competing at the largest Multi-sporting event in the world
We’re back; we went, we saw, we competed. The several months of training have paid off and we each have returned with a great sense of accomplishment, camaraderie & personal satisfaction. We were two teams: an all female 50+ crew (22 paddlers) and a male/female 40+ crew (12 paddlers) representing a wide cross section of paddling experience. What a thrill to paddle alongside our peers from across the globe! Connie, who initiated this whole adventure, wrote “It was a once in a lifetime experience. We met athletes from all over the world and enjoyed a warm welcome from the local New Zealanders. It has inspired me to strive to stay active as long as I can. I am thrilled to have shared this experience with so many new teammates who share a passion for dragon boating.”
Arriving in Auckland we could feel the excitement & enthusiasm in the air. As the week progressed the energy and high spirits of the Master athletes was unmistakeable as people greeted each other in the true spirit of sport and global connectedness. When we visited the various venues we sensed a dynamic and positive atmosphere. The love of sport and individual commitment to wellness was highly evident and was an aspect highlighted by many of our paddlers. Becky commented, “It was inspiring to be at an international event with 28,000 participants who are still active and engaged in their sport. Our Lethbridge teams were true to the World Masters Games mottos of ‘Sport for All’ and ‘Sport for Life’.”
While in Auckland, a man approached a few of us in a local grocery store; he was interested in how we were enjoying the games and in which sport we were competing. We later learned he was one of the Directors of the Games, and competitor in five different sports. He was 83 years old and playing host to his closest competitor in Triathlon (a Russian gentleman, also 83 years old!).
The competition race distances were 500 metres on Saturday and 200 metres on Sunday. The general consensus was that 200 metre sprint was by far the most exciting distance, for both competitors and spectators. Although the weather gods were not in our favor (we competed in wind, rain and occasionally with decreased visibility, and whitecaps on the water) the level of competition never faltered. The shared love of the sport carried everyone through the day. Doddi said “Competing in the Games was a once in a lifetime experience! The team was extraordinary as we practiced pool side (in Lethbridge) and then on the water for the first time in Auckland. Our coaches were very dedicated to the team and provided us with an excellent plan for being ready to compete. The races were challenging especially considering the weather (rain, wind more rain). I was proud of our enthusiasm, moral support and ability to paddle hard.”
Both teams were pleased with the results of their races, competing in the standard boat (22 paddlers) 500 m. and 200 m. and small boat (12 paddlers) 500 m. and 200 m. One of the women’s team goals, to finish the 200 m. sprint in less than 1 minute, was met and jubilation ensued! However the greatest satisfaction for many was to realise their dream of racing in the World Masters Games against seasoned paddlers at an international level. Karen wrote “We were full of the anticipation that we can do this. Full of awe that we actually came this far to participate in a world class event. Full of eagerness to show all we had worked so hard to learn.”
Our training plan was guided with huge support from Lori Chaki-Farrington who graciously volunteered her time and expertise to the group as a whole and to our coaches. Our thanks go out to her and many others locally who were supportive of our goal. It was evident during the races that cross-training and sustained physical activity plays an enormous role in preparation and successful results for such an event. We built a community of paddlers who have cemented new friendships and who now are committed to sharing their love of sport and the WMG experience with their counterparts. A strong message we wish to send is to youth in our community is the value of any physical activity focused on wellness, has huge benefits over a lifetime. This it true whether participating in this ancient Chinese sport or another pursuit of personal choice!
To learn more about this exciting event and local Southern Alberta paddlers go to:www.worldmastersgames2017; Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA) Facebook page.
Arriving in Auckland we could feel the excitement & enthusiasm in the air. As the week progressed the energy and high spirits of the Master athletes was unmistakeable as people greeted each other in the true spirit of sport and global connectedness. When we visited the various venues we sensed a dynamic and positive atmosphere. The love of sport and individual commitment to wellness was highly evident and was an aspect highlighted by many of our paddlers. Becky commented, “It was inspiring to be at an international event with 28,000 participants who are still active and engaged in their sport. Our Lethbridge teams were true to the World Masters Games mottos of ‘Sport for All’ and ‘Sport for Life’.”
While in Auckland, a man approached a few of us in a local grocery store; he was interested in how we were enjoying the games and in which sport we were competing. We later learned he was one of the Directors of the Games, and competitor in five different sports. He was 83 years old and playing host to his closest competitor in Triathlon (a Russian gentleman, also 83 years old!).
The competition race distances were 500 metres on Saturday and 200 metres on Sunday. The general consensus was that 200 metre sprint was by far the most exciting distance, for both competitors and spectators. Although the weather gods were not in our favor (we competed in wind, rain and occasionally with decreased visibility, and whitecaps on the water) the level of competition never faltered. The shared love of the sport carried everyone through the day. Doddi said “Competing in the Games was a once in a lifetime experience! The team was extraordinary as we practiced pool side (in Lethbridge) and then on the water for the first time in Auckland. Our coaches were very dedicated to the team and provided us with an excellent plan for being ready to compete. The races were challenging especially considering the weather (rain, wind more rain). I was proud of our enthusiasm, moral support and ability to paddle hard.”
Both teams were pleased with the results of their races, competing in the standard boat (22 paddlers) 500 m. and 200 m. and small boat (12 paddlers) 500 m. and 200 m. One of the women’s team goals, to finish the 200 m. sprint in less than 1 minute, was met and jubilation ensued! However the greatest satisfaction for many was to realise their dream of racing in the World Masters Games against seasoned paddlers at an international level. Karen wrote “We were full of the anticipation that we can do this. Full of awe that we actually came this far to participate in a world class event. Full of eagerness to show all we had worked so hard to learn.”
Our training plan was guided with huge support from Lori Chaki-Farrington who graciously volunteered her time and expertise to the group as a whole and to our coaches. Our thanks go out to her and many others locally who were supportive of our goal. It was evident during the races that cross-training and sustained physical activity plays an enormous role in preparation and successful results for such an event. We built a community of paddlers who have cemented new friendships and who now are committed to sharing their love of sport and the WMG experience with their counterparts. A strong message we wish to send is to youth in our community is the value of any physical activity focused on wellness, has huge benefits over a lifetime. This it true whether participating in this ancient Chinese sport or another pursuit of personal choice!
To learn more about this exciting event and local Southern Alberta paddlers go to:www.worldmastersgames2017; Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA) Facebook page.
Winter - Submitted by Emily Demyen
Winter is often referred to as a hibernation period for most. Some may find outdoor activities in the cold are more challenging, or there are fewer activities available during the winter months. However, winter can be a fantastic time to be more active.
Lethbridge Sports Council supports activity for life. Winter can be a time where getting up and being active can be challenging. Creating a few goals for yourself or your family to achieve throughout the winter will certainly bring cheer!
Peter Lee from Mod Body training says it is important to set SMART goals for your family throughout the winter months. Set a goal that is specific and clear. Have you always wanted to try snowshoeing? Try renting a pair from Alpenland. The local business offers all sorts of winter gear for an affordable price. If you find the activity to be enjoyable, bargain hunt or purchase some equipment of your own. Add a goal to your list related to that activity. Try snowshoeing a certain distance! Set an achievable goal that is realistic for your lifestyle. This is your Winter Bucket List, after all. Remember to record what you have done! Try to achieve as many Bucket List items as possible before the snow clears.
Peter also suggests joining a group activity, “You could join a hockey league; just make sure you play more than once a week. [Try] volleyball, indoor soccer, swimming (indoors as well unless you are super brave).”
Add some intensity to your daily activities like walking a little faster, hopping up the stairs, taking 30-second dance breaks. It will help your mood and get you moving! The key is to have FUN! Set up activities you can do outside, play games, or take your family to a nearby park. Pick up a free Discovery Pass from Parks Canada for 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Lethbridge is fortunate to have the Chinook winds that make for a mild winter. As the temperature drops do not forget about some recreational activities available in the area: intramural sports, club hockey, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter hikes, family skates, YMCA/YWCA classes, University of Lethbridge or Lethbridge College classes.
Do an activity you enjoy that makes you excited so it is less like work and more like play. Find an environment that makes you happy and catalyzes your action on the Bucket List. You have to enjoy what you are doing or you will not do it for long.
Many decide to set resolutions related to their physical activity. Why not set those same resolutions as soon as the snow falls? Tackle your winter months with a Winter Bucket List.
Source: http://www.alpenland.ca/index.php/rentals
http://www.parksorders.ca
Lethbridge Sports Council supports activity for life. Winter can be a time where getting up and being active can be challenging. Creating a few goals for yourself or your family to achieve throughout the winter will certainly bring cheer!
Peter Lee from Mod Body training says it is important to set SMART goals for your family throughout the winter months. Set a goal that is specific and clear. Have you always wanted to try snowshoeing? Try renting a pair from Alpenland. The local business offers all sorts of winter gear for an affordable price. If you find the activity to be enjoyable, bargain hunt or purchase some equipment of your own. Add a goal to your list related to that activity. Try snowshoeing a certain distance! Set an achievable goal that is realistic for your lifestyle. This is your Winter Bucket List, after all. Remember to record what you have done! Try to achieve as many Bucket List items as possible before the snow clears.
Peter also suggests joining a group activity, “You could join a hockey league; just make sure you play more than once a week. [Try] volleyball, indoor soccer, swimming (indoors as well unless you are super brave).”
Add some intensity to your daily activities like walking a little faster, hopping up the stairs, taking 30-second dance breaks. It will help your mood and get you moving! The key is to have FUN! Set up activities you can do outside, play games, or take your family to a nearby park. Pick up a free Discovery Pass from Parks Canada for 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Lethbridge is fortunate to have the Chinook winds that make for a mild winter. As the temperature drops do not forget about some recreational activities available in the area: intramural sports, club hockey, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter hikes, family skates, YMCA/YWCA classes, University of Lethbridge or Lethbridge College classes.
Do an activity you enjoy that makes you excited so it is less like work and more like play. Find an environment that makes you happy and catalyzes your action on the Bucket List. You have to enjoy what you are doing or you will not do it for long.
Many decide to set resolutions related to their physical activity. Why not set those same resolutions as soon as the snow falls? Tackle your winter months with a Winter Bucket List.
Source: http://www.alpenland.ca/index.php/rentals
http://www.parksorders.ca
From “No Guns Grandma” to “Proud To Be Grandma To A Target Shooter”
As a senior, continued learning has been instrumental to my good health. As a retired teacher, learning has always been an instrumental part of my life. In March, 2011, I was forced to explore something that I had no interest in learning. Yes, even as a teacher, retired or not, there were some subjects that did not interest me and TARGET Shooting was certainly one of those.
Our grandson, Michael, was 12 years old, and he had just obtained his Hunter’s Ed certificate. He was so excited to be able to go hunting with his step-dad. I have never been a fan of hunting or guns. In fact, I have been an advocate against guns-probably because I grew up in a family of five girls and we had no exposure to them. I was uneducated about guns but it certainly never stopped me from voicing my opinion about them.
I experienced worry, anxiety and trepidation about my grandson’s safety when he was hunting. To appease this grandmother’s worry, my husband, Stewart, contacted someone he knew who had been to three Commonwealth Games, been to Nationals 35 consecutive times and competed in many target shooting competitions…Stan Wills. Stan was asked if he could take the dust off some of his guns and to take Michael down to the gun range to teach him safety around rifles. Instead, Stan guided us to the Lethbridge L.A. Hotshots Shooting Club that met every Wednesday for juniors.
That night began a learning, a journey into an Olympic sport that I was not only unfamiliar with but extremely reluctant to learn anything about it. Grandmas are full of love for their grandkids and this grandma will do anything to make her grandchildren happy. Michael’s excitement and beaming smile, that first night, made me re-think my objections. I had to take a step back and realize that using rifles were my objections, my thoughts, my issues, my prejudices; not my grandson Michael’s.
That night “NO GUNS GRANDMA” took a breath and vowed to give Air Rifle Target Shooting a chance. There was a rifle, a stand, a jacket, a glove, pellets, and paper targets that were available for him to use from the club. Not having to purchase any of those items gave me more of an opportunity to explore this sport without a large financial input
In the staffroom of many schools that I taught in, teachers and education assistants would often discuss the sports that their children were involved in and the conversation usually swung to comments about the coaches. The discussion was not always positive. The concern of the long lasting emotional effect on their children because of the comments from the coaches was echoed often by these parents. I knew that I did not want this for Michael.
I became a vigilant grandma. Little by little, my respect for his coach, Susan Eymann MacDonald, rose as I listened to her coaching advice. How many 12 year old’s are asked “what were you thinking?” or “how did your body feel?” To explore that his feelings could swing from negative to positive and that he could control his thoughts and to also recognize where stress was in his body were life changing moments for Michael. Michael learned that his shooting accuracy suffered if his body was too tense or he had negative thoughts about his shooting. He learned that meditation, certain kinds of music, slowing his breathing down were all skills to help him release stress from his body.
The power of releasing negative thinking, calming his body and learning to focus were skills that Michael developed and they have been instrumental in his success not only in Air RifleTarget Shooting but in his academics.
You might ask how successful Michael has been in his sport…..let’s fast forward to 2017. Michael graduated from Chinook High School in June 2016. Our Wednesday night training expanded to training 3x week over the years. He has competed in too many competitions to count and he has many medals on his walls……from Bronze to Gold. He has won ATHLETE OF THE YEAR for Alberta and in 2015, he went through a vigorous elimination process to earn one of two spots to represent Alberta at the CANADA WINTER GAMES in Prince George. The other competitor to make it to the games was Brandon Hardy who is also coached by Susan Eymann MacDonald. It is pretty incredible, that both athletes to represent Alberta at the games, were from our club in Lethbridge.
In 2015, Michael competed at Nationals, in Beachburg, Ontario. After the games, Michael and I became tourists in our capital and we toured the Parliament Building and War Museum. As we walked, he told me that he didn’t have a lot of friends going into grade twelve. I was shocked as he is such a caring young man. He shared that some of his friends or classmates wanted to party on weekends or do drugs and he didn’t want to take a chance that he might get tested and not be able to compete. In that moment, every cent that we had spent on his shooting made it worthwhile. He was a young man making good decisions about life and what was important to him.
Oh, did I forget to mention…Michael was invited to be on the CANADIAN NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM FOR TARGET SHOOTING and he has been on this team for two years. He is also into his second year of participating in the Alberta Sport Development Centre Southwest - Athlete Enhancement Program (AEP) at the University of Lethbridge where he receives instruction on nutrition, doping, fitness as well as having personal fitness training 2x week for 16 weeks.
In December of 2016, Michael had an opportunity to compete at an air rifle competition, in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER. This was his first International shooting competition. He shot a Personal Best score as well as shooting a Canadian cut score. To stay on the Canadian team, you must shoot higher than 590.0. Michael shot a 590.8….so very proud of him.
What has Michael learned through this journey? He has respect for his coach as well as respect for rifles and care of his equipment, respect for competition officials, patience, dedication, positive self-talk, physical and mental well-being, social skills and a vision of himself at the 2024 Olympics.
What about Grandma? My learning curve has been enormous and although my husband got Michael involved in this sport, I became known as “GRANDMA AKA MANAGER”…..THE DETAILS GIRL. Because Michael’s dad works out of town and his mom works, my husband and I decided to be responsible for taking him to practices and competitions. What a gift this has been in the hours of connection that I have had with Michael over the years as we drove. Unless he had to center himself with music before a competition, the radio and cell phone were shut off as we traveled. There were many heart felt conversations between us and this young man never, ever, leaves me without saying “I love you, grandma”.
I couldn’t be more proud of who he has become and I know that a lot of his character developed because of his involvement in this sport, the guidance from his coach, the support from the community of other athletes and their families and especially from the love and support from his own family and grandparents. They say that it takes a village to raise a child and Michael certainly has an incredible village helping him.
In November 2014, this “NO GUNS GRANDMA” did something that she never imagined she would ……she went searching for and purchased an adult sized competition rifle. Michael was outgrowing the club rifle as it was made for juniors. Because of his dedication to the sport, we invested in his own equipment as well as a new rifle for him. We were in Hawaii when Michael was presented with his new rifle. The coach had asked Michael to leave his old rifle case with them as they needed to adjust his rifle. The new rifle was wrapped and put into his old case. They videotaped the reveal and the shock on his face as he opened his case. His comment when he called us was “Grandma, this is almost as good as a GOLD medal!” His appreciation of the gift warmed our hearts.
Michael’s coach, Susan Eymann MacDonald, is the only NCCP Competition-Development coach in Alberta in TARGET SHOOTING and she has now completed her second level of INTERNATIONAL coaching!!! Does Lethbridge even realize how lucky we are to have someone with her qualifications in our community?
Our family feels very blessed to have been guided to this sport. Thank you, Susan Eymann MacDonald and Stan Wills for taking Michael under your wings. Our community is very fortunate to have this caliber of skill and coaching in Lethbridge.
My new motto “PROUD TO BE GRANDMA TO A TARGET SHOOTER”. Yep….even seniors can learn new things and change their attitudes!
Margaret and Stewart Erickson
Our grandson, Michael, was 12 years old, and he had just obtained his Hunter’s Ed certificate. He was so excited to be able to go hunting with his step-dad. I have never been a fan of hunting or guns. In fact, I have been an advocate against guns-probably because I grew up in a family of five girls and we had no exposure to them. I was uneducated about guns but it certainly never stopped me from voicing my opinion about them.
I experienced worry, anxiety and trepidation about my grandson’s safety when he was hunting. To appease this grandmother’s worry, my husband, Stewart, contacted someone he knew who had been to three Commonwealth Games, been to Nationals 35 consecutive times and competed in many target shooting competitions…Stan Wills. Stan was asked if he could take the dust off some of his guns and to take Michael down to the gun range to teach him safety around rifles. Instead, Stan guided us to the Lethbridge L.A. Hotshots Shooting Club that met every Wednesday for juniors.
That night began a learning, a journey into an Olympic sport that I was not only unfamiliar with but extremely reluctant to learn anything about it. Grandmas are full of love for their grandkids and this grandma will do anything to make her grandchildren happy. Michael’s excitement and beaming smile, that first night, made me re-think my objections. I had to take a step back and realize that using rifles were my objections, my thoughts, my issues, my prejudices; not my grandson Michael’s.
That night “NO GUNS GRANDMA” took a breath and vowed to give Air Rifle Target Shooting a chance. There was a rifle, a stand, a jacket, a glove, pellets, and paper targets that were available for him to use from the club. Not having to purchase any of those items gave me more of an opportunity to explore this sport without a large financial input
In the staffroom of many schools that I taught in, teachers and education assistants would often discuss the sports that their children were involved in and the conversation usually swung to comments about the coaches. The discussion was not always positive. The concern of the long lasting emotional effect on their children because of the comments from the coaches was echoed often by these parents. I knew that I did not want this for Michael.
I became a vigilant grandma. Little by little, my respect for his coach, Susan Eymann MacDonald, rose as I listened to her coaching advice. How many 12 year old’s are asked “what were you thinking?” or “how did your body feel?” To explore that his feelings could swing from negative to positive and that he could control his thoughts and to also recognize where stress was in his body were life changing moments for Michael. Michael learned that his shooting accuracy suffered if his body was too tense or he had negative thoughts about his shooting. He learned that meditation, certain kinds of music, slowing his breathing down were all skills to help him release stress from his body.
The power of releasing negative thinking, calming his body and learning to focus were skills that Michael developed and they have been instrumental in his success not only in Air RifleTarget Shooting but in his academics.
You might ask how successful Michael has been in his sport…..let’s fast forward to 2017. Michael graduated from Chinook High School in June 2016. Our Wednesday night training expanded to training 3x week over the years. He has competed in too many competitions to count and he has many medals on his walls……from Bronze to Gold. He has won ATHLETE OF THE YEAR for Alberta and in 2015, he went through a vigorous elimination process to earn one of two spots to represent Alberta at the CANADA WINTER GAMES in Prince George. The other competitor to make it to the games was Brandon Hardy who is also coached by Susan Eymann MacDonald. It is pretty incredible, that both athletes to represent Alberta at the games, were from our club in Lethbridge.
In 2015, Michael competed at Nationals, in Beachburg, Ontario. After the games, Michael and I became tourists in our capital and we toured the Parliament Building and War Museum. As we walked, he told me that he didn’t have a lot of friends going into grade twelve. I was shocked as he is such a caring young man. He shared that some of his friends or classmates wanted to party on weekends or do drugs and he didn’t want to take a chance that he might get tested and not be able to compete. In that moment, every cent that we had spent on his shooting made it worthwhile. He was a young man making good decisions about life and what was important to him.
Oh, did I forget to mention…Michael was invited to be on the CANADIAN NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM FOR TARGET SHOOTING and he has been on this team for two years. He is also into his second year of participating in the Alberta Sport Development Centre Southwest - Athlete Enhancement Program (AEP) at the University of Lethbridge where he receives instruction on nutrition, doping, fitness as well as having personal fitness training 2x week for 16 weeks.
In December of 2016, Michael had an opportunity to compete at an air rifle competition, in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER. This was his first International shooting competition. He shot a Personal Best score as well as shooting a Canadian cut score. To stay on the Canadian team, you must shoot higher than 590.0. Michael shot a 590.8….so very proud of him.
What has Michael learned through this journey? He has respect for his coach as well as respect for rifles and care of his equipment, respect for competition officials, patience, dedication, positive self-talk, physical and mental well-being, social skills and a vision of himself at the 2024 Olympics.
What about Grandma? My learning curve has been enormous and although my husband got Michael involved in this sport, I became known as “GRANDMA AKA MANAGER”…..THE DETAILS GIRL. Because Michael’s dad works out of town and his mom works, my husband and I decided to be responsible for taking him to practices and competitions. What a gift this has been in the hours of connection that I have had with Michael over the years as we drove. Unless he had to center himself with music before a competition, the radio and cell phone were shut off as we traveled. There were many heart felt conversations between us and this young man never, ever, leaves me without saying “I love you, grandma”.
I couldn’t be more proud of who he has become and I know that a lot of his character developed because of his involvement in this sport, the guidance from his coach, the support from the community of other athletes and their families and especially from the love and support from his own family and grandparents. They say that it takes a village to raise a child and Michael certainly has an incredible village helping him.
In November 2014, this “NO GUNS GRANDMA” did something that she never imagined she would ……she went searching for and purchased an adult sized competition rifle. Michael was outgrowing the club rifle as it was made for juniors. Because of his dedication to the sport, we invested in his own equipment as well as a new rifle for him. We were in Hawaii when Michael was presented with his new rifle. The coach had asked Michael to leave his old rifle case with them as they needed to adjust his rifle. The new rifle was wrapped and put into his old case. They videotaped the reveal and the shock on his face as he opened his case. His comment when he called us was “Grandma, this is almost as good as a GOLD medal!” His appreciation of the gift warmed our hearts.
Michael’s coach, Susan Eymann MacDonald, is the only NCCP Competition-Development coach in Alberta in TARGET SHOOTING and she has now completed her second level of INTERNATIONAL coaching!!! Does Lethbridge even realize how lucky we are to have someone with her qualifications in our community?
Our family feels very blessed to have been guided to this sport. Thank you, Susan Eymann MacDonald and Stan Wills for taking Michael under your wings. Our community is very fortunate to have this caliber of skill and coaching in Lethbridge.
My new motto “PROUD TO BE GRANDMA TO A TARGET SHOOTER”. Yep….even seniors can learn new things and change their attitudes!
Margaret and Stewart Erickson
Prairie Baseball Academy
The Lloyd Nolan Yard is home to Prairie Baseball Academy. College-level baseball players train here through the winter months to prepare for the Canadian College Baseball Championships (CCBC). The stadium holds 1,000 guests and boasts a natural turf and concession facility.
The program began in 1993, when Doug Jones and Blair Kubicek were at a Midget Triple A Provincial Tournament game in Calgary, Alberta. At the time, Doug Jones was President of Baseball Alberta. Blair Kubicek was scouting, as he was the Head Coach of the Edmonds Community College Baseball Team. The two began discussing the prospect of a Junior College program. Reed Spencer and Dale Tillman quickly joined the conversation and ideas were flying. By the end of the weekend, it was determined that they could start a program.
Weeks passed and all four had stayed in touch as they planned their next move. As their ideas developed the Alberta Sport Council was approached for their support. The foursome’s newest addition, Keith Jorgensen, traveled to Medicine Hat to hold college baseball meetings where it was decided the group would move ahead. They held a meeting for interested people at Kate Andrews High School in October 1994. The elections led to Keith Jorgensen as President, Doug Jones as Vice President, and Dale Tillman as Secretary Treasurer. Other members of the board included Reed Spencer, Wayne Schlosser, and Wayne Guenter. After the group had been approved as a Society, they received a $25,000 grant from the Alberta Sports Council. It was determined that the program would be based in Lethbridge and they posted a job for Head Coach with Baseball Canada and Baseball America – they received forty-four applications and interviewed just five candidates.
The program received sponsorship when local Joe Watson (Harry Watson Farm Supply), Rick Paskal (Butte Grain Merchants), and Dale Baldwin (RoyDale International Case) came on-board to support the budding baseball program. The program began in September 1995 with sixty-two players at the first day of practice.
Prairie Baseball Academy is growing more successful. The team has captured the CCBC title five years in a row. It is now affiliated with the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. In 2014, Head Coach Todd Hubka won the award for Coaching Excellence in the Lethbridge Sports Council’s Achievement Awards.
The program offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes who wish to participate in collegiate level baseball within Canada. Their program is successful in ensuring talented baseball players have the academic requirements to transfer to more prestigious baseball programs south of the border.
Source: http://prairiebaseball.ca/about_us/history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge_Bulls
http://www.mbfunerals.com/lethbridge/obituaries/obit_details.php?obitid=6303
http://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/achievement-awards/lscaa-previous-winners
The program began in 1993, when Doug Jones and Blair Kubicek were at a Midget Triple A Provincial Tournament game in Calgary, Alberta. At the time, Doug Jones was President of Baseball Alberta. Blair Kubicek was scouting, as he was the Head Coach of the Edmonds Community College Baseball Team. The two began discussing the prospect of a Junior College program. Reed Spencer and Dale Tillman quickly joined the conversation and ideas were flying. By the end of the weekend, it was determined that they could start a program.
Weeks passed and all four had stayed in touch as they planned their next move. As their ideas developed the Alberta Sport Council was approached for their support. The foursome’s newest addition, Keith Jorgensen, traveled to Medicine Hat to hold college baseball meetings where it was decided the group would move ahead. They held a meeting for interested people at Kate Andrews High School in October 1994. The elections led to Keith Jorgensen as President, Doug Jones as Vice President, and Dale Tillman as Secretary Treasurer. Other members of the board included Reed Spencer, Wayne Schlosser, and Wayne Guenter. After the group had been approved as a Society, they received a $25,000 grant from the Alberta Sports Council. It was determined that the program would be based in Lethbridge and they posted a job for Head Coach with Baseball Canada and Baseball America – they received forty-four applications and interviewed just five candidates.
The program received sponsorship when local Joe Watson (Harry Watson Farm Supply), Rick Paskal (Butte Grain Merchants), and Dale Baldwin (RoyDale International Case) came on-board to support the budding baseball program. The program began in September 1995 with sixty-two players at the first day of practice.
Prairie Baseball Academy is growing more successful. The team has captured the CCBC title five years in a row. It is now affiliated with the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. In 2014, Head Coach Todd Hubka won the award for Coaching Excellence in the Lethbridge Sports Council’s Achievement Awards.
The program offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes who wish to participate in collegiate level baseball within Canada. Their program is successful in ensuring talented baseball players have the academic requirements to transfer to more prestigious baseball programs south of the border.
Source: http://prairiebaseball.ca/about_us/history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge_Bulls
http://www.mbfunerals.com/lethbridge/obituaries/obit_details.php?obitid=6303
http://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/achievement-awards/lscaa-previous-winners
Becoming a hockey mom
Hockey mom was never a term that I wanted to be referred as. I had seen many friends up early on the weekends, travelling many miles, spending nights in hotels, all to watch their children play hockey. I couldn’t imagine myself sitting in a cold rink on a Saturday or Sunday morning, a weeknight, or anytime of the 7 days a week.
Then we had a boy. Friends and family would ask, “is he going to play hockey?” and I would reply “never, I am not going to be a hockey mom!” Who knew I would be eating my words. As our son grew, he tried many sports – soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and golf. He asked about hockey, but I always told him no. I don’t think that he had even skated until he was in Kindergarten when the class did a 4-week skating program. Skating was not an activity that we actively engaged in as I believed that if he became a better skater, he would have a greater desire to play hockey.
The culture around the rink was not something I was interested in. There are stories good and bad about kids & parents as is the case with any team sports. There are some you like and some that will be life long friends.
Hockey parent lament on the cost of hockey ending with…but it is so worth it.. Between the equipment, hotels, gas, even the yearly fees – this was something I wasn’t prepared for either. Kids grow and I couldn’t imagine buying new (or used) equipment every year. As kids get older too and get into higher divisions, there is more travel and competition.
Then my husband, Nathan, started taking Maks to watch the Lethbridge Hurricanes. After only a few games, Maks knew the players’ names, numbers, stats – he was fully immersed. I was hoping that he would be content attending the games and just watching from the sidelines. Canadian Tire in Lethbridge sponsors a “7th player” for each Hurricane game. You put in your child’s name at the local Canadian Tire store and have a chance to stand with the Hurricanes on the ice at the beginning of the game. Maks asked every game – When can I be the 7th player? I would simply say, perhaps one day. I often wondered “How am I going to continue to hold off Maks from participating in something that he feels so passionate about?”
Then we heard about the First shift program. A friend had registered his son in the program last year. He told us what a great program it was and how his son was learning so much. I still wasn’t completely sold, but Nathan wanted to do some research. After finding the site, we read that for $200, this program would suit the child head to toe with Bauer equipment and provide 6 hours of ice time. The stipulation was that the child was to be between the “ages of 6-10 and not currently enrolled in hockey”. The description matched Maks, so Nathan put his name on the email list for further information about the program for Winter 2016.
After Maks asking weekly, then daily about the First shift program, the email finally came telling us that it was time to pay the registration fee. Equipment fitting would be in October and more information would be sent. I will never forget the look on Maks’ face when Nathan told him that he was signed up for hockey. “Smiles for miles” we keep saying. After the initial fitting, Maks came home and again – smiles for miles. The smile on his face is rather infectious to those around him, including me.
I still resisted going to the rink. After the first week, Maks asked if I was ever going to go watch him. How could I say no at this point? The following Monday, I dressed in my warm clothes, gathered a cushion to sit on and made my way over to the ATB Centre to watch my son’s hockey practice.
Girls from the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns were out on the ice with the First Shift players. These girls have a well-structured program - warm-ups, drills, even a half-ice scrimmage. There is a good ratio of coaches to young players where individual help can be provided. I am amazed how after a few short weeks Maks’ skating has improved. He has confidence on and off the ice and has learned some responsibility for how he treats his equipment which I also see in his chores at home. He can dress himself thanks to the step-by-step equipment card provided.
Last week, during a full ice scrimmage, Maks scored his first goal. I wasn’t there, and was crestfallen. He did however give me the play by play. His enthusiasm for the sport is better than anything else. He lives for hockey and is so happy doing it. Thanks to Bauer Canada, Canadian Tire bringing the First shift program to Lethbridge, I am proud to be called a Hockey mom!
Heather Pearson
Then we had a boy. Friends and family would ask, “is he going to play hockey?” and I would reply “never, I am not going to be a hockey mom!” Who knew I would be eating my words. As our son grew, he tried many sports – soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and golf. He asked about hockey, but I always told him no. I don’t think that he had even skated until he was in Kindergarten when the class did a 4-week skating program. Skating was not an activity that we actively engaged in as I believed that if he became a better skater, he would have a greater desire to play hockey.
The culture around the rink was not something I was interested in. There are stories good and bad about kids & parents as is the case with any team sports. There are some you like and some that will be life long friends.
Hockey parent lament on the cost of hockey ending with…but it is so worth it.. Between the equipment, hotels, gas, even the yearly fees – this was something I wasn’t prepared for either. Kids grow and I couldn’t imagine buying new (or used) equipment every year. As kids get older too and get into higher divisions, there is more travel and competition.
Then my husband, Nathan, started taking Maks to watch the Lethbridge Hurricanes. After only a few games, Maks knew the players’ names, numbers, stats – he was fully immersed. I was hoping that he would be content attending the games and just watching from the sidelines. Canadian Tire in Lethbridge sponsors a “7th player” for each Hurricane game. You put in your child’s name at the local Canadian Tire store and have a chance to stand with the Hurricanes on the ice at the beginning of the game. Maks asked every game – When can I be the 7th player? I would simply say, perhaps one day. I often wondered “How am I going to continue to hold off Maks from participating in something that he feels so passionate about?”
Then we heard about the First shift program. A friend had registered his son in the program last year. He told us what a great program it was and how his son was learning so much. I still wasn’t completely sold, but Nathan wanted to do some research. After finding the site, we read that for $200, this program would suit the child head to toe with Bauer equipment and provide 6 hours of ice time. The stipulation was that the child was to be between the “ages of 6-10 and not currently enrolled in hockey”. The description matched Maks, so Nathan put his name on the email list for further information about the program for Winter 2016.
After Maks asking weekly, then daily about the First shift program, the email finally came telling us that it was time to pay the registration fee. Equipment fitting would be in October and more information would be sent. I will never forget the look on Maks’ face when Nathan told him that he was signed up for hockey. “Smiles for miles” we keep saying. After the initial fitting, Maks came home and again – smiles for miles. The smile on his face is rather infectious to those around him, including me.
I still resisted going to the rink. After the first week, Maks asked if I was ever going to go watch him. How could I say no at this point? The following Monday, I dressed in my warm clothes, gathered a cushion to sit on and made my way over to the ATB Centre to watch my son’s hockey practice.
Girls from the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns were out on the ice with the First Shift players. These girls have a well-structured program - warm-ups, drills, even a half-ice scrimmage. There is a good ratio of coaches to young players where individual help can be provided. I am amazed how after a few short weeks Maks’ skating has improved. He has confidence on and off the ice and has learned some responsibility for how he treats his equipment which I also see in his chores at home. He can dress himself thanks to the step-by-step equipment card provided.
Last week, during a full ice scrimmage, Maks scored his first goal. I wasn’t there, and was crestfallen. He did however give me the play by play. His enthusiasm for the sport is better than anything else. He lives for hockey and is so happy doing it. Thanks to Bauer Canada, Canadian Tire bringing the First shift program to Lethbridge, I am proud to be called a Hockey mom!
Heather Pearson
