Kick off to the 2012-13 season!

September 23, 2012

Shannon [Walsh]'s Scoop:

Wow. 4th year already! It seems like only yesterday I was a naive first year walking into the great unknown they call "university". Three years have flown by, and with my forth season already getting started, I can tell it will go by quickly as well.  Although the team has transformed a lot since I started, the names of people on the team are remaining fairly consistent.  Now, with a bunch of baby-Shannons on the team, I finally understand the troubles all the Katies were having before!

One tournament down, and we are already getting a good feeling of what the 2012-13 season is going to be like! This past weekend at Ryerson University has been a success in getting to know each other both on and off the court.  A 3rd place finish tells two things: 1), not too shabby! and 2), still lots of room for improvement.  The short turn-over this week before Winnipeg will involve plenty of reps and preparation for the tournament this upcoming weekend.

The fun we were having while playing translated over into the downtime we were spending with each other between games.  Between homework and tv-shows and dinners with family, we had three days stuck together on a bus and in a hotel to be around each other! A big thanks to Ali Shamie's family for inviting us over to have post-game sandwiches and h'orderves!  I'm sure they were appreciated greatly after a big win against Windsor on Saturday night.

Here's our first team photo from the den at Ali's house, just after a little presentation "Gagnam Style".  Lookin' good!
 
 
[Can you spot the special guest in the photo?] 

Until next weekend --

Take care!

Shannon.

Waiting for game day

One of the most profound emotions I've felt this season has been impatience. Not with athletes or coaching staff or administration. They have all been exceptional - as usual. It's odd, since as a coach I've always felt like slowing things down was the best option since we usually want MORE time to work on strategies and tactics before the actual performance demands of a game.

No, this season has been different for many reasons. Not the least of which is because we're so darn excited to play! At times I think that it would be nice to slow things down and to savour the moments I treasure with players - a chat on the bus, the brillance of seeing a player be successful in the application of a new skill, the last pass before the try, the redshirts working their tails off so they can be on the field next year, an in-depth conversation about strategy with one of my coaching colleagues - and then I think of how far away game day is and just want to hit the fast forward button.

And, man...it's only Wednesday...7pm kickoff at Trent this Friday!

Women's Basketball - Game Report

Hi Folks,

We have our first game under our belts as we hosted St. Lawrence College of Kingston as part of our Alumni weekend festivities. We dressed 14 players for the game (Meaghan MacDougall is still rehabilitating her legs) and each managed to record a point (we scored 74 to St. Lawrence’s 29) and all but one recorded a rebound (67-37 on the boards). No question, adding size to our roster helped in this category, which included 19 offensive rebounds.

See the game report at: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/news/2012/9/22/WBB_0922124851.aspx?path=wbball

Following the game, we had our Reception and Silent Auction, with over 70 people in attendance. We recognized team members from the 5 year block (1980-81 to 84-85 teams) including: Ellie Jones-Cleave, Kelly Massingham (now Pfenning), Karen McComber (now Graham), Jenny Quail (now Pendlebury), and Lynn Southcott. Kelly spoke on behalf of the group, entertaining the gathering with stories from her playing days. Apparently, me driving a 15 passenger van, in the dead of night, in the middle of winter, was not a highlight of their careers. How things have changed.

Our Silent Auction was another huge success, thanks to the generosity of our parents, family, friends, and the local business community who generously provided auction items. And, of course, to those in attendance who bid on the fantastic items up for auction.

Last weekend we held our annual team retreat at a cottage on the St. Lawrence River. It provided the perfect setting to begin our team-building process. No question, this group has a great sense of humour!

This Friday/Saturday (September 28-29) we will be hosting the 27th Annual Tricolour Basketball Tournament for High School Senior Girls. Sixteen teams from across the province will compete for the championship including local teams from Frontenac, LaSalle, Regi & Bayridge High Schools.

Up Next on the Road:
October 12-14 – Bishop’s Tournament (Lennoxville, Quebec)

Up Next at Home:
October 19-21 – Queen’s Tindall Tournament (Queen’s, Trinity Western, Guelph & UQAM)

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Cheers,

Dave.

Women's Basketball - Update

Hi Folks,

We are underway and I am confident the season will be a very exciting one. Our roster was officially selected earlier this week and includes:

Name Pos. Ht. Elig. Hometown

Liz Boag G 5-3 3 Kingston
Emily Hazlett G 5-6 1 Fredericton, NB
Rachael Urosevic G 5-7 2 Kitchener
Lisa Minutillo G 5-8 3 Brantford
Laura Baker W 5-10 1 West Vancouver, BC
Gemma Bullard W 5-10 2 Guelph
Meaghan MacDougall G 5-9 3 Martintown
Maria Gill P 6-1 1 Holland Landing
Sydney Kernahan P 5-11 4 Calgary, AB
Nicole Morse P 6-0 1 Cottam
Hanna Koposhynska P 6-2 4 Toronto
Robyn Pearson P 6-0 1 Toronto
Jenny Wright W 5-10 2 Kingston
Emma Stallwood W 5-11 2 Hamilton
Claire Endicott P 6-1 1 Guelph

Head Coach: Dave Wilson (31st season)
Assist. Coach: James Bambury (1st)
Assist. Coach: Bob Freeman (3rd)
Student Trainer: Gillian Kyle & AleksandraVelickovic


Our first game is scheduled for Saturday, September 22 at 4pm vs. St. Lawrence College (recent change) as part of our Alumni Weekend events. Our Alumni vs. Alumni game will precede this at 2pm. Following our game is a 6pm Reception & Silent Auction at Alfie’s Pub on campus, where you will have an opportunity to sample four different wines from a local winery, The Grange and two different local beers from Barley Days brewery. We have a huge array of auction items ranging from electronics to clothing to sculptures, gift baskets to gift certificates and more. To register for the event please go to: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/sports/2011/8/19/WBB_0819114220.aspx?path=wbball

Minor adjustments to the Alumni Weekend events : Ford is not able to provide the vehicle testing as planned, and Morrisville State did not receive NCAA sanctioning for their out-of-country trip. As mentioned above, St. Lawrence College will be our opponent – with the added benefit of featuring some other great local talent. Registration for the event, in addition to a game ticket and access to the Reception & Silent Auction, also secures you a free Yoga session Sunday morning in the ARC.

We have also established our exhibition games in Puerto Rico at Christmas, playing UPR Rio Piedras on December 29th and UPR Bayamon on January 2nd.

It is a busy September as we head off to our cottage retreat this weekend to continue the team-building process. Next weekend is the Alumni weekend (Sept. 22-23), followed by our annual High School basketball tournament on the 28th & 29th. The players organize and run the 16 team tournament.

That will take us through to Thanksgiving weekend, where the players will enjoy a chance to catch their breath before beginning the heart of our exhibition schedule.

First up will be a trip to Lennoxville to play in the Bishop’s University tournament (October 12-14).
Follow our complete schedule on our web site at: www.queensbasketball.net

Lastly, we are in the midst of launching a new Facebook page – should be up next week. A search of: Queen’s University Women’s Basketball should find us.

That’s it for now.

All the best.

Dave.

2012 Season underway

Here we go again. Another season is upon us. With it, come expectations of success. Our long-term team goals are clear. Our short-term team goals are clear. Individual goals are set. We now must work together to achieve them, and leave everything on the pitch day in and day out.

Home opener is today (September 2, 2012) @ 2:15 p.m. at new West Campus Turf Field. Come support your Gaels Men's Soccer Team.

Our time is now...

Women's Rugby 2012

Hello all,

After a whirlwind two week training camp and tour, we are ready to finalize our preparation for the 2012 OUA season. We started training earlier than ever in an effort to prepare for our exhibition tour to Alberta this year - the players are prepped and ready to go and the coaching staff is focussed on how to achieve our potential this year.

The Alberta preseason tour was facilitated with the help of the University of Lethbridge and University of Calgary. While in Alberta, we were able to run joint training with the Pronghorns and their staff and contested a scrimmage and game during our stay. We also were able to do a short sightseeing side trip to Waterton Lakes National Park for great photo opportunities! We finished up back in Calgary for our final exhibition and had a guest coach, Graeme Moffat, come to work with the team.

The team is feeling well-prepared and focussed going into our first game with Brock University. Game time has been changed to 5:30pm to facilitate officials and lighting. Please come and join us for the first game on the brillant new Nixon Field!

All the best,
Beth

Women's Basketball Update

Hi Folks,

Lots to catch you up on this time around. It has been a very busy and productive summer.

We have just finished interviews for the full time assistant coach position. This whole process had been delayed as the new union for Staff members came into effect (although coaching positions are not part of the union). I am very pleased to announce that James Bambury, former head coach of the RMC women’s program, will be joining our program effective immediately. This is a huge gain for our program, to have someone of James’ skill, knowledge and passion. Please see the university press release at: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/news/2012/8/20/WBB_0820124733.aspx?path=wbball

Our Alumni (& friends) Event on Saturday, September 22 is all set, including some new events.

The Ford Motor Company of Canada is jumping on board to help support our program. From 11am to 5pm on Tindall Field parking lot, everyone (with a valid driver’s license) will have an opportunity for a FREE test drive. They will also be demonstrating the vehicle’s new features, including “park assist.” For each test drive, Ford will donate funds to the Women’s Basketball program! Have you driven a Ford lately? :)

The day’s schedule is as follows:

11:00am to 5:00pm (anytime btwn – should take about 15min.) Free Test drive a Ford motor vehicle (Ford will donate to the women’s basketball program with each test drive – limit 1/household)
2:00pm to 3:30pm Alumni vs. Alumni game (Main Gym – ARC)
4:00pm to 5:30pm Queen’s vs. Morrisville State (Syracuse) (Main Gym – ARC)
6:00pm to 8:30pm Reception & Silent Auction (with local wine & beer tasting) at Alfie’s Pub (next door to the ARC) We will be honouring the players/coaches/managers from the 1980-81 to 1984-85 teams with guest speaker Kelly Pfenning (nee Massingham).
SUNDAY – 9:30 to 10:30am Yoga class (Studio 4 in the ARC – 2nd floor)

The cost is $25 and includes:
*Ticket to the Queen’s vs. Morrisville State game
*Ticket to the Reception & Silent Auction including complimentary hors d’oeuvres
*4 “taster” tickets to sample wine from “The Grange” and/or beer from “Barley Days” , both local businesses
*Access to the Silent Auction tables
*Free 1hr Yoga class (Sunday, September 23rd 9:30am in Studio 4 – ARC)

To register for the event, please go to: https://advevents.queensu.ca/cgi/page.cgi?_id=3&action=viewdetail&event_id=1136

We hope everyone; friends, alumni & family will come out and support this event.

Our season schedule has undergone some minor changes (mostly in response to RMC withdrawing from the league). Up-to-date schedules can be found on our web site at: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/schedule.aspx?path=wbball&

Brittany Moore, having graduated with her teaching degree this past Spring, is now settled in Germany, having signed a Pro contract to play for the Quakenbrueck Dragons. We are all thrilled to see Britt be able to extend her amazing basketball career in Europe. Please see the press release at: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/news/2012/7/31/WBB_0731123903.aspx?path=wbball

Basketball Camps got underway on August 20 just in time to prime the athletes for the upcoming school year. August 20-24 is for youngsters entering Grades 2 to 5, while the Basketball Academy follows the week of August 27-31 for those entering Grades 6 to 8. Registrations can be completed on-line at: www.gogaelsgo.com or in person at the Customer Service desk in the Athletics & Recreation Centre.

I’m very anxious to get our players back on the floor beginning next week as well. With 6 rookies and 9 returning players it should be a very exciting season.

That’s it for now.

All the best.

Dave.

Training Camp 2012 Update

Good evening,

With training camp well underway, I wanted to offer a brief update to all followers of the varsity men's soccer team.

Day 1 of camp consisted of fitness testing, including the Cooper's Test, the Arrow Test, 10 and 25 meter sprints, vertical leap, broad jump and the Beep Test. Athletes demonstrated a commitment to off-season conditioning as test scores improved from last year. The squad is stronger, faster and more agile than in previous years thanks to the hard work of our Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rodney Wilson, and his staff. Having players return fit has allowed us to focus on team play in preparation for our US exhibition tour - a 3-night, 4-day tour to compete against Le Moyne College, Hobart College, and, for the third year in a row, Cornell University.

Please check out our men's soccer website at www.gogaelsgo.com/soccer-m for the latest news and updated results of our US tour.

Until next time...

Coach Gencarelli

Gearing Up For The New Season

It is unbelieveable that 4 months have past since my last entry!    Where has the summer gone?   With holidays behind me, I am starting to prepare for our upcoming selection process, the team-building stage and the 2012-13 season.

We have five very good recruits coming in, and I expect that there will be a very competitive open tryout as well, as there is still room for one or two more players to earn their way onto the squad.

In case you haven't seen it on facebook for the website, here is a brief synopsis of the incoming class.

Ivo Dramov – 6'3” – Libero – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Dramov has spent the last two years as a member of the Bulgarian Youth National Team. At the 2011 World Youth Championship, he helped Bulgaria to a sixth place finish, finishing second in total digs with 103 and third in digs per set (3.32). Earlier, he helped Bulgaria to fourth place at the 2011 European Championship, and second place at the 2010 Balkan Championship, where he was voted best Libero.

Markus Trence – 6'4” – Outside Hitter – Orangeville, Ont. / Robert F. Hall C.S.S.
Trence joins the Gaels from Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary in Orangeville, and the Mississauga Pakmen club. A highly sought-after recruit, Trence is a big banger with very polished all-around skills. In his five years of club and beach volleyball experience, he showed impressive aggressiveness and tactical intelligence.

Matt Golas – 6'5” – Outside Hitter – Etobicoke, Ont. / Father John Redmond C.H.S.
Golas is a member of the national team program in Beach Volleyball, and will compete on the OVA and National Beach tour this summer with future teammate Aaron Nusbaum. Inside, Golas has played for both the Toronto West Volleyball Club and the Toronto Thunderbolts. He also attended the OVA High Performance Centre last season.

Will Hoey – 6'10” – Middle Blocker – Brampton, Ont. / Mayfield Secondary
Hoey also attended the OVA High Performance Centre last season, and played with Trence on the Mississauga Pakmen. He helped the Pakmen to fourth place at last year's 18U National Championship. This summer, Hoey will represent Canada at the U19 World Beach Championships, only the sixth Gael to have this opportunity.

Austin Payne – 6'3” – Outside Hitter – Kingston, Ont. / Regiopolis-Notre Dame
Payne is already a champion, having led Regiopolis Notre Dame to an OFSAA gold medal in 2010, and silver in 2011. At the club level, he was team captain and MVP of the Kingston Pegasus for four years, attended the OVA High Performance Centre twice and was co-captain of Region 6 at the Ontario Summer Games.

We will have a young team next season, at least in terms of CIS experience. We will definitely have a new look, but I think we will have all the makings of a very good team. Our squad will have great size, great athletes, great people and youthful enthusiasm.   

We will need quite a few matches to get to the point that we are playing like veterans, so our priority is to play as many matches going into the season as possible.   We will hold an alumni game on September 15th, head to The Leasebank Invitational at Ryerson on the 28th of September, then play hosts to Guelph for a couple matches on Thanksgiving weekend, then we will host our annual invitational on the 12-14th, and finally; we will head up to Montreal for a few matches on the 19th of October.

With these 12 matches, before the season starts, I believe we will be able to sort out our line-up options, develop both experience and cohesion, and give ourselves a good chance at being ready for the league to kick-off.

This could be the biggest team I have ever coached (in terms of height), and it poses to be a very strong team, in time.   The big question is simply, how much time?

With almost all of our top guys leaving, most positions are available and every athlete will have a chance to step up and own a key role. That internal competition for spots on the floor makes for great intensity, and I'm excited to return the program to that environment.

Bring it on!!!

Women's Basketball Update

Hi Folks,

A little overdue for another basketball update.

I am very pleased to report that three of our players were named Academic All-Canadians for this past year (attaining at least an 80% average): Jenny Wright (1st year Science), Sydney Kernahan (3rd year Commerce) and Brittany Moore (Faculty of Education) – an outstanding accomplishment!

June 16th marked a special day as upwards of 20 basketball Alumni players (& coach) from the 1970s gathered in Kingston to tour the campus and don their basketball gear for a scrimmage on the hardwood. Current players served as tour guides and videographer for the event and very much enjoyed hearing the stories of their predecessors on the team.

Our 6 incoming rookies made the trip to Kingston in late May to acclimatize themselves to Kingston and their new teammates. The weekend proved very fruitful as players began to familiarize themselves with each other’s style of play and team bonds began to form. I am very much looking forward to working with this group starting in late August – they will be well worth watching come game time.

Looking ahead, details regarding the Alumni event on Saturday, September 22nd are progressing nicely. Each year, we would like to honour and recognize a specific group of student-athletes. For this year, we have selected the players, coaches, managers from the following five teams: 1980-81 to 1984-85. I am planning on sending a personal invitation to all members of those teams, however, our records are somewhat incomplete. If you have contact with anyone from those years, please let me know or pass along the information to them – thank you.

On Wednesday, June 27th, RMC announced the cancellation of their Men’s & Women’s Basketball programs effective immediately. This does impact our program in a fairly significant way. We no longer have a “partner” school, which means that our two-game weekends will be against teams that will only be playing one game (against us). This, of course, affects pre-game scouting (teams are only preparing for us on a weekend, while we have to prepare for two teams) and conditioning (our second game of the weekend will be against a team that rested (and possibly watched our game) the night before. Before RMC came into the league, we were the “single school” on a number of occasions, including both years we won the east championship – so I think we will manage.

That’s it for now – have a great summer!

Dave.