Challenge

NO ONE expected a season like 2020-2021, as navigating through COVID restrictions became a challenge and also the norm. From our first day in the rink on September 14 to the last day (March 5), one of the toughest restrictions, having to practice in co-ed grade cohorts, became one of the developmental strengths of the hockey program. In all, 68 athletes played hockey at TCS over the course of the season – a testament to the passion for Canada’s national winter sport. Most inspiring was to watch our athletes demonstrate their passion for hockey. While we were unable to play any games against external competition, the players came to the rink every day with drive, competitiveness and a tremendous work ethic. The year started with both on-ice and off-ice training where athletes built strength, skill and friendship. Much of our practice time was dedicated to developing individual skills (passing, shooting, skating, stick handling), and individual and team tactics. Hoping we might still get a few games in towards the end of February, players worked on offensive zone entries, offensive zone play, neutral zone regroups and fore-checking, and defensive zone coverage, among other things. By the end of the fall season, players were allowed to begin competing one-on-one with no contact. This allowed for more development of offensive and defensive principles with limited pressure. It also allowed us to begin to compete in small area games with reduced numbers. In the week leading to the Christmas Break, we split each grade cohort into two teams and competed in a week-long competition of small area games and full ice three-on-three. The competition week had many highlights with players demonstrating their talent and working together in teams to battle for the “title.” Following the long winter break and lockdown, players were eager to get back on the ice at the end of January. All showed their resilience and passion for the game as some new, stricter guidelines for health and safety saw us back to less challenges for the puck and more physical distancing on the ice. Undaunted and often working with fewer skaters, the intensity and work ethic never waned. In our final week, each group competed in a skills competition with winners in each category being announced at the end of the day. Top scores and times were posted by Grade 11 students Garrett Joss, Abby Hicks and Lauren Jackson, with Rachel Bannister and Ben Boon earning best scores for goalies. The season was clearly toughest on our graduating players. On the girls’ side, we hoped to continue building our success from last year. We had ended the 2019-2020 season on a high note, finishing third in the CISAA league – our best finish in program history. The 2020-2021 team was eager to continue that progress. Graduating players Sam Trask, Ashley Hayley, Beth McArthur and Grace Beggs were excellent leaders and role models all season. Each of their contributions will forever leave a mark on the team as we carry on their positivity and dedication. A special note of appreciation to our two defenders from Newfoundland, Sam and Ashley, who represented the Bigside hockey team for four seasons, joining us in the fall of 2017. Their combined feistiness and enthusiasm was an East Coast recipe for success, and their passion for the game was contagious. They will be greatly missed. Beth’s contributions began in 2019 and added to our defensive strength. She also brought an offensive flare to her game that we hope the up and coming defencemen will embody. The Bigside girls are eager to get back to games and put all of this practice to work.

LtoR: Ashley Hayley, Sam Trask, Grace Beggs, Beth McArthur

The 2020-2021 version of Bigside boys hockey looked to continue its climb up the standings in the CISAA Division 1 league. Hopes were for a “middle of the pack” finish that would come with a few good wins against some of the School’s biggest and oldest rivals. Although the team brings an “offence first” philosophy to its play, what may have stood out most was the team’s defence. With top goaltending and six returning defencemen from last year’s national championship tournament, the team looked to be tough to play against. Graduating goalies Ty Gadbois and Ethan Murree were extremely dedicated and saw a lot of pucks this season as practices were very offence-heavy. Grade 12 defencemen Tristan Ranno, Braden Shaw, Nicolas Di Marco, Malcolm Skeete and Blake Hudson, along with Nicholas Little and Sebastian Graham, would certainly have been one of the strongest defence groups we have had at the School since the mid-1980s. Our graduating forwards know how to put the puck in the net and would have been a force to be reckoned with. Returning Bigside players Émile Hameury, Nico Deichmann and Quinton Gibson are all very good offensive players who generate lots of offensive chances. The Grade 12 cohort will also say goodbye to longtime TCS players Connor Ford, Grant Frost, Cooper Reed, Evan Kauffman, Dylan Ceccato and Lucas Dingsdale. All of these players have made significant marks on the hockey program. A final note of appreciation to all players for keeping the spirit of the game alive this season. Thank you to our fellow coaches – Mr. Trevor Clark, Mr. Elias Aboud, Mr. Trevor Gardiner, Mr. Danny Minnings, Mr. Christian Eriksson and Mr. Jay McCulloch – for their hard work and creativity in keeping practices engaging and meaningful despite many restrictions. We can’t wait to get back to Bears hockey for the 2021-2022 season. Mr. Rick Traugott and Ms. Jacqueline Priolo, coaches

LtoR: Ethan Murree, Blake Hudson, Connor Ford, Sebastian Graham

THE VOLLEYBALL season during this 2020-2021 school year was a huge accomplishment given the situation we have been facing. With several groups of girls from all four grades, there was a mix of players with various skill levels including those who took a leap of faith and tried the sport for the first time. Each grade had designated coaches which helped push the girls, making them better all-around volleyball players. Ms. Jennifer Petrolito, Ms. Cheyne Cole and Ms. Rachel Pearson coached the Grade 9 and 10 girls, and Mr. Tim White and Mr. Grant Elson coached the Grade 11 and 12 girls. As a cohort team, each grade worked on their blocking, spiking and overhand serving skills over the season. Being able to pass the ball to others during the entire season made a big difference to the way we practiced. We were able to practice our digs and passes, which are major skills needed in volleyball. The teams would end by scrimmaging, and the girls would long to keep playing minutes after practice was over. Morning practices were held as well, which was believed to be an energizing way to start the day. This season was anything but normal and I speak for the team when I say the competitive aspect of volleyball and playing interschool competitions was truly missed. The coaches continued to keep a tradition going for the Grade 12 girls, giving them roses on their last practice. This was a special and touching moment for the graduates, honouring their commitment and effort towards volleyball. As our TCS community continued to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions set, the teams continued to keep up good spirits even though our in-person season was cut short due to the lockdown after December Break. All the girls made an effort to show up at the given times and put their heart and soul into each practice. It was a delight to see that everyone left the season with developed skills, alongside building friendships and continuous love for the game. A big thank you to all the coaches who took the time to train and cheer us on no matter what. To all the graduating girls, thank you for making this a great season, and good luck in your future endeavours. To the returning girls, I hope the coming seasons may be normal and an even more enjoyable experience than this. Natasha Pinto, Grade 12 student

LtoR: Coaches Murray, McGee and Richardson lead dryland training activities

ALTHOUGH this year resembled no other, it did not affect the team’s attitude and perseverance. Due to the many restrictions and lockdown this season, the swimmers were not able to train in the pool as much as they would have in previous years. In the absence of a regular swim season filled with monthly competitions and almost daily training, the swimmers were able to work on their techniques and strengths almost as if they were in the pool. To follow health protocols, mask-wearing was required, and the team was separated into grade cohorts with a staff member in each cohort. Each practice was different from the last and the coaches found new ways to engage the athletes in workouts, mostly conditioning and strength training. To end the season off on a high note, the coaches organized fun activities such as Just Dance, yoga, fitness Monopoly and a well-deserved pizza party. A big thank you to the coaches, Ms. Erin McGee, Ms. Kristen Richardson, Mr. Matt Murray and Ms. Sydney Keiser, for making this a great season, and to the swimmers for their enthusiasm and commitment to this sport. Karina Lee and Kristie Lam, Grade 11 students

LtoR: Daniel Mikoluk, Luke Vrooman, Aidan Gibson, Aiya Hyslop-Healy, Mackenzie Heid, Aya Al-Ali, Maddy Wiseman, (top right) Mrs. O’Grady and the Grade 10 alpine skiers take to the ice; (bottom right) Dr. Hodges and Mrs. O’Grady show off their alpine gear

LtoR: Dryland training, skier Jackson Howell finds another route down the hill

THE BIGSIDE alpine ski team made the most of a changed season to develop fitness and a sense of team camaraderie. The dryland component of the year encouraged cohorted friendship and fun. Athletes learned what it means to prepare for a competitive alpine ski season by making gains in dryland programming. Using a variety of training models, skiers worked on setting their balance clocks, developing core strength, enhancing their athletic awareness and refining their movement mechanics. From “Alpi-Ball” to the “Bucket Blast,” HIIT workouts to visualization training, the members of this team made the most of their opportunities. Among the highlights was time spent doing hill work on our own infamous Mt. Trinity. While the advent of snow would typically mean training trips, on-hill work and our CISAA league racing schedule, this year had the team continue with their commitment to dryland. Afraid of no weather, all team members braved the elements to continue their efforts in circuit training and alpine-specific exercises. The wonder of winter was enjoyed in a different way as students were able to make use of the many amenities at TCS, including the outdoor rink, during this unique season. Ms. Annie Fickel, Mr. Josh Hamilton, Mrs. Ally O’Grady and I extend our thanks and appreciation to every athlete on this year’s Bigside alpine team. Dr. Greg Hodges, coach

ALTHOUGH COVID restrictions prevented the basketball teams from playing competitively, the players were fortunate enough to be able to work in grade cohorts to enhance their skills. Each team gave the returning players the opportunity to further hone their abilities, and for new players to get a taste of organized basketball at TCS. More than 80 students were involved in the program during the winter season. Mr. Luke O’Connell, Mr. Will Langford and Mr. Nick Stratford acted as the coaches for the Grade 9 and 10 teams, while Ms. Cristy Drake, Mr. Danny Hickie and I shared duties as the coaches of the two senior grades. With the larger numbers of players sharing the court, teams utilized fast-paced drills to keep players engaged and to develop fitness. As the season progressed, opportunities developed to fine tune skills and techniques associated with the sport. Hard work and enthusiasm were commonplace amongst the teams during the practices. The play was both spirited and friendly, as the athletes encouraged each other and worked towards common goals. Many players demonstrated significant progress with their shooting technique and in their overall understanding of the game. When the School was forced to go online due to the provincewide lockdown in January, the teams used this as an opportunity to think creatively about practice. Some students had access to their own courts and used this as a chance to maintain their skills. Others followed online workouts for the benefit of their fitness. The highlight of this online period was having a chance to host Owen White in a Zoom lecture. Owen grew up in Port Hope and later attended Brock University. He led the Badgers to the 2008 CIS National Championship and won the Jack Donohue Trophy as the tournament’s most valuable player. Owen offered insights into what it takes to play at the next level and then generously offered his time to answer many of the players’ questions at the end of the presentation. Once the students returned to campus, on-court sessions were able to resume. Each group developed its own routines and points of emphasis. The Grade 9 group focused on shooting techniques, as well as dribbling and driving. Time was also spent developing skills in three-on-three scenarios. The Grade 10 team focused on shooting and breaking down game-like situations. The Grade 11 team was characterized by a love of the sport. Fueled by this energy, the players engaged in many transition drills to utilize their speed and athleticism. Finally, the Grade 12 team consisted of many good friends who enjoyed the opportunity to be on the court together. They worked on their three-point shooting abilities and team dynamics. Both the Grade 11 and 12 groups benefited from early morning skills sessions with Director of Athletics, Ms. Drake. As an experienced basketball player and coach, she utilized increased court space in the mornings to enhance shooting, dribbling and footwork techniques. Mr. Hickie also offered additional gym time during the week for students to work on their own. A number of students took advantage of this during the season. While the season was not what was expected, the students made the most of their opportunities and participated with spirited enthusiasm. Sadly, the program must say farewell to a number of graduating players who made significant contributions to the School’s competitive basketball teams. The following are thanked for their efforts over the last few years: Kai Blackstock, Ayo Eyesan, Nolan Finn, John Grieve, Graham Hall, Aidan Hew, Aaron Lancaster, Luca Mascarin, Philipp Moell, Josh Paddock, Eric Wang and Ryan Weng. Mr. Courtney Christ, coach

Nicholas Damiani

Jephthah Arukhe

THIS SPRING presented many challenges for our coaching staff and athletes. With an adjustment to the timing of spring break, the season started earlier than expected. Therefore, to kick off the season our coaches were tasked with engaging athletes while there was still snow on the ground. Both coaches and athletes took on this challenge with a positive attitude while engaging in the following spring programs: tennis, rugby, soccer, golf, track, rowing, baseball, badminton, ultimate Frisbee and Activity for Life. The prevailing sentiment of the season was the resilience that our coaches and athletes displayed. They attended early morning practices, ran in cold weather, threw pitches in arenas and hit golf balls off of turf. There was great compromise and teamwork as teams worked around gym schedules and shared spaces, and adhered to the enhanced safety and health protocols. What we were most thankful for though was the chance to be involved in our spring sports, which we missed last year. Disappointingly, the season was modified when the lockdown order was issued following the April break. From the fields, we went to our computers. Teams and Activity for Life participants would meet on Mondays to be engaged in a variety of activities. Coaches focused on improving student fitness by using videos, online workouts, or creating their own high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Other teams took this opportunity to delve into the rules of the games, the strategies needed to be successful and what skills are most important. Students were also provided the chance to socialize with one another through online ice breakers, team building exercises and cooperation games. This season, like the previous two this school year, was not what we had hoped for. However, a great athlete is defined by their attitude, perseverance and resilience when challenged by exceptional circumstances. That is certainly what both our students and coaches were faced with. Any participant who continued to stay active should be proud of themselves and their efforts. We also want to thank our coaches for providing the opportunity for our students to be engaged. Now that our last athletic season has concluded for this school year, we look optimistically to the 2021-2022 season. Ms. Cristy Drake, director of athletics