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“There is no such thing as bad weather”

“There is no such thing as bad weather”

Whatever the weather, the dedication and bond of Laurentian University’s Cross Country Team knows no bounds.

March 28, 2024 - If you’ve ever wondered just who might have the courage to be running on a snow covered sidewalk down Paris Street during Sudbury’s winter weather, it might just be Angela Mozzon or Cameron Date.

The two have been members of the Cross Country team since their first year as Laurentian students in 2019. Five years in, you can find them on the track for competition or outside training in almost all conditions. Angela and Cameron’s love for running is evident in their discipline, time management, and dedication to the sport. 

Angela, 5th year Concurrent Education student and Health Promotion graduate, is from Sudbury and trained with Track North while attending St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Choosing Laurentian for her studies after high school was an effortless decision for Angela since both her older siblings were alumni but also because of the fast-track, five-year teaching program.

Cameron Date, 5th year Sports Administration (SPAD) graduate, is currently taking accounting courses as prerequisites to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Originally from Haileybury, Ontario, Cameron attended Timiskaming District Secondary School before enrolling in the SPAD program. “I chose Laurentian for the SPAD program. It is such a unique program where you study commerce and sports at the same time. I am on a first name basis with my professors and we have fun in class. I just don’t think you get that at a bigger school,” said Cameron.

The Laurentian Cross Country team trains throughout the year, though cross country competitions start in the fall outdoors and move indoors to track starting around January. Throughout the academic year, the team is traveling almost every weekend to universities around Ontario to compete.

The team spends three hours training, three evenings a week, and if they aren’t competing on weekends, they are training on a Saturday or Sunday. Although it can be challenging to juggle coursework, athletics, and their personal life, both runners agree that the sport is worth it. They emphasize the importance of discipline and passion in the life of a student athlete. “We are constantly running throughout the year to stay fit. Students who are passionate about running are really good at time management because they get used to prioritizing time to run,” said Cameron.

Angela and Cameron say that the cross country team has formed an incredibly strong bond on and off the track. “Our school’s team has something special. We spend time together even outside of practicing. Our coaches are so invested in us and our team is so tight. I have talked to runners from other schools and that isn’t the experience everywhere. Those bonds make us a stronger team and help us improve as individuals,” said Cameron. Angela agrees, saying, “I love the running but being on the team is more than running - it’s being a part of a family.”

In her first year, Angela faced adversity and did not perform to her expectations when competing at Ontario University Athletics (OUA). “I was finishing almost last and since then I’ve shaved almost five minutes off my time,” she says, reflecting on her improvement. “If it wasn’t for our coaches who focus on development and this being a small school, I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point.”

Evidence of their love for the team and the sport, the Laurentian Cross Country team runs in rain, shine, or snowstorms. “Running all together outside in the winter is a choice,” says Cameron. “Most of us prefer to run outside so even snow won’t stop us. It’s fun to run in the snow with a group of friends instead of running on a treadmill in the gym.” The team recently ran through the city streets during a major snowstorm on a busy Saturday in Sudbury’s south end. Angela admits, “It wasn’t the fastest run that day but we had fun with it.” The two say that it is common for friends and family to not understand their hunger for running no matter the time of day or the conditions outside.

Having reached the end of his studies, Cameron will start working at a local accounting firm full time this spring but he says he will never stop running. Angela plans to stay at Laurentian for another year to make up for one year of competitive running that she lost to the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and is considering taking a masters program.

Student Spotlight: a passion for sport

Student Spotlight: a passion for sport

Hilmi Ordukiran left Turkey with a dream and is realizing it in Canada

(October 24, 2023) - Even when faced with adversity, Hilmi Ordukiran, a third-year Sports Administration student at Laurentian University, led with kindness and determination down a winding road to follow his passion and land where he is today.

Before pursuing a career in sports administration, Hilmi was on track to becoming an engineer. He began a degree in Metallurgy in Istanbul, Turkey where he was born and raised. However, in his second year, Hilmi moved to Germany in 2011 to undertake a Chemical Engineering degree while learning the language and culture of the country.

Volkswagen, German automobile manufacturer, hired Hilmi to take on a co-op position in Interior Quality Insurance during his summer as a student. Although he received great work experience and was grateful for this position, Hilmi discovered that engineering was not the career for him.

Hilmi was at a dead end. He felt burnt out, had no career plans and missed his family. He returned to Turkey in 2016 and received a call that would change his life forever. 

Hilmi’s family had been involved with Fenerbahçe S.K., a sports club in Turkey, for over fifteen years and he grew up attending sporting events with his family. He received a call from Fenerbahçe S.K offering him a position assisting a Head Coach from the Netherlands who was coming to Turkey. Hilmi, who spoke English and German, was an asset to Fenerbahçe S.K and assisted many athletes during their transfer to Turkey over the duration of two seasons. 

“The day I received that call from Fenerbahçe S.K is the day I decided sports is the industry I will stay in no matter what it takes,” said Hilmi.

To follow that dream, Hilmi and his wife decided they would move to Canada as Hilmi had been accepted to Georgian College’s Sports Administration program. After his time in the program, he once again sought to further himself and decided to enroll in Laurentian’s Sports Administration program. “I had been working and studying for almost fifteen years and never got the degree. I was almost there but it was always something I didn't reach. I decided that was the time for me to finally get this degree,” said Hilmi. 

Hilmi was drawn to the commercial and mathematical aspect of Laurentian’s program. “I enjoy mathematics and discovered that sports analytics is important to me as well. Professional sports teams have coaches that just work on numbers, I hope to do something like that in the future,” said Hilmi.

During his education, Hilmi worked with a variety of sports companies and national sports organizations. He is passionate about continuing to teach within coaching: “Teaching, I think, is worth something for these young athletes.” As a soccer and water polo athlete himself, Hilmi understands the importance of mentorship and guidance.

Hilmi is also passionate about giving back to his country. He reached out to program professors and administration, including Dr. Anthony Church, Director of Sports Administration at Laurentian, to help aid his cause. “During challenging times in my country after an earthquake, the Laurentian community was behind me. We collected a nice amount of goods to send to Turkey. That was great, I am really thankful that I chose Laurentian University,” said Hilmi.

After a long and winding road, Hilmi is excited to be graduating next year. He hopes to continue coaching, following his passion for sports, and making a positive difference within his home country.

Residence Life baseball tournament returns

Residence Life baseball tournament returns

Over 175 students took to the ball fields in annual event.

(October 7, 2022) - On Sunday, October 2nd, 2022, Laurentian University students participated in the annual Residence Life baseball tournament. This event finds students living in residence teamed with their floormates in healthy competition, fostering community and wellness amongst students. 

This year’s tournament, held at the Terry Fox Sports Complex, was well attended by over 175 students. While teams put great effort into all games, “West Lower”, a combination of floors 2, 3, and 4 of West Residence was victorious in taking home the win. 

Kiera Lawn, 4th year Sport Psychology student, and the Residence Life team’s Events Lead described with enthusiasm, the success of the tournament: “Watching students who live on each floor in Laurentian residences come together as their own little community and cheer each other on makes this whole event worth it. You can actually feel the truly electric energy from those participating. Even those not playing ball brought a ton of support for their floormates. Being involved in this tournament has been truly rewarding.” 

Lawn explains that the organization of this tournament is a team effort. Other key leaders included Residence Life Sunday Sports Committee Leads, Miguel Da Costa Aguiar, 3rd year Sport Psychology student, and Sean Baker, 4th year Sports Administration student. 

This tournament marks a “Sunday Sports” event where floormates in residence participate and compete against one another, engaging in physical activity on a weekly basis. At the end of each academic year, one residence floor is awarded the title of Top Sunday sports floor at the annual Residence Life formal that typically occurs in March. 

“New this year, we’ve been organizing Sunday Sports with a weekly theme, such as PJ Day or Dress as your Resident Assistant Day. It’s been a lot of fun creating a competitive yet fun atmosphere that generates lots of excitement amongst students. Creating these memories that foster school spirit makes it all worth it,” said Aguiar. 

Added Baker: “The past few years have not been easy to plan events for students in residence, however, we hope to continue building up the Residence Life community to what it was prior to the pandemic. Through the participation of Sunday Sports and other residence activities, students form relationships with those they may not regularly interact with and this is encouraging.”  

Congratulations to West Lower and all those who contribute to student and Residence Life! 

Planning is already underway for another popular Residence Life event, LU’s Got Talent, a talent show at which students showcase their skills in front of a live audience. This event is anticipated to occur in November. Stay tuned! 
 

Student General Association elect 2022-2023 leadership

Student General Association elect 2022-2023 leadership

Avery Morin voted President of student association.

(May 3, 2022) - Recently, the Student General Association (SGA-AGÉ) held its annual elections for incoming 2022-2023 leadership. Avery Morin, who begins her 3rd year in Behavioural Neuroscience and Concurrent Education this Fall, is the incoming SGA-AGÉ President. She and other elected student leaders will begin their new roles in June:

  • Ana Tremblay as Vice President Education: 4th year History student, minoring in Religious Studies
  • Emma Lelievre as Vice President Finance: 4th year Sports Administration student
  • Olivia Broomer as Vice President Student Life: 4th year Indigenous Social Work student

Since the SGA-AGÉ’s inception in 1960, they have advocated for their members at various administrative and government levels. In addition to their political work by and for students, they organize activities and events that help foster a sense of community amongst students. Morin and the 2022-2023 incoming leadership team hope to increase in-person student engagement in a post-pandemic world, and expand on the new SGA-AGÉ owned clothing store, Du North, located on the second floor of the R.D.-Parker building. “We also hope to promote gender equality, especially through our all female executive team,” explained Morin. 

Dr. Robert Haché, Laurentian’s President and Vice-Chancellor is looking forward to working with incoming student leaders: “Students and their success is the number one priority for us all at Laurentian. Student associations contribute exponentially to the student experience, and I applaud incoming leaders for their commitment to their peers. I have always appreciated the significant contributions of our student leaders, they play a critical role within Laurentian University."

Speaking more generally about the value of student leadership, Morin said: “Student leadership is important to me because I'm able to make a difference in not only my local Laurentian community but also to post secondary education across the province. I've loved every second of my advocacy work so far and have learned that the student voice always has a seat at the table no matter how big or small the decisions are. As SGA-AGÉ President I hope to use my leadership role to uplift and amplify all student voices and make a positive change in the student experience.”

For students interested in getting involved with the SGA-AGÉ, by-elections will be held early in the Fall semester of 2022. The Association des étudiantes et étudiants (AEF) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) will also be holding by-election in the Fall semester. 

Sports Administration Graduate named Chicago Blackhawks GM

Sports Administration Graduate named Chicago Blackhawks GM

Sudbury’s Kyle Davidson rises to top job for Original Six NHL club

(March 9, 2022) - It wasn’t too long ago that Kyle Davidson completed his final exam at Laurentian University in the School of Sports Administration, and now the Sudbury native has been named General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks. 

A graduate of the 2010 class of the Sports Administration (SPAD) program, Davidson, 33, began his career with the Blackhawks as a Hockey Operations Intern in the summer of 2010 and quickly moved up the ranks within the organization. Having been promoted six times within the last 11 hockey seasons, Davidson’s rise to the top has been both a testament to his passion for the game of hockey and his dedication to his profession. 

“I always knew that I wanted to work in sports, specifically hockey and I wanted to pursue an education that would provide me with a good network and valuable experience to enter the sports field. Alongside this, SPAD had a very reputable alumni base that was very accessible to students.” stated Davidson about his time in SPAD during a 2020 interview.

Davidson is only the most recent in a long line of “SPAD” alumni to be named to leadership roles, including many successful graduates such as: 

  • Ken Derrett, former Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, San Diego Chargers (SPAD 1978)
  • Tom Grecco, President and Chief Executive Officer, Advance Auto Parts (SPAD 1981)
  • Dale Hooper, General Manager of Fan Duel Canada (SPAD 1991)
  • Jennifer DelVecchio, Global Senior Director, Strategic Alliances at McDonald’s International (SPAD 2005)
  • Andrew Baker, Vice President, International Relations and Public Affairs at the Canadian Olympic Committee (SPAD 2005)
  • Celine Seguin, Vice President, Business Administration at the Juno Awards (SPAD 2009)

“We are all very proud of Kyle, as well as the many Laurentian University graduates that take on leadership roles around the world. Our faculty, staff, students and alumni should all be proud as this exceptional individual achievement is also a credit to the community as a whole.” - President and Vice-Chancellor, Robert Haché.

This announcement comes on the heels of another positive announcement for the SPAD program as Rachel Doerrie (SPAD 2017) was recently named as an analyst in the Hockey Analytics office of the Vancouver Canucks.
 

When the Olympic Games need someone to keep score - they call Randy Pascal

When the Olympic Games need someone to keep score - they call Randy Pascal

Sports Administration alumni gets a third opportunity to participate in the Winter Games.

(January 17, 2022) - Randy Pascal, creator and owner of SudburySports.com, and graduate of Laurentian University’s Sports Administration program (1985) is all set for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Well known in the city of Sudbury as a local sports writer and hockey official, Pascal is soon to return to Beijing, China, where he will be taking on the role of off-ice hockey official during the Winter games, February 4 - 20, 2022. In November, he was flown out to Beijing for a pre-event, where he had the opportunity to connect with other hockey officials for games, and put to practice his scorekeeping skills that have been honed since he began scorekeeping at the young age of fourteen. “The whole situation was really nice,” said Pascal about this first visit to China. “The games kind of lent themselves for me to be able to do what I do really well, so that was perfect.”

Beijing will be Pascal’s third Olympic games. In 2010, he found himself scorekeeping in Vancouver, and was invited to do the same in Pyeongchang in 2018. In Vancouver, he kept score for both the women’s bronze medal game and men’s gold medal game, where he witnessed Canada’s Sydney Crosby score “the golden goal”. In Pyeongchang, he was the scorekeeper in charge of all the women’s games. To Pascal, opportunities to be involved in the Olympics have been a dream come true. “I never thought I’d be given the chance to do one Olympics, but the chance to do three is more than I could have ever asked for.”

While scorekeeping the Winter event is a skilled job in and of itself, when Pascal received his letter of invitation to participate in Beijing’s games, he was astounded yet pleased that his offer read not only the role of scorekeeper, but also goal and assist spotter. “The goal and assist spotter position, as combined with the scorekeeper has never existed before. It’s not a normal one [position] that gets put together,” said Pascal. “So that’s pretty cool that they actually kind of created this position for me. ‘Here’s what you do. Here’s what we are gonna call it’, they said.”

Pascal proved himself as a scorekeeper ten-fold in both Vancouver and Pyeongchang, and the recognition of his speed and accuracy being able to spot goals and assists all whilst exceeding his responsibilities as scorekeeper is what helped open doors to this new opportunity. 

“The whole thing has been excessively rewarding,” said Pascal about his involvement with the Olympic Games. He shared his perception that in part, “what opened the doors for me over the long run [to his participation in the Olympics] has been simply good luck.” Pascal remains humbled by his experiences in sports, and described the importance of this. “You never want to lose sight of the appreciation for it. At any point. When you’re getting those experiences [...] you have to appreciate it all and soak it all in.” 

About the atmosphere at the Olympic games, Pasal looks forward to experiencing the magic again. “There’s a special-ness to it. There’s a magic to being in that moment,” he explained.

Pascal attributes much of his joy for sports to the Sudbury community, and described his perception that Sudury has been an excellent location for him to cover exciting sports stories for the past eighteen years and counting. “I find that Sudbury is the perfect size for a local sports community and what I mean by that is it’s small enough to still have all of the charm. The friendliness. It’s enjoyable. It’s fun.”

Pascal is often found at local arenas, fields, and gymnasiums, attending sporting games of all kinds. He prides himself in the relationships he’s formed with others involved in Sudbury’s sporting community, and beyond. “It’s the memories,” said Pascal. "[They] make life worth living.”

He is sure to make many more memories at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.
 

Laurentian University students volunteer to support Sudbury Ringette Association youth

Laurentian University students volunteer to support Sudbury Ringette Association youth

LU ringette players mentor ringette youth

(November 17, 2021) - With the support of their teammates, Laurentian University students and ringette athletes, Jenna Gilchrist (Sudbury, ON) and Katie Vandeloo (Richmond Hill, ON) led a conditioning camp for the Sudbury Ringette Association’s youth. The camp was organized by Gilchrist in support of youth aged ten to sixteen. “We wanted to give back to our community and run something for ringette youth to jump back into the game. During COVID, these youth didn’t have the opportunity to play, so we ran a conditioning camp to get them back into the swing of things. We really wanted to make it a fun experience for these youth to remember why they play ringette; why they love ringette.”

Gilchrist is a recent graduate from the Biochemistry program at Laurentian. Her educational journey continues at Laurentian, as a first year M.Sc. Biology student. Vandeloo is a third year Sports Administration student at Laurentian.

The camp was well received by all attendees, according to Sudbury Ringette Association’s Treasurer, Troy McLaughlin. “Not only was it extremely generous to have these students give back their time, [but] I know there was a lot of excited anticipation among our younger players to be able to be taught and look up to these older Ringette players.” For Vandeloo, volunteering her time in support of this initiative was rewarding. “I really hope that this continues in future years. It was amazing. I didn’t want to miss a thing.” 

The Laurentian Ringette Club has expanded in recent years, and the team’s dedication to their sport is impressive. In their season’s 2019 / 2020 University Challenge Cup - a national tournament for University Ringette teams across Canada, Laurentian Ringette won bronze in their division. The preceding season, the team earned the Sportsmanship Award at their provincial championship tournament. 

Both Gilchrist and Vandeloo have high hopes for Laurentian Ringette’s future and described enthusiastically the commitment of their team. “It’s amazing how dedicated our team is this year,” said Vandeloo. “Everybody shows up. It’s so great.”

The Laurentian Ringette Club’s next series of home games occur on Saturday, November 27th at Sudbury’s Countryside arena. They play Nipissing University at 10:15am, the Timmins Tornadoes at 4:15pm, and the Sault Ste. Marie Ice Hawks at 9:15pm. They hope to see you there!