Homecoming Special Issue

thegazette FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

Photo Taylor Lasota. Design Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE

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thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Get to know your Mustangs Name: Zach Medeiros

Celebrity Crush: Megan Fox

Pre-Game Meal: Cereal & fruit

Position: Receiver - #80

Position: Kicker - #77

•••

Celebrity Crush: Kim Kardashian

Program: King’s College

Secret Talent: Impersonating coach Marshall

Pre-Game Meal: A banana

Program: Social Science

Name: Rory Connop

Food you Hate: Tomatoes

Position: Defensive Lineman - #95

Pre-Game Meal: Oatmeal Celebrity Crush: Jessica Alba ••• Name: Will Finch Position: Quarterback - #4 Program: Social Science Pet Peeve: Eating with your mouth open Pre-Game Meal: Boneless Wings at Jack Astor’s

•••

Celebrity Crush: Megan Fox

Program: King’s College

Name: Brian Marshall

Secret Talent: Can play the trumpet

Pet Peeve: People who text in movies

Position: Receiver - #1

•••

Pre-Game Meal: Subway Celebrity Crush: Carrie Underwood ••• Name: Daryl Waud

Name: Garret Sanvido

Program: Social Science

Position: Running Back - #15

Food you Hate: Olives Pre-Game Meal: Bruschetta and sauced up chicken fingers

Position: Defensive Lineman - #99

Celebrity Crush: Katy Perry

Program: Social Science

Name: Justin Sanvido

•••

CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer

Program: King’s College Pet Peeve: When coach Marshall yells at him Foot you Hate: Pickles Pre-Game Meal: Eggs, bacon and toast

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WINGS

1) Mustangs kicker Zach Medeiros breaks the record for most field goals in one game by hitting eight in the first half alone. This breaks the previous record of seven field goals, set in 1982.

2) Matt Uren, who has proven to be a reliable rusher and receiver, decides to give kicking a try, and hits a 56-yard field goal in his first attempt. This also breaks the record for the longest field-goal in OUA history, breaking the previous record of 55 yards.

3) Quarterback Will Finch, who has rushed for 162 yards already in two games this season, rushes for 351 yards, breaking the record of most rushing yards in one game, previously set in 2003 by Andre Durie, who rushed for 349.

4) The Mustangs, who have scored 104 points in the first two games of the season, score just three but still win the game 3–0.

5) Brian Marshall, in his last Homecoming game, catches 14 touchdown receptions, breaking the record for touchdown receptions in an entire season.

The Cryptoquip is a substitution cipher in which one letter stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Single letters, short words and words using an apostrophe give you clues to locating vowels. Solution is by trial and error. © 2002 by Kings Features Syndicate, Inc.

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thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

WILL FINCH

the man, the legend Bradley Metlin SPORTS EDITOR @BradAtGazette

Will Finch has been hailed has one of the best quarterbacks in Canadian Interuniversity Football — but when I mentioned this to him, he seemed genuinely embarrassed by the suggestion.

“I don’t really think about that at all,” he said, dismissing my insinuation bashfully. “I always just play football. I go out and play the sport that I love.”

Will isn’t particularly boisterous; he’s a pretty reserved guy who wouldn’t fit into the typical football player image that the movies so frequently spit out. Within minutes, Will clearly comes across as quite intelligent with a touch of laidback confidence. This personality is affirmed by his girlfriend Brooke Jamieson.

“He’s very easy to get along with.

He’s quiet, he’s very laid-back and he’s very focused on what he does, whether it’s football or homework,” Brooke said. The two met through a mutual friend in her first-year.

Before university, Finch had a very positive family environment that encouraged his athleticism early on.

“His dad has influenced him in his football — in his baby pictures his dad put a football in his hand — his dad has always been his mentor,” Brooke said. This love of football in the Finch family is clear.

“Just a second here, I’m on a football field,” Mike Finch, Will’s dad, said when answering his phone.

When talking, it’s clear he’s proud of his son’s successes but knows that he can continue moving forward — and Mike wants to be there every step of the way.

“I’ve been to every game he’s ever played,” he confirmed. It’s not just Will’s dad, his whole family are huge fans of him. “We have an extended family; we had 17 people at the York game,” Mike noted. Will’s well aware of the support his family gives him and his appreciation was clearly evident.

“They’ve always been there for me. My family come out to every game […] They know I love it and they love watching me play. They’re happy watching me be happy,” Will said.

In 2012, Will was a fresh-faced university student in his first year who got called to play after starting quarterback Donny Marshall was injured. Complicating matters a bit was Will’s appendix being removed five days prior to his first appearance with the Mustangs. They ended up losing to their opponent Guelph. At the time, the London Free Press described his performance as “dreadful” — the last time that word would be used in conjunction with Will Finch’s on field performance.

Last season, he became the starting quarterback and completely dominated Ontario University Athletics with his prowess. By the end of the season he had shattered the OUA record for passing yards (3,047) and had the highest completion percentage in their history (69.7 per cent or 191 of 274 passes.)

To call Will one of the best is rightfully justified. Looking ahead to Saturday’s Homecoming game against the University of Toronto, Will doesn’t seem too fazed.

“Like I always say — football is football,” Finch noted. “But anytime you can play in front of a packed stadium, it’s a good time. Especially running out of the tunnel with your best buds — there’s nothing like it.”

By now, many should be aware of Will’s pre-game ritual that he does before every game.

“The night before, I have a litre of chocolate milk and watch the movie Friday Night Lights.”

Despite his clear love for football and his status as a Canadian football star, Will’s a pretty down to earth guy who cares a lot about the people around him.

“He always plans fun dates,” Brooke said. “Sometimes he’ll just say, ‘be ready at this time and we’re going to do something special’ and he won’t tell me what he’s going to do.”

So Will is a gifted quarterback, thoughtful boyfriend but — just like every university aged male — can be a bit of a goofball. “[Spiderman is] his favourite superhero,” Brooke said.

I’ve watched every single Spiderman movie with him, I’ve watched the old cartoons from forever ago with him — he’s a little obsessed with Spiderman.”

Pretty much everyone has a favourite

superhero or childhood obsession but not everyone gets recognized while shopping.

“People have recognized me; the weirdest one was at Costco.

I was shopping there, doing groceries and some guy came up and talked to me about what happened last year,” Will recalled. “It’s cool but it’s not something you dwell on and think about,” Will said before returning to the topic at hand— “it’s just football in the end.”

Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE

4 •

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Remembering fantastic football films

Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver

It’s surprising that even in 2014 quality film roles for non-human actors are few and far between. The shaggy star of Golden Receiver puts on a powerful performance that demonstrates how four-legged thespians can do so much more than just play catch and role over on screen. A dog is inherently genuine — it cannot manufacture an artificial portrayal.

Buddy, a golden retriever, is discovered to have a talent for football and soon stars on his teenaged owner Josh’s high school squad.

Buddy must evade evil Russian siblings who scheme to kidnap him for their circus so that he can help the team win the championship.

The film was dedicated in memory of Air Buddy, the canine star of the original Air Bud who passed away just months before the movie’s release in 1998. Air Buddy and his successor are timeless role models for not just dogs but any animals who dream of equal opportunities in Hollywood.

Brian’s Song

There’s no crying in baseball but even the most macho football jocks should feel no shame in shedding a few tears to Brian’s Song. The 1971 ABC telefilm details the life of Brain Piccolo (James Caan) a Chicago Bears running back stricken with terminal cancer. It focuses on his friendship with fellow Bears running back teammate Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) who helped him through his struggle.

The classic buddy film contrasts the two protagonists. Piccolo is white and brash while the AfricanAmerican Sayers keeps to himself.

As they swap spots on the Bears depth chart the duo develops an endearing bond that justifies the sentimental tone.

Football is arguably the most team-oriented sport and it provides a canvas for profound brotherhood.

The film plucks the strings of jock fraternity — pranks, rivalry, the ebbs and flows of on-field performance — into a beautiful song.

Silver Linings Playbook

Most pigskin fans have never played organized football. Football is a religion that provides ordinary Joes entertainment and meaning when they flop down on their cushioned altar every Sunday. Playbook is a spiritual film. It plumbs the gridiron cult.

As Pat Solatano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) struggles to reconcile with his wife while dealing with bipolar disorder with the assistance of plucky young widow Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), his love for the hometown Philadelphia Eagles provides him much-needed structure and a means to bond with his friends and family.

There’s a glut of football movies exploring derivative on-field heroics but Playbook more intriguingly explores the idiosyncrasies of American football culture — i.e. Pat’s father (a resurgent Robert DeNiro) makes a living through illegal bookmaking for Eagles games.

No matter which team wins, fandom is powerful mass-synergy that can transcend quotidian struggle.

Hallelujah!

The Last Boy Scout

Who better to helm a football movie than Tony Scott? The late American auteur employs his signature garish flair to fashion a brash procedural that epitomizes the macho charm of a Terrell Owens end-zone celebration.

Die Hard-era Bruce Willis stars as disgraced private investigator Joe Hallenbeck. He teams with equally disgraced former L.A. Stallions star quarterback Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans) to uncover a gambling conspiracy within the team’s ownership.

Shane Black was famously paid a then-record $1.75 million to script the quip-heavy screenplay that pushed the limits of the buddy cop genre that flourished in the late 80s to early 90s. It’s essentially a long rap music video with mo’ money.

Scout is one of the manliest movies ever produced. Viewer discretion advised, the film will contain: nudity, dollar bills, sports cars, excessive awesomeness, explosions, gun fights, loud music, nudity, touchdowns, explosi…

Jerry Maguire

Tom Cruise and football are about as natural a combination as The Gazette and political correctness. Jerry Maguire manages to fashion this unforeseen arrangement into a sugary slice of Americana.

Cruise stars as the titular sports agent struggling to manage his sole remaining client, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (an Oscarwinning Cuba Gooding Jr.) He simultaneously balances a blossoming relationship with a single mother and her young son.

A plethora of product placement and sports world cameos (hey there Mike Tirico; what’s good Troy Aikman?) realize the intoxicating pro sports jungle.

It’s well documented how difficult it is to find a date movie that can equally please both sexes. This film successfully straddles the spectrum from mawkish rom-com to locker-room jock flick and is recommended by eight out of ten doctors as THE date movie to get you laid.

Thank you Tom Cruise!

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thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Sanvido brothers strong bond runs deep Nathan Kanter SPORTS EDITOR @NathanAtGazette

Receiver Justin Sanvido has an interesting take on why his brother is such a strong running back: “Lifejacket football up at the lake, with our middle cousin.”

Lifejacket football?

“Lifejacket football is literally you just wear lifejackets,” said the elder Sanvido, Garret, who’s in his final year of eligibility as a running back for the Western Mustangs. “That’s your only padding and it’s full contact. We would just lay each other out. Our mom would freak out.”

Given Justin’s further description, it’s understandable that their mother would be concerned.

“I would chop his legs and then my cousin would take him high,” he explained. “That’s how he got so good.”

So does Garret have a theory on why Justin has become such a good receiver?

“He had a growth spurt,” said Garret, with a laugh. “It was pretty difficult to watch him for a while,” referring to Justin’s early high school days.

Garret, the six-foot-one running back, is widely considered to be one of Canadian Interuniversity Sport’s top running backs. While an injury cut his last season short, Garret rushed for a mind-boggling 1,001 yards in the 2012–13 season, which led the CIS. Justin, his equally-bulky brother, is a rising star with the team as receiver. He caught 20 passes for 311 yards last season and has seen a strong start this year, posting 131 yards on seven receptions in two games.

Regardless of how the Sanvido brothers got to where they are, it’s

clear they are where they are thanks to each other. When Garret made the decision to come to Western all the way from Vancouver, back in the 2011–12 season, it was clear Justin may not be far behind.

“For me I just wanted something new, I didn’t want to stay home,” Garret explained. “I wanted to experience something else, something different — something better.

I wanted to meet more people, see new things.”

And while he was experiencing London and life at Western, his little brother would come experience it with him and get a little taste.

“He would come out for a week, sleep on my buddy’s couch and then we’d go out and have a good time,” Garret said. “I guess that helped. It was a little bit enticing.”

Enticing? To say the least.

“I didn’t want to stay after all of his stories,” Justin admitted. “He was always saying how much of a good time he had. So I always wanted to move out.”

Now that they’ve both solidified themselves as key pieces on a stacked Mustangs team, they are focused on one goal and one goal only: the Vanier Cup. “I don’t have personal goals because I feel like that gets in the way of the team,” Garret said. “If we win, that’s all that matters.”

There is little to suggest this Western team can’t make it to the Vanier Cup. Last regular season they went undefeated, and much of — if not all — their offence is still intact.

They got crushed by the Calgary Dinos 40–3 in the CIS semi-final last season, but Justin thinks he learned a lot as a second-year, and that he wasn’t the only one who has grown.

“Last year we had a whole bunch of us — myself, George [Johnson],

Justin and Garret Sanvido Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE

a bunch of us — were second years and it was tough,” he said. “Now I find it easier this year.”

Another key for the Mustangs in 2014? Garret is 100 per cent healthy, something that wasn’t the case last season. He’s ready to factor in on an offence that is scary deep at all

positions.

“We haven’t lost anybody on offense,” Garret said. “We know our system. We’re already 140, 150 plays deep in our playbook. We’re just really tight knit and everybody looks out for each other.”

The next step in that elusive goal

comes tomorrow, as the Mustangs host the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the annual Homecoming game. Garret had a simple message for the fans.

“I want them to get rowdy, get wild, go after players on the other team.”

USC brings the party to campus Hamza Tariq NEWS EDITOR @HamzaAtGazette

As Western’s Homecoming atmosphere builds up, the University Students’ Council, in coordination with the Alumni Association and the university, has planned a number of on-campus activities for this year’s event.

USC president Matt Helfand said there will be a free pancake breakfast on Concrete Beach followed by a concert and a festival on Saturday.

The activities will commence at 9 a.m. and will continue until the football game, which kicks off at 1 p.m.

Alumni events began yesterday with the Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting. According to 2014 Homecoming chair Mark Millar, as many as 15,000 alumni are expected over the weekend.

“We have a welcome centre set up at Alumni Hall. We also have the Mustang cookout, which is happening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the South Valley parking lot,” Millar said.

“Anyone is welcome — even if you’re not coming to the game.”

The Alumni Association has a golden anniversary dinner scheduled on Saturday night for older graduates and on Sunday has a discussion panel on the value of university degrees in the current economic and social environment hosted, by CBC’s Paul Kennedy.

In addition to the planned

events, the USC has also undertaken a number of student and community related safety initiatives along with London and Campus Police Services.

“We actually initiated this process when we were running for our campaign,” Helfand said. “What we saw was a bit of a vacuum on campus, in the sense that we saw all sort of partying going on off-campus and it was stuff that was relatively unsafe and also not necessarily ideal.”

According to Helfand, thousands of people converging on the streets, especially Broughdale Avenue, was unsafe. Helfand referred to last year’s incident when the police ticketed Western’s cheerleading team for increasing risk to public safety after they stopped to cheer in the residential area already crowded with approximately 3,000 people.

“There were people up on the roofs drinking alcohol — imagine if someone were to fall off a roof or there was an injury at the end of the street and an ambulance couldn’t get there,” Helfand said.

Heavy police presence is expected around areas that are most likely to be crowded. The USC has visited these neighbourhoods with the police to provide the residents tips on having a safe Homecoming in addition to posting related material on social media.

“There are a ton of things going on, we are hoping everyone has a fun and safe weekend,” Millar said.

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thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

ROAD TO THE VANIER CUP ST

BEST MUSTANGS SQUAD IN YEARS LOOKS TO IMPRESS IN FIRST HO

By Nathan Kanter

The Mustangs will have a chance to bo

Johnson, Brian Marshall, Justin Sanvido and Matt Uren give Western a plethora of aerial threats.

Their defence is nothing to gawk at either, despite some departures. Western leads the OUA in fewest yards allowed per game and they lead the OUA in sacks with 10. They are also the only defence to have scored a touchdown so far this season.

Two games may be a small sample size — and yes, Western won both those games, by an average margin of 46 points — but there is nothing stopping this team from going undefeated in the regular season again.

Donovan Bennett, a Sportsnet 360 reporter, stated in his September 5 CIS rankings on sportsnet.ca that, “the 2014 Mustangs could be the best team [coach] Marshall has ever had.”

Which is why the University of Toronto Varsity Blues should be frightened to visit TD Stadium and take on the Mustangs for Homecoming. It’s true this matchup doesn’t have the

unce back th

TD STADIUM AT

Despite all the Homecoming festivities, Saturday’s football game was as grim as the rainy weather. The McMaster Marauders did their

The motto around the Mustang dressing room is telling: “unfinished business.”

Unfinished because this is a team that went undefeated last regular season, won the Yates Cup by 29 points, but then lost 44–3 in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport semifinal. It has left a bitter taste with many of the players, including fifth-year lineman Daryl Waud.

“We don’t want that to ever happen again,” he said. “We’ve really got to have a comeback season.”

And they’re well-positioned for it. Although Homecoming is earlier than usual, meaning the Mustangs have only played two games so far, they are widely considered the hands-down favourite in Ontario University Athletics, and one of the top teams in Canada.

“We have a lot of returning guys,” says receiver Matt Uren, also in his last year as a Mustang. “Our offence is flying.”

That’s because their offensive weapons are numerous, whether it be at quarterback, running back or receiver. Will Finch has now solidified himself as a dominant force (see pg. 3), running back Garret Sanvido is 100 per cent healthy (see pg. 5), and George

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To be a member of one of the most decorated athletic programs in Mustangs alike at arguably the most anticipated event of the year is unparalleled. Yet every coming game they hope will be worth the hype. The general feeling experienced by the players through their veins. Whether it’s their first Homecoming as a Mustang or their final send-off, every player r on the stands. “I’m really excited. I mean we’re playing Queen’s so we know it’s going to be an amazing game,” Meredith said. week. I mean it’s incredible — the fans, the students, they really come out and sup- port us and I’m incredibly excited.” Brian Marsh game,” he said. “I just hope to beat Queen’s at Homecoming. This would be the second time playing them for Homecoming since I’ve come here and can ask for, is to play in front of that many fans and have some fun.” Fun seemed to a key component of the camaraderie going into the game. The playe it like any other game. You don’t really think of it [differently],” Finch said. “The crowd may be wild and all the expectations and stuff but it’s just a game and they expressed their intention to keep their eyes on the prize as well. “I want to win a Vanier cup every year,” Finch said. “You always have that in the back of your mind. That tomorrow they face our Western Mustangs for OUA supremacy while we celebrate our 100th anniversary of Western athletics. The Western Mustangs football team played a tough The table is now set for the 5–0 Mustangs to host the 4–0 Gaels for home-field advantage in what could very well be a Yates Cup preview. This season the Mustangs have shown quarterback, Finch ranks second in total passing yards and sits only eight yards back from the top ranked Aaron Colbon of the Gee- Gees. In five games played, Finch has completed I know we’re going to prep hard, and everyone is excited so that’s all you can really ask for from your team,” Finch said. On the re- ceiving end, Finch has used all of his weapons ef very well could be our toughest game,” Marshall said. “I think our team so far has come a long way. Each game our team gets better, and we’ve been putting up a lot of points. It rea worst offensive performances. At number two, the rookie George Johnson follows closely with 575 receiving yards on 33 catches. In his past two games, Johnson was limited to less Andrew Lue. Last year, Lue participated in the East-West bowl a long with Marshall, and the injured Matt Uren. Lue is the top cover corner in Ontario University Athletics. “You fee the CIS. It’s pretty easy for me because he puts the ball at the perfect spot.” The Mustangs rank first in scoring, points per game, pass- ing yards, and rushing yards. “There’s a lot of s passing yards per game, yet they lead the league with 10 interceptions. Western’s front seven rank third in the OUA for rushing yards allowed per game. The fifth-year senior Pawel K 15 scouting bureau rankings. This season, Landry leads the defence with 34 tackles. The Mustangs are thriving, but with the injury part to ruin Western’s party with a 42-35 v Harou means Greg Marshall can continue to run an effective one-two punch with Sinclair, but the option of running a package with all three in the backfield has since disappeared.

Western’s toughest matchup of the season. The veteran squad excels on both sides of the ball. The Gaels are averaging 405 passing and 150 rushing yards per game. The team ranks On the receiving end, McPhee has one of the most talented wide receivers in the OUA in Giovanni Aprile. Although Aprile is struggling statistically, there is no doubt that he is an quarterback, and a great guy too. You just want to go in there, do work, have fun, and play football; you don’t want to compare yourself. You have a game plan, and you get it done.” four for Queen’s is Sam Sabourin, the fourth year linebacker out of Stittsville Ontario. In four games played, Sabourin has already recorded 20.5 tackles, a number that will surely

more when we’re going in to play them because of the rivalry,” Brian Marshall said. “All of our alumni and fans are going to be out and they’re going to be expecting big things, and whoever overcomes them first. Homecoming doesn’t only provide an excuse for students to dress up in purple and support the Mustangs — it helps out Western as well.Homecoming various Homecoming events. The Association is dedicated to ensuring Western alumni maintain a relationship with Western, and Homecoming is one of their largest events. The dinon campus also see increased foot traffic during the weekend. “There is an increase of traffic on campus which does result in better sales for all businesses on campus,” Steve Alb, double the normal game which leads to increased sales [at the tent] too,” Alb said. The Book Store prepares for the weekend by having more alumni-friendly merchandise for sale. community benefits as well. “The partnership with [University Students’ Council]-sponsored events, like the parade, has become part of the tradition,” Blazak said. “Homecoming is USC, the USC has been involved in Homecoming for 45 years, with the benefits largely going to students. “It’s just an opportunity to make it so students have fun,” he explained, adding course.It’s the weekend when hundreds of former students head back to Western and thousands of current students engage in multiple acts of debauchery. It’s the one weekend a old London locals and it isn’t creepy, and the weekend where you can go out dressed head-to-toe in purple and not look crazy. Despite the many great reasons to take advantage of Street was entirely overrated, but the main thing I noted that weekend was that Queen’s students were proud of their school. Unfortunately for Queen’s, their administration put a be proud of it? At least with regards to athletics, we don’t have a lot of school spirit at Western. Sure, the football game at Homecoming is usually full and the parking lot is full of the football field to fight off students from the opposing team, when a loss at Homecoming would result in the coach being burned in effigy and when drunk students would streak ont point in the morning and enjoy listening to the marching band play the “Final Countdown” yet again. Or you can visit The Wave or Spoke and watch the game while enjoying a few drinks.Un I have only heard of two pancake keggers that are supposedly happening. That is flat out disappointing. I think it is time we all took in the festivities Homecoming has to offer. Enjoy the alumni this weekend. Take part in trash talking other Ontario universities. The majority of us only have four years at Western, which means only four Homecomings to experience. The sa as a student. Despite all the Homecoming festivities, Saturday’s football game was as grim as the rainy weather. The McMaster Marauders did their part to ruin Western’s party with a “That wasn’t our best,” Mustangs head coach Greg Marshall said. “We have got to play our best. We have got to get better.” McMaster won the coin toss and within a few minutes were a a few plays in the air by Nick Trevail and Nathan Riva, but it was not enough to score a TD. The drive ended with a blocked field goal. By the end of the first quarter, McMaster was lead

•7

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

TARTS AT HOME

his Thursd

7 fans at T.D. Waterhouse Stadium. The previously undefeated Mustangs fell to 4-1, while the Marauders improved their record to 3-2.

ay, taking on the winless York Lions at

OME GAME

same historical implications as a Queen’s or McMaster matchup, but Western is certain to entertain.

“I don’t think it matters who the opponent is [on Homecoming],” says Waud, “we’re gonna do what we do best; go out there and play hard on every snap.”

Focus is certainly important but Homecoming is also a time to soak in the unique atmosphere.

“We get the best fans,” says fifth-year receiver Brian Marshall, who returned to Western to play out his eligibility after being drafted to the CFL this past summer. “We have everybody out; the alumni, family, friends.

It’s just a great atmosphere around the campus and around the stadium on game day.”

Fifth-year receiver Matt Uren, who won the Yates Cup MVP last year, always looks forward to the sold-out game.

“There is always more fanfare around [Homecoming],” said the London native.

“This year especially, with it being our first

home game, so you have that thrill too.”

Marshall, Uren and Waud are all in their final season as Mustangs and all three are sure to play a big role this season.

“I want to slow things down, take it all in this year,” says Uren. “It’s your last time with all these guys and your last time on this field really, so just want to take it all in and appreciate it.”

In Marshall’s eyes, there’s only one way to finish off his illustrious CIS career: winning it all.

“I’m trying to look to go out on top,” he said. “We have a great group of guys, great athletes, great coaching staff, and we’re looking to take that next step and win the Vanier Cup.” Undefeated in the regular season is one thing, but a Vanier is entirely different. Although it may be a long way down the road, it’s entirely plausible. Each game they play, this team gets better, and Homecoming will be no different. To take care of their unfinished business, they must take it one game at a time.

They are on a mission, and U of T is their next victim.

all on display for alumni and fans jerseys and gets ready to deliver a Homemous — all players identify pure excitement pulsing rookie Eddie Meredith attributed this excitement to the support we have here can rival the 50,000 [to] 100,000 they have in the States any sentiments about his last homecoming with the team. “I couldn’t ask for a better both times in our stadium.” “I’m excited,” Will Finch, Mustangs quarterback, said. “That’s all I loose and enjoying the match, and advised any nervous rookies to do the same. “I think you prepare for back Garret Sanvido advised rookies. “Be patient. Your time will come.” Yet while the players endorsed having fun, rivalry. They are one of the only other two undefeated teams in Ontario University Athletics. They are the Queen’s Gaels, and past Saturday but remained undefeated. Similarly, the Queen’s Gaels faced the Ottawa Gee-Gees and secured their fourth straight win. stance. There are very few questions surrounding Mustangs quarterback Will Finch. Going into his first Homecoming as the starting percentage of 73.9. The sophomore is tied for first with 15 passing touchdowns. “I’ve never really played in front of that many fans, but one and two in receiving yards. Brian Marshall, the third year slot back has 27 receptions for 614 yards and seven touchdowns. “This not that I’m overlooking Queen’s.” In Saturday’s game against the Golden Hawks, Marshall received for 209 yards in one of Western’s to top the Canadian Interuniversity Sport leader board. The Mustang receivers will have to face the Gaels’ fourth year defensive back, preparation,” Johnson said. “It’s a blessing when you have a quarterback like Will, he’s being ranked probably one of the best players in for that game,” Finch said. “Our big priority is coming out with the win.” Defensively, the young secondary gives up an average of 268.8 cores in the country. Beau Landry, the fourth-year linebacker out of Kitchener Ontario, is sixth on the Canadian Football League top victory over the Mustangs in front of 9,21 to star running back Garret Sanvido the Western backfield is now missing one of their biggest assets. Luckily, the return of Yannick On defence, the Mustangs will also be without their top cover corner, Christian Collarile. His recent knee injury will likely keep him out for the season. The Queen’s Gaels will be second in points per game, and first in passing yards per completion. So far this season Queen’s quarterback Billy McPhee has thrown for over 1,000 yards with seven touchdowns. integral part of the Gaels air attack. The fourth year senior has 328 yards in just 11 receptions. “Me and Billy have differences, I don’t compare us at all,” Finch said. “He’s a great The Mustangs will also be faced with a tough front four highlighted by fourth year senior Derek Wiggan, who applies a significant amount of pressure on the edge. Backing the font increase in the upcoming matchup. Lue, Sabourin and Wiggan are numbers eight, nine and 10 respectively on the CFL top 15 scouting bureau rankings. “Queen’s always means so much

history is a unique experience, but to put it year the Mustangs football team dons their approaching the big day seems to be unanireiterates the same exhilaration. Mustangs’ . “The atmosphere is incredible — the 12,000 hall, Mustangs slot back, shared Meredith’s I would like to leave knowing we beat them ers all emphasized the importance of letting it’s football.Calm down,” Mustangs running t’s our goal.” They are our longest-standing h game against the Laurier Golden Hawks this n their ability to compete under any circum119 passes for 1,884 yards, for a completion ffectively. Western’s receivers rank number ally doesn’t matter who the team is now — s than 100 yards receiving but still managed el the extra push when the coaches stress on stuff we haven’t shown yet, so we’re saving it Kruba leads one of the toughest linebacking

so are we — so it should be fun.” In a sold-out TD Stadium, the pre-game jitters will hit the Mustangs and the Gaels. With both teams so tightly matched, the game could be decided by is largely funded by the Alumni Association’s operating budget, according to Gary Blazak, executive director of Alumni Western. The Association puts forward $100,000 annually for ners and other events organized during Homecoming attract alumni, who then donate to faculty-specific projects which directly benefit Western, Blazak explained. Retail operations manager of retail services for Western, explained. The Book Store at Western typically sets up a tent by TD Waterhouse Stadium to sell Western merchandise. “The crowd is usually But the economic boost that Homecoming provides extends beyond the Western bubble. Blazak noted London’s hospitality industry sees increased revenue and the broader city therefore marketed as a broader community event, rather than as an exclusive University-focused celebration.” According to Justin Mackie, vice-president student events for the the USC typically spends around $1,000 on Homecoming with planning beginning in the summer. One of the best weekends of the year is here again. I’m talking about Homecoming, of year where it is acceptable to be drunk at 10 in the morning without being called an alcoholic. It’s the weekend where you can tailgate outside the stadium with a bunch of 50-year this weekend, Homecoming spirit greatly lacks among Western students. Last year was the first time I took in Homecoming at Queen’s. Granted the infamous party known as Aberdeen damper on the festivities by moving Homecoming to the spring. Western may be able to brag that we still have our celebration, but when you really look at our Homecoming, should we tailgaters, but when you look a little closer you notice the majority of those fans are alumni or Londoners. There used to be a time at Western when students would wait all night at to the field for no apparent reason. I understand football may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the game is only a minuscule part of the Homecoming tradition. Take in the parade at some nfortunately, it seems even the antics off campus have lost their spirit as well. While walking around predominantly student areas last year, I noticed very few house parties. This year, ese events and have pride in Western. Take pride in our student-athletes, who are some of the best in the country. Be proud of Western’s illustrious tradition when you see hundreds of ad reality is time goes by quickly. Don’t waste the opportunity or you may find yourself coming back as an alumnus somewhere down the line, wishing you could have one more Homecoming a 42-35 victory over the Mustangs in front of 9,217 fans at T.D. Waterhouse Stadium. The previously undefeated Mustangs fell to 4-1, while the Marauders improved their record to 3-2. ahead. The Marauders overloaded the right, and wide receiver Sean Fahey snuck in on the left for the first touchdown of the day putting the MUSTANGS CENTRE SPREAD BY MIKE LAINE with ding 14-0, with quarterback Kyle Quinlan scoring the second touchdown.“We know Western is one heck of a team,” Quinlan said. “We knew their defence would not give us easy yards. We

8 •

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

From hugs to tackles: mothers know best

G

REAT WOMAN. SHE ALWAYS COMES TO EVERY GAME, COMES EVEN TO PRACTICES SOMETIMES. SHE’S SUPPORTED ME THROUGHOUT MY FOOTBALL CAREER, MAKES ME MEALS AS SOON AS I GET HOME. AWESOME.”

David Brown Offensive Lineman

When Nancy Brown made the decision to put her nine yearold boy on a football team in Connecticut years ago, she had no way of knowing she was watching a future Mustangs offensive lineman learn the game.

The one thing mama did know immediately was that her little blue-eyed blonde fell in love with the sport.

“He never wanted to give up. Ever. That was never an issue,” Nancy said of her son’s relationship to football. “It was always his dream.”

While most athletes would quiver at the thought of facing David Brown, a 6–5, 300 pound powerhouse, his mother remembers a time when David wasn’t quite so intimidating on the field.

“When he was little – this was when he was really, really little – it was like his first year playing, and he would just stand there. He played for the Packers at the time and they were called the Mighty Mights and [...] they would just have to walk him through everything because he would never move,” Nancy explained.

As for her role in David’s success, Nancy has been there every step of the way.

She’s done all she can to help make David’s dream a reality, from home- cooked meals to holding her breath at every injury sustained, including an ACL tear last season.

Her reward comes from the love her son has for her.

“Dave is definitely a big mama’s boy,” she admitted. “He knows it.”

B

EST WOMAN IN THE WORLD, [I’LL] PUT IT THAT WAY. NUMBER ONE FAN. BEST COOK EVER. NUMBER ONE FAN ALL AROUND, EVERYTHING.

O

UR MOM IS THE KIND OF LADY WHO WOULDN’T REALLY EVER MISS A PRACTICE. SHE’D DRIVE US THERE, SIT THERE THE WHOLE TIME, WATCH OUR PRACTICES, AND DRIVE US HOME AFTER WHEN SHE COULD. SHE’S JUST AN EVERYDAY KIND OF LADY.

S

HE STILL COMES TO ALL OF OUR PRACTICES, SITS IN THE STANDS. COMES TO EVERY GAME – DROVE TO KINGSTON LAST WEEK. SHE’S THAT TYPE OF MOM. GROWING UP, I PLAYED SOCCER AND BASKETBALL – SHE’D NEVER MISS A GAME.

Garret and Justin Sanvido

Matt Uren

Running back, Wide Receiver

It takes a lot to be the mother of a Western Mustangs football player – but it takes even more to be the mother of two, and that’s a feat Dora Sanvido has accomplished from four provinces away.

While she admits that she never expected running back Garret and wide receiver Justin to get this far, Mrs. Sanvido is thrilled at her sons’ successes.

“It’s absolutely awesome,” she said.

“I think that both the boys going to Western was great for them to get some life lessons, being away from home, being away from the province, sort of spreading their wings and figuring out life. And football has been really good at grounding both of the boys.”

The brothers were involved in all kinds of athletics when they were younger, and were never known to quit – a quality elder brother Garret confesses his mother taught him.

“She’d never let us quit,” Garret said. “We kind of had to finish the season, even if we really hated it.”

Slotback

Ultimately, the Sanvidos have a unique experience of sharing their passion and love of football with family – and that experience extends even beyond brotherhood.

“A real highlight for us was having both Garret and Justin win the same MVP award in high school and having their names on the same Arch Bishop Cup Trophy as their dad Gary 35 years prior,” Dora said.

She can recall the particular games that she envisions as turning points in her sons’ careers – when Garret was grinning from ear to ear in the mud at 13, or when Justin did an impressive quarterback’s sneak despite not playing that position – but most of all, Dora recalls the anxiety it causes to be a football mom.

“It’s agonizing watching them, letting them play,” she admitted. “It’s a tough sport and watching them get hurt is not fun, as any mother can attest to. But you know, it’s something they both love to do, want to do, and I can only encourage them to play on.”

Connie Colizza’s family has always been big on football. With five brothers who played for McGill, an uncle who played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and plenty of nephews who have also carried on the athletic tradition, it would have seemed natural for her son, Matt, to pick up the game really early on.

Instead, he was big on soccer. And hockey. And basketball. It wasn’t until high school that Matt Uren, future Mustangs slot back, began to emerge.

“Before that, he basically played around with throwing the ball with my husband or his cousins and that type of thing,” Colizza said. “He did mainly soccer. And then he just fell in love with football in high school.”

Regardless of the familial experience with the sport and her profession as a physical education teacher, Colizza still has trouble with the very real possibility of damage and injury. With a few tumbles last season, that anxiety was always present for Connie.

“I remember when he went down and hit his shoulder and I said ‘oh my goodness,’ because he had his trouble with his hamstring last year and it was killing him not to be out on the field,” she said But ever the supportive mother, Connie soldiers on through the worry to let her son play. Come rain or shine, Connie will be there, cheering her son on.

“They’ve played everything. And we’ve been to everything,” Colizza said. “We go to every game; we love it.”

• Nusaiba al-Azem

>> FOOTBALL FOR DUMMIES The crown jewel of Homecoming weekend is the football game, where neither bad weather nor common sense can keep Mustangs from showing school spirit from the stands. But if all you know about football is that it looks like an odd combination of basketball and the Running of the Bulls, this is the story to help you.

In football, there are two teams: the home and the away team.

Cheering for the team in purple is a good place to start. Of these two, one team is on offence and one is on defence based on who has possession of the ball. The ultimate goal of the game is to score more points than the other team, which is done by getting the ball into the end zone, or kicking it through the upright posts.

There are 12 players on each team made up of different people based on who is on offence or defence. The offensive team has a line of around five players who try to block the defensive players from tackling their running backs, receivers and the quarterback so they can advance the ball up the field.

The defensive team’s goal is to go after the quarterback and running back before they can make a play.

The defence consists of defensive tackles to cover the offensive line and defensive linebackers, backs and ends to cover the rest of the field.

Each play begins with the two teams lining up against each other,

beginning the play on an invisible “line of scrimmage.” The quarterback stands behind and receives the “hike” (pass) from the centre lineman to start the play.

The offensive team must keep possession of the ball by advancing 10 yards. They get three chances to make 10 yards, or possession of the ball goes to the other team. A play ends most often when the player in possession of the ball is tackled to the ground but can also end if a pass is incomplete a missed catch or a player goes out of bounds.

Once they make it at least 10 yards, the “downs” reset and the team continues to bring the ball further up the field until they reach the end zone. The offensive team can pass the ball down the field or laterally, which is done by the quarterback, and may only do so once per play.

The most common way to score points is by a touchdown, where the offensive team reaches the end zone by either catching the ball or running with the ball into the end zone, each method earning six points.

After a touchdown, the team can try to kick the ball through the goal posts to earn an extra point. A team can also earn three points by kicking the ball into the goal posts at any point in the game, which is called a field goal. If the defensive team gets tackled in their own end zone, the other team is also awarded one point, called a safety.

• Katie Lear

•9

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Ten ways to ruin your Homecoming Jenny Jay ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR

HAVE YOUR SAY

We asked students what their plans were for Homecoming.

record for 20 keg stand seconds.

End it with a belch and don’t forget to make everyone promise they’ll post it on Facebook hours later — ensuring pride from your family and employers.

Step 6. • Make friends with a person at the Homecoming game, only to get into a physical fight with them when you realize they’re supporting the rival team. Make sure you let everyone on the bleachers around you know your hatred in your effort to make the biggest scene possible.

Step 7. • Pass out in the bathrooms halfway through the Homecoming football game to be woken up by a soph poking you to ensure you are still alive, only to realize you’ve been passed out for a solid three hours.

There’s nothing quite like drooling on the toilet seat to add to your class.

Step 8. • Drunkenly dial that person you thought you swore off forever and then proceed to admit your love to them. Fail to admit it’s Homecoming weekend and your thoughts and emotions are over exaggerated consequences of inebriation, and instead leave them texting in you in confusion for the weeks to come.

Step 9. • Spend at least $200 at a bar buying yourself and everyone around you shots because you obviously weren’t intoxicated enough. Make sure you’ve already hit the point of blacking out, so when you check your OSAP funds the next morning you will never quite know why you’re suddenly $500 short.

Step 10. • Completely forget about drinking water the entire day — the only clear liquid you should be drinking is vodka or tequila. After all, alcohol is a liquid and therefore obviously hydrating, so there’s no need to add to the bathroom visits once you’ve broken your seal.

@JennyAtGazette

Step 1 • Start your morning off by eating a dozen purple pancakes. In fact, fill yourself with as much purple food as you can, so when you’re heaving on the lawn on one of the million keggers going on, it’ll be a nice bright purple that won’t blend in with the grass — but at least you will have maintained your purple pride.

Step 2.

• Find yourself on Broughdale with a red solo cup in hand, ready to find a house to wreak havoc on… until you are delayed by a police officer handing you a ticket for open alcohol in a non-licensed area. Make sure you give them the stink eye and swear profusely for the injustice they administered as you leave.

Step 3. • Caught in the crowds of Broughdale, find a stranger to hoist you up and begin crowd surfing down the streets with drunken, uncoordinated, grimy hands, passing you along until someone gets distracted and proceeds to drop you. Notice hours later that your wallet and iPhone have suspiciously gone missing — but at least you can cross crowd surfing off your bucket list, and would have moved along faster than trying to walk through that terrifying crowd.

Step 4. • Climb up on top of the roof of the raging house party you’re at and scream your purple pride, before proceeding to fall off and into the bushes below you. There’s nothing like a few broken branches or broken bones to add to your Homecoming look — crutches and casts are in fashion for Fall 2014.

Step 5. • Do a keg stand at one of the many house parties and ensure your friends take tons of pictures and a video of you holding the party

Karishma Taneja I’m actually on varsity tennis and we have a tournament — a three day long one — so I’ll be playing in Montreal on Saturday. I will not be here for Homecoming, but hopefully we’ll bring back a win for Western. Or three.

Danal Basry Probably going to Broughdale, then after that head down to Tent Party.

Then Factory. I tried to make it out last year but I didn’t make it.

John Palmer Probably planning to meet up with a bunch of my floor mates, and I’ve heard rumors of like, a party going on.

Like my neighbors down the hall were probably planning to throw something.

So we were gonna go to that, maybe morning of or night before, and then go with them to the football game, and afterwards hangout in our res.

Malory Ross I actually have a lab report due on Monday so I wasn’t really planning on going. Well and a lot of other studying that I need to catch up on!

Kristian McCarthy My plans for Homecoming are to have a great time with all the new people I meet here. And hopefully to watch the Mustangs win! And maybe roam the streets with all the new people I meet!

thegazette

Volume 108, Issue 12 www.westerngazette.ca Iain Boekhoff Editor-In-Chief

Brent Holmes Deputy Editor

Contact: www.westerngazette.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, ON, CANADA, N6A 3K7

Richard Raycraft Managing Editor

Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579

The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council.

Editorials are decided by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff.

To submit a letter, go to westerngazette.ca and click on “Contact.”

All articles, letters, photographs, graphics, illustrations and cartoons published in The Gazette, both in the newspaper and online versions, are the property of The Gazette. By submitting any such material to The Gazette for publication, you grant to The Gazette a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to publish such material in perpetuity in any media, including but not limited to, The Gazette‘s hard copy and online archives.

Gazette Composing & Gazette Advertising Ian Greaves, Maja Anjoli-Bilic Manager Diana Watson

Gazette Staff 2014-2015 Christine Bonk, Sarah Botelho, Tabitha Chan, Jonathan Dunn, Spencer Fairweather, Conrad Floryan, Sam Frankel, Jennafer Freeman, Janice Fung, Stephanie Grella, Dorothy Kessler, Kevin Heslop, Jenny Jay, Nathan Kanter, Katie Lear, Emory Liu, Haida Liu, Winnie Lu, Cheryl Madliger, Sara Mai Chitty, Soheil Milani, Mackenzie Morrison, Robert Nanni Jr., Amy O’Kruk, Vidhant Pal, Lily Robinson, Morgann Sampson, Alex Seger, Tiffany Shepherd, Tristan Wu, Olivia Zollino

News Amy O’Kruk Hamza Tariq Katie Lear Olivia Zollino

Sports Bradley Metlin Nathan Kanter Robert Nanni Jr.

News-at-large Kevin Hurren

Photography Kelly Samuel Taylor Lasota Winnie Lu

Opinions Nusaiba Al-Azem Arts & Life Conrad Floryan Jennafer Freeman Jenny Jay

Online Megan Devlin

Graphics Jennifer Feldman Illustrations Christopher Miszczak Graphics/Video Mike Laine

• Please recycle this newspaper •

SEPT. 22-26

U.C.C. MUSTANG LOUNGE 9–8 9–5

Music to your drunken ears “Break Free” Ariana Grande Homecoming is here and suddenly rules don’t apply and no one can tell you what you can and can’t do — so I guess you’re stronger than you’ve ever felt and you just can’t resist breaking free. Fly free bird, fly — the day is yours and belting this song is the only way to claim it.

“You Should Be Dancing” Bee Gees There’s nothing quite like starting off homecoming with a little flashback to the 70s as you begin styling your hair and mouthing lyrics you barely know. Make sure you look your friends directly in the eye as you inform them that you should be dancing…yeah.

“What Are you Waiting For” Nickelback It’s 9 a.m. and you don’t have a red solo cup in hand yet? Well, what are you waiting for? Hello, don’t you know that you only live once, so what are you waiting for? Let’s reach for those dreams of scoring the longest keg stand — everybody’s going to make mistakes, but what are you waiting for?

“Selfie” Chainsmokers Homecoming is not without filling up your camera roll with blurry selfies, so after you go to the bathroom — take a selfie. Don’t forget to fill your Instagram with pictures of purple pride throughout the day — although if you only get 10 likes in five minutes, maybe you should reconsider and delete it.

“Turn Down for What” DJ Snake & Lil Jon Get ready to get wild, which obviously requires another round of shots — as long as you make sure you fire up loud. What are you turning down for again? Somewhere in the mixture of purple and football, you may have forgotten — it’s time for another round of shots.

• Jenny Jay

10 •

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Leading the cheer, getting you pumped Robert Nanni Jr. SPORTS EDITOR @RobertAtGazette

As Western prepares to face Toronto this weekend in the much-anticipated Homecoming game, the Mustang cheerleaders also prepare to pump up the crowd.

The co-ed team, which consists of about 36 individuals split evenly between the sexes, has two main goals: to keep the crowd engaged and to maximize its loudness.

“When we’re in a competitive environment, it’s purely us for us,” said David-Lee Tracey, head coach of the Mustangs’ cheerleading squad. “When we’re at a game, we are simply an organized extension of the crowd.”

Following a general script of forming geometric shapes, men tossing women into the air and chanting the classic “Go ‘Stangs, go,” the Mustang cheerleaders definitely know how to engage an audience.

“We see what’s happening just like you do, but react bigger than you and in doing so garner a bigger reaction from the crowd,” Tracey explained.

While the cheerleading team may be viewed as solely a spectacle for the crowd, they are certainly much more than that. The group is truly an integral component of the Mustangs’ football experience, especially on Homecoming.

“In comparison to other sports that have a constant flow, football is a very non-dynamic sport,” Tracey said. “We have to fill in all those empty spots.”

Every time the teams go back into a huddle, the changeover whenever there is a third-down kick, the preparation prior to a field goal – these are all moments when the cheerleaders shine.

The constant stoppages in football lend itself well to the cheerleaders, who keep the fans engaged

File Photo • GAZETTE

GIVE ME A W! As the unsung heroes of Mustangs football, Western’s cheerleading squad is responsible for getting you hyped up for your Mustangs and relentlessly annoying the opposing team.

while the teams compose their “behind-the-scenes” work.

“In a three-and-a-half hour football game, there’s a lot of ‘dead’ space,” Tracey said. “We’re there for and with the crowd.”

In an attempt to engage the fans, the Mustang cheerleaders go beyond the field, reaching out to people in the bleachers.

By including parents, peers and children in the audience, the cheerleading team effectively brings together many groups of people to celebrate Western’s beloved Homecoming.

“I don’t want anybody clapping for us, I want them clapping with us — because of us,” Tracey stated.

“Us Western, us 10,000 people in the stands, us a community.”

Joining this year’s Western community is first-year Jason Guest.

I

DON’T WANT ANYBODY CLAPPING FOR US, I WANT THEM CLAPPING WITH US — BECAUSE OF US […]US WESTERN, US 10,000 PEOPLE IN THE STANDS, US A COMMUNITY. DAVID LEE TRACEY

CHEERLEADING HEAD COACH

Although he has been a cheerleader for five years already, this weekend will mark his — and many others’ — first Homecoming experience.

“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of Homecoming and everything that is involved with the experience for the first time this year,” Guest said.

In preparation for the game, Guest describes the intense preparation the team has undergone for the big event, noting improvements to their skill set and cheers.

As this is the first home game of the season, the Mustangs have awaited having their usual buffet of support behind them.

Despite the Mustang love received at home games, Tracy shares the enjoyment of cheering at away games: “We’re so hated elsewhere […] it’s one of the most fun

things about cheerleading.”

Along with travel time, being a cheerleader involves practicing, attending games and missing valuable time for academic studies.

“Balancing school work can definitely be a challenge if you don’t stay on top of your work,” Guest explained. “There are always people on the team who […] are willing to help you stay on track.”

The familial dynamic of the team truly emphasizes the Western spirit, wholly displayed through the cheerleaders’ performances at all the games.

Prepared to attract the roaring cheers from the stands, the Western cheerleaders are ready to lift, flip and chant as the Mustangs take on the Varsity Blues during tomorrow’s highly-anticipated event.

Athletic academics The Mustangs football roster is made up of over 110 players, ranging from its go-to first string, to a large reserve team. Some of these players never see much field time but, for Western’s top student athletes, trying to score on and off the field is no easy feat.

There’s no debate that the Mustangs take their sport seriously.

But athletes need to be able to perform well in the classroom too. According to Canadian Interuniversity Sports regulations, varsity athletes must be in enrolled in and complete 3.0 courses per year successfully in order to be eligible for CIS sports the following year.

Simon Bahru, a Mustang cornerback and a graduate of Western’s kinesiology program, said football is no small time commitment.

“Football is pretty demanding,” Bahru said. “It’s five or six days a week. It’s hard to balance, you have to find time to study and stay on top of your work.”

Matt Uren, a receiver and fourthyear student, said he estimates the time obligation can be comparable to having a full time job. He said that for dressed players, it can add 30 to 40 hours a week.

Of Western and its affiliated colleges, King’s University College was home to around 150 varsity athletes last year. Robin Ellis, a coordinator for admissions and liaison at King’s, said these students are called student-athletes because the

student comes first.

“Football starts off right out of the gate so easing into the transition of studying and high intensity training happens simultaneously,” Ellis said. “We work with the athletes through scheduling of classes, providing counselling and helping them access study supports such as the Write Place and peer mentors.”

Ellis added that most of the teams have mandatory, supervised study times in addition to tutors available. She mentioned that King’s small class sizes allow professors to stay in the loop and work together with students.

Joe Circello, a left guard and now a graduate student in the faculty of education, said the key to academic success is staying organized.

“It’s pretty challenging, there’s only one day a week where there’s really no football at all,” Circello said. “You really have to take advantage of Sunday and Monday to get on top of the work for the week, […] you have to hone in on your time management skills.”

Zach Medeiros, Mustang kicker and political science student, said he thinks his experience on the green is worth the sacrifice. “[Football] teaches you character, it teaches you how to grow up and I feel like that applies both on the field and in school as well,” Medeiros said.

• Amy O’Kruk

• 11

thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

Their last Homecoming Conrad Floryan ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR @ConradAtGazette

Joe Circelli is a fifth-year left guard for the Western Mustangs. He’s unwinding after another grinding practice as he mingles with his purple brothers in the northern end zone of TD Stadium. He’s preparing for Saturday’s Homecoming match against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. He’s played many home openers, each one unique, but this one is different. This year marks the last time he’ll ever step onto the Homecoming field as a Western Mustang.

Circelli’s teammates Brian Marshall and Simon Bahru find themselves in the same predicament. As high school football stars they dreamed of suiting up for Western, just like thousands of young gridiron warriors across Canada. For these three the dream is coming to an end. As the summer leaves begin to fall and drift into the wind there is change in the air.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” expresses Marshall, fifth-year receiver. “It’s going to be a great week and a great day but it’s never easy when you know you’re playing your last game.”

“It’s a milestone for sure and I’ve enjoyed every game here and homecoming especially with all the fans and everything so it’s going to be a real special game,” adds Bahru, fifthyear boundary corner.

Despite the emotional occasion,

I

T’S KIND OF BITTERSWEET. IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT WEEK AND A GREAT DAY BUT IT’S NEVER EASY WHEN YOU KNOW YOU’RE PLAYING YOUR LAST GAME. BRIAN MARSHALL FIFTH-YEAR RECEIVER

this is still football — there is business to attend to. The type of business Western pummeled into opponents’ facemasks last year in an 8–0 campaign capped with the Yates Cup. Although the players fondly recall their past Homecoming experiences playing before alumni and family, one memory stands out in particular — winning.

“The victory is the biggest thing,” Bahru asserts. “I don’t think we’ve lost a Homecoming. Beating Queen’s last year, that was big.”

For their final season the players are most looking forward to accomplishing their team goals.

“We just want to do the best we can, get better each week and really set ourselves up to have a complete

Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE

MUSTANGS BID FAREWELL. From left to right, Joe Circelli, Simon Bahru and Brian Marshall will all be playing in their final Homecoming game as a Mustang.

season and end up winning the Vanier Cup,” Circelli affirms.

Although the players are focused on winning, as the curtains begin to close on their Western football careers and they reminisce on what it all means, winning is just the tip of the iceberg.

Coach Marshall’s Western football apostles are part of a rich history. If they don’t physically bleed purple, they dream in that colour.

That colour that seeps into t-shirts, face paint, posters and imaginations of proud Stangs from Richmond St. to Western Rd. and beyond.

Fashionably showing your Mustang pride Jennafer Freeman ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR @JennaAtGazette

Homecoming is the best time of the year for students to dress up in purple and show their Western spirit. Whether students are heading to the football game or spending their day on Broughdale, they will be surrounded by a sea of purple wherever they go. There are a few key items students will need in order to be prepared for this Saturday and fit in with the purple parades.

Starting with the basics — students should definitely have a purple shirt. There are a variety of ways to approach the purple shirt and students should feel free to choose whichever style suits them best.

The Bookstore and The Purple Store have an abundance of purple shirts available in many different styles.

Purple t-shirts, tank tops, crop-tops, long-sleeves and sweaters – almost every style of purple shirt a student could want can be found at these locations.

However, it doesn’t end there.

In addition to the different styles available, there are also a variety of different designs to choose from.

While some students who are going to the football game might choose a “Western Football” purple shirt, others may be looking for a shirt with fun saying and glittery writing such as the “I Love Purple” t-shirt.

For the more creative type these

purple shirts just might not do. If this is the case, students can take on a DIY project to make the shirt their own. Some ideas might include cutting and braiding the back of the shirt or even trimming the ends to give the shirt fringes. More ideas can be found online – YouTube has a multitude of DIY tutorial videos that can be accessed to help students transform their classic purple shirt into something a little more unique. Some students might even be interested in creating an entire purple shirt of their own. This can be done by purchasing a white shirt of any style and tie-dying it with purple dye.

Next comes the fun part – accessories. Adding these to your look is a great way to spice up your Homecoming outfit and really show your spirit. Many accessories can be found at the stores on campus including purple tights, socks, tutus and boas. However, dollar stores are usually filled with bows, ribbon, sunglasses, beads and even purple wigs at this time of year.

Finally, students must prepare for the weather in order to fully enjoy Homecoming. Unfortunately, the forecast is currently calling for rain for Saturday so it wouldn’t be a bad idea for students to bring along a raincoat, a poncho or even a garbage bag on their travels to make sure that those precious Homecoming outfits don’t get soaked.

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“What it comes down to it is you make lifelong friendships,” says Bahru.

Brian Marshall needs no hesitation to convey what he’ll remember the most.

“The brotherhood with my teammates — great group of guys,” he says. “Our great coaching staff, and just our fans and the alumni around Western. Everything about this program is amazing.”

While they savour their last days as Stangs, a foreign future is fast approaching and the players are preparing for their next lives.

Marshall was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders last year and he’s going to give the CFL another shot. Circelli will pursue the CFL and he would also like to coach in the CIFL and become a teacher. If a future on the football field doesn’t pan out, Bahru would like to work in the medical field, probably in physiotherapy.

A mustang is a wild horse. The stable is just a pit stop, not a home.

As Homecoming comes and goes, this year’s graduating Mustangs have new adventures on the horizon. Off they go.

To place your classifed ad, please contact us at 519-661-3579 or adoffice@uwo.ca

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UPCOMING EVENTS

DANCE CLASSES AT DANCE STEPS- 275 Colborne St. between York and Horton Accessible by bus. Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop drop in or join a session. www.dancestepslondon.ca or contact us dance_steps@hotmail.com, 519-645-8515.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BICYCLE SALE 50 reconditioned bicycles. Saturday, September 20, 2014. 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Petro Canada Service Centre 1181 Western Road (at Sarnia Road) All proceeds go to various Lions’ charities. London Central Lions Club.

HAPKIDO: TRADITIONAL KOREAN Martial Arts, The Huron Hapkido Society meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00PM-9:30PM, Huron University College Dining Hall (Huron Room) Visit us at “UWO Hapkido” on Facebook for more info.

WANT TO FLY? Soaring is the purest flight experience! Plus it is the most economical! If you are interested in getting a campus soaring club off the ground see tinyurl.com/oujy912

PUT YOUR SUDOKU SAVVY TO THE TEST! To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

For solution, turn to page 2

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thegazette • HOMECOMING • Friday, September 19, 2014

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