Homecoming and going

So I’ve had just over 4 days to go over the events of our last game and there is really not much to say, it was just another tough day at the office. We as a team had another game where at times we showed we can be a great team, but also had a few moments that can’t help but justify our 0-4 record. But like any week win or lose the guys have come to practice this week ready to work and improve upon last week's result. From a practice standpoint this week did not have the best of starts, not for the performance on the field, but for the performance of the sky. The rain came and went but made sure our equipment was damp and the balls were slick throughout, and as the rain fell I couldn’t help but think back to former blogger and teammate Tom Kuchiran who made reference to Mother Nature in a blog last October 27th.

Aside from practice, last week’s game also had the distinction of our annual homecoming game. The game and weekend are a celebration for the team and the school, for us the players it is a chance to meet some of the team’s alumni. Personally I got to reunite with some old friends and former teammates who came for the weekends events. To name a few it was a pleasure to see Nick Scissons, Andrew Nagy, Devendra Maharajh, Scott Syvret, Curtis Merrick, and from how I remember him what can only now be described as half of Keith Dauper. (Who by the way voiced his displeasure for my blog, but was quick to deflect questions about his past doughnut giving habits. It’s ok Keith I’ll work on it and I still love you or what’s left of you.) Also a special shout out to former left guard, stats crew legend and my own personal pregame wardrobe consultant Connor Smith.

As a team we had the honor of getting a pregame speech from former Stinger and CFL hall-of-famer Rocco Romano. He delivered some inspiring words and it was not until I started to write this that I felt bad we did not come through with a win for him and the rest of our alumni. Nonetheless this year’s edition of the Concordia Stingers would like to extend our thanks to Rocco for his words and to all the fellow alumni for their support, not just this past weekend but throughout the season.

On a personal note the game marked a chance for me to play against a fellow St. Ignatius of Loyola (Oakville) alumni, Kwasi Nkansah, who is the starting safety for the X-Men.

This week we will once again take on the Sherbrooke Vert et Or, this time at home. The game is the annual Shrine Bowl which helps to benefit the Shriners Hospital. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. or 13:00 local time this Saturday and it would be great to have a packed house so come on out Stinger fans and support the team it would be very much appreciated.

P.S. For those of you who check the regular updates on “The Quarterback” Robert Mackay’s twitter page, I find it quite fascinating that the man has so many post about TV yet does not have cable. Just saying.

Complex a buzz with Stingers

As the football team is busy making the final preparations for our game against Sherbrooke, I can’t help but notice that sports are in full swing once again at Concordia.
At any given time throughout the week you are sure to run into a number of athletes as you pass by the athletic complex.

If you pass by the weight room you can find athletes fine tuning their physique making sure they are at their physical best come game time. Many of us proudly display our team apparel as we perform our various workouts.
Quick Fact: If you happen to notice many of us football players in the weight room late in the week and all we are working on is our arms, chances are we have a TV game that weekend.

Then we have our athletic therapy room where you can find a number of athletes rehabbing from various injuries making sure they are able to play come game time. Sean, Matt, Bruce as well as our student therapist do a great job taking care of us, and of course from time to time Dr. Cedric Ferdinand may pop in to offer up a quick diagnosis. Although it should be noted that Cedric is not a medical doctor or a doctor of any kind, but he maintains, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”
Quick Fact: Since the departure of Nathan Agadzi a former linebacker with the Stingers football team the therapy staff now has an additional 10 hours a week to treat athletes.

Further along in the complex we have the sports information office where you are bound to run into an athlete or two from time to time. Athletes can be seen chatting, discussing game events, giving quotes or feasting on the assortment of goodies always present in the office. Although occupied by Catherine, Eric, Gabriela, and Daniel, you may get to witness the rare occurrence of Rob Mackay working away in the office.
Quick Fact: All game programs and event passes are hand-made by Rob Mackay. (Artwork not included)

Then of course we have the hockey arena the basketball court and the two fields outside but the only thing going on in those places is sports. But as mentioned before these sports are in full swing so at various times you may be able to witness any of Concordia’s teams practicing. Although it should be noted that the hockey and basketball teams have not yet started league play so to catch a game you’ll have to head out to the field.

As for our football team we will be traveling to Sherbrooke to take on the Vert et Or this Saturday kickoff is at 7pm or 1900.

Nothing But Class

After 17 days of training camp and the first week of the season under our belts the 2009 edition of the Concordia Stingers football team finally got a chance to hit something other than the football field, their opponents, or themselves… Of course I am talking about the classroom and for a few unlucky ones the books. I say unlucky because nobody likes homework on the first day of class but it happens.

Yes the start of the school year marks the main component in the life of the Student-Athlete, for as much fun as it is to be a varsity athlete most of us will go on to be professionals in something other than sports.

But with school comes a whole new set of stresses like what to wear to class, who will I sit beside, I hope the other kids like me, projects, assignments, papers, tests, and exams.

No one said balancing school and sports would be easy, but for this years crop of Stingers both new and old it is a challenge we all embrace with open arms and an open mind.

Best of luck to everyone and have a great school year.