Events tried, tested, and turned down The world of sports
16
November 25, 2015
KATIE MARYSCHUK
Continuing the para-athlete conversation and much more at:
marshillonline.com
Events tried, tested, and turned down
I
mackenzie
cameron
With the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to begin on August 5th, I thought it appropriate to consider the history of these spectacular games. More specifically, it may come as a surprise to learn that there have been events that have not made the cut for one reason or another. This thread
1 Croquet Yes, this favourite backyard pastime was once an Olympic event. There may even have been lemonade and top hats in attendance. Played out at the 1900 Paris summer Olympics, this event was a one-time deal. Unfortunately, the only country competing was France and so they took home 10 medals for all of their 10 competitors. Well played, France. Well played.
of thought was inspired by the incorporation of a brand new event in the upcoming summer Olympics: Rugby sevens. This game is a variation of rugby union in that the teams are made up of seven players, as opposed to the typical fifteen. This change entails higher intensity and shorter matches for optimal demonstrations of athleticism and prowess. The exciting thing about rugby seven’s induction into the Olympic games is that the sport is accessible and gaining popularity in countries that are typically under-represented at the Olym-
pic games. While the official listing of countries competing in this event is yet to be determined, there will be a slot each for Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America in order to ensure a more equal representation. Now that we have chanced a look at the future for this exciting new addition to the Olympic schedule, let us look back and consider the events that have taken their final bows (hopefully never to be seen again).
2 Cricket Also at the 1900 Paris Olympics, this riveting event was a short one. The only countries in the competition were Great Britain and France. While France may have swept the croquet game (due to the fact that they were the only ones playing) they fell to the Brits, who won by a soaring 158 runs. Maybe if India had submitted a team there would have been a Bronze medal to hand out.
3 Tug of War Unlike croquet and cricket, tug of war saw more than one Olympic year. Featured at the 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1920 Olympics, this event received more press time than was probably necessary. Due to the fact that any given country could enter more than one team into the mix, it was possible for countries to win multiple medals in this event. This happened in 1904 with USA sweeping the podium. As the saying goes, there’s power in numbers…. on the scale.
The world of sports Want to know what is going on in the world of sports outside of TWU? Here are some quick updates on some of the top teams and stats for major leagues around the world.
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers Top Players: Patrick Kane (CHI), Tyler Seguin (DAL), Jamie Benn (DAL) Key Rookies: Jared McCann (VAN), Leon Draisaitl (EDM), Max Domi (ARZ)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers Top Players: Cam Newton (CAR), Phillip Rivers (SD), Carson Palmer (ARI) Key Rookies: Marcus Mariota (TEN), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Ameer Abdullah (DET)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors Top Players: Steph Curry (GSW), LeBron James (CLE), Russell Westbrook (OKC) Key Rookies: Andrew Wiggins (MIN), Jahlil Okafor (PHI)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, Ottawa Red-Blacks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Top Players: Henry Burris (OTT), Eric Rogers (CGY), Bo Levi Mitchell (CGY)
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “A snowman” - Gregg Embree
November 25, 2015
17
Definitions of beauty
I
katie
maryschuk
An eight-year-old girl stops and pauses in front of a mirror before heading to soccer practice. She surveys herself from head to toe and continues on her way. However innocent, this is the first sign of today’s beauty standards creeping into her life. She continues out the door, clad in cleats and a Wendy’s jersey, and will soon be playing with her teammates without a care in the world. However, there is a lingering in the air, an insecurity and a false sense of worth that begins to grow. Children and adults alike are affected by what our world now understands as “official” beauty standards. Magazines and images that line the checkout racks imply that we are doomed if we are not up to par with what a model
looks like. Believe it or not, these standards creep into every aspect of our world, especially sport. Sport asks a lot from athletes. It is physically demanding; it asks that you give up your time and that you play with continual outcomes that may not be in your favour. In addition to these things, however, an elephant in the room still confronts us with a decision every time we train or compete: What will I wear? How do I look? Am I wearing the right clothes? These questions have been pumped into our brains as a result of media and competition. Sports today imply that there is an ideal for what a successful player looks and feels like. According to the media’s representation of successful players, the best male soccer players are between 5’6” and 6’6” with no extra body fat in sight. In swimming, a lean physique and hairless body are key to swift races. In track and field, sprinters have thick quads and arm muscles to boot.
These standards have been matched with success, and we tend not to see otherwise. Why? Sports tell the anomalies that they are not good enough. An “overweight” gymnast who is first place in all of her competitions struggles with her weight and eventually drops out of the sport altogether. A wrestler fails to make the right weight category in competition after starving and sweating himself all night and loses his match against a heavier opponent. A runner sticks to a strict diet to avoid gaining weight for a massive competition only to get sick and be forced to bail out. Our world has put unrealistic standards on sport and has diminished the idea of playing for the right reasons. If we are not up to standard, we simply will not make the cut. So why do the standards continue to rise? Why do we continually see the same people win the same events over and over again? Countries and teams seek
out these types of people and aim to recreate them if they aren’t already that way. People have an innate desire to turn to something that is fabricated, to this unrealistic ideal. Beauty, however, does not define success. Return to our eight-year-old friend at the mirror. She needs to
be told that no matter her appearance, she is good enough. Her skills can improve over time and she can become as good of a player as she desires to be. Instead of focusing on these ideals of beauty, let us focus on the skill and the character of the athlete. That will make all the difference.
name: jessye brockway age: twenty-two
year: fifth
major: human kinetics sport: throwing in track and field (javeline, discus, shot put)
How did you get started in track and field? JB: I was weight training in the gym when my previous coach saw me and approached me. After a few months he asked if I was interested in throwing (track and field). From there it has been an amazing journey that has allowed me to get in contact with amazing people and great coaches. What is your favourite part of the sport itself ? JB: My favourite part about throwing is the moment I have before I throw. Everything is silent and I’m just one with either the javelin, shot put, or discus. It’s the most peaceful time, and everything seems to stop around me. I also love the people that I have been able to meet and the amazing connections I have made all over the world.
for more from Jessye and exciting online exclusives go to
marshillonline.com
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “Pasta” - Jay Balletta
How many competitions do you attend each year? JB: I see myself doing a lot of competitions over each summer. I usually have one every few weeks. My goal is to be in as many as I can make standards for. Tell us a bit about what makes paraathletics so unique. JB: Being a para-athlete gives you a whole new perspective on just how diverse this world is. It has shown me how amazing people are and how there are endless possibilities. If you could try any other sport, what would it be, and why? JB: I would go sky-diving! I absolutely love heights and it’s something I have always wanted to do.
18
November 25, 2015
What’s new in spartanville
I
katie
maryschuk
Before we part ways for the Christmas season, we thought it wise to update you on the status of your home teams. While many of you may see them occasionally running to practice or working out on the Sparta deck, know that the hours they put in are beyond what we see, and the work is paying off. In the realm of current achievements, the cross-country team won many medals on November 15th at the CIS Championships in Guelph, Ontario. Master’s student Sarah Inglis found her way to the front of the pack and never looked back; she secured a CIS gold and a CanWest gold, as well as breaking the course record and becoming the first CanWest individual female winner since 1993. Quite the feat! Lisa Brook-
ing, Regan Yee, Mirelle Martens, Hannah Ryan, Joanna Williams, and Meg Harradine made up the women’s contingency. The men placed a record 6th in CIS and came a close second to UVIC for the CanWest division. Declan White and Joel De Schiffart led the pack for a 16th and 18th finish, respectively. The women’s soccer team made it past last y e a r ’s
tured the Rookie of the Year title, and Vanessa Kovacs and Ally Williamson made their way to All-Canadian teams. Men’s soccer wrapped up on November 7th with a loss to UFV in the bronze medal match of the CanWest Final Four.
women’s side has seen a 1-3 season so far. There is still more in store for both teams as they host Saskatchewan on the 26th and 27th and continue gameplay into late February. Volleyball is off to a hot season so far with the men sitting in CanWest fourth place with a 5-3 record and the women in third with a stellar 8-0 season. Can both t e a m s repeat
rival, Laval, for a place in the final game against the nearby UBC Thunderbirds. Despite losing 3-0, first year Rachel Hutchinson cap-
Spartans Basketball has begun with mid-season matches underway each weekend. The men’s team sits at a 0-4 record, and the
program history for a CIS win? Only time will tell, and the volleyball teams see game play resume on November 27th and 28th at
home, hosting Mount Royal. Last but certainly not least, the men’s hockey team sit at a 5-2 season with a November 14th win over Simon Fraser featuring a stellar third period goal from Jamey Kreller from Winfield, BC. With the help of second year Dawson Sawatzky and Brett Wur, the Spartans were able to climb out of their goal deficit and win over the Clan. With a week off, the men go on a road trip to Victoria to seek another win that will put them at the top of the BCIHL. Games are a constant here at TWU, and the Spartans have hosted an abundance of home games at the Enarson gym so far. With the Langley Events Centre close by and rival schools within driving distance, the Spartan Faithful has no reason not to be excited about what the Spartans are doing this fall. Stay tuned for an upcoming track and field season starting in January and more solid gameplay from each team as they progress and aim for CanWest and BCIHL playoffs.
5 Sports you probably didn’t know you were playing End of semester edition by Trevor McMahan The Cold Sprint
DodgeMalnutrition A variant of the middleschool classic game dodgeball, this sport ensues the daily struggle to eat at least one healthy thing. Each round of the game is scored by adding a point for every remotely nutritious food consumed and subtracting a point for every McDonald’s run. The winner of the game is rewarded with remotely positive mental and physical health, and the loser is indefinitely punished and filled with self-worth issues.
Time Juggling
Hide-andGo-Study
Marathon Cramming In this sport, players attempt to get from one building to another and remain as warm as possible. Participating athletes consistently work to shave time off their personal records while trying to draw minimal attention to themselves. They are also encouraged to say “Wow, it’s really cold,” as much as possible while running.
Frequently played at Denny’s, this sport is the ultimate test of will power. The athlete attempts to retain as much information as possible in as little time as possible, often between the hours of 10 PM and 10 AM. Key game-winning strategies include mnemonic exercises, repetition, and sheer panic.
This sport requires a high level of coordination and organization. Athletes are presented with more tasks and events than they can possibly participate in and told to say “no” to some. The twist? None of the effective strategies are fun.
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “Souls” - Monica Marwood
Only the truly resolute choose to participate in this extreme sport (or those really freaking out at the last minute). These brave souls lock themselves in the library for hours on end, voluntarily starving themselves of human interaction and joy in order to finish papers or study for a test. This sport requires high levels of endurance, and the game is typically lost due to factors such as YouTube or Facebook.
November 25, 2015
KATIE MARYSCHUK
Continuing the para-athlete conversation and much more at:
marshillonline.com
Events tried, tested, and turned down
I
mackenzie
cameron
With the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to begin on August 5th, I thought it appropriate to consider the history of these spectacular games. More specifically, it may come as a surprise to learn that there have been events that have not made the cut for one reason or another. This thread
1 Croquet Yes, this favourite backyard pastime was once an Olympic event. There may even have been lemonade and top hats in attendance. Played out at the 1900 Paris summer Olympics, this event was a one-time deal. Unfortunately, the only country competing was France and so they took home 10 medals for all of their 10 competitors. Well played, France. Well played.
of thought was inspired by the incorporation of a brand new event in the upcoming summer Olympics: Rugby sevens. This game is a variation of rugby union in that the teams are made up of seven players, as opposed to the typical fifteen. This change entails higher intensity and shorter matches for optimal demonstrations of athleticism and prowess. The exciting thing about rugby seven’s induction into the Olympic games is that the sport is accessible and gaining popularity in countries that are typically under-represented at the Olym-
pic games. While the official listing of countries competing in this event is yet to be determined, there will be a slot each for Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America in order to ensure a more equal representation. Now that we have chanced a look at the future for this exciting new addition to the Olympic schedule, let us look back and consider the events that have taken their final bows (hopefully never to be seen again).
2 Cricket Also at the 1900 Paris Olympics, this riveting event was a short one. The only countries in the competition were Great Britain and France. While France may have swept the croquet game (due to the fact that they were the only ones playing) they fell to the Brits, who won by a soaring 158 runs. Maybe if India had submitted a team there would have been a Bronze medal to hand out.
3 Tug of War Unlike croquet and cricket, tug of war saw more than one Olympic year. Featured at the 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1920 Olympics, this event received more press time than was probably necessary. Due to the fact that any given country could enter more than one team into the mix, it was possible for countries to win multiple medals in this event. This happened in 1904 with USA sweeping the podium. As the saying goes, there’s power in numbers…. on the scale.
The world of sports Want to know what is going on in the world of sports outside of TWU? Here are some quick updates on some of the top teams and stats for major leagues around the world.
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers Top Players: Patrick Kane (CHI), Tyler Seguin (DAL), Jamie Benn (DAL) Key Rookies: Jared McCann (VAN), Leon Draisaitl (EDM), Max Domi (ARZ)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers Top Players: Cam Newton (CAR), Phillip Rivers (SD), Carson Palmer (ARI) Key Rookies: Marcus Mariota (TEN), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Ameer Abdullah (DET)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors Top Players: Steph Curry (GSW), LeBron James (CLE), Russell Westbrook (OKC) Key Rookies: Andrew Wiggins (MIN), Jahlil Okafor (PHI)
logo from sportslogo.net
Frontrunner Teams: Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, Ottawa Red-Blacks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Top Players: Henry Burris (OTT), Eric Rogers (CGY), Bo Levi Mitchell (CGY)
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “A snowman” - Gregg Embree
November 25, 2015
17
Definitions of beauty
I
katie
maryschuk
An eight-year-old girl stops and pauses in front of a mirror before heading to soccer practice. She surveys herself from head to toe and continues on her way. However innocent, this is the first sign of today’s beauty standards creeping into her life. She continues out the door, clad in cleats and a Wendy’s jersey, and will soon be playing with her teammates without a care in the world. However, there is a lingering in the air, an insecurity and a false sense of worth that begins to grow. Children and adults alike are affected by what our world now understands as “official” beauty standards. Magazines and images that line the checkout racks imply that we are doomed if we are not up to par with what a model
looks like. Believe it or not, these standards creep into every aspect of our world, especially sport. Sport asks a lot from athletes. It is physically demanding; it asks that you give up your time and that you play with continual outcomes that may not be in your favour. In addition to these things, however, an elephant in the room still confronts us with a decision every time we train or compete: What will I wear? How do I look? Am I wearing the right clothes? These questions have been pumped into our brains as a result of media and competition. Sports today imply that there is an ideal for what a successful player looks and feels like. According to the media’s representation of successful players, the best male soccer players are between 5’6” and 6’6” with no extra body fat in sight. In swimming, a lean physique and hairless body are key to swift races. In track and field, sprinters have thick quads and arm muscles to boot.
These standards have been matched with success, and we tend not to see otherwise. Why? Sports tell the anomalies that they are not good enough. An “overweight” gymnast who is first place in all of her competitions struggles with her weight and eventually drops out of the sport altogether. A wrestler fails to make the right weight category in competition after starving and sweating himself all night and loses his match against a heavier opponent. A runner sticks to a strict diet to avoid gaining weight for a massive competition only to get sick and be forced to bail out. Our world has put unrealistic standards on sport and has diminished the idea of playing for the right reasons. If we are not up to standard, we simply will not make the cut. So why do the standards continue to rise? Why do we continually see the same people win the same events over and over again? Countries and teams seek
out these types of people and aim to recreate them if they aren’t already that way. People have an innate desire to turn to something that is fabricated, to this unrealistic ideal. Beauty, however, does not define success. Return to our eight-year-old friend at the mirror. She needs to
be told that no matter her appearance, she is good enough. Her skills can improve over time and she can become as good of a player as she desires to be. Instead of focusing on these ideals of beauty, let us focus on the skill and the character of the athlete. That will make all the difference.
name: jessye brockway age: twenty-two
year: fifth
major: human kinetics sport: throwing in track and field (javeline, discus, shot put)
How did you get started in track and field? JB: I was weight training in the gym when my previous coach saw me and approached me. After a few months he asked if I was interested in throwing (track and field). From there it has been an amazing journey that has allowed me to get in contact with amazing people and great coaches. What is your favourite part of the sport itself ? JB: My favourite part about throwing is the moment I have before I throw. Everything is silent and I’m just one with either the javelin, shot put, or discus. It’s the most peaceful time, and everything seems to stop around me. I also love the people that I have been able to meet and the amazing connections I have made all over the world.
for more from Jessye and exciting online exclusives go to
marshillonline.com
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “Pasta” - Jay Balletta
How many competitions do you attend each year? JB: I see myself doing a lot of competitions over each summer. I usually have one every few weeks. My goal is to be in as many as I can make standards for. Tell us a bit about what makes paraathletics so unique. JB: Being a para-athlete gives you a whole new perspective on just how diverse this world is. It has shown me how amazing people are and how there are endless possibilities. If you could try any other sport, what would it be, and why? JB: I would go sky-diving! I absolutely love heights and it’s something I have always wanted to do.
18
November 25, 2015
What’s new in spartanville
I
katie
maryschuk
Before we part ways for the Christmas season, we thought it wise to update you on the status of your home teams. While many of you may see them occasionally running to practice or working out on the Sparta deck, know that the hours they put in are beyond what we see, and the work is paying off. In the realm of current achievements, the cross-country team won many medals on November 15th at the CIS Championships in Guelph, Ontario. Master’s student Sarah Inglis found her way to the front of the pack and never looked back; she secured a CIS gold and a CanWest gold, as well as breaking the course record and becoming the first CanWest individual female winner since 1993. Quite the feat! Lisa Brook-
ing, Regan Yee, Mirelle Martens, Hannah Ryan, Joanna Williams, and Meg Harradine made up the women’s contingency. The men placed a record 6th in CIS and came a close second to UVIC for the CanWest division. Declan White and Joel De Schiffart led the pack for a 16th and 18th finish, respectively. The women’s soccer team made it past last y e a r ’s
tured the Rookie of the Year title, and Vanessa Kovacs and Ally Williamson made their way to All-Canadian teams. Men’s soccer wrapped up on November 7th with a loss to UFV in the bronze medal match of the CanWest Final Four.
women’s side has seen a 1-3 season so far. There is still more in store for both teams as they host Saskatchewan on the 26th and 27th and continue gameplay into late February. Volleyball is off to a hot season so far with the men sitting in CanWest fourth place with a 5-3 record and the women in third with a stellar 8-0 season. Can both t e a m s repeat
rival, Laval, for a place in the final game against the nearby UBC Thunderbirds. Despite losing 3-0, first year Rachel Hutchinson cap-
Spartans Basketball has begun with mid-season matches underway each weekend. The men’s team sits at a 0-4 record, and the
program history for a CIS win? Only time will tell, and the volleyball teams see game play resume on November 27th and 28th at
home, hosting Mount Royal. Last but certainly not least, the men’s hockey team sit at a 5-2 season with a November 14th win over Simon Fraser featuring a stellar third period goal from Jamey Kreller from Winfield, BC. With the help of second year Dawson Sawatzky and Brett Wur, the Spartans were able to climb out of their goal deficit and win over the Clan. With a week off, the men go on a road trip to Victoria to seek another win that will put them at the top of the BCIHL. Games are a constant here at TWU, and the Spartans have hosted an abundance of home games at the Enarson gym so far. With the Langley Events Centre close by and rival schools within driving distance, the Spartan Faithful has no reason not to be excited about what the Spartans are doing this fall. Stay tuned for an upcoming track and field season starting in January and more solid gameplay from each team as they progress and aim for CanWest and BCIHL playoffs.
5 Sports you probably didn’t know you were playing End of semester edition by Trevor McMahan The Cold Sprint
DodgeMalnutrition A variant of the middleschool classic game dodgeball, this sport ensues the daily struggle to eat at least one healthy thing. Each round of the game is scored by adding a point for every remotely nutritious food consumed and subtracting a point for every McDonald’s run. The winner of the game is rewarded with remotely positive mental and physical health, and the loser is indefinitely punished and filled with self-worth issues.
Time Juggling
Hide-andGo-Study
Marathon Cramming In this sport, players attempt to get from one building to another and remain as warm as possible. Participating athletes consistently work to shave time off their personal records while trying to draw minimal attention to themselves. They are also encouraged to say “Wow, it’s really cold,” as much as possible while running.
Frequently played at Denny’s, this sport is the ultimate test of will power. The athlete attempts to retain as much information as possible in as little time as possible, often between the hours of 10 PM and 10 AM. Key game-winning strategies include mnemonic exercises, repetition, and sheer panic.
This sport requires a high level of coordination and organization. Athletes are presented with more tasks and events than they can possibly participate in and told to say “no” to some. The twist? None of the effective strategies are fun.
If you could deep fry anything, what would it be? “Souls” - Monica Marwood
Only the truly resolute choose to participate in this extreme sport (or those really freaking out at the last minute). These brave souls lock themselves in the library for hours on end, voluntarily starving themselves of human interaction and joy in order to finish papers or study for a test. This sport requires high levels of endurance, and the game is typically lost due to factors such as YouTube or Facebook.
