Argos eek out last minute victory as Seneca Summer students enjoy latest campus recreation event

Argonauts football action from Rogers Centre in Toronto as Seneca summer students look on.

By: Imran Rhemtulla, Seneca Recreation Reporter

The summer is usually a time to relax, kickback and enjoy the beautiful weather Toronto has to offer.  

Thankfully, that's also been the case for those who are attending summer school at Seneca during the day.

The college offers recreational programming year-round because it understands how hard students work and the dedication they demonstrate in the classroom - and that an integral part of the college experience is getting involved and meeting new people.

Alongside academic offerings, Seneca also delivers unparalleled student services like campus recreation programming and events that give students a chance to leave the busy work-day behind for a couple of hours to enjoy some activities that allow students to make friends and have a good time.

The latest of these activities was a Toronto Argonauts game which took place at Rogers Centre in mid-July. The recreation crew at Seneca, led by coordinator Shannon Wright, alongside an enthusiastic group of Seneca students from all four major campuses, were very happy to have witnessed a Canadian Football League game; some for the very first time! Toronto was facing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Seneca's students were part of an excited crowd that generated loud cheers and the occasional "booooo!" for the visiting team.

The best part of the evening, however, was with minutes to go in the game, with the home team trailing, Toronto rallied into the endzone to win it! The homecrowd including the students from Seneca (especially the first-timers) let out cheers that rocked the quietest parts of the stadium.

Seneca students couldn’t stop talking about the fun they had and what an amazing night it had turned into.

Colin, a pilot in his last year at Seneca, described himself as a huge Argonauts fan.

“This outing has been so much fun and I hope Seneca has more events like this one, especially at Argos games, because it’s just so much fun watching them!”

Seneca’s Athletics and Recreation department has campus recreation events planned all summer and loves to hear feedback from event participants.    Feel free to share your comments below.

For more information on these events and all things relating to Seneca Athletics and Recreation, “like” www.Facebook.com/SenecaSting and follow www.Twitter.com/SenecaSting.

TFC match (and victory) highlights another great Athletics and Recreation event for Seneca Summer Students

Seneca students Hilda and Sam (both also varsity student-athletes) enjoy the Toronto FC match at BMO Field in July 2012.

By: Imran Rhemtulla, Seneca Recreation Reporter

During the summer semester, one of  the goals of Seneca's Athletics and Recreation department is to show students that the college experience is not solely about getting through one's studies but also about meeting new people, gaining new experiences and staying active. 

This summer, students have been very fortunate to have enjoyed some amazing weather outdoors and great Athletics and Recreation events.  Seneca Recreation took advantage of the great weather last week as students from the Markham, York, King, and Newnham campuses were treated to an evening of loud cheers, beautiful weather and, the beautiful game - specifically, some excellent soccer action via an outing to see the Vancouver Whitecaps take on the hometown heroes, Toronto FC at BMO Field.

The event was organized by Seneca Campus Recreation Coordinators Colin March and Shannon Wright, as well as the rest of the Recreation crew, which provided students from all campuses the chance to partake in an exciting night in downtown Toronto.  

More than 20 students joined in the cheers of the 20,000 TFC faithful, going from a boring first half to a very exciting second half and a last minute game winning goal - the excitement really got the students and the fans cheering.  

As loud cheers rang-out amongst TFC supporters (in the wake of the last second goal), Seneca students joined-in on the fun and laughter.

Celia, a student in the Law Clerk program enjoyed the evening and learned some thing about the beautiful game.

“I’ve heard about soccer developing in North America and I absolutely love TFC," said Celia.

Marcus, a student heading into his second semester of Business Administration at Seneca was feeling great after the Toronto victory.

“This has been such a great event, I love TFC and this is the fifth game I’ve been to; and without a doubt it offered the most chaos and excitement. Sports means the world to me and I hope there are a lot more sporting events around the corner.”

Seneca’s Athletics and Recreation department has campus recreation events planned all summer and loves to hear positive feedback from event participants. Don’t forget Seneca heads to its next Toronto sporting event to see the Toronto Argonauts on Wednesday, July 18^th, 2012 at Rogers Centre.  

For more information on these events and all things relating to Seneca Athletics and Recreation, “like” www.Facebook.com/SenecaSting and follow www.Twitter.com/SenecaSting.

Seneca’s summer students enjoy Blue Jays game (and victory) care of Athletics and Recreation

Seneca Summer Students take-in a Jays game at Rogers Centre in Mid-May 2012.

By: Imran Rhemtulla, Seneca Recreation Reporter

College students can often forget this, but having fun is one of the most essential aspects of the post-secondary experience.

In the summer semester, in particular, when the birds are out, the skies are blue and the Toronto Blue Jays are playing at Rogers Centre; students can take advantage of not just the world-class coursework Seneca has to offer but also its world-class Campus Recreation events and programming. One of Seneca Recreation’s most promising traditions during the summer semester is an annual trip to the Rogers Centre to see Toronto’s Boys of Summer compete.

The initiative, spearheaded by Seneca Campus Recreation Coordinators Melissa Wiseman and Shannon Wright, and the rest of the Recreation crew allowed students from all campuses to partake in an exciting night in downtown Toronto.  Including transportation from any of the major Seneca campuses to the Rogers Centre, more than 50 students joined in the cheers of the 30,000 Jays faithful helping to bring a lively spirit and warm atmosphere to the sometimes tepid Dome. 

Feedback from participating students was overwhelmingly positive.

Campus Recreation, which also hosted a Welcome Summer BBQ in early May to kick-off the summer semester provided students the chance to make new friends, enjoy some great food and interact with fellow summer students. More of the same was offered to Seneca students last week through this Jays event. Participants from all campuses experienced the typical sights and sounds of the ballpark but also formed some stronger bonds with their fellow Seneca students.

From past years of attending this annual Blue Jays/Campus Rec. event, this reporter believes it is not just about watching the game, but cheering the crack of the bat, high fiving the fan (and fellow student) next to you as a ball sails over the bullpen wall, while enjoying some overpriced food and taking in an entertaining sporting event.

The Seneca Athletics and Recreation department’s Spring Jays game was also co-hosted by students from each campus’ local Recreation Council who were very pleased to hear of the wonderful time that the students had.

Saleem, a student in International Business enjoyed the evening, particularly, the chance to let loose from the stress of a busy semester.

“This has been just an awesome time, I really want to thank Seneca and all the Rec. Councils for bringing this together and I hope there are more games in the future.”

Tanya, a student heading into her third semester of Communications at Seneca was definitely the most excited about the evening.

“This has been such a great event, all I can say is thank you to everyone for bringing us here today, it’s my first baseball game ever and I will definitely be back to see the Jays play and attend other campus rec. events.”

Seneca’s Athletics and Recreation department has campus recreation events planned all summer and loves to hear positive feedback from event participants.

Upcoming events include wellness classes and a paintball event in the next two weeks. For more information on these events and all things relating to Seneca Athletics and Recreation, “like” www.Facebook.com/SenecaSting and follow www.Twitter.com/SenecaSting.

Welcome BBQ at Seneca’s Newnham kicks-off spring semester of campus recreation events

Seneca students enjoy the free Spring Welcome BBQ at Newnham Campus last week.

By: Imran Rhemtulla, Seneca Recreation Reporter

     Seneca not only prides itself on being Canada’s largest college, but also takes pride in the students that enter its doors every fall, winter and spring semester; be it at Seneca @ York, Markham, Newnham or King Campuses. With students from all parts of the world learning under the same roof it can be difficult at times to find settings where these unique personalities can come together and just be themselves – not focusing on assignments, or part-time jobs, or rent – just coming together for fun.

The majority of Seneca students begin their studies in the Fall semester, commencing in September and ending in April, but a select group of students join the Seneca community in the summer time, beginning in May and wrapping in August. Arriving as a new student in the summer, results in all the same nerves of not knowing anyone; except those nerves happen during warmer weather.  

These and any other students on Seneca campuses during the summer can benefit from a variety of recreational events in which they can go out and interact with new people all in the name of fun. Some of these events include Toronto Blue Jay games, wellness classes including yoga, hip-hop, and belly dancing – and the event that kicked-off the spring semester last week – a good old-fashioned Welcome BBQ at Seneca’s Newnham Campus.

Seneca’s Athletics and Recreation department’s Spring Welcome BBQ last week hosted more than 350 students offering free burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian options. Several students at the BBQ were happy to enjoy a free meal in the beautiful weather. 

Jasmine, a student in her first semester of the Law program was smiling as she enjoyed her free lunch.

“This has been such a great time! I’ve met a couple of new people from my classes and it’s great to be hanging out and not just talk about studying.”

The event organizers in Seneca’s Athletics and Recreation department have campus recreation events planned all summer and loved the positive feedback from the event participants.

Tamara, a student in Seneca’s Floral program was excited to find out that this and other campus rec. events were completely free.

“For Athletics and Recreation be offering free events where students can socialize and play 

basketball or tennis or volleyball – that’s pretty cool.  Free BBQ isn’t bad either.”  

Upcoming events include the aforementioned wellness classes. For information on these events and all Seneca Athletics and Recreation like www.Facebook.com/SenecaSting and follow www.Twitter.com/SenecaSting.

Below are the summer campus recreation event listings for Seneca Athletics and Recreation:

King Campus Rec. Events - Spring 2012

Markham Campus Rec. Events - Spring 2012

Newnham Campus Rec. Events - Spring 2012

Seneca @ York Campus Rec. Events - Spring 2012

Gearing up for the big one

Seneca Sting Women's Basketball gets pumped before an OCAA regular season game in January.

Seneca Sting Women’s Basketball players look back on the season that was – and the
championship challenge ahead

By: Aneela Khan, Seneca Student Sports Reporter

The Seneca Sting Varsity Women’s Basketball team is considered by many observers, a force to be reckoned with in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

As they wrap-up, what has been to this point, a very successful regular campaign (15-1 record, 2^nd seed in the East Region), they hope to end things on a golden note this weekend, as Seneca hosts the 2012 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship (March 1-3, Newnham Gymnasium, Seneca College).

The fact that the biggest games of the season will take place on their home court, gives the team increased motivation to get the job done.

In order to get to the dance, Seneca has had to remain focused and ready, practicing daily, which also means practicing during provincial holidays like Family Day.

When the players were able to take a break from practicing foul shots, layup drills, and screens, they reflected on the season that’s been.

Guard Tara Minicuci, a first-year member of the Sting offers her thoughts on the experience as a Seneca student-athlete.

“It’s been great. It always helps being a part of a winning team. My experience as a Seneca Sting varsity player has been wonderful and everyone’s been great and very welcoming and I’ve had a lot of fun so far.”

Minicuci also explains why she feels her team has been so dominant this season.

“Everything starts from our defensive intensity. We really focus on that during practice. We try to play team defence and start playing our game from that end.”

Forward Lauren Egglestone, who is in her second year with the team, believes the reason for why Seneca’s has been such a dominant season, is the collective sense of understanding for one another’s situations.

“I say that what we have something, a quality, that other teams sometimes struggle with – and that’s team chemistry. Everyone’s on the same page. We all like each other on and off the court.  Coach is instilling in us sound defence and an understanding that we take have to take pride in defence. Everyone’s buying into that which makes us all play really well together.”

Centre Tamara Nembhard, in her last year with the Sting and proudly graduating this semester from the Early Childhood Education program, sums up her team in one word.

“Family. The reason I say family is because it’s my home away from home and it allows me the chance to relax and escape the real world.”

She also describes her impactful experience as a Seneca student-athlete.

“My whole experience has been wonderful. I’ve changed a lot as a person because my coach has taught me a lot about taking things from basketball and applying it to real life. I feel like a better person and I’m more confident in terms of what I can do in the future.”

Guard Samantha Evans, recently named OCAA Athlete of the Week (on Feb. 5) is grateful for the honour and the accolades that come with success but doesn’t get lost in the hype.

“I just smiled when I found out about it. I feel like I’ve put my all into the court and I finally got recognized for it which is a very good feeling.  But we’re not about individuals on this team; we’re about family.”

The players also reflected on their most memorable games from this season.

For Minicuci it was playing against and beating a rival.

“The most memorable game for me has to be Algonquin. We beat them on their home court and I think we are ready to beat them again if we, hopefully, meet in the OCAAs.”

Egglestone shared a similar sentiment.

“Like Tara said, beating Algonquin, that was our first big game. We didn’t know each other back then, like we do now, and we all just came together and pulled out the win, which was really cool.”

Nembhard had a different take on her most memorable game.

For her it was about celebrating the team.

“The most memorable game for me would be the game against St. Lawrence. We beat them by 88 points and it was the first time we reached 100 points. To beat a team by 88 is astonishing and everybody got an opportunity to showcase their skills. Our defensive game was also amazing. It was also memorable for me because we broke records”.

Evans’ most memorable game of the season involved competing with friends.

“The George Brown game was the most memorable game for me because I have a lot of friends on that team and we go back and forth just arguing whose better, and what not, and I think it was the first time I went into double digit scoring along with rebounding. I ended up getting a double double. Overall, I think the game went well and it was pretty sweet having the upper hand on my friends.”

When the topic of conversation changed to who the players wanted to face in the OCAA Championship, both Minicuci and Egglestone chose Algonquin – arguing they wanted to face the best and biggest test.

Nembhard, meanwhile, explains why she takes a more zen approach and accepts that she doesn’t have a choice in who the team will face.

“I’m not looking forward to meeting any of the teams in the OCAAs because we’ve beaten every single one of them in the OCAA, and on any given day, and at any given time, a team could beat you, so I’m just focused on whatever challenge we come across and we hopefully beat them and go on to the next game.”

In order for a team to be this successful, at one point, they must come to a realization that they are a truly special and unique unit. When the players were asked where and when that moment took place they all had different perspectives.

Egglestone believed that moment occurred in an exhibition game.

“We played Humber in an exhibition game. If I recall correctly we won in OT and it was by like two points and that’s when everyone came together and said that we were going to win this game. We addressed the issues that we had in the game and Coach [Craig] Walker was a big part of that.”

Nembhard believes the moment took place after the exhibition game.

“I noticed it just after the preseason. I noticed that it was a really good group of girls who fit well together. Everyone plays their roles and as soon as second semester came, I thought to myself, WOW! This team is really good defensively. Everyone gets it, everyone’s buying into the game plan and I feel like overall, out of the three years that I’ve been a part of the team that this is the best team I’ve ever been on.”

Coach Walker has players excited to play for him and committed to defence.  Evans offers her opinion on her coach.

“He’s kind of funny. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He’s a good guy at heart. He pushes the team and he drew the best out of me putting me as captain and in a different position for me to grow which was hard at first but it made my character grow stronger which is a very good thing.”

According to Egglestone he is also a very good motivator.

“He’s an amazing coach. When he believes in something he really believes in it. He believes our defence is number one and thanks to him we all have the same thinking. We all have the same passion for the game that he does.”

Tamara Nembhard explains why all Seneca students and staff should come-out and support the home team.

“This is my last year and what’s better than graduating with an OCAA gold medal? We really can win the gold because our team is stellar and committed. I’m truly overjoyed to be here with these girls along with the best coaching staff and I couldn’t ask for anything more.  We need the fans to be just as committed as we are during the OCAAs.  I think Seneca will represent!”

The 2012 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship takes place March 1-3 at Seneca College’s Newnham Campus Gymnasium.  Seneca’s first game is Thursday, March 1 at 6 p.m. versus the Sheridan Bruins (13-5, 3^rd in the West Region).  Find more tournament information at www.SenecaSting.ca/2012WomensBasketball.

A Long Way From Home

Seneca Sting Badminton student-athletes talk strategy at recent event.

Badminton varsity athlete and international student shares insights into personal journey

By: Aneela Khan, Seneca Student Sports Reporter

The majority of Seneca College varsity student-athletes come from or live in the province of Ontario.

Other varsity athletes come from a different province in Canada. And then, there are those Seneca Sting student-athletes who come from a foreign country.

It is already a difficult transition for students to adjust to the rigours and time management challenges of entering college; throw varsity sports into the mix and life gets even more complicated.

Now, imagine being an international student-athlete who has left everything and everyone they know behind to pursue your education.

The balancing act of the international varsity student-athlete is particularly a sight to behold.

But such is the overwhelming life for three members of Seneca`s varsity badminton team.

Three out of the ten athletes on the team come from a foreign country.

The badminton team competed in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Regionals earlier this month and have just wrapped up a hugely successful weekend at the 2012 OCAA Badminton Championships at Redeemer University College in Hamilton.  Seneca brought home the mixed doubles gold medal from the Championships as student-athletes Sanjay Ashokkumar & Patricia Lau ended their season on a high note.

During a break in round-robin play at the OCAA Regionals, Seneca`s Crystal Zhou offered her thoughts on being an international varsity student-athlete. 

Zhou competes in the women’s singles event. She has also been an international student for four years and is now in the process of getting her Graduate Certificate in 3D animation.

She explains why she chose to go to Seneca College rather than a university or college in her own country.

“Well, I chose Seneca College because in China, Seneca is famous and it offered the best program for me.”

Zhou says she joined the badminton team because in China, she played for four years and always had a passion for the sport.

At Seneca, Zhou credits the badminton team`s staff and coaches for helping her to hone her skills as a player and loves the team because of its supportive atmosphere.

“The badminton players are like a big family. The coaches and the team are nice and I learn so much from watching my team-mates play both in practice and competition.”

Zhou also shed some light on some of the difficulties of being an international student and athlete.

“First of all, the culture is different and the language is hard to grasp. Sometimes, it’s hard to communicate with other students because they can’t seem to understand my English. It’s also difficult being an international student because the tuition fees are very expensive.”

Zhou`s badminton team-mate, Li Chen, who was an international student a long time ago believes that joining any varsity team offers many benefits to a full-time international student.

“It’s a good experience for an international student because it’s good for interaction as well as for learning and practicing English in this country. Usually, new international students don’t interact with other students and stay in their own groups but being apart of a team forces you to learn and adapt to others. I would definitely recommend it to any international student who is interested in varsity sports.”  

While some athletes can handle all that comes with being an international student, for some, it is too difficult or too expensive to leave the country.  And for others, even those who aren`t internationals, the challenges seem daunting.

Sting Badminton student-athlete David Georgiovski is one of those cases.

For him, the whole idea is something to marvel at.

“I don’t think I could ever be an international student because growing up, I knew I was going to go to university in Toronto, and I only commuted a half-hour and I can’t imagine actually going somewhere half-way across the world to live and study somewhere other than my home.” 

Despite the fact that being an international student and a varsity athlete can be challenging for most, Zhou doesn’t see her situation as a challenge but rather, an opportunity. She says that it’s not that difficult to manage because her program allows her to be flexible. 

Zhou, however, is a dedicated student and loves everything about badminton.

After the tournament ended that weekend, she went directly to class. As a student in the Animation program, Zhou still finds time for some of her other loves including playing video games – though, she has limited time to play them anymore because of her school and badminton. 

Zhou placed fifth at the OCAA Regionals. Disappointed by the results, she tries to keep things in perspective – traveling half-way around the world in pursuit of your education will do that for you.

Recruits interested in joining the Seneca Sting Varsity Badminton team are encouraged to contact: Melissa.Wiseman@senecacollege.ca, Sr. Sport Coordinator, or 416.491.5050 x33300.

Improving when it counts

Sting Women's Volleyball celebrate a late season victory at home.

Seneca Sting Women’s Volleyball battles back in season of redemption

Team improving with combination of chemistry and better defense

By: Aneela Khan, Seneca Student Sports Reporter

It was early November 2011 and the Seneca Sting Varsity Women’s Volleyball team was not performing well and was below the .500 mark.

It was beginning to look like it was going to be a second straight Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) season in which the squad would miss the playoffs.

That is, until they faced the La Cité Coyotes in a January road game. They won 3-0 and have not looked back since that victory. The reason why the team is on a hot streak can be attributed to better defence and better team chemistry. Seneca is also playing better because of the unified approach instilled by first-year women’s head coach Shane Timms. 

Timms has been coaching the men’s volleyball team for a number of seasons but this is his first as the bench boss of the women’s squad.

Sting Women’s Volleyball student-athletes were asked to share their viewpoints on why their team continues to win.

Power/right-side Kimberly Cedros, who currently studies Fashion Business, states that the confidence level in her team-mates has continued to rise and that their defense is helping them win games.

Cedros also happened to be named OCAA and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Player of the Week in the span of a month.

She is overjoyed with the award but is quick to share credit for it.

“I found out through Facebook. One of the men’s team players told me and I was actually really shocked and a little bit embarrassed because everyone kept saying to me congratulations and I had no idea what they were talking about,” said Cedros with a wry smile.

“It feels good to be recognized, but, it’s about the team and there’s going to be a lot more pressure because everyone’s going to go all out against our team and I have to bring my A game.” 

Setter Giulia DeGiorgio, a Liberal Arts student-athlete, notices her team’s effort has gone-up another notch when they play at home, in particular.
 

“It’s definitely more relaxing in your home gym. You’re used to the court and you know how far back you have to go to serve. It just makes it a lot easier and more comfortable and there’s an extra bit of drive because you want to win on your home court; home court advantage definitely makes a big difference.” 

DeGiorgio also mentions that the drive for the playoffs has made the team play better.

“We have gotten a bit better playing together and we were missing that drive and now it’s getting to the end. It’s almost playoff time and we just want it a little bit more than we did first semester.”

Seneca Middle Mariah Johnson, of Sarnia, who according to a rival OCAA coach is considered the best blocker in the East Region, strengthens her team’s ability to block and has also contributed greatly to her team’s improved play. 

Left-side Delia LeBlanc, currently studying Journalism, believes familiarity can partially account for the better results.

“We didn’t really know each other that well early in the season and as games have gone on, we’ve just started to click.”

With the team continuing to play well, the coach and the leaders of the team ultimately get noticed more for their efforts.

For the Seneca Sting Women’s Volleyball team, one of those leaders is setter DeGiorgio.  

According to her team-mates she does everything that a good leader does and more.

Her team-mates refer to her by the nickname “G”.  LeBlanc believes that “G’s” ability to communicate effectively is a huge bonus for the squad.

“Our team leader is G [Giulia]. She tells us, well more like yells at us about what to do and also tells us when we mess up.  But she means well.  We know that.”

Johnson believes it comes naturally.

“Well, she is a leader on the team as well as a playmaker. She also happens to motivate us pre-game, during the game and after the game.”

Cedros notices “G’s” presence and says her on-court performance is the best example for her mates.

“She definitely dominates on the court. She always knows what to say in the right way. She’s a playmaker. She works her butt off to give me a set, or someone else a set. She definitely controls the game as a setter.”

“G” is honoured by her team-mates’ remarks and appreciates the opportunity to be the leader.

“That’s the job of the setter. Telling the hitters what to run and where to go and the setter has to make sure that they know where everyone is in their rotations, and where the setter is and the sides, so it’s definitely a place on any team that the person is going to have a leadership role; whether it’s on the court or off the court; because they’re always on the court and then they’re the one that controls the play, so ultimately, it makes them become a leader.”  

Coach Timms also gets praise from his players.  Cedros crystallizes her team-mates’ views by explaining that Timms is the straw that stirs the drink.

“He clearly states what has to be done and I think we are all terrified of letting him down. We do what we can do to make sure that the job gets done.”

Team chemistry, improved defense and strong leadership are some of the reasons for the turnaround this season.  In order to have good team chemistry on the court, the players have to get along well off the court.

With any team, there has to be someone who serves as the comedian, the leader, the star, the Xs and Os maven.

LeBlanc, considered by most to be the aforementioned comedian, aims to keep things light and easy.

“She can be in the most serious conversations and still make you laugh. When the team’s down, she knows how to pick us up. She’s definitely great to have on the team and great to be around. 

She definitely lightens the mood and makes it easier,” says “G”.

One might argue that in recent memory, there has not been a Sting Women’s Volleyball team that clearly enjoy being with each other, both on and off the court, as much as the 2011-2012 unit.

The 2012 OCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship takes place at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, February 23-25.  The Sting Women hope to make their mark and bring home a medal.  We wish them well in their pursuit.