By the Book

Concordia sports officially wrapped up after the annual Athletics awards banquet and that means that we can look forward to next year.

The end of the year is always a time for goodbyes, when student-athletes in their final year graduate in May.

So, for graduating players like Jodi Gosse and Dominique Rancour from the women’s hockey team and Fanie and Emilie Ruel of the women’s basketball team along with Chris Blackwood and Rastko Popovic of the men’s basketball team and Sebastien Corbeil and Jonathan Gautier of the men’s hockey team, among countless graduating athletes from the football, soccer, rugby, baseball, skiing, and wrestling teams, it is a goodbye from Concordia. Every one of them should be proud and rewarded for the way they represented the school for their time as a Stinger.

But, as Stinger fans there is a lot to look forward to. Year two for rookie of the year’s Karl Gagne of the men’s hockey team and Ali Olshefsky of the women’s rugby team. Not to mention Damian Buckley of the men’s basketball team. The men’s rugby team is also gearing up to defend their provincial championship to make it two years in a row.

It has been a rough year for Concordia teams. No teams qualified for the National Championships (only because there are no National championships for the men’s rugby team) following a year where two teams made their respective championships.

Look, for every Stinger team to come out strong in 2006. From baseball to hockey and everything in between, including the new cross-country running team, Concordia seems to be in good shape for next season.

Next year will be my third year at Concordia, cheering on the Stingers and I expect every team to perform above and beyond next season and prove that Concordia can be the best athletics program in Canada.

Oops

I’d hate to be the guy who woke up hung-over and realized that the Stanley Cup I ran off with from the bar the night before was actually just the University Cup and then proceed to throw the trophy in the garbage.

That’s right, someone stole the University Cup that the University of Alberta team won. The cup was taken from an Edmonton bar and police found it later in a garbage can. They still do not know who stole the trophy.

I’m left blue in the face

I have to say that I am both surprised and happy that I have been getting so many comments about picking the Blue Jays to win the World Series. Predictions are made to be disagreed with, and I’m happy that I have not disappointed. I still support my selections, and we’ll see when we come back in September if I was right, or more likely, wrong.

Have a great summer!

For those of you staying in Montreal this summer, there is no shortage of things for you to do.

There are numerous bike paths around the city if you feel like being active and if this is your first summer in the city, I highly recommend the Old Port as well as leisurely strolls in Old Montreal, downtown, along the Mountain and going along the Lakeshore on the West Island of the city.

Montreal is a great place to be in the summer, with or without the Expos, and if you have a chance to go downtown in June when the Grand Prix arrives in Montreal, do it. If you thought Montreal was multicultural before, you’ll be shocked and awed when you go to Crescent Street on Grand Prix weekend.

Also, don’t forget about the Out Games, which will be held in Montreal from July 26 – August 5.

Their website is www.montreal2006.org if you want any more information.

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