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First Person: Training for a future as a sportscaster

While I wasn't strong or big enough to make an impact on the field as a kid, today I can chase my dream of a career in the broadcasting booth

Jude Osmond

Photos: Paul Osmond

November 15, 2024
Revised: November 15, 2024 10:31am

Photo: Paul Osmond

"Being in the broadcast booth feels like home," writes the author. "The hardest dreams always come with some adversity, especially from naysayers."

When I’m at home in my basement, sitting on my rocking chair watching a sports game, I love listening to the broadcasters and how they use their voices. Whether it’s hockey, football or speed skating I listen deeply to them and jot down notes in my notebook. Every time I watch a game, I learn something from the sportscaster’s perspective.

I listen to every word they say, and the idea bell is constantly ringing in my head.

My favourite sportscaster is Joe Buck from Fox. He used to cover playoff baseball but now he only covers NFL football. The way he emphasizes his calls makes his voice the most satisfying one to hear in sports.

Sometimes, I tune in just to listen to what he says, not even to watch the games. I’ll just sit down, listen and take up what he shares.

Growing up, I was not genetically gifted for sports as a player. My dad was a computer science guy and my mom worked for the government and never really did sports in her past. Neither of them really knew sports. Every time my friends had a baseball or football game, I would always go out and watch them because it would get me out of the house. And one of my favourite things about a sports game is you never know what you’re going to see.

So I must have got my love for sports from my heart.

In general, the thought of not being successful has scared me my entire life. And yet, no matter how hard the dream is, I have always wanted to pursue a career in sports journalism. I can’t think about my life in 20 years that doesn’t feature me being in that booth or on that field.

I remember the day my older brother and I were on the air for SportsCenter like it was yesterday. I was 8 and we were visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. I remember seeing the booth and falling in love with the idea of being back there.

My brother Isaac is on the left, and I at 8 on the right recording for SportsCenter. — The author at 8 years old with his brother, Isaac, left, recording for SportsCenter.

The journey to get there, however, will mean starting at the bottom and working my way up. I will not be gifted a position in this industry. I need to prepare myself to work hard.

While I want to make an impact in the booth, I will admit that the odds are not in my favour. Today, many broadcasters and sportscasters are former professional players. People like Tony Romo, Tom Brady and Jason Kelce. It upsets me because even if they are not good at it, they get a pass because of their legacy. It shows that they have no practice or training at is they stumble over the words or they confuse the people watching and they don’t have the voice to be one.

But dreams can become a reality if you work hard. Bailey Beaven, a level-3 student in the radio broadcasting and podcasting program at the college, is on his own journey to become a sportscaster.

“Everyone starts at the bottom if you aren’t coming in as an established personality,” Beaven said.

But I know this is what I want to do. Being in the broadcast booth feels like home. The hardest dreams always come with some adversity, especially from naysayers.

“Nobody taught me how to be a better entertainer than myself,” Beaven said.

Sometimes, you have to ask yourself why you work hard and why you want to be successful. I ask myself every day before going to school because I know what my dream is and what I want to do, but I have to ensure I have the right mindset and path in front of me.

The work you put in will come back to help you even if its small things every chance you get to be more exposed will help.

Bruce Garrioch, an Ottawa Citizen sports reporter who covers the Ottawa Senators, agrees.

“Get in front of a mic as much you can,” he said.

In the sports media world, he says, building relationships and getting exposure and taking every single opportunity are all important.

“You can’t look at things with blinders on,” Garrioch said. “Look at things from 10,000 feet.”

That advice is great not just for sports reporting but in every area of your life where you want to be successful.

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Wolves women’s basketball team remains undefeated after five games

"We want gold this year, that's the end game goal. Potentially nationals after that," said Leah Hirst, Algonquin Wolves guard

Ethan Macleod

Photos: Ethan Macleod

November 14, 2024
Revised: November 14, 2024 2:51pm

Photo: Ethan Macleod

Jasmine Salazar, Lancers guard, reaching for the ball to keep from the Wolves.

The women’s basketball game ended with the Algonquin Wolves beating the Loyalist Lancers 66-39 at the Jack Doyle Athletics & Recreation Centre on Nov. 9, keeping the Wolves’ undefeated streak going.

“We want to make it to the gold medal game this year. We got bronze in the first year and silver last year,” said Leah Hirst, Algonquin Wolves guard. “We want gold this year, that’s the end game goal. Potentially nationals after that.”

Both sides started the game strong, but the Wolves were more strategic in their approach, scoring eight points in the first three minutes.

Wolves forward Libby Hirst made a jump shot at the start of the first quarter immediately scoring two points. She consistently made shots through the quarter.

The first quarter of the game ended with the Wolves ahead 16-8.

At the start of the second quarter, Lancers guard missed a three-pointer but made up for it with a successful layup.

Wolves guard Kate Dahmer steered a strong offence to match the team’s impressive defence, helping her squad end the second quarter with a 17-point lead.

“We knew they were going to come off strong, they’re a tough team,” said Lancers guard Priya Bhullar. “We weren’t going to let them walk all over us. We were ready to fight.”

As the Lancers spirit stayed alive, they continued to push the Wolves in the third quarter.

Within the first few seconds, Wolves guard Sydney Moore made a layup.

“We play better in the second half,” said Leah Hirst. “But we need to pick up our defence and communicate more.”

The Wolves continued to lead by the end of the third quarter, 51-21.

As the final quarter began, the plan was clear for both sides. The Wolves would focus on a coordinated defence while the Lancers push for victory.

Callahan continued to put herself to work against the Wolves but couldn’t carry her team to victory.

“Grace Callahan, kind of our heartbeat, she gave us a spark,” said Caleb Hugh, the Lancers’ head coach. “We’re young, we’re still learning and it’s good to be challenged like this”

“I like our group, we have a good attitude and we’re still learning, so it’s all about the next one and getting better every game,” said Hugh. “This might not have been our best game, but we’ll be better in the next one.”

As the game ended, the fun didn’t stop at the final buzzer. Algonquin Wolves head coach Jamie McLean dyed his beard pink to support the breast cancer fundraiser “Shoot for the Cure” by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Jamie McLean getting his beard dyed pink for the "Shoot for the Cure" foundation by the Canadian Cancer Society. Photo credit: Ethan Macleod

The cause is personal for the Wolves women’s basketball team and others. Last year, the team almost raised $5,000. This year, the team raised over $3,500.

“It’s really important for us to do something else other than just play basketball,” said McLean. “The cause being so close to home for the team is something we really want to be pushing.”

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Ethan Macleod

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First Person: Confronting my bully has put me on a path to healing

A teacher who bullied me shattered my childhood. When I approached her years later, her shocking explanation turned my anger into a haunting realization

Aicha Chamor

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

November 14, 2024
Revised: November 14, 2024 2:49pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

I may always carry the scars of my past, but I embrace them. They are a testament to my strength. Fear will no longer hold me back.

My eyes fixate on the 10 digital numbers flashing on the WhatsApp chat. They’re just numbers, but my hands tremble. My index finger hovers over the call option, a battle of wills raging within me. A deep breath steadies my resolve and before I know it, I’m dialing the number I’ve pondered using for years.

“Hello! … Hello!” The familiar voice breaks through. My former French teacher from level four in primary school back in Morocco.

“It’s Aicha. I used to be your student. Do you remember me?” I ask, my heart racing. Hearing her voice again pulls me back to 2010, a time I’ve tried to forget.

I was just nine years old, bursting with excitement and a thirst for knowledge. French was my favorite subject; the words danced in my mind, each one a melody. Speaking French felt like stepping into the pages of a Victor Hugo novel, alive with adventure. But all that changed when I reached level four in primary school, and the joy began to slip away.

As part of the learning process, I made mistakes in pronunciation and writing, and this is where my teacher came in like a hurricane to destroy my childhood and my life. She began making fun of me in front of the class, humiliating and belittling me.

At first, I tried to ignore it, convincing myself that if I studied hard, everything would change. However, as time went on, her teasing turned into a nightmare that haunted me every night. I still remember one day vividly.

My classmate and I were decorating the blackboard before she arrived. We were laughing and playing, but then we started to fight over the markers.

When the teacher walked in, everything changed. Instead of settling our argument, she pushed my classmate into her seat. Then she turned to me. In a flash, she grabbed my hair, pulled me toward her and slapped me in the face.

I cried, but not because of the physical pain. It was because of the emotional damage I felt. How could a teacher treat a student like this?

After that moment, I hated school. I wanted to drop out and never come back. I would have rather worked as a maid than continue school. I felt small and worthless. The laughter of my classmates echoed in my mind, and I dreaded the thought of going back to class each day. I began to associate French with pain and humiliation.

Years later, before I got the courage to talk to my teacher, I still struggled with the impact of her bullying. Whenever I tried to speak a foreign language, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. The fear of making mistakes and being laughed at stopped me from participating in class. I often avoided speaking in front of teachers, convinced that I would be ridiculed.

To move forward and finally let go of my dark past with her, here I am today. I am confronting my nightmare and the heartless witch, as I used to call her. Listening to her speak kindly to me evokes my anger, and something inside me wants to yell and tell her all the pain I buried inside for years.

“Do you know why I called you after all these years?” I ask in Arabic.

“No, I don’t, but I’m glad you did,” she replies.

“Why did you treat me like that? Do you know how much I suffered because of you? All these years, you continued your life normally, but I wonder—was it normal? Was it normal to put your head on the pillow and fall asleep knowing that a little innocent child is crying because of you?” I ask, tears running down my cheeks.

I can hear her voice change, softening into a fragile whisper that reveals the surprise and vulnerability beneath her usual tone.

“I never thought that I had ruined someone else’s life. I had stress and didn’t know how to be a good teacher,” she says. “I grew up with teachers who treated me the same way. I thought that was the normal way to teach.”

Her words are shocking. They make me realize how cycles of bullying can continue if no one breaks them. My feelings toward her have changed. I used to feel angry, but now I have sympathy for her. I wonder, what if I had talked to her before? Would that have helped me recover earlier?

The answer is it doesn’t matter. Moving forward is what truly matters.

Dr. Laila Kamar, a psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children in Morocco agrees. “Children who are bullied often carry that pain with them for years. Healing takes time and effort, but it possible,” she said. “It is important for them to know their feelings are valid and that they deserve support.”

This has helped me see my teacher as more than a bully, she was also a product of her environment.

Despite my negative experiences, I’ve been working on myself. I know I can’t let my past define me. I want to be strong and overcome my fears.

I’ve started listening to self-trust podcasts and watching videos on YouTube of people who have overcome their trauma. I stand in front of the mirror and practice my public speaking. I remind myself that making mistakes is part of the process. Each time I speak, I feel a little more confident.

I may always carry the scars of my past, but I embrace them. They are a testament to my strength. Fear will no longer hold me back.

For the sake of anonymity, I have chosen not to honour my teacher’s name here by using it. I believe it is essential to focus on healing rather than on individuals from the past.

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Aicha Chamor

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First Person: Conquering loneliness with a feline friend

Having a cat creates an adorable companion for maintaining a healthy mindset

Isabella Disley

Photos: Isabella Disley

November 14, 2024
Revised: November 14, 2024 10:28am

Photo: Isabella Disley

Three years later, the author, Isabella Disley found her independence thanks to her feline friend, Smokey.

Being an only child is a great perk. I never had to argue over who had to do the chores or had to share a bedroom. I became hyper-independent and felt better doing everything on my own.

However, I would feel lonely and disconnected from everyone around me.

Then, my family and I adopted a kitten on Nov. 6, 2021 to help uplift my spirits as I began my first year at the University of Ottawa.

It was love at first sight. From the moment I saw this adorable little creature at my local PetSmart, I knew she was coming home with me.

Immediately after adopting Smokey, I noticed a dynamic shift in my mood and a serotonin boost. I instantly found myself taking good care of Smokey while also curing my loneliness.

Smokey is always by my side, following me around the house like a little shadow. When she is not nearby, Smokey will meow to make it known when she enters the room. She has been a vocal cat from the day we adopted her. On the way home the day we got her, she would quietly meow in her cage. Now Smokey will meow on command for food but also when she momentarily forgets where everyone is in the house.

Smokey is sitting on my back and posing for a mirror selfie in my room. Photo credit: Isabella Disley Photo credit: Isabella Disley

When I work at home, I make sure that I take frequent breaks, which equates to spending time with Smokey. Smokey walks into the room when I am working, holding a toy in her mouth, dropping it and meowing at me. I would throw the toy for her to chase and fetch up and down the hallway, and sometimes Smokey would randomly chase her tail.

Smokey lies belly-up on a light grey blanket on her new Costco-bought dark grey cat tree. Photo credit: Isabella Disley Photo credit: Isabella Disley

Sitting in the cat kennel in the corner was a green-eyed, tiny curled-up grey ball of fur. Tapped onto the cage was a small white sign with the name Pumpkin written in black ink.

Pets were always part of my family’s household. Pumpkin looked almost identical to my childhood cat. The resemblance made my family switch the not-so-fitting name to Smokey.

Smokey is curled up in a ball, taking a nap on a cream-coloured sherpa blanket on my bed in my room. Photo credit: Isabella Disley Photo credit: Isabella Disley

Amélie Morin, an Ottawa resident and now cat lover, was in awe when she first saw her cat Patch. Patch has white fur, black patches and bright eyes. Patch has positively supported Morin’s mental health.

“Well, I met her at a cat show, actually. She was in one of the stands and she was just a little baby. She’s so cute. I kind of fell in love with her. It helped me a lot [with mental health] and I had a lot of problems with that. It got me through it all,” said Morin.

Diane Gold, owner and veterinarian of Mer Bleue Veterinary Hospital, said building a strong bond with a pet provides health benefits.

“Studies have shown petting a cat can reduce blood pressure. [Benefits include] decreased anxiety, decreased depression, overall happiness and improvement in blood pressure,” said Gold.

Gold said that maintaining a routine for pets is beneficial for owners.

“Domestic cats that are in the house are dependent on humans for food, shelter, and love. Cats also thrive with routine and enrichment, like we do as humans. By creating a routine for the cat, the human also creates a routine for themselves. Routine has been shown to help with mental health issues in humans,” said Gold.

It has been three years since I brought Smokey home and that decision has been the most impactful for me and my health. Smokey’s presence has brought me happiness, entertainment and companionship while curing my loneliness.

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Vet tech students raise money for Canadian Guide Dogs

Throughout October, vet tech students hosted events on campus and around Ottawa to bring awareness to their program and raise money for guide dogs

Stephanie Taylor

Photos: supplied

November 14, 2024
Revised: November 14, 2024 10:16am

Photo: supplied

Some dogs came to the nail trimming table on Mill Street on Oct. 27 to donate to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Sarah Deliduman wandered around Bruce Pit Dog Park with her dog Archie on Oct. 27 searching for Algonquin College’s vet tech students. The students were supposed to be hosting a fundraiser where dog owners can donate money to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, and in return the vet tech students would trim their dog’s nails.

Unfortunately, the vet tech students had to reschedule the Bruce Pit Dog Park even at the last minute due to issues with the city, much to the dismay of Deliduman.

Deliduman was looking forward to supporting the charity.

Sarah Deliduman's dog Archie wanted to partake in the fundraiser the vet tech students were holding for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind at Bruce Pit Dog Park on Oct. 27. Photo credit: Stephanie Taylor

Deliduman has retinitis pigmentosa, a rare eye disease that causes progressive vision loss. Deliduman said this is why fundraisers, such as the one the vet tech students are running, mean so much to her.

“As a person who is going blind, I may rely on this service in the future,” Deliduman said. “I think it’s important to keep these foundations functioning so they are able to provide necessary accessibility services.”

Helping foundations such as the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is one of the reasons the vet tech students ran this fundraiser.

While the event at Bruce Pit may have run into a planning snag, every year the vet tech students are required to host events for charity as part of a public awareness assignment. This year, the students chose to raise money for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“This project has been happening every fall for 16 years,” said Sylvia Stanton, a professor for the veterinary technician and assistant programs, “and has been a chance for students to bring awareness to the general public with regards to the veterinary technician profession, the vet tech and vet assistant programs at Algonquin College, as well as animals or not-for-profit animal groups in our community.”

The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is a non-profit organization that trains Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and a mix of the breeds to become guide dogs. The charity covers all the expenses of training and caring for the dog.

“It costs around $30,000 for a dog and they [the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind] are not government funded and only work off donations and fundraisers,” said Avery Beck, a vet tech student, explaining why the veterinary technician students chose to raise money for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Eligible owners pay only $1 to receive a guide dog from the charity.

The fundraiser the vet tech students hosted ran through October and was able to raise $1,200. The students were able to raise this money by holding information booths on Algonquin College’s Woodroffe campus, and by hosting events throughout Ottawa.

The information booths were set up to teach the student-body about the charity, including what traits make a good guide dog, such as adaptability, calmness, a desire to please and being food motivated.

Veterinary technician students (from left to right) Liz Cervatos, Avery Beck, Jordy Vachon, Kylie Hughes and Mariana Lorandi at their information table in N-building on Oct. 17. Photo credit: supplied

The off-campus events included a booth at Metcalfe Fair on Oct. 5 and a nail trimming station, which was originally supposed to be held at Bruce Pit Dog Park on Oct. 27.

At the fair, vet tech students held a free raffle where winners would receive a crocheted stuffed animal, ghost or pumpkin. To raise money for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, the students would make a bracelet for anyone who donated.

The nail trimming station had to quickly pivot, as the vet tech students were no longer able to hold their event at Bruce Pit Dog Park. Instead, the students stationed themselves on Mill Street to catch the attention of anyone passing with their dog.

Deliduman plans to donate directly to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and hopes others who couldn’t make any of the events do the same.

“The fundraiser is super important because funding is needed in order to keep providing the services free of charge to people who need it,” said Deliduman.

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Wolves men’s basketball team secure win against Loyalist

"We were fighting from behind the rest of the way," said Bobby Buck, assistant coach of the Loyalist Lancers

Ethan Macleod

Photos: Ethan Macleod

November 13, 2024
Revised: November 13, 2024 2:59pm

Photo: Ethan Macleod

Simon Desta, Wolves guard, keeps the ball away from the Loyalist Lancers.

In a close game that kept the crowd on their toes, the Wolves basketball team won 100-94 against the Loyalist Lancers at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre on Nov. 9.

“We came out flat. They came out 37 (points) in the first quarter which is an astronomical amount,” said Bobby Buck, assistant coach of the Loyalist Lancers. “We were fighting from behind the rest of the way.”

Immediately both teams locked in for points. The notable player was Wolves forward Tesloch Luk, making layups and three-pointers look like light work.

The first quarter ended with the Wolves leading 37-21.

The Wolves were still in the lead and kept scoring more points in the second quarter. However, this inspired the Lancers to put the Wolves defence to the test.

Lancers forward Nick Dales made as many mid-range shots as he could’ve taken, pushing the Lancers into the game.

By the end of the second quarter, the Wolves were still leading 56-46. The Lancers had clearly put up a fight.

“The second quarter wasn’t so good, but we started great,” said Trevor Costello, head coach of the Wolves.

In the third quarter, the Wolves’ defence and offence completely repelled the Lancers from taking over the scoreboard. Luk made layup after layup.

They played as hard as they could, however, Costello was frustrated with the Wolves, knowing they could do better.

At the end of the third quarter, the Wolves were leading 81-68.

“Tesloch’s long bomb shots, Ted’s (Braden) rebounding, Devante’s (Brooks) rebounding, there were a lot of different aspects to it.” said Costello. “The turnovers were awful… awful, awful.”

Moving into the final quarter, tensions were high in the crowd and on the court.

The Wolves almost choked at the end of the game. Dales continued to press the Wolves along with Loyalist point guard Jack Jayden.

The Lancers’ effort was not enough, but they came close to winning the game.

“It was a great contest. We started off strong. The second quarter, (we) slowed down but overall, I’m proud of our effort,” said Wolves forward Chris Lachapelle. “We just got to close the game up better. Much better.”

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Ethan Macleod

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Library program honours late faculty with Halloween fundraiser

The library and information technician program combines Halloween fun with heartfelt remembrance in their fundraiser honouring late faculty members

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:29am

Photo: Emmet Paradis

LIT students, coordinator Helena Miriam and her daughter Maija Merriam selling $2 mystery books.

Joy turned to sorrow as the library and information technician program prepared to offer Natalie Megginson a full-time position. After years of dedicated part-time work, in 2018, Megginson was ready for a well-deserved promotion. Tragically, she passed away before the news could be shared. Less than a year later, another cherished faculty member, Mac Nason died, leaving voids in the program and in the hearts of those who knew them.

The library and information technician program held a Book or Treat fundraiser on Oct. 31 in the link between the Algonquin Woodroffe campus N and J-buildings. The event aimed to raise money for the program student awards, which honour former faculty members Megginson and Nason.

Students and staff, dressed in Halloween costumes, sold mystery books for $2 each. The cover of each book was concealed by paper but included teaser descriptions. The event also featured baked goods.

The small program, with only two full-time faculty members, relies on these fundraisers to continue offering the awards.

“The students have the opportunity to participate. We’re all asked to bring baked goods or books to donate,” said Brynn Durrant, a second-year LIT student. “But you don’t have to stand at the table or buy anything if you don’t want to.”

“We wanted to do something fun with it,” said Helena Merriam, coordinator of the LIT program.

The fundraiser is especially significant this year as the college has cancelled its annual awards ceremony, which celebrates students’ achievements and honours the memory of beloved instructors. The college did not respond to requests for comment on the reason for the cancellation.

“Mac’s son and daughter come to our awards ceremony and get to meet the students,” Merriam said. “It’s really meaningful.”

Nason, who worked in the program for 17 years, was known for his dedication and mentorship. His passing in 2019 left a profound impact on both students and faculty.

In previous years, the awards ceremony provided a platform to celebrate success and recognize achievements within the LIT program. The personal touch of having family members present the awards will be missed.

“We want to make sure that our colleagues are remembered and that our students feel supported,” said Merriam.

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Emmet Paradis

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Whoosh! Right on target: SA tests students’ interest in archery tag

Students gained new friendships and memorable experiences through the new archery tournament at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre

Laiyiady Lam

Photos: Laiyiady Lam

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:16am

Photo: Laiyiady Lam

Bivin Job, Jorja Watson and Andrew Ross won the second round of the archery tag tournament on Nov. 4. They were sweaty but happy with their victory.

Following the referee’s signal, two teams began aiming their bows and arrows at each other to score points. Students wore full-coverage gray masks for face protection and held black-and-white plastic bows in their hands. Even with clothes soaked in sweat, they ran as fast as they could to dodge arrows from the other side.

The Students’ Association ran an archery tag tournament on Nov. 4 in the gym at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Each player must wear a protective face mask and an arm guard on their wrist before the game begins. They also receive a plastic bow to use during play.

When the game starts, teammates rush to the centre of the field, racing against their opponents to grab as many arrows as possible. There are inflatable plastic shields set up on both sides and participants could use them to block arrows from opponents. Once hit, a player is out for that round. The team that eliminates all players on the other side first earns a point.

Jori Ritchie, the Algonquin College manager of athletic operations, said the archery tag tournament was an opportunity to gauge interest in the game.

“This equipment was just purchased recently,” she said. “It’s just getting people exposed to it so that we can offer bigger tournaments.”

Eight students participated in the event. After forming teams, they prepared to compete against each other.

The players rush over to snatch a scattered pile of arrows on the gym floor, quickly reloading before re-engaging with the opposing team. — At the start of the game, students rush to the center of the field to collect arrows for their teammates. The more arrows they grab, the greater their advantage. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

Jorja Watson, a Level 3 student in the fitness and health program, performed exceptionally well and her team won the second race.

“This is my first time ever shooting in arrow,” she said. “Last game I shot two people, and in the game before maybe three.”

Nathaniel Walsom, a Level 1 student in the architectural technician program, was positive about his performance.

“So far, I’ve been hit more times than I want. I got absolutely smoked in the side of the head,” he said. “I’ve been hit in the gut once, that didn’t feel good either, but it’s just for fun. It doesn’t hurt too bad.”

a player with a protective mask and a black athletic outfit is kneeling and drawing a bow, launching a foam-tipped arrow toward opponents. — Students have to dodge while shooting arrows. The tournament uses foam-tipped arrows and inflatable obstacles for a safe and exciting competitive environment. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

After each game, the students gathered to share their favourite moments and discuss their misses. During the conversation, they formed strong bonds and friendships without realizing it.

Watson and Walsom said students can make many new friends through such competitions.

“You just show up and meet new people. Honestly, it’s a good way to make new friends and have fun,” Walsom said.

Ritchie acknowledged that organizing such events has several challenges.

“One of the major challenges we face is student schedules and managing events around school,” she said. “The hope is to offer this as much as we can, and offer different programs, inviting different people in to try things out.”

She said they are considering offering individual registration instead of just team registration next time, which could open the door for more participants.

Ritchie said the event may be held again next semester or next year, if it works with the schedules.

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Laiyiady Lam

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Rivalry win for Wolves women’s volleyball team in dramatic match against La Cité Coyotes

Both the Wolves and the Coyotes coaches had issues with the officiating

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:07am

Photo: Ben Fleguel

Wolves attempt a big block against Akemi Boudreau, who led the Coyotes in kills at the end of the match.

Controversy was brewing in the Wolves 3-2 win against the La Cité Coyotes on Nov. 6 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Head coach for the Wolves, Everton Senior, said he felt there were too many “non-calls” during the match.

“It was 26-26, there was a non-call, it was a blatant double on their player, and the message he (the referee) sent me was that he’s not going to make that call at 26-26. I don’t know why, if it’s a foul it’s a foul,” said Senior

The complaints about a lack of calls was not one-sided, according to Coyotes head coach David Mann.

“They decided not to call technicals today,” said Mann.

Senior became incensed at the referee during the third set after he saw another infringement the referee did not catch.

“I’m usually more calm than that,” said Senior.

Mann looked over at the Wolves coach and said “you’re not wrong.”

Jordan Faig, one of the Wolves liberos, said that she noticed a lot of double touches, lifts and line calls that should have been made, but the team worked past it.

“We were able to put it in the back of our minds and keep pushing through,” said Faig.

Wolves Carys Tenthorey attempts to save a sure Coyote kill. Photo credit: Ben Fleguel

The match was a nail-biter with the Wolves and Coyotes trading sets all night, which led to a dramatic fifth set after a commanding 25-12 fourth set win by the Coyotes.

Riley Lancia, one of the Wolves’ middle blockers, said the team’s mental toughness allowed them to win that final set 15-9.

“I think we got into their heads at some point when we stayed really strong and loud,” said Lancia. “They started to get down on themselves.”

Faig said the Wolves weren’t happy with their serving performance, making 19 service errors in the match.

“We’re normally a really strong serving team. we’ve never made that many errors in a game so far,” said Faig.

Normally, serving is a reliable source of kills for the Wolves team.

They lead the league in service aces per set, which is when a serve scores a point without the other team being able to defend and return an attack.

The Wolves finished the game third place in the East with a 4-2 record.

The losses came from Seneca and Durham, who occupy first and second ahead of the Wolves, respectively.

The Wolves have a ton of ambition this season, according to Faig.

“I want to win,” said Faig. “I think we can go, from here on out, undefeated, If we continue to play at our peak.”

Sports & Recreation

Ben Fleguel

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Ben Fleguel

Students flock to thrift shops for affordable, unique fashions

Shopping at thrift markets allows students to maintain a balance between fashion and affordability

Zhiqi Zhou

Photos: Zhiqi Zhou

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 9:44am

Photo: Zhiqi Zhou

Brady Warnock co-owner of Midday Picnic, stands in the middle of the event venue. He said as the cost of living increases, more and more students are coming to patronize the thrift market.

With the cost of living rising dramatically, the Midday Picnic held on Nov. 6 at the Student Commons in E-building provided students a marketplace for thrift clothes that are both stylish, vintage and cheap.

Students are now opting for more thrift shops, and it’s a better option for them to balance fashion and affordability. Brady Warnock, co-owner of Midday Picnic, said there is a growing number of student customers, not just at this event, but also in his thrifting store on Instagram.

“Everything is getting so expensive whether it’s rent or food, and students are trying to save money wherever they can while still being fashionable,” Warnock said.

Allison Bailey, a Level 3 student in the administration program, was delighted with the unique clothes she could buy at this event.

“I bought a shirt with a bunch of turkeys on it, and I guarantee you no one else in this school has a shirt with a bunch of turkeys on it,” Bailey said.

Students stopped in front of different booths to look for clothing they wanted: unique and affordable. Photo credit: Zhiqi Zhou

The variety of items at the thrift market also appeals to students like Brianna Beaudoin, Level 1 pre-health science student student. Beaudoin said she shops at the Midday Picnic because of the array of clothes.

“I think you can find more interesting things than just the normal clothes everyone wears daily, and it’s way cheaper than buying at a store,” Beaudoin said.

Maggie Murray, a Level 3 student in the administration program, gets 90 per cent of her wardrobe from thrift shops.

“I’ve found this way to be more sustainable and have more variety and interesting things in my wardrobe,” Murray said.

Murray started buying second-hand when she was 15 years old. She liked to look for interesting and niche things before but now she relies on thrift stores for essential objects. Murray said the prices at thrift shops have gone up, but they are still cheaper than retail shops.

“It’s getting more difficult to find good stuff at reasonable prices these days, but it’s better than buying stuff that only lasts three months, is brand new and is only made of microplastics,” Murray said.

Warnock said this is the third year the market has been held at Algonquin College, and it is held monthly.

“The students here love it, and we just like the crowd here more as well,” Warnock said.

Arts & Entertainment

Zhiqi Zhou

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Zhiqi Zhou

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