Editor's note: President Alastair Summerlee welcomes comments on his column at president@uoguelph.ca.
The Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships couldn't have come at a better time. For starters, it's March in Ontario — need I say more? There have been days when it seems winter might last forever.
So the news that more U of G athletes than ever had qualified for this year's national championships provided a much-needed boost. More important, it was a reminder of just how talented and dedicated our student athletes are.
For the past few weeks, much of my time and thoughts have been focused on government funding issues and University-wide budget cuts. But the CIS championships remind me that, in the midst of budget-related worries, the spirit of Guelph perseveres. And nowhere is that more evident than in our student athletes.
It goes without saying that all our students contribute to the greatness of Guelph's character. I am always amazed and humbled when I hear stories about their accomplishments, efforts and dedication. Whether it's raising money for food banks, spending spring break building houses for Habitat for Humanity or organizing charity hockey games, our students have shown they are selfless and committed to improving the world around them, all the while excelling academically.
But I'd like to focus on our student athletes here because they are representative of the spirit, grit and determination that are embodied in all our students.
Many of you may already know that 50 of our best student athletes recently competed for medals, titles and recognition at national tournaments in wrestling, track and field and women's basketball. It would take this entire column to list the names and accomplishments of all the competitors, so I will highlight just a few.
In track and field, Neb Zachariah captured the national title in the women's triple jump. She also broke the U of G record with a 12.3-metre leap and won All-Canadian status, all of this in her rookie year.
Michelle Moody won a silver medal in the high jump with a 1.71-metre leap, and pentathletes Liz Akeroyd and rookie Brae-Anne McArthur won silver and bronze medals, respectively. Overall, the women's track and field team placed fifth, the best-ever national finish for U of G, and second in Ontario.
On the men's side, Greg Baril-Kennedy won the gold medal in the high jump, and rookie Pat Szpak won a bronze medal in the shot put, the first-ever throws medal for the Gryphons.
In wrestling, Craig Cox won the gold medal in his division, beating the CIS defending champion during the February nationals.
Our women's basketball team competed in the national championships for the first time in 25 years. Players Stephanie Yallin and Sharon Hollinshead were named to the OUA west all-star team, and Heather Angus to the west all-rookie team.
It's important to keep in mind that for every person who wins a medal or earns a trip to the nationals, there are dozens of other athletes on campus who are pushing themselves on a daily basis to be the best they can be, excelling both in their personal achievements and in supporting their teammates.
And they do it all while continuing to distinguish themselves as students. Last year, more than 100 of our varsity athletes received national and provincial recognition for maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent. It's a remarkable achievement, especially given that athletes dedicate 15 to 25 hours a week to their sport and many of them also hold down part-time jobs.
In addition, they are training in facilities that, for many years, have lagged behind in equipment and services, something we are working hard to remedy.
Despite it all, they persevere, relying on talent, heart and will to succeed. Note, for example, that our women's basketball team was among the youngest and least experienced on the court this year. All five of our starters are in their first year of eligibility. But they didn't let that stop them. They won the provincial title in March, finishing OUA play with a remarkable 16-game winning streak. All season long, they beat older, more experienced teams through sheer drive and determination, and they did us proud at the national tournament, placing sixth overall.
No matter how long winter weather hangs on or how absorbed I become by budget talks, I'll remember the dedication and tenacity of our women's basketball team, of all our athletes and of our entire student body. It will remind me that there's a greater purpose to my day-to-day tasks: providing these students who have made us all proud with the best training for life we can.
