Shorthanded women’s b-ball falls to Canada’s top team The Gee-Gees women’s basketball team had a strong win against the Western University Mustangs in London on Jan. 23 with a 79-43 win, followed by 76-47 loss 24 hours later in Windsor. “Going into the weekend with only nine players, we had a good win against Western, …
Saturday, Jan. 24 marked the second annual Sandy Hill Winter Classic hockey game open to all U of O students. It was picture perfect for organizers Evan Trofimchuk, Graeme Eastwood, Kyle Dunn, and Graeme Markell.
Meet Toluwalope Makinde—or Tolu, as most people know him—member of the men’s varsity track and field team at the University of Ottawa. Finishing up his last year at the Telfer School of Management, this quick-footed Gee-Gee—not to mention former national and provincial youth champion in the 200-metre dash—is bursting with talent both on and off the field.
Two years ago, Gee-Gees basketball superstar Warren Ward ended his five-year career at the University of Ottawa. In the time since, he practice in front of National Basketball Association (NBA) teams, signed to play professionally in Germany, and later went to play in France.
Now, he’s back in the place he calls home.
Both the Gee-Gees and Ravens were five and three after the first half of the season. Carleton was hot off a three-game winning streak, but the Gees were the better shooting team with 41 per cent compared to the Ravens’ 36.
Now a Gee-Gee alum, set to graduate in the spring in psychology and philosophy, Biocchi now trains solo. He’s self-motivated every day to overcome hard workouts and bad races. His training is intense and requires every last bit of focus to perform at his highest level during practice.
“I think Gee-Gees fans should be excited about this year’s team,” said Weldon. “We’re coming off a great Christmas training camp, and I think the Gee-Gees will surprise themselves with the improvements they’ve made.”
Last year, two University of Ottawa students began what they hope will be the “unifying” initiative for student athletes in need of mental health resources. Women’s basketball shooting guard Van Slingerland who went through her own mental illness two years ago, and co–founder graduate Samantha DeLenardo are now hosting Make Some Noise in order to educate coaches, athletes, and sports administrative population about Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI).
In the latest chapter of perhaps the best rivalry in Canadian university athletics, the nation’s top two teams clashed at Montpetit Hall on Jan. 10. The Gee-Gees have been known as the second-best team in the country for two years and finally overcame the top-ranked Ravens. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the hallowed “tobacco road” battles between Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
Getting back into regular Ontario University Athletics (OUA) season play on Jan. 11, the Gees took on the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay. Left side Kaly Soro was key for the Gee-Gees as they swept the match 3-0 behind her 10-point performance.
Big matchup against Carleton archrivals to go down Jan. 10
Gee-Gees women’s volleyball returns this January to serve up some competitive match-ups, starting with two exhibition games against McGill on Jan. 7 and Montreal on Jan. 9.
Transitioning into the next phase of the season, the Gee-Gees will open the second half by taking on the Carleton Ravens for the top spot in the OUA North. With the promise shown in midseason competition, there’s a chance the Gees could see a deep run into OUA playoffs, and possibly the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) final eight in March.
In what can be summed up as a disappointing end to the year—evident in the three-game losing streak—the Gee-Gees are in second last in their division, ranking fourth out of five teams, with Montreal leading the board and the Carleton Ravens in last place.
The right remedy to keep your sanity might be a winter adventure. Winter camping can be a great experience. It’s far from crowds and the busyness of the new semester, and it’s the perfect opportunity to test your resilience.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Nolette The Gee-Gees synchronized swimming teams did exceptionally well at the McGill Invitational, and have high hopes for the new year. The garnet and novice teams stood out with a second place standing, and the novice duet finished first at the tournament. “We are always at the pool trying to perfect …
The Fulcrum’s Cavalry Awards
As the cold days of winter holidays start, the pro sports world is perhaps at its hottest. The National Football League (NFL) is in the thick of its regular season as playoffs loom and the National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons are well underway and the stars are shining. While relaxing over the holidays, it’s the perfect time to catch a game, in person, or on TV. Here’s what to look out for.
Cardona found acceptance and respect from her team. Four years later, she and her teammates have joined the You Can Play project.
The women’s basketball team entered the Nov. 22–23 weekend games as the second highest-scoring team in the nation and, along with the men’s team leading the league, the Gee-Gees certainly earned their “U of Offence” moniker.
Nicole Lachance placed fourth in the 800-metre freestyle on Nov. 22 with a total time of 9:01.25 at the Stratten Divisionals. This swimming star is a fourth-year student in philosophy and women’s studies.
The nation’s number-two men’s basketball squad took to the road for the second consecutive weekend, this time looking to add their fifth and sixth wins To the young season.
The garnet and grey’s defence has to stay resilient, and their passing needs to get to the setter position in order to have quality kills. The team has to make it more difficult for their opponents if they want to have success later in the season.
With more than 150 kilometres’ worth of trails throughout the Ottawa area, cross-country skiing is an excellent lost cost activity to pick up this winter season to keep your muscles working and heart pumping. There are several beginner and intermediate level trails in and around Ottawa, with the most popular trails in Mooney’s Bay.
Check out the Fulcrum’s top running shoes.
