Deer Assault - On A Distance Runner

Have to admit, when I first received the tip saying that a high school distance runner was hit - and by a deer - during a provincial championship race, well, I started to scratch whatever hair I have left on my head.

I have heard some bizarre stories in high school sports, but this one seemed to have the potential to be right up at the top with others. I was also wondering if someone was trying to set me up. You know, prank stuff. I thought, how could a runner at an Ontario final - in mid day and with hundreds of athletes and spectators and noise - become the victim of a deer assault?

So, I checked and checked. People either didn't want to talk or shrugged their shoulders. Some coaches and teachers only like "good news" and will only find time for a chat when it pertains to a victory or something they see as promising. Well, your dedicated scribe used his investigative skills to get the facts and, eventually to the young girl - a 14-year old grade 9 student from London, Ont.

Here she is, first year of high school, finished fourth in the Western Ontario qualifier and expecting to do well, maybe win a medal at these Ontario run-offs. Instead, she lands up in hospital with a broken collarbone and now has a sling, likely some pain too. We had a nice discussion. Also spoke with her mother, very concerned when the emergency staff called to say that her daughter was, ah, hit by a deer - in a race. Not the kind of call parents like to get.

Cutting around the corner, midway through a 3,000-metre race and having just climbed an exhausting hill, Emma Ashby had a close encounter with - the deer. It saw her running, must have been spooked, ran at and hit her on the side knocking the runner 10 feet. Emma landed on her shoulder.

I started thinking about my car trip to North Bay last March to the Ontario hockey finals and, well, driving on a highway and seeing these animals dart across the road. Contact can be serious stuff.

The good news is Emma is recovering. She has some stories to tell, and likely for a long time to come. She was actually quite concerned about the deer which, apparently looking at the fallen athlete, then left the scene - also without a medal.

On a side note, we're approaching the Holiday Season and the Jim Proudfoot Corner - part of the Star Santa Claus Fund - is a great way to help needy children.

Grassroots Reaction to the 2015 Pan Am Games

Now that the initial shock of Toronto winning the 2015 Pan Am Games has subsided, I asked a number of teachers and coaches, politicians and sports officials working with high school and university athletes to offer up their opinions. Here are some of them.

Carl Georgevski is the head track and field coach at the University of Toronto and is a three-time Olympic jumps coach, representing Canada at the Seoul, Atlanta and Sydney games:

“Winning the Pan Am Games may be one of the most exciting and best good news stories for our City. Toronto and the entire Golden Horseshoe region will see benefits far beyond the "sports" side. Benefits will include subsidized housing, infrastructure, and the construction/renovation of community sports and recreation facilities…. The Games will help stimulate and generate more interest in healthy participation in sport for our youth, which in turn will have an impact on our health system.”

John Campbell, Chairman of the Toronto District School Board:

``I am excited for our students because the Games have the potential to be an outstanding opportunity for many of our elite high school athletes.

Sam Miceli, Principal Eastern Commerce Collegiate in Toronto:

``Long overdue and most welcome; a much-needed boost to support amateur athletes, renew and create facilities and inject life into the economy. Can't wait!``

Jeff Zownir, former McMaster University basketball player and now teacher and coach at Toronto’s St. Michael’s College:

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity to shine the spotlight on amateur athletes in Canada. Far too often, we are caught up in our focus on the professional sports. It is also a chance to add some much needed sports and recreational facilities to our community, which should help with our need to keep fit in the long term, while fulfilling the youth development of sport.”

Jennifer Myers, Director of Athletics at York University:

``I believe that the power of sport is transformational on many levels. Hosting the 2015 Pan Am Games is an unbelievable opportunity for one of the most ethnically rich cities in the world to re-define how sport can transform not just its city, but its citizens, and the lives of all who are touched by the Games.``

Arnold Witt, Principal, Sir Sanford Fleming Academy in Toronto and a former member of the York University wrestling team:

“Wow. The city has a chance to show the world. 2015 is a great backwards style approach; start with our middle school student athletes and transition them into high school with superb physical training within their sport of passion.”

Cyril Sahadath, teacher at Pickering High School and coach of one of the most successful track and field teams in Ontario:

“What I would like to see is money being spent on grassroots programs, which are really not there.....Let us not forget that the athletes that are going to benefit from these Pan Am Games are in high school and university. These Games are really a dry run for higher level competition.”

Josh Matlow, Toronto District School Board trustee:

``I believe the Pan Am Games can be an opportunity to celebrate Toronto and set a clear timeline for the creation of jobs and much-needed infrastructure into the city. However, the public should expect Ottawa, Queen’s Park and City Council to ensure a meaningful return on taxpayers’ investment.”

Ivan Joseph, Director of Athletics at Ryerson University and grew up in Toronto where he was a nationally ranked high-school track and field athlete. He was recruited to Graceland University as a student-athlete in 1993:

“Toronto winning the Pan Am Games has the potential to change the landscape of Sport in Ontario and Canada the way Title 9 did for women in sports in the USA. Title 9 was the politicians making rules for equal opportunities for women in sport. It led to more leagues, more scholarships more facilities and ultimately more women participating in sports. The women's soccer world cup championships, the growth of the WNBA, more females in leadership positions are all a part of the title 9 legislation legacy 30 years late. The Pan Am Games is not just about sport and facilities. The Games are about creating opportunities, inspiring young men and women to dream about what could be possible... The legacy of the Pan Am games will extend decades beyond its two week visit to Toronto.”

Rob Pacas is a teacher and coach and heads up the Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program (BEAP) at Birchmount Park Collegiate in Toronto:

“Love it! We could always enhance facilities as normally amateur athletics always reap the rewards once the event has come and gone. (It’s) a great chance for athletes to participate against the best.”

Chris Braney, school trustee, Durham District School Board:

“The Games are a long awaited opportunity for showcasing our athletes and region. These Games will provide new facilities for further enhancement and training of our local athletes.”

Rob Ford, City Councillor, Ward 2, Toronto and a senior football coach at Don Bosco High in Toronto:

"Taxpayers will be left holding the bag with this one. We can't even organize our city. How are we going to do it for the Pan Am Games? I'm not in favour of this whatsoever. We should control our debts first."

Don Carmichael, high school teacher at Sir William Mulock Secondary, past president of the York Region Athletic Association and a Canadian Football league back judge:

"This is wonderful for the athletes who will represent Canada at these games. Competing in one's own country becomes a source of pride and motivation for everyone. Hopefully, southern Ontario will gain long-term benefit from the construction of new athletic facilities. Sporting venues have been part of the declining and crumbling infra-structure of this province.....Torontonians don't always warm to things which are not "major league or world class." Since this is not the Olympics, I hope it doesn't get lost or buried."

Ten Of The Best

You may be surprised. I know I was when I thought people would have been more concerned about H1N1 at schools these days — and the possible impact on sports.

I was wrong. The hot topic: playoffs.

Win and move on. Lose, and despite weeks and weeks of optimism, it's all over. That was front and centre by many when I went snooping around and calling to see about candidates for my 10 best performances of the week. I expected to hear about the flu and, yes, I even ignored shaking hands with people. Sorry.

I was hoping to hear more about achievements by volleyball players and others, like those in football and basketball who don't lead their teams in scoring but still do an admirable job. Anyway, here are my choices for the past seven days.

Dexter Damboise, St. Mary. A former league MVP, this kid is very good with a football. Returns punts, rushes, catches and play defence too. Big time performances in the playoffs. In Durham Region, he scored four touchdowns in a 42-7 romp over Port Perry and two more in a 32-0 romp over Ajax.

Daniel Ferraro, St. Marcellinus. Some of his teammates call him "Magic Foot" — and for good reason. Try four field goals in a 20-7 victory over previously unbeaten Mount Carmel in a Peel Region senior football semifinal. Next up for the defending champs, it's the final on Friday against St. Joan of Arc.

Raekwon Grant, Pickering. He's been on this list before and gets my vote for junior league MVP in Durham Region. He scored five touchdowns in the Trojans' 59-0 playoff thumping of Uxbridge. Forgot to mention, this grade 9 kid has scored three or more majors in all but one game this season.

Cierra Henry, Christ the King. The junior girls' basketball team has an overall record of 20-1 and this grade 10 player has been a huge factor in the team success. She scored 14 points in a 50-10 win over Bateman and 14 in a 52-18 victory over Burlington Central. Terrific off the dribble, she has a great jump shot.

Paige Johnson, Nelson. Yes. Back-to-back weeks on this list. Two goals in a 4-0 win over Sherwood in an Ontario quarterfinal field hockey win. Two goals in a 5-1 win over John McCrae of Nepean. Two more in 4-1 win over Ridley. Her Burlington team is in the Final Four, just a question of what colour medal.

Marti Killeen, Loyola. Try a five-point play in the final quarter of a senior basketball game. She popped up a three-point basket. Then, the defence turned to box out and fouled her after the shot. Bonus time too. The Oakville school went on to win the Halton Region quarterfinal, 44-35.

Adriana Leon, Country Day. First, she scored all five goals in a 5-0 whipping of Havergal in a CISAA girls' soccer semifinal. Time for a short rest, then got three goals — including the winner — in a 4-2 win over St. Mildred's Lightbourn for the league championship. A 30-goal season and next year: the NCAA.

Daina Simkus, Richview. Take her off this team and, well, they're in trouble. A very good two-way player, she scored 21 points in a 64-16 drubbing of West Humber in a Toronto District School Board quarterfinal. She then had 18 in a 58-26 win over Silverthorn. Now, off to West Region championship game.

Courtney Sinclair, Pope John Paul II. A good week of work for her on the basketball court. Try 27 points in a 72-54 win over B'Nei Akiva in a Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association senior game, had 26 more in a 74-37 win over St. Patrick's and 15 in a 69-23 win over Notre Dame. Top scorer in three games.

Kymberley Tolson, Crawford. Win or lose, she's good for 15 points in every game. Get this, she scored 17 points in a 45-24 win over McGuigan. But dominant for her team in defeat. She had 20 in a five-point loss to Don Bosco and 24 in a 59-31 loss to Madonna.

Football - Things You Might Want To Know

Decision day is coming - and I mean for high school football in this part of the world. So don't go hiding in the basement or under a bed.

I've been getting lots of telephone calls and emails from people wondering what's up with high school football, dates of some championships and why some regions have chosen the same dates? Many more folks are offering up their opinions on why the Metro Bowl should not be played at the Rogers Centre. Would you believe, some readers are asking me what happens if players and teams come down with H1N1? And today, several people want to know who I think will win the Metro Bowl?

Thanks for the comments folks, but I don't make these kind of decisions and have never been consulted on dates. Unlike some people, who like to put a few bucks on a high school game, I will only predict that the team with the most points will win the Metro Bowl.

For the record, I've already offered up my personal feelings about having the Metro Bowl outdoors and the U of T's Varsity Centre is a perfect place. Cold, you ask? Ho, hum, this is Canada. Also, some new and fresh creative minds need to get involved around planning this finale for a Saturday, when most parents are off work and this can be turned in to a nice event. But no one listens to me.

Right now, those five Bowl games are on the same day - Wednesday, Nov. 25 - and the prognosis is the cavernous Rogers Centre will be as empty as it has been every year. Very few university head football coaches will be there as well because no one likely bothered to check that it's the day before the Canadian University Football Coaches Association annual meeting - and that's in Quebec City. You know where those coaches will be.

I know, the Buffalo Bills are coming to town and it's time for some individuals to suck up and get a facility for free as well as rub elbows with the pros, who care as much about these high school football games as you and I care about growing apples in Australia.

To answer some of your queries, here are some senior football championship dates and locations.

• Thurs. Nov. 12  - CISAA final at Trinity College, Port Hope (Rescheduled from Nov. 11)
• Thur. Nov. 12  - Golden Horseshoe final at Ivor Wynne Stadium, Hamilton
• Frid.  Nov. 13  - Peel Region final at Etobicoke Centennial Stadium, Toronto (AM)
• Frid.  Nov. 13  - Toronto final at Etobicoke Centennial Stadium, Toronto (PM)
• Sat.  Nov. 14  - Durham Region final at Civic Fields, Oshawa
• Sat.  Nov. 14  - York Region final at St. Joan of Arc High School, Maple

Just in case you were wondering, Nov. 14 is also day of the Yates Cup - the university football final in Ontario.

Answering The Phones On Monday

One thing about this job is that I always return telephone calls from readers, even those who are very upset, might have inaccurate information or just like to blow off some steam. Mind ya, I wonder why I set myself up for abuse? And, yes, I do prefer the majority of callers who just want to shmooze, share highlights of students athletes and more.

You can always tell the start of a new month because of some of the correspondence. A reader wanted to know why I referred to a girls' field hockey team as being "violent Axemen". The truth: I didn't.

Applewood Heights Secondary in Mississauga still calls sports teams "Axemen". Some think, it's a violent term. Others don't have a problem with it. What the reader didn't understand is that I was referring to a field hockey player from that team, in our weekly top 10 performances, having scored both goals in a league championship win.

Someone by the name of "Linda" left a voice mail message saying how terrible it was of the Star to publish a story of a grade 12 Oshawa football player with no arm. Well, Linda, the player is Latrell Paris and he's in grade 10, he goes to Holy Trinity High in Courtice and he has both arms, just missing four fingers on his left hand. As for the story, I guess she sees something distasteful about  the courage and determination of a teenager who, born with a disability, wants to be like others his age. He had no problem, neither did his parents or coaches and same here. I have nothing but total admiration for young people like him.

Then received several calls and emails from people saying we had the score wrong, Huron Heights beat Woodbridge 77-0, not 63-0, in a playoff game. Yup, they were right - and the inaccurate score came from a coach guessing what it was and not having the official game sheet. It will be corrected and I did speak with the school to ensure that it provides factual information from now on.

What's also interesting is that Huron Heights beat Newmarket by the same score, 77-0 just a week earlier. Rather than look at this scenario and realize that a tier level is needed, half the teams in the York Region league are not as good as the others, certain individuals instead didn't believe the score should have been reported to us "because it doesn't look good for the others team". Let me get this right, it's alright to win by that score, but not to post it in the paper? So, censor what is given to us. I see.

I thought Halloween was over.