Members of Lakehead Orilla’s men’s basketball team, Daniel Jelani of Scarborough and Casey Blanca and Joshua Magpantay of Winnipeg, represent the growing number of Lakehead “Thunderwolves” competing for Lakehead University’s Orillia campus.