goLancers.ca

FALL 2017 UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR ATHLETICS

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS3 Lancer Sport & Recreation

4 FISU

6 Lancers in the Community

7 Lancer Recreation

8-9 Season in Pictures

On the cover:L-R: Stefanie Smith,

Pierce Johnson, Winston, Todd

Ratchford, Kaylee Anagnostopoulos

10-11 Coaching Additions

13 Alumni Sports Hall of Fame

14 #LancerFamily

15 Sports in Brief

goLancers.ca

FALL 2017

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR ATHLETICS

3

By Christopher Zorbas

After countless hours of campaigning, voting and planning, the $73-million-dollar facelift of the St. Denis Centre is off to the races. The upgrade to the athletic facilities got one of its most overwhelming nods of confidence in a student referendum that saw nearly 4000 students vote, with 64 per cent of voters voting to support the project. With student support now firmly in place, the university is eager to get to work.

“This is a priority for the university. We want to get moving on this as quickly as possible,” said Michael Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics.

The current St. Denis Centre sees about 8,000 people make use of it annually, however, many university officials expect to see that number double after the renovations. One of those who believes the new Lancer Sport & Recreation Centre will invite people to be more active is Lancer women’s basketball coach, Chantal Vallée.

“It impacts the city, the health of the population,” said Vallée. “More people are going to want to be involved when there is a new pool, new multi-purpose rooms,

and new courts. The current facilities aren't able to sustain the amount of people that go through the doors every day, both from a varsity aspect and a recreational aspect. We have over 400 varsity athletes that compete and train full time.”

Fortunately for varsity teams, and all UWindsor students, the new facilities are projected to boast three basketball courts, a new 25-metre pool, a new fitness area, triple the area of the current facilities as

well as a refurbished field house and more, which should give all users as much space and time as they need to be successful.

“The new LSRC represents an exponential leap forward for Athletics & Recreational Services (ARS),” said Director of Athletics Mike Havey. “UWindsor students made a bold commitment when they decided to support this project. When open, the LSRC

will give ARS the capacity to offer much more to all of its constituents in the way of programming and access. Thank you UWindsor students!”

Of all the goals and hopes this project comes with, Coach Vallée summed it up best. “This is what puts a university on a map.”

Highlights of the new facility

The planned new 124,000 square foot recreation facility will include the following elements:

- 16,000 square feet of new fitness space

- New, triple gymnasium with seating for 2,400 spectators

- New, 8 lane 25 metre swimming pool

- Additional new multi-purpose and club rooms for student activities

- Renovated outdoor fields including new turf field and cricket pitch

- New student atrium lounge, café and study lounge

- Renovated fieldhouse with increased flexibility and natural light

- Outdoor activity spaces including beach volleyball, ball hockey and a running trail

LANCER SPORT & RECREATION CENTRE

4

SUMMER UNIVERSIADE

By Christopher Zorbas

For many varsity athletes and coaches, the desire to compete against some of the best is what wakes them up each morning and carries them through their unbelievably tough schedule. This past summer nine Windsor Lancers had the opportunity to compete with some of the very best, not just from Canada or North America, but the entire world.

At the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, three coaches, five athletes, and one administrator represented Windsor on Team Canada. Lancer volleyball coaches James Gravelle and Will Alexander, women’s basketball bench boss Chantal Vallée, athletic director Mike Havey, volleyball players Jon Moate and Pierce Johnson, and track & field athletes Sarah Mitton, Corey Bellemore, and Kelsey Balkwill all donned the red & white this past August.

Overall, the Canadian delegation included 276 athletes, 114 mission and support staff, and three referees in 16 sports.

“We are extremely proud of all of our Canadian university student-athletes and staff representing Team Canada at the 2017 Summer Universiade,” said

Lisette Johnson-Stapley, Chief Sport Officer at U SPORTS. “The FISU Games are the second-largest multi-sport event in the world next to the Summer Olympics, providing a natural high-performance international pathway. At the Rio 2016 Games, 56 former Universiade participants competed, bringing home nine medals. One year later, we are looking forward to the next generation of Olympic stars who made their mark in Taipei - the

experience and memories they will take away will be life-changing.”

While no Lancer medaled, there was still plenty to celebrate as the Canadian men’s volleyball team, coached by Gravelle and led by Moate, finished 11th, higher than their original seed and good enough

to put them in the top half of the tournament. The women’s basketball team, which Vallée was an assistant coach with, qualified for the quarter finals, finishing 7th overall after an 84-68 win over the Czech Republic.

Moate and the volleyball team closed their competition against Chinese Taipei, the host team. “My favorite thing about the event was interacting with other countries and seeing firsthand

some of the cultural differences between all the countries,” said Moate. “Another highlight for me was getting the opportunity to play the host country, Chinese Taipei, in our last game of the tournament. The home crowd was awesome and made it an unforgettable atmosphere to play in.”

Individually, three Lancers placed inside the top 10 of their respective sports. Sarah Mitton set a personal best 16.32m on her third attempt in women's shotput, beating her previous record of 16.16m. Mitton finished 10th overall

in the event. In addition to setting a personal best, Mitton also gained invaluable experience competing internationally.

“The experience was really an eye opener to my future in Athletics,”

Nine Lancers represent Canada at 2017 Summer Universiade

…contintued on page 5

5

SUMMER UNIVERSIADE

explained Mitton. “This was the largest, and most competitive competition I've ever competed in. The games were such a learning experience and being able to compete for your country comes with an incredible sense of pride.”

Corey Bellemore placed fifth in his 1500m heat with a time of 3:46.95. As well, Windsor’s Kelsey Balkwill finished 9th in the 400m hurdles with a time of 58.75 seconds and 4th in the 4x400m where she helped Team Canada finish with a season best

time of 3:34.80, two seconds away from a bronze medal.

Team Canada left Taipei with 13 medals in tow, carrying with them four gold, five silver and four bronze. Canada’s medal count places in the top 20, coming in at 16th out

of the 66 countries that medaled. This marks an improvement from Canada’s last games which only saw them bring home eight medals, hopefully the trend of improvement will continue into Canada’s next Universiade.

Photo Credits: Mathieu Belanger

…contintued from page 4

6

The Lancer men’s basketball team travelled to Amsterdam for the program’s first ever foreign tour. The Blue & Gold earned three victories on the trip with convincing wins over Club Harlemlakers (72-65), BC Apollo (81-67), and Grasshoppers Katwijk (78-70)."As players we are extremely blessed and grateful to have a support system in the men's basketball program and the university that will work hard to provide athletes with life changing experiences,” said Lancer captain Mike Rocca. “Not only was it a great basketball trip but it taught us so much about different cultures, and that is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives."

INTERNATIONALMen’s Basketball sweeps Amsterdam trip

Proud sponsors of the University of Windsor Lancers

“Pharmacy That’s Just What The Doctor Ordered”

“The Biz Dedicated to Senior’s Service” 2013

SPECIALIZING INMEDICAL & ATHLETICCOMPRESSION SOCKS

PHARMACIST ON CALL 24HRS-A-DAY! • FREE DELIVERY$2 OFF CO-PAY FOR ALL PRESCRIPTIONS

519-967-1000 for Store • 226-246-3509 for Lori3850 DOUGALL AVENUE, WINDSORAT CABANA, IN THE TIM’S PLAZA

7

LANCER RECREATIONLancer Recreation believes that University of Windsor students are active participants in their experiential learning and personal development impacting many social determinants of health and wellbeing. Lancer Recreation creates several opportunities for students to serve their campus, community and support the mission of the University of Windsor.

Through our campus and community initiatives which include the Lancer Summer Camp program, the Life Skills Challenge Course and our many recreation programs, our student leaders learn to inspire sustainable social action beyond graduation.

One of the most recent additions to our program offerings includes the Lancer Life Skills Challenge Course. Our low initiative challenge course offers student groups, societies, varsity teams and many other campus groups the opportunity to challenge their leadership, problem solving and team building skills. Lancer Recreation has successfully hosted several campus and community groups from elementary school level to post-secondary.

For more details on the program or to have Lancer Recreation host a course for your organization please visit www.goLancers.ca.

In June 2017, the Lancer Recreation team hosted the Eastern Canadian Campus Recreation Conference (ECCRC). This was the first ever NIRSA Canadian Region conference to be held since the NIRSA (National Intramural Recreation Sport Association) officially named Canada as its own region early in 2017.

Student leaders formed a Host committee under the Lancer recreation leadership of Sandra Ondracka, Olivia Binder, and Frank Jeney.

Chris Rinaldi Ross, Zack Sephton, Laurie Tremblay, Brianne Anthony, and Tereza Fountain formed the main host committee, with another 30 students volunteering their time towards to efforts.

The highlights of the conference was keynote speaker, University of Windsor alum Richard Peddie, as well as the host committee themselves presenting on the topic of leadership, highlighting their work within the Lancer Recreation leadership low ropes course.

Ondracka, Binder and Jeney also held sessions on topics within their areas of recreation, as well as other professionals from around Ontario and beyond.

In total, over 120 people attended the ECCRC2017 Conference and Trade Show.

8

2016-2017 SEASON IN PICTURES

9

2016-2017 SEASON IN PICTURES

10

The University of Windsor Lancers were busy over the summer adding a number of new faces to their coaching staff. Stepping into the role of head coach of the Lancer men’s soccer team is Steve Vagnini, while Colin Inglis also returns to his Lancer roots as the head coach of the Lancer track & field program.

Widely considered as one of the top coaches in the province, Vagnini has an outstanding record as a winning coach at all levels. He rejoins the Lancers from St. Clair College where he spent the past four seasons as the head coach of the Saints women’s soccer program.

While with the Saints, Vagnini led the club to an Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association (OCAA) bronze medal in 2015, and was named the OCAA coach of the year for three consecutive years from 2014-16. He was also named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association coach of the year in 2015.

The Sault Ste. Marie, ON native also led the St. Clair indoor women’s soccer team to a gold medal in 2015, and a silver medal this past March.

A former goaltender with the Lancer men’s soccer team in the late 1980s, Vagnini served as an assistant coach for the men’s team for 12 seasons from 2000-11, and was also the head goaltending coach from 2007-08. In addition, he represented the University of Windsor as the head goaltending coach with Team Canada at the 2011 FISU games in China.

“I am very excited to be back home and feel incredibly honoured to put the Blue & Gold on again,” said Vagnini. “My goal is to unify the program and develop an elite team that will make Lancer history.”

The hiring of Coach Inglis marks the return to Windsor for the Miramichi, NB native, who previously served as the associate head coach of Lancer Track and Field team under legendary coach Dennis Fairall from 1995-1999.

For the past 17 years, Inglis has been at the helm of the York University cross country and track & field programs where he

led their track and field teams to multiple podium finishes. His York men’s team captured the 2014 CIS national championship title, in addition to a pair of team bronze medals at nationals in 2013 and 2015. The women’s team also captured a team bronze medal at the CIS championships in 2015.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome Colin back to the Windsor Lancer family as head coach of our track & field program,” said Director of Athletics Mike Havey. “Colin is a familiar face to many of our coaches, student-athletes, Lancer alumni and community. It is pleasure to have Colin back in Windsor to lead the Lancers into the future.”

Widely respected as a coach in the OUA and throughout the country, Inglis is a three-time OUA men's track & field coach of the year (2007, 2009, and 2015) and was also the CIS men’s track and field coach of the year in 2014. He was also named the OUA women’s track and field coach of the year in 2003. Coach Inglis has produced 192 provincial all-stars and 94 all-Canadians throughout his coaching career.

“I am excited to be returning back to Windsor to coach with the Lancer track & field program,” said Inglis. “The history and success of the program under the leadership of Dennis Fairall are second to none and I am excited to meet and

begin working with everyone connected with the team to continue the success of the program.”

In his early years with the Lancers, Inglis helped lead the Blue & Gold to six provincial and two national championship titles, while also sharing in the recruiting duties with Coach Fairall.

Inglis has also been a national team coach for Athletics Canada where he served on the coaching staff for the

Pan American Junior Championships in 1999, the NACAC Championships in 2000 & 2002, and the Francophone Games in 2001. Inglis also served as meet director for Track and Field at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto and is currently on the organizing committee for the 2017 North American Indigenous Game.

COACHING ADDITIONSLancers add Vagnini & Inglis to coaching staff

Colin Inglis

Steve Vagnini

11

The Lancer football program also welcomed two fresh faces to the coaching staff over the summer. Vince Flamia joined the Blue & Gold as the team’s Special Teams Coordinator, while Peter Fraser came to the Lancers as the new Defensive Coordinator.

A native of Sarnia, ON, Flamia joined the Lancers after spending two seasons with the OUA’s Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks as their defensive backs and special teams assistant coach. Completing his undergraduate degree with Wilfrid Laurier, Flamia played two seasons with the Golden Hawks in 2005 & 2006, capturing the Yates Cup and Vanier Cup in his rookie season.

After earning his teaching degree at the University of Windsor in 2010, Flamia attended Ohio University where he completed his Master of Science in Coaching Education and Sport Sciences while also serving

as the school’s graduate assistant/safeties assistant with the Bobcat football program for the 2014 & 2015 seasons.

A native of Oromocto, N.B, Fraser joined the Lancers from the University of Acadia where he served as the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the past seven seasons. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, who played for the Gee Gees from 1998 to 1999, Fraser started his university coaching career as a full time associate coach, special teams coordinator, defensive line coach, recruiting and video coordinator with the McGill Redmen in 2007.

In 2009, Fraser joined the Axemen in a role as an assistant head coach, special team’s coordinator, defensive line coach

and video & recruiting coordinator, where he won two AUS championships in 2011 and 2012.

COACHING ADDITIONSFlamia & Fraser join Lancer Football coaching staff

MEET OUR DENTISTSFREE

Sports GuardWith Every New Patient Exam

Family Dentistry

Emergency Services

Weekend Appointments

Call today!

6925 Enterprise Wayoff Lauzon Pkwy.

Tecumseh Rd. E

Je�erson

E.C. Row

Hawthorne

Lauzon Pkwy.

EnterpriseCosmetic - Implants - Restorative - Preventative

519-948-4119

Winston Approved!

OfficialDental Teameastsidedental.ca

DR. MAHA MIRZADR. PAUL SERRA

DR. CHRISTOPHER DIPONIO

Vince Flamia and Peter Fraser

The Alumni Association congratulates ourWindsor Lancers on another great season!

We are passionate about the University and proud to be a supporter of the Windsor Lancers.

It is the tremendous support and participation of our alumni and students in the services of our affinity partners, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, MBNA Credit Card and Manulife, and in our year-round diploma framing service that makes this sponsorship possible.

Thank you!

Proud to support the Blue and Gold!www.uwindsor.ca/alumni

Get in touch to find out more!www.uwindsor.ca/alumnialumni@uwindsor.ca 519-971-3618

13

2017 Alumni Sports Hall of Fame InducteesStar athletes in basketball, football, and track and field are among the inductees in the 2017 class of the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Ritch Coughlin, football player Gino Castellan, athlete Stephen Gibb, and basketball player Dranadia Roc were honoured at a ceremony Sunday, October 1.

ALUMNI SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Gino Castellan (BHK 1987, BComm 1989) was an all-Canadian linebacker for Lancer football and also competed in basketball and track and field. He was the Lancer rookie of the year in 1982, defensive player of the year in 1985, and was twice named a provincial first-team all-star. Castellan is a member of

the Gino Fracas Wall of Honour and was selected to the 40th anniversary all-time team.

Ritch Coughlin (BHK 1986) served as an assistant coach for track and field from 1989 to 1998 and for football for 1994 and 1995. His tenure included five consecutive national championships for the Lancer women’s track and field squad. In 1995, three athletes he coached in the women’s long jump

surpassed 6m in the Ontario University Athletics provincial meet — a feat that has never been equalled.

Sport Achievement Awards, recognizing contributions to sport beyond the University of Windsor campus, will go to two outstanding high school coaches:

Peter Krailo (BSc 1972, MSc 1973), track and field coach at Chatham Kent Secondary School from 1980 to 2003; and

Harry Lumley (BA 1975, B.Ed 1976), long-time football coach at Herman Academy, which won 20 city championships during his career.

Stephen Gibb (BFA 1985) made the national standards in high jump five consecutive years and is still ranked high for his accomplishments in 1984. His high jump of 2.10m at the national meet is fifth all-time; his 14.32m in triple jump at the OUA championship is still

ninth all-time. His feats in the classroom as well as in competition that year earned him the DeMarco award as the Lancer top male student-athlete.

Dranadia Roc (BA 2009) led the Lancer women’s basketball program to its first-ever provincial title in 2009. A three-time OUA all-star, she earned all-Canadian status in 2008 and twice received the Banner Shield as Lancer female athlete of the year Roc’s 1,129 points in

her UWindsor career rank as the fourth all-time in Lancer women’s basketball.

In addition, Team Achievement Awards will be conferred on Lancer golf teams from 1976-77, 1982-83, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1989-90, 1993-94, and 1994-95.

Proud Sponsor of Lancer Intramurals

14

Keeping it in the FamilyFor CJ Church and Clark Green pulling on the blue and gold is almost as natural as breathing. The pair are the sons of Lancer offensive line coach Chris Church and kicking coach Jeff Green, and are following in their father’s footsteps in playing football for the University of Windsor Lancers.

Chris played on the offensive line for the Lancers from 1992 to 1996, and was named an all-star by the OUAA in 1994, 1995, 1996. He received all-Canadian honours those years as well, and is the only Lancer football player named three times to the all-Canadian team. His son Chris Jr, or CJ as he is known, is currently in his second year with Windsor.

Jeff played for the Lancers a decade earlier from 1982 to 1986 and was named the programs Special Teams Most Valuable Player in 1983, an award his son Clark won just last year after his first year with the Blue & Gold. Similar to CJ, Clark is also in his second year with the program, but his fourth year of eligibility after spending time at the Concordia University.

Even though CJ thought about going away to school, after stepping into the Lancer’s spacious locker room, he had no doubts. Windsor was home. “There is such a family atmosphere here,” he said. “The coaches and players connect on a personal level.”

And then the bonus of being coached by his dad was just something he could not pass up. “It’s awesome. I have always been coached by my dad, and to continue my career and to have him there as I prepare for the next level, was something I couldn’t resist.”

The senior Church is equally as proud to have his son following in his footsteps. “Playing university football were the best years of my young life, and to have my son be able to experience the same things is the best feeling in the world.”

Although the decision to come to Windsor was a natural one for CJ, it wasn’t quite so for Clark. The younger Green originally went to Montreal for his first two seasons before making the decision to return home.

“I regret not coming to Windsor right away,” said Clark. “I have always had ties to Windsor, I came to games all the

time as a kid.”

Playing away from home and not having the support of his family was a huge factor in Clark’s decision to come back. “For me, having my family and friends in the stands for support is important. And now, here I am, playing in front of my loved ones, being coached by my dad, it’s perfect.”

“I knew he needed to go out and spread his wings,” commented Jeff. “But when he made the decision to come back home to play for Windsor,

I couldn’t have been happier.”

The Church and Green families are just two of many families that have donned the Lancer shield. Over the program’s 49 years, there have been 16 sons and one grandson who have followed their family footsteps into the Windsor locker room.

The strong family ties don’t just stop at father-son teams, however, as 29 sets of brothers have also teamed up in the program’s history, including current Lancer defensive lineman Zach Benson, who came to Windsor in 2016 to play one season with his brother, former offensive lineman Daniel. And for the Green’s, their Lancer family extends past the sport of football. Jeff’s uncle Don Green and goddaughter Nicole Green played basketball for the Blue & Gold, while Nicole’s husband Derek Quigley was a dual-sport athlete with the football and track & field teams.

“This is something I will never forget,” CJ said. “I just hope to be half as good a player as my dad was, and maybe twice as good-looking.”

#LANCERFAMILY

15

SPORTS IN BRIEFLancers win OUA Competitive Championship AwardThe University of Windsor was honoured this past May by the OUA at their annual awards banquet in Huntsville, Ontario. The Lancers captured the OUA’s Competitive Club Championship Award for hosting the best provincial championship in that category for the OUA Golf Championships at Ambassador Golf Club.

Lawrence participates in Hockey Canada’s ShowcaseKrystin Lawrence of the Lancer women's hockey team was invited to attend Hockey Canada's Summer Showcase in Calgary, August 5-13, 2017. Lawrence was one of 21 U SPORTS athletes invited to the showcase. It was the second consecutive year the U SPORTS all-stars took part in the Summer Showcase, who played two games against each of Hockey Canada's National Women's Development Teams, as well as Japan's national women's program. The camp is modeled after Hockey Canada's national team high performance program and also included off-ice and media training, nutritional classes and a professional development opportunity for U SPORTS coaching staff.

Prevost captures silver medal with Team QuebecLancer women's basketball star Emily Prevost captured a silver medal this summer with Team Quebec at the 8th Jeux de la Francophonie in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa. This is the first time in history that a Canadian team has captured a medal in basketball at the games.

Women’s hockey participates in World Girl’s Hockey WeekendThe Lancer women’s hockey team participated in the World Girls’ Hockey Weekend that took place across Canada at the beginning of October. The event aimed to celebrate and grow the female game from coast to coast and unite Canadians through grassroots programming run by local communities, MHAS, and families.

All across the country, Canadians were encouraged to take part in a variety of events that celebrated the game of hockey. Women’s hockey is the fastest growing game in Canada, and Hockey Canada used this initiative to help keep the momentum going and utilized the opportunity to educate and motivate our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters. The Lancers travelled to St. Catharine’s, Ontario for an exhibition game with the Brock Badgers, who also participated in the event.

At TELUS, we are taking steps towards a healthier future. We are passionate about working with organizations that encourage healthy, active lifestyles for all members of our communities and are delighted to support the Windsor Lancers.

Together, we give where we live.Learn more at telus.com/community

Official Business Solutions Partner of the Windsor Lancers.

Building stronger, healthier communities.

© TELUS 2016. 16_00687

If building relationships comes naturally to you, consider building your next one with

Investors Group. We are ready to help you build a thriving practice today as a financial advisor.

We offer the advantage of...

So contact us. Find out why Investors Group has been rated the #1 Full Service Dealer

every year since 2008.* Together, we can help you achieve personal and professional

rewards far beyond those associated with a traditional job.

Put your people skills to profitable use.

nn An entrepreneurial environment

nn Industry-leading training

nn Flexibility and independence

nn Mentorship and support

nn Exceptional income potential

nn Support for community involvement

* Investment Executive, June 2008-2016, www.investmentexecutive.com. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. This is a full-time opportunity to establish a variable-income and self-employed business in association with Investors Group. Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.© Investors Group Inc. 2016 MP1443 (06/2016)

www.facebook.com/InvestorsGroup www.twitter.com/Investors_Group www.linkedin.com/company/7441 youtube.com/investorsgroupcanada

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, CONTACT:

TREVOR P. LE DREW, CFP Regional DirectorInvestors Group Financial Services Inc.

Tel: (519) 253-3553 | Fax: (519) 253-8064 | Trevor.LeDrew@investorsgroup.com

1021 RIVERSIDE DRIVE WWINDSOR ON N9A 5K3

GROUPE INVESTORS