/WindsorSportsXpress @windsorsportxpress
World Class Experience Ben delivers powerful message
Express provides Co-op experience
Shane Topalovic - Elite Trainer www.nxlathletics.com • 519-984-6607 • shane@nxlathletics.com
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sportsfiles
Koonar Physiotherapy: Offering world class care
Second generation physiotherapist, Michael Koonar started his practice in 2008, just two years after graduating from Western University with a Masters in Physical Therapy. His exposure to the field through his father, his personal struggles with injuries, his love of sports and his inclination to help others made this career a natural fit. Mike is currently the team physiotherapist for the Windsor Express, with him and his team joining with the Express the year of their 2nd championship. Mike notes that pre-season is when all of the work takes place and claims, “We continued to grow our skills and treatment options, with the team doing some training with the Raptors 905 in the off season.” Koonar and his team do full comprehensive assessments to find out the root causes of tight muscles, as they may stem from a weakened muscle on the opposite side of the body. They put in the time to educate the players on how they can best prepare and train throughout the season, which lays the groundwork for a healthy roster. “We are taking players who have lingering issues or are coming off surgeries to get them prepared and healthy for the season. For basketball players, ankles are the
most common and chronic issue,” claims Koonar. The clinic has also had to treat more significant issues like Achilles tears and patellar tendon tears which can be potential career-threatening injuries. However, with their combined experience and technology, Koonar Physiotherapy has been able to get players back on the court. Mike states, “We feel the most pride when one of our injured players comes back to have a great season and reaches new heights”. Express player, Ryan Anderson praises Koonar, stating, “Mike’s treatment helped play a huge role in my performance; a role that contributed to winning a Championship with the Express.”
The NBLC season is a grind, at times with 3 games in 4 days, plus travel. Players experience quite a bit of wear and tear throughout the regular season and whether treatment is preventative or reactive, they usually see two to three players in the clinic daily. Utilizing advanced technology like laser therapy, WAVE vibration exercise, and Magnetic Field Therapy, Koonar Physiotherapy offers care on par with any major sports team! President and CEO of
the Express, Dartis Willis affirms, “Koonar and his medical team have been a great partner. Their efforts of providing treatment and support to the players has allowed the Express to produce Championship talent on the court.” Mike conveys, “It’s been a real pleasure and honour working with the Windsor Express and professional sports. The NBA is now hiring more and more Canadian Physiotherapists as they produce some of the best and brightest the field has to offer.” Mike and his team are very proud of what they have accomplished in the last 11 years. Growing from himself and Casey, his office manager, to a multi-disciplinary centre, home to double-digit professionals at the top of their game. Physiotherapy can help so many people in so many ways. Their team hopes to create more awareness in the Windsor-Essex community both for sports teams and people who are suffering in silence. Mike Koonar and his team want to keep growing their brand of Physiotherapy that puts the patient experience first!
2525 Roseville Garden Drive Suite 200, Windsor 519-974-9997 480 Advance Blvd Suite 280, Lakeshore 519-727-4455
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thelineup
Spring 2019 Windsor/Essex Edition
sportfiles
health&fitness
Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams.
Informative articles on sports health & fitness.
02 | Koonar Physiotherapy: Offering world class care 05 | Learn to play while getting educated 06 | Athlete Profile – Justin Pope 10 | Calling all hockey players: Online Registration is NOW OPEN 15 | A step into the future
teamprofiles Profiling community sports in words and photographs. 04 | Athlete Foundations: Preparing for Track & Field Season
08 | Next Level Athletics speed camp: Ben leaves kids with powerful message 12 | Soccer players: Do not neglect these preseason training areas
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editor’s note Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports — the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing his/her experiences with other fans. We want to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.Windsor.SportsXpress.ca your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos. Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports! Give us a call at (519) 972-3999 or email us at linda@windsorsportsxpress.ca - from the SportsXpress team
teamprofiles
Athlete Foundations: Preparing for Track & Field Season Athlete Foundations: Spring Elementary LaSalle, Ontario April 29th - June 12th, 2019
Check out our website at www.windsor.sportsxpress.ca
Spring 2019 PUBLISHERS Linda Miklas
linda@windsorsportsxpress.ca 519-972-3999
Spring Athlete Foundations 2019 The Border City Athletics Club is proud to offer “Athlete Foundations Speed & Agility Spring Elementary” for interested Elementary School athletes who wish to be fully prepared for the upcoming Track & Field Season.
EDITOR Linda Miklas GRAPHIC DESIGN Chris Lemieux
CONTRIBUTORS
Dean Lapierre, Windsor Minor Hockey Association, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, Bob Loebach, Shane Topalovic, Next Level Athletics, Windsor Express, Neenah Randhawa, Kurt Downes, Border City Athletics Club, Justin Pope, Jeff Doan, D & R Apparel, Ben Johnson, Windsor Police Community Services Branch, Koonar Physiotherapy, Michael Koonar, and various local sports enthusiasts.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS
Windsor Minor Hockey Association, Paul Dimarco, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, Bob Loebach, Shane Topalovic, Next Level Athletics, Windsor SportsXpress, Windsor Express, Justin Pope, Kathy Guenette, Norma Williams, Ocean Bottom Soap Company, Bills Appliances, Heads Up Trainer, Powerplay Sports, University of Windsor Alumni Association, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255, The Soccer Place, Aon, Windsor Spitfires, Walker’s Fine Candies, St. Clair College, CM Design & Print,Vespa Vision Centre, D & R Apparel, Michael Koonar and members & fans of the local sports organizations.
Coaching in all areas of speed & power events for Track & Field will be provided by the qualified coaches at the Border City Athletics Club Windsor’s “Leaders in Speed Power Development”. Email: coaches@bordercityac.com Website: www.bordercityac.com Registration: www.trackiereg.com/springfoundations2019 Dates & Times: April 29th - June 12th, 2019 Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:15pm Cost: $125 Per Athlete Location: Sandwich Secondary High School - LaSalle 7050 Malden Rd, LaSalle, ON N9J 2T5
Meet: 2019 City County Championships Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 Registration: www.trackiereg.com/2019CityCountyChampion
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Windsor SportsXpress is independently owned and operated and is member of the sportsxpress networkmt
Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Please contact the publisher. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Windsor SportsXpress is published six times per year. Windsor SportsXpress is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Windsor SportsXpress attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and Windsor SportsXpress cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.
sportsfiles
Learn to play while getting educated Students across Windsor-Essex now have the chance to pursue their passion by devoting their attention to their sport of choice while earning their education. Launched in the fall of 2014, the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board now operates sports academies that will be offered in Windsor at Central Park Athletics, Aikido Canada and at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle, at the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore and at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex in Leamington. We offer students from grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to develop their skills in hockey, soccer, aikido, baseball, basketball, dance, gymnastics and volleyball. Skills Expert Robert Loebach – Basketball Robert Loebach brings 30 plus years of coaching to the Academy. He has coached both boys and girls at the high school level and has competed in numerous WECSSA, SWOSSAA and OFSAA competitions. Loebach will be
the skills expert for the Future Saints skills academy, a before school program for Grades 6-8 students enrolled in any of St. Anne Catholic High School’s feeder elementary schools. He will also be the teacher overseeing the day program academy for students at the high school. Coach Loebach reveals that he continues to learn more about the game and stays on top of the latest trends in player development. “Having coached all levels, I feel I have an understanding of what skills and concepts should be taught for a player to have success.” Bob’s practice planning is very organized and detailed and he finds strength in being able to get the kids to believe in their own abilities. Bob credits Becky D’Amore and Mike Eremic as having the greatest influences on him as a player. “Becky pushed you, but cared about you; while Mike, taught us that every player had value and ‘team’ was first,” he states. When asked about his vision for the Academy, coach Loebach claims, “I want to continue to promote the
development of basketball in our community in addition to giving the kids the skills and confidence needed to improve and challenge themselves as both students and athletes. Eventually, lead to the establishment of an Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association franchise for Windsor.” Overall, Bob wishes to increase the love of the game. He wants to see the kids become confident in themselves, improve in their ability as players and more importantly instill a belief that they can achieve success in the classroom, the community and on the court. His goal is to have the participants understand what it means to be a student athlete, be part of a team and to value fellow players. “Athletics mirrors what you are in the rest of your life,” he professes. “There is never an ‘I can’t,’ just an ‘I haven’t done that yet.’”
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sportsfiles Athlete Profile – Justin Pope – Passion for the game Photos by Kathy Guenette & Norma Williams (OPFL) where he was ranked #1 wide receiver in Ontario. Justin passionately comments, “I absolutely love the game of football. I really don’t have a role model, I just really enjoy the intensity of the game. This sport has given me the confidence
At the young age of 5, Justin Pope began his football career with Windsor Minor Football. He played for what he deemed the “greatest coach”, Mike Leach, who took him and made him into what he is today. He then played for the Essex Ravens where he was an offensive player for the junior varsity team which took home the Championship game that year. During his high school years at Holy Names, Justin has taken home four championship games. He boasts two back to back WECSSA and OFSAA championships. Justin claims his most memorable experience was when Holy Names took the victory over Herman in 2017. At just 16 years of age, Justin also played for Team Ontario, where he was deemed MVP for the game and the Ontario Provincial Football League
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of being true to myself. Once I set my mind on the game, the adrenaline intensifies”. He also adds, “I respect my fellow teammates. It’s like a brotherhood.” Justin plans on returning to Holy Names for a 5th year as he is still
unsure of what he will be taking in College or University. But when looking to the future, Justin claims, without hesitation, “I’m definitely going to be playing at the University or College level, I love the sport!” In response to asking about Justin Pope, Coach Dan Hogan states, “Justin is an amazing talent. In all my years coaching, I have seen very few of his caliber. If the ball is near him he will catch it. He runs amazing routes and has an edge to him that you can’t coach. I am looking forward to next year. He is going to be a pleasure to watch!”.
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health&fitness
Next Level Athletics speed camp: Ben leaves kids with powerful message
On March 30th, 2019 Next Level Athletics in conjunction with Windsor SportsXpress invited one time 100 metre world record holder, Ben Johnson, to be our special guest trainer for the Next Level Athletics Speed Camp here in Windsor, Ontario. We invited Ben on the notion that he would deliver a strong and powerful message of what it takes to be successful. He absolutely did not disappoint.
“I trained 12 years for something that didn’t even last 10 seconds”, stated the acclaimed sprinter. That statement from Ben was very impactful. For 12 years, four hours a day, six days a week
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he put in the necessary effort to be the best in the world. For anyone who will have a “but” after that sentence, I challenge you
to try what he did for just two days. Some kids had a hard time going through his warm up; if that is any indication how tough the training is! This is exactly the reason why we chose Ben Johnson; an athlete who has been to the absolute pinnacle in his sport and who can give insight that all of us at the camp could never understand. He explained to the kids exactly what it takes to be at the world class level. In his talk
with the group, he listed hard work, determination, sacrifice, focus, love for the sport, and respect for yourself as qualities that were essential. “That was tough”, said one participant, while others agreed with the statement they were all very happy to have been part of this exciting event. “I think the kids and parents will have memories that will last a lifetime. This clinic covered all the bases from training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery. Everyone gained
health&fitness valuable insight and knowledge which they can incorporate into their training moving forward’, said Shane Topalovic, clinic organizer. Overall, the clinic was a huge success with many thanks going to our wonderful sponsors with whom this could not have happened.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
BRANCH 255
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sportsfiles Calling all hockey players: Online Registration is NOW OPEN Canada website. Cheques must be sent to the mailing address provided on the website marked “Attn: Registrar� **PLEASE NOTE that spots are not secured until initial payment has been made**
WMHA In Person Registration Sunday June 2nd - 3-5 pm at Fogolar Furlan
First time players registering will need to provide their birth certificate.
If you have any further questions regarding registration, Online Registration is NOW OPEN! please contact Chantel Burns at chantelburns@ Please visit the registration page at wmha.net for information cogeco.ca and the online Hockey Canada or email or call the link. registration line at registration@wmha.net or If you are choosing to pay by cheque, you can click that option call 519-972-8369 when checking out on the Hockey
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To keep up to date on all news from Windsor Minor Hockey, please visit our website: wmha.net
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health&fitness
Soccer players: Do not neglect these preseason training areas
It’s that time of year when soccer is starting back up and teams are trying to get all their players in shape for the
upcoming season. Much of the focus in this time turns to running, which is obviously a big component of playing the game. However, there are other aspects that often get overlooked in this phase of the season. We have all had a coach who says go run 10 times around the field as your conditioning, or we have had the coach who makes you do those dreaded suicides at the end of practice. I will never say one thing is good or bad because I
believe everything has its time and place. However, I do think that there is much more to soccer preparations than those two ideas alone. In the preseason phase, I like to address some areas that I believe will help with injury prevention, and a better overall preparation to help the young players develop and progress during the season. Here are my four preseason training areas that should not be forgotten.
Core Training Core training means something different to everyone. My definition of the core is a group of muscles that help your arms and legs transfer power. Now that being said, I like to look at how soccer players transfer power; not by laying on the ground doing a million crunches. Again, time and place for everything but preseason for me is a time to build on anti-rotation, anti-flexion, and anti-extension. Let me quickly explain. When we run and are going in for challenges, we don’t want our torso to be moved around as this will lead to loss of balance. We need to be strong while shielding the ball and be stable when running with the ball. There is nothing on the field that resembles a crunch on the field. By using exercises that help us transfer energy from the ground up we create a much stronger and stable base to keep from being pushed off the ball or muscled out of tackles. Train the core in a standing position, teaching players to be strong and stable on their feet. We only need a few minutes of exercises and they make for great warm ups and fun in the beginning of practice.
Balance Training Often overlooked because it seems “easy”, balance training is necessary for any athlete to be successful. Balance is not neurologically taxing but becomes tougher when you are tired. I always recommend doing some type of balance training in the beginning of practice as a warm up. Begin statically and move on to dynamically when the players are stable. A lack of concentration can lead to a lack of balance which in turn can lead to missed opportunities to see flaws in the player’s physical abilities.
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health&fitness Running Mechanics We know we have to run when we play soccer, but no one teaches us how to run. In a game that lasts 90 minutes, wouldn’t it make sense to have more efficient runners who can save up some energy for those last few minutes when the game is on the line? Most coaches are not taught what specific running mechanics are, which is fine, we are not track and field coaches, but we cannot reinforce poor mechanics. This is where the players get hurt. We all know the person who runs and lifts his head up to high, swings his or her arms from side to side or worst of all runs on their heels. Notice how at the ends of games or practices, kids are tired and their form gets worse. If that’s the case implement a conditioning program, or change the point in practice when you want them to run or learn the proper mechanics. If we just say run we are setting them up to fail later on when they pull muscles, have nagging injuries or even sprain their joints. Take a few minutes in the warm up and use running drills to enhance their running skills.
Deceleration Here is something that is almost never worked on. Deceleration is such a huge component of our game. We have to chase and stop when we defend. We have to stop and cut when we have the ball and we have to be able to slow down properly so we can speed up again quickly to pass defenders or run into spaces. A player who is able to decelerate quickly will also be able to reaccelerate quickly. Being able to stop fast requires good balance and good coordination of the muscles. Take 5 – 10 minutes to incorporate some stopping drills and watch your players’ abilities on the field increase and their risk of injury decrease.
Summary As you can see, all of these drills can be done in the warm up so you will not lose valuable practice time. Each of these areas will help players develop into stronger more confident athletes, reduce their risk of injury, and also help them build on their soccer skills. As a coach and player I know firsthand the importance of meticulous detailing and looking for an edge over the competition. By incorporating all these aspects, with proper conditioning and strength training, you are assured to become a more well-rounded player.
Meet Shane Topalovic from Next Level Athletics
Shane Topalovic is the owner of Next Level Athletics where he specializes in athletic training. Shane has 10 plus years of practical application in strength and conditioning training combined with several other certifications allowing him to provide his clients with the best possible care and experience.
For more information, call 519-984-6607 or email shane@nxlathletics.com
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sportsfiles
A step into the future Article by Neenah Randhawa
dream career is not actually for you. Taking co-op easily aids in avoiding running into this problem.
The majority of my day I am with General Manager, Erin Basterfield. In all honesty, I perceived sports management to be quite an easy job. Come to find out it is not at all what I had expected. Being the general manager is such a complex career which entails discussing deals, media relations, and organizing promotional events, to name a few responsibilities. Another important aspect of this career I had not considered is managing the budget of the team. This involved making financial arrangements for uniforms, equipment, setting up accommodations for travel, and preparing financial statements.
I recently did my co-op placement with the Windsor Express. Working alongside the team, I learned new things everyday as I would in school. However, instead of being in the classroom, I am in the office, on the court or at an event. Constantly on the move.
Just like any other student throughout school, I constantly found myself being bored in class. I am a visual and tactile learner. Sitting in class listening to lessons were not always ideal. Having to sit around listening to the teacher speak or write notes for 75 minutes, I lost interest quite quickly. Hands on work, where I am up and moving around is what I needed. Once hearing about the cooperative education course being offered at my school, W.F Herman Secondary School, I was immediately intrigued. Upon receiving a better insight to what the course entailed, I thought to myself this is exactly what I needed. The course had offered everything that a classroom lacked; such as identifying your working style, developing a work mentality and gaining a professional work experience.
In addition to working in the office, I joined the team during games, nonprofit fundraisers, school visits and other public events. Prior to games I assisted in setting up, directing performers and organizations, as well as presented to the students at school visits. I was treated just as any other employee. Working with the Express allowed me to explore multiple career options as there are many parts to the Express team; general manager, game day operations, and marketing. Being exposed to the array of different careers involved with the Windsor Express allowed me to network. It also helped me pinpoint what I may want to pursue as a career in my near future.
Taking co-op has been one of the best decisions I have made in high school. I truly enjoyed working with the Windsor Express. Being with such a positive, knowledgeable and fun team, I look forward to going to co-op and school every day. Spending time with the team, I am constantly gaining experience, testing out possible future career options, developing new skills and learning things I could not in a classroom.
Within the few months at my placement, I have learned a great deal about the behind the scenes of how the team operates and functions.
Co-op is a great introduction to the working community. Giving an insight to how the working world operates. By taking co-op and getting experience of a career you may see yourself pursuing in the near future helps confirm whether or not this career is really for you. The worst thing you could do is go to postsecondary and come to find out your
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Sports Injury? Start Feeling Better Today! Koonar Physiotherapy is the official rehabilitation provider of the Windsor Express. Our dedicated team of Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists have the expertise to treat not only the professional athlete but the weekend warrior and young aspiring athletes as well. With an experienced staff, comprehensive detailed assessments, hands on treatment and state-of-the-art technologies, we are here to get you back in the game!
Services: • • • • • • • • • •
Physiotherapy Massage Therapy Athletic Therapy Hydrotherapy Sports Medicine Services Custom Bracing & Orthotics Acupuncture & Cupping Theralase Laser Therapy WAVE Vibration Exercise & many more service options!
Treating: • • • • • • • • • •
Sports Injuries Pre & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Low Back & Neck Pain Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Disorders Knee Pain & Instability Running & Overuse Injuries Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Ankle Sprains Arthritis Pain & many more conditions!
Call Today to setup your assessment. With extended hours for minimal wait times, our professionals are here to help! Two locations to serve you better.
2525 Roseville Garden Drive, Suite 200 • 519-974-9997 • Windsor 480 Advance Blvd, Suite 280 • 519-727-4455 • Lakeshore Visit our website at: www.koonarpt.com 16
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