PC38 - Best Sports Section - 1st place - Simcoe Advocate
Bull riding - eight seconds ‘doing the impossible’
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Eight seconds - that’s the goal for bull riders.
Tillsonburg’s Ashten Buzsik did not quite make it during the Norfolk Pro Rodeo at Timmermans Ranch, July 20, in Nixon. Buzsik, 22, “came down early” riding Dancing with the Devil.
“I would say that was one of my best rides this year,” said Buzsik, who is having a comeback season after breaking his leg late last year. “I’m getting closer and closer to that eight seconds.”
Only two of 14 bull riders successfully reached the eight-second mark during the three-day International Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned rodeo, presented by Rawhide Rodeo Company.
“The adrenaline rush is like no other,” said Buzsik. “The sense of accomplishment you get when you do ‘the impossible,’ when you cover the eight seconds… you’re doing something that most people think is impossible. And when you do it? I’ve never got that same feeling from anything other than bull riding.”
Buzsik, who grew up in Simcoe and now lives in Tillsonburg, is following in the footsteps of his uncle, Luke McCoag, who competed in Canada and the United States.
“My uncle was rodeo performing, so he kind of grew up in it. And because he was in it, I was at rodeos when I was a little kid. It’s always been a part of my life.”
Buzsik was 15 when he first rode a bull, or rather, attempted to ride his first bull. He did not last the eight seconds.
“Absolutely not,” Buzsik laughed. “It did not click right away… it was over just like that when I first did it. A blink of an eye and I was on the ground.
“No, it’s taken me years and years of practice.”
When not competing, he does his training at home and at a gym.
“I have what’s called a ‘bucking barrel.’ More or less, imagine a giant teeter-totter with a barrel on one end. You’re practicing the form – a bull’s either going to ‘head up’ or he’s going to kick, one of two things. I also have a stationary barrel – a barrel with four legs on the ground – and you can practice your form on that.”
He does not – and will not – ever ride ‘mechanical bulls’ often found in bars and festivals.
“Those are awful. I am not allowed to go on one of those… those are nothing like the real thing. They do not simulate it. If I were to get on one of those, it would form bad habits in my mind.
“When we practice, we practice perfect form. You don’t want to get lazy, you don’t want to practice bad form. Bull riding, being so fast, you don’t have time to think. The body is just reacting. You want to show your body what’s perfect, and your body can live on that.”
“It’s too fast to think. If you’re thinking
‘oh, the bull’s turning right’… you’re already off. You’re too slow.”
If you stay on eight seconds, scoring is determined by how you ride and the actions of the bull, which often repeats its kicking and turning patterns – but not always.
“You can only do the best that you can do. If you get a bull that doesn’t buck much, you better be in the centre, not hanging off the side.
“They do have a mind of their own - nine times out of 10 they may go left, but the time you are on them, of course they’re going to go right. So it’s best not to think like that when you’re riding.”
Bull riding is considered an extreme sport and there is risk of injury every time the riders compete.
“I would definitely rank it as one of the most dangerous sports… 100 per cent. I have always lived by the motto, if you’re not willing to deal with the pain of bull riding, you shouldn’t be in it, because it does happen that you will get hurt. You’re strapping yourself to a wild animal that weighs 1,500-2,000 pounds.
“Confidence is 110 per cent part of it. You’ve got to be the most confident person when you’re getting on that bull. That’s something I’ve been working on for years and years. You cannot have a single doubt in your mind because it will show up in your riding.”
Buzsik, who competes in rodeos almost every weekend from April-October, said his highest ranking, so far, has been 17th in the world.
“I’ve been to the Canadian finals up in Quebec… and I’ve been to Top 10 in Canada a couple times.”
He dreams of competing in the PRCA (The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), based in Colorado, the largest rodeo association in the world. The Calgary Stampede is just one of the major PRCA events.
Professional Bull Rider (PBR) events in London and Ottawa are two of the biggest rodeos in the province.
“The National High School Rodeo Association gets kids involved in high school and elementary school to compete at rodeos, and that’s done great in Ontario. With the PBR having more events here, I think it’s a sport that’s going to grow.”
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Tillsonburg bull rider Ashten Buzsik competes at the Norfolk Pro Rodeo in Nixon on July 20.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Olivia Jamieson of Maxwell, Ont. competes in barrel racing at the Norfolk Pro Rode on Sunday, July 20.
Modern rodeo clowns often provide entertainment during breaks in the action.
Cutting-Edge Cowgirls perform at the 2025 Norfolk Pro Rodeo.
Zeke Lowe of Bayham ropes a calf during the tie-down roping event at the three-day Norfolk Pro Rodeo on July 20.
Jordyn Riehl of Sebringville, Ont., races around the barrels Sunday, July 20 at the Norfolk Pro Rodeo in Nixon.
Warlords Hockey Academy needs billet families
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
International hockey players, and players from across Canada, are coming to Oxford County to join the Warlords Hockey Academy.
The academy (www.oxfordprephockey. com) offers two hockey programs – Oxford Warlords (A/AA) and Oxford Sabres (AAA).
“Our goal with the Sabres is higher end AAA,” said Troy Lamoure, General Manager of Hockey Operations and head of skills development for the Warlords Hockey Academy.
“We wanted to add an elite level to what we’re doing. We’re following a prep academy model, rather than the standard Alliance/OMHA AAA route.”
The Sabres can recruit international players from anywhere in the world.
“It’s a bigger scale and there’s more things that go into it, the living side of things, the schooling side of things, when players are coming from different places in the world.”
The program includes both on-ice and off-ice training.
“Other programs, you have to go to outside sources to get power skating, or if you want a shooting session, dryland session, you have to go elsewhere. We are all-encompassing, you can do all these things within the program.”
The Sabres, who have 16U and 18U teams, are coming off an extremely successful 2024-25 season. That success has opened doors – more players have applied to their programs, and other larger programs are starting to take notice.
BILLETS
Last season, the Sabres had eight billet players. This coming season, 2025-26, they will have 26 billet players, including players from Belgium, France and Iceland.
Lamoure said their goal is to have a centralized billet program, focusing primarily on the Tillsonburg area, which helps create player bonds, often within walking distance of each other.
“If it’s centralized, you can carpool, which makes it easier for billet family schedules.
“We want to have families that have a child in the sport, or has been through the hockey process and understands the nature of things. Nutrition is a part of it – some kids are higher on nutrition than others.
“Having that bond, that connection… it’s their second home and you’re often going
to have a relationship with them the rest of your lives. You’re making an impact on that player’s journey.
“It is a time commitment, but we want families to understand that we work with all of our billet families, we want to help out as much as we can in that process.
“Our organization likes to get to know the billet family, have a few conversations, visit at their homes, sit down with them… making sure they understand they are taking in a student athlete, the ups and downs that come with that, and having that support system.
“The players are away from home and they need that comfortability, and that family atmosphere to help them make the transition into the new lifestyle they’re coming into.”
If you are interested in being a billet family, you can reach out to the Warlords Hockey Academy at whasabreshockey@ gmail.com .
Longer term they want to provide their own private school, but currently most Sabres attend Glendale High School in Tillsonburg.
“Growing up, I went to Glendale, had a great experience there, and I love the school. I like the teachers there - they are great educators. But we want to be flexible. We’re not saying ‘you have to go to Glendale…’ We want to keep it as cost-effective as possible.”
Playing in two leagues (North American Prep Hockey League and this year, United Tier 1 Hockey League), the Sabres play up to 70 games.
“The goal is to get better and better and grow the program every year… and it’s kind of grown exponentially. We want continual growth.
“We took a big jump last year, obviously had a lot of talent. I think we have moved into a true AAA program. We’ve drawn players from different AAA organizations, but we’re still looking at AA players. The difference between the good AA player and the lower end AAA player isn’t too big of a margin.”
The Warlords have 9U, 11U, 13U and 15U hockey teams.
“We have had players that have developed through that (Warlords) that have made the jump into the Sabres program. And that’s kind of the idea behind the program – people striving to make that jump into the next calibre.”
Over the last three seasons, the Sabres have recruited players from nine countries and seven Canadian provinces.
The goal is to find areas of the world
where players need better development and exposure. The Sabres are looking for players who want to find a home in Ontario, the hotbed in Canada for junior hockey.
“They love hockey, they just need more of it, more structure.”
“Some people just want to come for the experience. They want to live in Canada, they want to do schooling in Ontario. They want to experience the culture, the atmosphere.”
The Sabres also have local players from centres like London, Woodstock, Brant-
ford, and Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, and that interest has grown going into the 2025-26 season.
“It’s a cool experience for everyone, and that’s the goal when you have half a group of local players and half a group from Europe or different provinces, and it’s all different cultures, languages and lifestyles coming together.”
Warlords Hockey Academy is building its own training ice pad in Woodstock, he said, about one-third the size of an arena. During the season, they typically have three on-ice practices and two dryland sessions, and one or two games every week.
“We started with a 2,000 square foot gym, we’re now in a 6,000 square foot gym which has a synthetic ice pad, a video room, a player lounge, workout equipment… So we’re taking steps every year.”
The Warlords Hockey Academy, based in Oxford County, includes elite 16U and 18U hockey teams.
Friday Night Lights lives up to expectations
dreamed of reaching the next level, and did get a shot at a Hamilton Tiger-Cats combine tryout.
1,500 people packed the grandstands, and anywhere they could find seating or standing room, for Delhi District Secondary School’s electric October 4th Friday Night Lights football game.
The Raiders improved to 3-0 in the Brant Haldimand Norfolk league with a convincing 40-15 win under the lights against the Waterford Wolves.
It sets the stage for an epic Mud Jug game on Friday, Oct. 11 when the Raiders host Simcoe Composite School, also 3-0 after defeating Holy Trinity 18-6. The Sabres lifted last year’s ‘Jug’ winning 48-0 at SCS.
Friday Night Lights highlights included a performance by Port Dover’s North Shore Highlanders pipe and drum band, guests from the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and the Major Walter Barnard Delhi Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 125. A special presentation was made in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt in Belgium.
Soaking it all in, remembering the very first Friday Night Lights in Delhi, was the Raiders’ undefeated 2011 football team, who along with their long-time coach Dave Leatherland also received half-time recognition.
“Enjoying the night?” Leatherland asked some former players. “Brings back some good memories?”
“Oh yeah,” said Curtis Cherewka, who remembers being a centre in Grade 11 that season, and winning back-to-back league championships.
“I just remember being out there, being in front of everybody. Being able to do what we can for the school, show our colours, be proud about it.
“It was different playing under the lights – it was fun - a lot more people than a normal football game. It was just a different experience for everybody that didn’t have that opportunity to play in different leagues outside of high school.”
The pinnacle for Cherewka, however, was repeating in Grade 12 and defeating Waterford, who had triumphed in the 2010 Bowl.
“This team, they’re out for blood,” said wide receiver Johann Jenkins, enjoying Friday’s Raiders-Wolves game. “They have a good core of seniors, which I think helps. Sometimes it’s tough – even before us, before 2009, it was tough living up to those 2006-2008 teams. Tom Brady, John Brady, Marty Macdonald… all those guys, Delhi legends. We lived up to it, but after that, well, Covid happened.
“My single greatest memory is the whole experience, the brotherhood,” said Jenkins. “Like-minded people. We all grew up together around here playing football, hanging out together. Football, together, it was like a lifestyle.”
Jenkins, who currently plays men’s football for the GTA All Stars in Toronto,
“I thought that was pretty impressive, getting a tryout from little Delhi.”
“Raider football wasn’t a game, it was a mindset,” said tight end Justin Lichach. “It was a lifestyle. And it translated into all of us having good careers, good jobs, good families, good character…”
“I often think back to the discipline I learned from the coaches, from football,” Jenkins nodded.
“And look at us now, we all come back as a unit, all of us here hanging out,” said Lichach. “It’s a brotherhood, it really is. There’s nothing better than high school football, nothing.”
All-star quarterback Kyle Van Wynsberghe went on to play for Carleton University Ravens and Team Canada, but switched to wide receiver for a better opportunity to reach the next level.
“Ultimately, I didn’t make it, but that was the whole idea behind it.”
Van Wynsberghe remembers some powerhouse Raiders teams, especially 2011, and only four losses, total, in four seasons.
“2009, that was crazy, and they were strong even before then, but 2009, 2011, 2012 – we won three out of four years. We had like 60 guys on the roster every time. We were unreal. I could probably count on one hand how many losses we had.”
With Leatherland, he recalled a 24-22 loss to Waterford in the Pumpkin Bowl, which they avenged in the championship.
“Our whole roster was just stacked,” said Van Wynsberghe, who had experience playing under lights in Hamilton –but will never forget playing under lights in Delhi.
“The whole town was here, the guys you grew up with. That’s what made it special. To do it at home, in Delhi, that’s just small town stuff… that’s what you remember.
“Delhi football is a big deal,” Van Wynsberghe summed up.
chris@granthaven.com
Delhi Raiders, lining up on the right, defeated the Waterford Wolves 40-15 on Friday in a Friday Night Lights football game.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Delhi Raiders took a 25-7 lead into the third quarter under the Friday Night Lights.
Fans filled the bleachers in Delhi to watch the return of Friday Night Lights.
1,500 people watched the Friday Night Lights football game in Delhi.
Delhi Flames looking to be WOSHL contenders
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The Delhi Flames had the Alvinston Killer Bees on the ropes Saturday night, leading the OSHL Western Division men’s hockey game 5-1 early in the third period.
The visiting Bees, who reached the division final last year, had shown signs of life outshooting Delhi 20-12 in the second period. But Flames’ goals by Sean Golebiowski (his second of the night) and Mitch Randell extended Delhi’s lead to 4-1 in a scrappy period in which Golebiowski and Alvinston’s Jack VanBoekel were ejected for fighting.
Flames’ Bhrett Hibbert scored 4:13 into the third, putting Delhi up 5-1, but the ice immediately tilted. Alvinston replied with three goals in four minutes, tied it on a power play, then went ahead 6-5 with 40 seconds left in regulation on Ethan Lamoureux’s second of the game.
And that was the final, 6-5.
Alvinston outshot Delhi 30-15 in the third, and 69-42 over three periods.
Delhi’s strength is offence, not defence, said Flames coach Max Partlo.
“We’re an aggressive, forward, fast-skating, hard-shooting, passthe-puck team,” said Partlo. “And we kind of went into a defensive zone and.. and tried to control it.” It was encouraging, however, seeing them go up 5-1, he said.
“We have a very good offensive hockey club. There’s no two
ways about it – these guys are fast, they’re young, they’ve got heart, they drive… but they’re still lacking that ‘keeping that momentum going.’”
The Flames had opened their 2024-25 Western Division season with a home ice 5-2 win over Petrolia on Sept. 28, despite being outshot 51-26 by the Squires. The Flames did generate more shots on Oct. 4, outshooting Strathroy 55-52 in a 6-1 Jets victory.
“We need to move forward,” said Partlo. “Keep going in the strides that we plan on every time.”
“The pieces of the puzzle are there, we’re just waiting for the whole picture to come into view,” said Delhi assistant coach Trevor Torelli.
Alvinston improved to 2-0, one game back of division-leading Elora Rocks.
“Can’t take anything away from Alvinston, they were in the finals last year, seven games with Tillsonburg,” said Partlo, recalling a seventh game where Alvinston trailed 5-0 in the third, and came back to score four, losing by one.
The Killer Bees were the most improved team in 202425, and they are still improving, said Partlo, still going hard and strong.
“I think our guys just lightened up, thinking we could coast through this and kind of defend it. And this is what happens when you look at that aspect.”
The Flames’ goal this year is to
get into the nine-team Western Division mid-pack, maybe rise toward the top of the pack.
“Then get ready for playoffs,” Partlo smiled. “We’re looking to be contenders, maybe get to that second-round spot… that area.
“This is a brand new start,” said Partlo, noting they brought in 8-9 players from Woodstock, bringing the two teams together, and
Andrew Tapsell from Tillsonburg. “And it’s working. It gives us depth in the hitting and puck control. We’ve got some very talented players, it’s just a matter of getting all the bugs worked out, seeing who’s got what and who can play with who.
“Give us a few more goes at this and we’ll have it figured out,” Partlo smiled.
“And you’ve got three years of building (in Delhi),” Torelli nodded. “I think we’re in the year of maturing right now.”
Delhi Flames’ next home game is Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. when they host Tillsonburg Thunder for Minor Hockey Night in Delhi. chris@granthaven.com
Delhi Flames’ Mitchell Britton had two assists in Saturday’s WOSHL men’s hockey game against Alvinston.
Delhi forward Derek Slaght is tracked by Alvinston’s Zach Vanderwal Saturday at the Delhi Community Arena.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Delhi’s Hunter Monkhouse lines up for a second-period shot, but was stick-checked before he could release it.
Parade of Champions recognizes athletes, coaches
The annual Parade of Champions recognizes teams and individual athletes in Norfolk County who have achieved excellence in sport.
Organized by the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, the 2024 parade in Port Dover on Sept. 29 honoured more than 200 athletes and coaches who won medals or received honours at the provincial, national or international level.
“It’s so good to see so many people here,” said MC Jean Montgomery at the Port Dover Community Centre. “It’s wonderful.”
“We’re here to show congratulations to our champions,” said Norfolk Deputy Mayor Chris Van Paassen, Ward 4 Councillor, who led the Parade of Champions into the room to the Rocky theme song.
“It’s great to see them and we appreciate all the hard work they’ve done, and the training, and the sweat that goes with it to become a champion. But I think we’re also here to show some appreciation for the ‘sort of forgotten group,’ the parents, the friends, the coaches, and all the people who support you behind the scenes,” said Van Paassen.
“We wouldn’t be here without the participation and contribution of many, many people,” Montgomery agreed, thanking
the coaches and administrators.
Certificates of congratulations from Norfolk County and the Sports Hall of Recognition were presented to more than 100 athletes and coaches on the 29th. Those not in attendance can pick up their certificates at the Simcoe Recreation Centre.
“Norfolk County is a great place to be and the world is all around us, and dreams can come true,” Montgomery concluded after presentations. “I know what it’s like to be there at the games, the practices, and to just be a fan… and I’d like to thank the community and the parents and everyone who has made this possible for these athletes to compete – without you, they wouldn’t be here.”
Montgomery, co-chair of the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, said more volunteers are needed for their committee, now in its 30th year, and they are asking for nominations for the 2026 sports hall induction. Visit norfolksports.ca for more information.
chris@granthaven.com
“There’s so many of them,” smiled Van Paassen, noting there were 203 on this year’s list. “It’s almost hard to believe we have that many different groups representing all sorts of different sports, all the way from the young ones to the more experienced ones…”
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Certificates of congratulations from Norfolk County and the Sports Hall of Recognition were presented to more than 100 athletes and coaches from a list of 203 at the Parade of Champions event on Sept. 29 in Port Dover.
Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition 2024 PARADE OF CHAMPIONS
Simcoe Giants Baseball U22 - OBA
Provincial Silver: Dylan Courier, Jonah Blad, Adam Leatherland, Ken Neabel, Zack VanNetten, Clark Leman, MacGregor Lawrence, Brendan Shortt, Dylan Robinson, Shawn Knelsen, Alex Auld, Issak Fisher, Trevor Nunn and coaches Dave Leatherland, Mike VanNetten, Brian Auld, Mike Duwyn.
Simcoe Giants Senior Baseball - OBA
Provincial Champions: Andrew Dedecker, Andrew Zelem, Ben Rempel, Brady Barnard, Brenden Shortt, Cal Pasinek, Devin Holmes, Greg Zelem, Hunter Boyd, Jay Knelsen, Jeryn Shortt, Josh Hare, Josh Johnson, Joshua Prues, Macgregor Lawrence, Sam Smith, Sean Jamieson, Sean Morrow, Shawn Knelsen, Steve Dunn, Steve Martinow.
Simcoe Giants Baseball U18 – OBA
Provincial Champions: Anthony Andrello, Andrew Auld, Paxton Bale, Fischer Lennox, Aiden Little, Will Murphy, Liam Nunn, Easton Powell, Cohen Schott, Jeryn Shortt, Austin Topp, Brody VanRybroeck, and coaches Tim Dedrick, Brian Auld, Jon Nunn, Jeff Shortt.
Simcoe Giants Baseball U15 – OBA
Provincial Champions: Austin Westbrook, Cameron Rodrigues, Campbell Shrubsole, Carson Kolisnyk, Charlie Long, Elliott DeDecker, Isabella Horton-Moulton, Jaden Bautista, Liam Shortt, Lincoln Ramirez, Lukas Inman, Luke Cake, Michael Brewitt, and coaches Cory Moulton, Rich Long, Brian Westbrook, Cory Inman, Andy DeDecker.
Simcoe Giants Baseball U12 – OBA
Provincial Champions: Carson Hutchison, Cooper Horton, Deegan Murray, Emerson Beck, Emerson Meade, Jack Black, Kane Staats, Lane Graham, Markus Woolley, Nathan Sovereign, Spencer Gilbert, Zachary Nobles, coaches Tim Graham, Tyler Horton, Jay Woolley, Andrew Beck.
Simcoe Giants Baseball U8 – OBA
Provincial Finalists: Ben Breedyk, Dane Gilbertson, Easton Davies, Eithan Lipsit, Jack Gilbert, James Clarke, Jase Hotchkiss, Riley Alderson, Ryan Sawatzky, Sable Compton, Taylor Gossling, Taytum Vanderheyden, coaches Jamie Clarke, Ryan Money, Tyler Gilbertson, Nathan Breedyk, Matthew Davies, Jeff Vanderheyden.
Simcoe Giants Baseball U15 – OBA
Provincial Bronze: Austin Westbrook, Cameron Rodrigues, Campbell Shrubsole, Carter Leach, Charlie Long, Elliott DeDecker, Evan Baldwin, Hudson Wolf, Jaden Bautista, Landen Matthews, Liam Shortt, Lincoln Ramirex, Lukas Inman, Luke Cake, Michael Brewitt, TJ CampbellPoirier, coaches Jeff Shortt, Andy DeDecker, Rich Long.
OSFL U18 Bisons Football – Champion: Chris Koteles, Leo Reddecopp, Ethan Binkley, Andrew Fekete
International Archery – Men’s Champions: George Pieters, Jack Caron, Ryan Varey, Dan DeWitte, Ed Gauthier, Daymin Underhill
International Archery – Women’s Champions: Maryann Pieters, Liz Carson, Mary De Witte, Yolande Gauthier, Melissa Varey, Marlene McCulligh
Ontario Senior Women’s Golf –Champion: Marion Reid
North American Orienteering – 80+ Gold, Silver: David Baldok
Special Olympics Medalists: Jason Kozina, Aaron Montgomery, Helen Lindsay, Michael Pacheco, Kayla Porter, Shantelle Millen, Laura White, Chelsea Haskett, Amanda Shaw, Jeremy Deyoung, Kaitlyn Ferguson, Rosie Hewitt, Kara Hoskins
ORSA U17 Softball – Champion: Ava Kalle, Sydney Auld
Bisons 14U Football – Finalists: Hayden Bertrand, Reid Wouters
Bisons 10U: Antonio DiCola
SCBA Baseball – Volunteer of the Year: Adrienne Reddecopp
Para Athlete – Gold 100m, 200m Frame
Racer: Joey Graham
Chaos Volleyball 15U – National Champions: Breigh Vandenbulck, Emma Smith, Faith Zarske, Katie Ross, Bridget Wall, Maddy Visser, Avery Block, Mackenzie Fitzgerald, Meesha Fink, Gracie Garrison, coach Alvaro Saluta
Chaos Volleyball 13U – National Champions: Diem Hazen, Aiyanna Kentish, Bella Deconink, Ryen Vandenbulk, Avery Walmsley, Ryleigh Lowe, Lexy Nobes, coaches Jamie Brownlee, Jennifer Beal, Craig Besley
ICF Stand Up Paddleboarding World Cup – Bronze: Peter Korisanszky
List of athletes and coaches provided by Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition.
Waterford Junior Wolves roll to pair of victories
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Two out of three was a good start for the Waterford Wolves’ junior girls basketball.
The Junior Wolves opened their Brant Haldimand Norfolk season strong winning the South Division home opener 36-22 over Simcoe Composite Sabres on Sept. 25. They also defeated Delhi 23-18 on Oct. 3, bookending a 54-10 road loss to Holy Trinity (3-0), who have so far outscored opponents 162-25.
“The junior game was interesting, we had a much smaller team,” said Wolves’ coach Jason Mayo after their first victory. “Most of the girls, two-thirds of them, are brand new to the sport, so they really dug in. We’ve been working a lot on skills and movement… and they’ve been coming to practice. That’s a big thing, coming to practice, it makes a huge difference.
“They were nervous, but they looked great.”
Waterford took an early 7-0 lead in the season opener. Simcoe replied with three straight baskets, but the Wolves took control in the second quarter.
“It was 25-10 at half,” said Wolves Grade 10 point guard Kora Mehlenbacher, who hit 10 of Waterford’s 18 second-quarter points, including a pair of threes, on the way to an 18-point game.
“I think we’re fairly equal, last year we won against them by one point,” said Mehlenbacher. “This year, I’d say our defence is better, more structured.”
Mehlenbacher scored three three-pointers, but it was her dribbling - and quick reversing – that froze Sabres, opening lanes to the net. She wasn’t calling it an ‘ankle breaker’ move, but it was flashy and wowed the lunch-time crowd.
“When I throw it around my back? I don’t really have a name for it, I just do it,” she laughed. “It’s something I’ve always worked on… and it’s got a lot better.”
With five regular season games remaining, HT and Cayuga (3-0) lead the division, followed by Waterford (2-1) and SCS (2-1).
“We hope to go to CWOSSA A again,” said Mehlenbacher. “Last year we lost against a really good team, so we hope to go further this year. And go far in the (BHN) playoffs.”
chris@granthaven.com
Simcoe Sabres hold off senior Wolves for first win
girls coach Jason Mayo. “That’s why we shortened that gap.”
we play – we keep going until the game is done. We don’t fold.
Waterford Wolves senior girls came on strong in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to catch the Simcoe Sabres who won the Brant Haldimand Norfolk South Division Sept. 25 basketball game 35-27. Twice in the final quarter, the Wolves pulled within five points. The Sabres shut the door both times.
“A lot of these girls are from the junior team, so they’re used to playing some really good games,” said Waterford senior
Waterford’s fourth-quarter press provided fuel for the late offence, and their shooting percentage surged as they scored 12 of their 27 points, aggressively shooting from anywhere and everywhere.
“The problem - and it’s been a problem the last couple of years - is that it takes them a couple quarters to warm up,” said Mayo. “Early, they weren’t gelling, weren’t believing in themselves… but they never gave up. That’s not the game
“Just needed to remind them, they are capable. We know that, we know we can do it. And we’re going to get there.”
Simcoe’s 13-1 first-quarter advantage, powered by guard Leah Jamieson’s nine points, deadly on the fast break, put the Sabres over the top.
“I’m more into the layups, but today I liked my three-pointer,” said Jamieson.
Rushing the net drew more fouls giving them an advantage, she said, and strong
rebounding prevented most second shots.
“It felt great to hold on, but it was obviously a little nerve-wracking when they were catching up,” said Jamieson, who finished with a game-high 21 points.
The Sabres went on to defeat Valley Heights 27-14 on Oct. 3, improving to 2-1 after a “not great” loss to Delhi in the season opener.
“Today, we had more communication, more shots,” said Jamieson. “Following our plays, following our passes.”
chris@granthaven.com
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Waterford junior girls’ Kora Mehlenbacher defends against Simcoe Composite’s Marley Snowden in the Brant Haldimand Norfolk South Division basketball season opener.
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Simcoe’s Leah Jamieson evades pressure from a pair of Waterford players.
Simcoe Composite’s Alysson Copeland shoots a fourth-quarter basket in the BNH South Division opener.
Waterford’s Aurora Martin, on the left, knocks the ball away from Simcoe’s Claire Rigglesford.
Sabres, Titans volleyball
Gamers raise funds through 24-hour live streaming
Twitch once a year, and it’s for this event.”
Ian Milmine and his Extra Life team of friends are one month away from a 24hour Nov. 9 fundraising live stream on Twitch.
“Essentially my friends and I will be spending 24 hours of being childish, playing video games, and having a great time – for a cause,” said Milmine, who was first inspired to get involved in the streaming fundraising project by long-time friend Corey Smith.
“He’s kind of like a brother to me. He created a team 10 years ago, and did the first two years by himself.”
As the international event evolved, and they added Canadian charities and the ability to donate in Canadian funds, Milmine hopped on board eight years ago.
“We are now 12 members strong and every year we seem to keep getting more and more donations.”
They expect to start their around 7-8 in the morning. Donations made any time during the team’s livestream will go to McMasters Children's Hospital. It will primarily be streamed on Twitch, but Milmine plans to post links via social media (Facebook – What’s for Dinner Norfolk). Find the link to donate through their Twitch page (CDNBaconFreak).
“I’ve been a gamer my whole life to some degree, shape or form… but I use
This year the group will break up into smaller groups for the live streaming, with a Discord server set up, and live chat.
“You’ll be able to hear us talk, communicate, joke… and see links to everybody’s live streams as well. My friends and I have a very unique sense of humour – we like to banter back and forth.”
Milmine plans to play several games during the 24-hour event from his collection of 1,300-plus games, including Fallout 76, racing games, old school Grand Theft Auto and GTA V, Elder Scrolls Skyrim with mods, and new Starfield DLC (Shattered Space).
He expects the new Doom game will be out in time, but he will save that for late at night.
“A big chunk of the team, they just play Call of Duty (multi-player) and War Zone.”
FOOD CHALLENGE
Every year Milmine attempts a food challenge during the stream to encourage donations.
“The one year I did a six-pound poutine challenge for the first $100 donation. I got through about four pounds of that.”
He also attempted a Guiness record for the fastest time eating one pound of bacon.
“Did not succeed, but I still tried,” Milmine laughed. “I try to throw little things out there so people will want to donate.”
chris@granthaven.com
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Ian Milmine and Corey Smith ham it up during Extra Life 2017, a fundraising live stream on Twitch. This year's event is Nov. 9, and their gaming team will be raising funds for McMaster Children's Hospital.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
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