School Rugby Injury

Terrible news involving another high school student athlete.

This time, Wesley Jorisch. He's a 16-year old rugby player on the junior boys' team at Marshall McLuhan High in Toronto. No one knew much about him until Thursday night. Now, his name is splashed across media websites, Facebook and more.

Jorisch is in critical condition at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre after reports say he suffered head injuries after being tackled in a Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association league game against Pope John Paul II high.

When I first heard about his injury on Thursday night, Nick van Rijn - one of my colleagues in the newsroom - came over and asked if I could help with information for a story.The people, who I contacted, were very cooperative and knew it was a sensitive item. Star reporter Brendan Kennedy is working on an update to what he's posted On-line and informed me on Friday afternoon that Wesley remains unconscious.

Let's all pray Wesley recovers from this. Let's also not panic and stop sports in schools for investigations. Toronto Police reported that this was an accident.

What I found interesting were the quick comments from Star readers after the initital story was posted on our website and, since then, by e-mail and voice mail. Some people left their names with comments. Others did not and really had some nasty stuff to say.

For those who say I am against rugby, not so. It's a rough game, some people call it barbaric, but like any contact sport there is potential for injury. Yes, I have raised the subject of injuries and a need for improved and certified coaching, top notch officiating and a better understanding of the game by athletes - boys' and girls' - their parents, teachers and administrators. That doesn't mean I dislike the sport.

Yet, some comments that I received are disappointing.

"There you go again, writing about a rugby player getting injured. This has no business being in the paper. Leave the kid alone" writes Barry Walsh, Toronto, in an e-mail.

Here's one from the voice mail.

"Far worse injuries occur in football, wrestling and hockey. Are you blind and naive. Write about them as much as you do about rugby". Male voice. No name left and call display was blocked.

At the Tim Horton's at Eglinton and Don Mills, I stopped for a coffee this afternoon and saw two guys reading the Star and talking about - yes, the rugby story. They were saying it's a case of reporters exaggerating the entire episode "because that's what papers do". I wonder if these two men went over to Sunnybrook to be with worried family and friends and felt the same way.

Yes, we have a job to do. It's not always about who defeated who in a school game. Far more times than some of us like, it's about a teenager getting seriously injured in a school game. Remember three years ago in Mississauaga. Manny Castillo, a Lorne Park student, died from injuries received in a game. Yes, it too was rugby.

I know there have been thousands of games played since then. I also know, from what I have been told and witnessed, that liability remains a big issue with boards of education. I just hope someone doesn't decide to remove certain sports from school programs - because  of accidents.

Bocce Could Be A High School Sport

First off, I will confess and get it over with quickly.

I have watched the game of bocce being played, but that's it. Don't know the rules or how points are scored. That's not to say I won't learn. In fact, that's now on my list - and here's why?

Bocce could be coming to a school near you.

From what my friend tells me, and he plays the game like I swim (and that's quite a bit), it's something between curling and bowling - but on grass. The court is about 10 feet wide and 76 feet long. Players have eight balls to throw to the pallina - or the target. Apparently, this game requires lots of skill and lots of luck too. Seniors play it quite a bit and now the kids are wanting in.

So much so, that on Friday at St. Marcellinus Secondary in Mississauga (that's the school that has an artificial turf and the Argonauts sometimes practice on it), something like 17 schools from the Region of Peel will have an invitational tournament. If things go well, look out.

Kathy Knafelc at the Peel District School Board told me that a motion will be made at the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association annual meeting in June for bocce to be added to the list of some 30 other varsity sports.

No champ will be decided this Friday. No final. Just a tournament and teams are made up of four players, two with a developmental disability. This isn't the first inter-school sport for people with disabilities. There's swimming and track and field.

What's next beach bocci? All kidding aside, I like the idea.

OFSAA Makes Changes to Gender Equity Policy

Remember the name Justine Blainey?

She made headlines in 1985 when she won the right to play on a boys' minor hockey team. Something like three years of legal action, Blainey did reach her goal of playing on a team with boys. She didn't last too long but, as she said repeatedly, her goal was to help other female athletes play at the highest level possible.

And how about Mandy Clayton, a former student at The Woodlands School in Mississauga who wanted a chance to wrestle - even if it meant against boys. Back when she was in school in the 1980s, there were only boys wrestling teams.

I remember writing several stories about her bid to compete - and she was serious about the sport and not just to get close to the opposite sex. But pushing aside numerous appeals, including an investigation by the Ontario Human Rights Commission that eventually ruled in her favour, she was still barred from wrestling for her school.

The board ruled then that "wrestling is not an activity normally engaged by girls".

Her actions eventually forced one of largest public school boards in Canada to provide equal access to athletics for boys and girls. Now, there are wrestling programs for both boys and girls. I can remember debating the issue with the late Andy Gibson and Colin Hood, now retired in Victoria, B.C. - both former executive directors at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations. Even when we disagreed, we shook hands.

It has taken some time, and pushing, but OFSAA has recently made a sweeping change to one of its policies - the one that had girls only playing on girls teams.

In the past, teenage females were only allowed to play on boys teams when a girls team did not exist. But now, if girls are successful when trying out for a boys team, they can participate even if there is a girls team at the school.

By the way, this has been happening in several school leagues in recent years.

The Star's Top School Performances This Week

With the end of the school year just about two months away, and sports being capped much earlier to allow for exams, it's getting busy again around Greater Toronto Area high schools.

Pick a sport, and it's bound to be happening at a school near you. Unlike many years ago, when students could compete in a variety of sports, more and more schools and leagues are restricting students to one sport per season. Some people are crying foul while others say it's necessary to avoid athletes from commiting to rugby, as an example, and then leaving the team and pitch to run with the track and field team.

Our top picks of this week have, for the first time that I can recall, more females than males. Here we go.

Celine Amenta, Mowat. She scored four goals in a 7-0 thumping of R.H. King Academy in a Toronto District School Board senior girls' soccer game. She's on the No. 1 team at a school that, for years, has fielded two squads because of popularity.

Eva Amo-Mensah, Father Henry Carr. She's played basketball for the school team and has won medals in track and field. Toss in four more (three gold and a silver) to her collection of awards with quite a showing at the Father Redmond Classic track and field meet.

Khalil Barakzai, Laurier. Some athletes are happy to score in a school game. This guy did it four times, all tries too, as the Blue Devils defeated Cedarbrae 44-5 in a Toronto District School Board junior boys' rugby match.

Amanda D'Amato, Michael Power/St. Joseph. Opening game for her team in the Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association senior girls' soccer league and she put the ball in the net three times. It was part of a 13-0 rout of Marshall McLuhan High.

Jesse Douglas-Johnson, Uxbridge. This kid can kick a rugby ball through the uprights with ease. He had eight conversions in a Durham region senior rugby game. His team crushed Dunbarton 72-0 opening up the debate once again on lopsided scores.

Taylor Landry, Sinclair. It's early in the lacrosse season, but she's already showing signs of challenging for the scoring lead. Five goals in a 14-3 win over Father Leo Austin in a Durham region varsity girls' game. After a short rest, three more goals in a 14-0 victory over Monsignor Pereyma.

Matthew Pang, St. Francis Xavier. Nothing like beating your best friend in the Peel Region Singles badminton final. He did and was awarded the title when his friend, hampered by leg cramps, ended the match because of pain. Pang won the first set 21-13 and trailed 7-3 in the second when things stopped.

Justin Rasmussen, St. Andrew's. Tough decisions for him - lacrosse or hockey? He's good in both. This time, five goals in a 13-5 lacrosse win over Upper Canada in a private school game. He once played for Team Ontario in lacrosse and was also a fourth round OHL pick of the St. Michael's Majors.

Tamika Shanice-Josephs, West Hill. Some high schools have flag football teams and some have athletes with great speed and talent. She's one of them. Four touchdowns for her in a 28-6 victory over Woburn in a Toronto District School Board East Region league game.

Lana Sheppard, Henry Street. She scored seven goals in one game - including the winner in a 9-8 victory over Anderson. Same day, she scored six more times but this time - with her team missing some key players - lost 15-7 to Donald Wilson in more Durham lacrosse action.

 

Mixed Feelings About School Finals at the Dome

There are mixed views surrounding the news that that two of the marquee high school championships in Ontario - the Prentice Cup in baseball and Metro Bowl in football - won't be played at Rogers Centre this year.

For the students, who will miss out on swinging the bat and fielding baseballs in June and running with a football in the fall, it might be a letdown of sorts. I guess there is something to be said about reaching "the big game" and then playing it at the Dome - even when the empty seats do out-number the fans often by 500 to 1 or more.

The flipside, based on what I hear from an increasing number of others, might be a better choice. That's taking the games to a more regionalized set-up and using facilities like universities to build awareness. Canadian university football coaches would have an easier time trying to convince some of the graduating players, still undecided, about playing in this country rather than rush south of the border to U.S. schools.

If marketed well by athletic associations, the localized games might also attract more fans and media coverage. It happens in other Ontario championships - like basketball.

And some people simply like the idea of having football played indoors. Same for baseball - in June.

I'm with the large number of fans who think both the Prentice Cup and Metro Bowl should be played outside. Last I looked, there aren't domes in all the major cities with pro teams. So, what's wrong with a bit of snow for football and sunshine for baseball?

For the Prentice Cup, it's only the second time in 31 years that the game will be outside the major league park. Tentative plans have it at Toronto's Connorvale Park with playdowns on June 7 and the final on June 8. The qualifying games are at local ball parks in Whitby and Windsor. If it rains, so what's another day. I know there are provisions for students to play games and then write exams.

The Buffalo Bills' announcement on Tuesday, having their NFL game in Toronto on Nov. 7 against Chicago, seemed to catch school organizers by surprise. From what I was told, no backup plans were in place. It looks like games will be spread out across Ontario and I see nothing wrong with the Metro Bowl at that great facility owned by the University of Toronto.

Then again, the Bills - or even the Argos - could pick up the rental fee at the Rogers Centre as a gift to the schools so they can continue the gridiron games indoors. Picking a day when the facility is available could be another issue.

Readers Speak Out About Star's Female High School Hockey All-stars

I expected feedback on the Toronto Star's annual high school hockey all-stars. But, honestly, nowhere near the reaction that came in - and it wasn't even lunch time on Tuesday. I am sure there is more coming and we like it when people express their feelings and opinions.

Let me first clarify that the comments were about the 2010 girls' all-star teams - first and second. Yes, the boys' team will be announced soon.

Each year, we do our best to recognize six players who had a banner year for their high school teams. Always considered is the accomplishment on the ice, the leadership, stats are important too - although it's not mandatory that a player chosen be the next Hayley Wickenheiser. It's also nice if the players are doing well in school and are good role models in the community.

The comments were, shall I say, very interesting. One thing should be made clear: We don't pick players because their parents call us, coaches think they're the best in the world, etc. We picked players in their graduating year for our first team and we consulted with a variety of university, high school and rep coaches. Asked for opinions from game officials and other players. Even saw players in game action - and it does help when they win a provincial championship.

One person didn't like that we were "showing off young girls". Another individual was big on grades and not happy that we had a player with a 60 per cent average and thought they should all be students with academic honours. An e-mailer was upset that we had players who were chosen in previous years. Ah, can you not have a second year of excellence on ice?

Several people had some harsh words about choosing school and hockey in the United States. There were others who thought I didn't have a clue about hockey and two people who accused me of  "deliberately" leaving players off the team.

The e-mail and voicemail seemed to go on and on until I heard one message praising the Star for devoting a full page to showcase six very good players and six more on a sceond team. Yes, someone actually took the time to say something positive. Thanks to Stan, whoever you are, and I'd buy you a coffee. To be fair, some parents have called now, teachers too.

Huge thanks to Bob Bishop for his page design. And splendid photography from Aaron Harris.

If you missed the paper, you can still catch this salute to female high school hockey talent on our website. As for autographs, you're on your own.

Ten of the Top School Performances of the Week

Alright, so it is my day off, but I did check my e-mail and saw there are some people wondering if and when I'll be resuming the Top Ten list of weekly high school athletes.

With the Spring season of sports still a hodge podge of activities, and the majority of leagues still in the pre-season mode of exhibition games and invitational tournaments, I could have created some excuse to leave it for another week. But why procrastinate? Let's recognize student athletes - and also encourage schools and coaches to not rely on others and keep us informed.

Here we go - and, yes, in alphabetical order:

Bryan Addo, Father Henry Carr. Give this young man some cleats and space and stand back. He's fast. Winner of the 200 metres at the Metro track and field final last year may have been his highlight. He also plays football for the Crusaders football team. Now a senior, he's running with the big boys and won the 100 metres at the Redmond Classic timed in 11.38 seconds.

Stephen Ajayi, Neil McNeil. Some people might remember him as the sprinter who was bounced from the school relay team after he lost track of time and missed the 100 metres at a big event last year. Lesson learned and this year, he's showing this could be a break-out year. First place at the Redmond meet in the junior boys' 100 metres in 11.29 seconds and same in the 200 metres in 22.94.

Tyler Albrecht, St. Michael's. The surname might sound familiar to some sports fans. He's the grandson of former Canadian Football League legend J.I. Albrecht. Tyler also plays football, but this week got the spotlight in lacrosse with 13 goals in three games at the Spring Thaw Invitational in Ottawa. Yes, St. Mike's won and also host the Ontario high school finals in June.

Brittany Crew, Birchmount Park. She's 16 years old, plays two musical instruments, attends the Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program and excels in soccer. But, it's track and field that caught my attention. At the Redmond track and field meet, she won the junior girls' shot with a heave of 11.34 metres and also placed first in the discus throwing 35.68 metres.

Candace Diptee, Wexford. Things are still very quiet in the Toronto District School Board league with a handful of games played and one of them was a 5-0 win by Wexford over Woburn. Two goals from the foot of this forward. Diptee, based on previous TDSB league games over the years, seems to have her foot on a goal in almost every game.

Derek Higgans, St. Michael's. I remember watching him pancake opposing football players. He's a Toronto Star all-star defensive lineman and going to Queen's University, so you know he has good grades. Yes, off to Kingston to help the Gaels try and win a second straight Vanier Cup. But, it's shot put that's taking up his time now and a heave of 14.01 metres to win the senior boys' event at the SnowBall Relays.

Bosco Lau, Albert Campbell. Only in Grade 9, and he's going to the Ontario high school badminton boys' Singles playoffs. That's because he's the Toronto District School Board champ. After losing his opening game, he won the next seven for the gold medal. Last year in Edmonton, he played in the National Junior Under-14 tournament and lost in the boys’ Singles semifinals.

Bobbi Sheppard, Cardinal Newman. She's played six sports at her Toronto Catholic high school and has been a three-time nominee for athlete of the year. Now, her focus is in rugby and the inside centre (her team is 6-2 over-all) scored three tries in a 46-0 league win over St. Basil and two more in a 25-0 victory over Pope John Paul II. The Knights didn't give up a point in four games.

Divyanthan Thasarathan, Bill Crothers. He's a long jumper and we singled him out almost a year ago for his excellence at the school known for attracting great teenage athletes. No surprise, at the York Region Indoor track and field championships, his distance of 6.18 metres in the long jump was good for first place. Then, in the triple jump, 13.67 metres for another gold medal.

Jordan Tripp, St. Andrew's. He's a running back on the football team and and was a winger on the school hockey team that won the Mid-West Prep League title and private school championship. Now, he's do very well in lacrosse. At a recent yournament, he scored twice in an 11-4 drubbing of Father Leo Austin from Whitby and had four goals in a 12-11 loss to Holy Cross of Peterborough.

 

 

Talking School Sports - The Way I See It

It appears as if I am in demand to speak. Fortunately, I haven't yet been asked to wear a tuxedo.

Not to sure what may be fuelling this, but the inquiries through phone calls and e-mail from people wanting me to visit their elementary and high schools is picking up.

I have been very fortunate to attend many events this year, including several at colleges and universities, and thoroughly enjoyed the discussions, assemblies and opportunities to talk about amateur sports, issues on the school sports scene, the importance of education and sports, careers in journalism, and even some contentious subjects.

Thank you folks. I'm flattered and, yes, would be very pleased to continue.

And that leads me to the Star's Speaker's Bureau, a wonderful initiative by this newspaper. Information appears on the Star website and, periodically, in the paper with many of my colleagues also available to attend events and speak on a variety of topics.

We're available - and it's all free. E-mail speakersbureau@thestar.ca or call 416-869-4280. Then again, you can call me too. The number is 416-869-4394.

Birds Were Flying at Humber College

One of my daily responsibilities at the Star is always checking in with the Sports Department, and especially when I am away from the office, just to keep the folks informed of what I am covering and things happening on the high school beat.

So, I called Associate Sports Editor Brian McAndrew the other day and told him I was taking a few hours - to watch people hit birds. Brian is a smart guy and didn't fall for my play on words. He knew right away that I was talking about the plastic birds (some people use the term "shuttlecock") in the sport of badminton - and the Toronto District School Board citywide championships being hosted by Humber College.

I didn't stay for all of the more than 10 hours of competition, but saw some very exciting games and great talent. Not to mention a headache from watching all those birds flew back and forth.

Bosco Lau, a Grade 9 student at Albert Campbell Collegiate, shrugged off an opening loss to win the boys' singles title. In the girls' singles, Northern's Christl Cheng rallied in a come-from-behind win over Jackson's Nikki Chen. The rest of the results are in the Star.

For the folks who shrug their shoulders and say anyone can play badminton, I would certainly like to see them go against some of these youngsters - many who have competed at the national level in various events. It was easy to see why Toronto badminton players have won medals at six of the past seven Ontario high school championships.

That's impressive, especially since more than two million Canadians play badminton for recreation and it is one of the few sports taught in every provincial school system in Canada. The history of the game dates back more than a 100 years in this country, and Canada was a founding member of the International Badminton Federation in 1934.

All in all, it was a pretty good day for 'bird' watching at Humber.

Oh yes, my headache is much better.

Is it School Sports or Video Games

Many years ago, the numbers were staggering - over one quarter of a million students played high school sports in Ontario.

And the numbers were up significantly too for coaches - be they teachers, students or people scattered throughout the community taking time off from a job to pitch in.

But now, coaches are apparently in decline and there are no firm numbers indicating that participation numbers for students are up, down or even remain the same. The best answer I was given was - a guess.

There have been numerous reported studies, one from ther Canadian Journal of Public Health, that says academic performance is maintained or even enhanced by increase in a student's level of physical activity. Some students see that as lifting an IPod, playing video games or walking - to the fast food stores. Thousands of tax dollars have been spent with the message - stay in shape and avoid health problems.

I remember when the chatter at school was focused around who was going to be the No. 1 quarterback, the elite hockey player, the track star or even the captain of the cheerleading team. Now, other interests are appealing to teeny-boppers.

Last summer, a  Canadian study published by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine reported that by the time adolescents reach high school, most have abandoned vigorous activities like school sports.

Earlier this year, I asked Michael Suraci at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations for numbers that we used to get annually - and haven't for the past five years. He was honest and said the participation numbers, at best, would be a guess. Suraci said school athletic associations, hadn't been submitting information.

Some people claim numbers don't mean anything. Others -- like the Ontario government funding school sports and corporate sponsors wanting to aim their products at young kids -- clearly are interested.

With obese kids continuing to be a concern, lots of high schools are having difficulties getting kids to participate even in intramural sports.

I wanted to stage my own survey. So, last week, I stopped 30 teenagers across the Greater Toronto Area, and asked them what was more appealing to them: video games or playing sports for their school? The final totals: 24-6 for the electronic toys and one stalled while typing a text message to her friend.