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    <title>The Weal | SAIT Polytechnic | SAITSA | Calgary Student Newspaper</title>
    <link>http://www.theweal.com/index.php/site/index/</link>
    <description>The Weal is SAIT's Student's Association's News Publication located in Calgary, Alberta Canada, SAIT Polytechnic</description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>webmaster@theweal.com</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2010</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2010-04-22T23:46:56-07:00</dc:date>
    

    <item>
      <title>Reinvent your summer with five new activities</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/reinvent_your_summer_with_five_new_activities/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/reinvent_your_summer_with_five_new_activities/#When:06:00:46Z</guid>
      <description>Beyond the onslaught of never&#45;ending assignments, there are four months of summer holidays and a welcome reprieve from studies. Tried&#45;and&#45;true activities like camping or road trips immediately come to mind, but why not venture a little further out of your comfort zone this summer with something new? 

Hang Gliding:
“The most thrilling thing is having your feet lifted off the ground,” said John Janssen, equipment manager and program co&#45;ordinator at the U of C outdoor centre. 
The learning curve in hang gliding is gradual, Janssen said. The first couple of hours are nothing more than learning to run with the glider and then slowly building on skills depending on the participant’s comfort level. 

Skydiving:
Yvette Thomas, co&#45;ordinator of Skydiving Calgary, said skydiving is a life&#45;changing experience and gives participants the ultimate feeling of being alive.
“It’s a must&#45;try for anyone,” said Thomas. “You’ll have an adrenaline rush for a week.” 
For first timers, Thomas recommends a tandem jump; an experienced professional dives with you from 10,000 feet. It’s up to them to pull the ripcord, so the new diver enjoys the ride rather than worrying about a safe landing. 

Caving:
Not recommended for the claustrophobic, caving offers a unique and memorable experience for those seeking something outside the norm. 
“It’s a good physical experience and a good mental experience as well,” said Charles Yonge, owner of Canmore Cave Tours. 
Yonge said caving offers participants a sense of discovery, and explore the beauty of unchartered territory.
“Be ready to push your comfort zone a little,” said Lisa Heffernan, a guide with the company.

Z&#45;Trip
This activity is the first of its kind in Canada. Participants are harnessed into a 10 foot tall sphere and sent head over heels down the COP ski hill on a hollowed out course. Luckily, the spheres roll gradually enough to avoid motion sickness.
“It’s one heck of a ride,” said Brendan Arnold, a communication specialist for WinSport, the company that runs the activity. “It’s probably one of the (most fun) things you can do at the park. It’s unreal.”
Arnold said there is no possible way to fall out of the sphere once the harnesses are fastened, and the hollowed out nature of the track prevents it from going out of control.

Bouldering
Bouldering offers a new way to take on the already popular sport of rock climbing. It ditches the traditional harnesses in favour of lower altitudes and a more unpredictable experience. All indoor gyms place crash pads at the bottom of the course to prevent injury. But outdoors, this detail is left to the climber. 
“It’s best if you go to an indoor gym first, just so you know the basic technique involved and how to fall off safely,” said Shaun Luong, an instructor at Crux Climbing and Bouldering Centre in Calgary. 
Luong said first&#45;timers shouldn’t be afraid of falling off, which is one of the biggest challenges to get over. He also recommends finding books divulging good outdoor locations, which also include the level of difficulty of each location.</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-08T06:00:46-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>When rec sports go off the rails</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/when_rec_sports_go_off_the_rails/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/when_rec_sports_go_off_the_rails/#When:06:00:39Z</guid>
      <description>Playing recreation hockey for the past seven years, Lindsay Mallory takes the sport seriously. 

“Once we are there,” Mallory said, who’s played with the same group of women for five years, “we all get pretty into it, once the game starts.”

However, practising and playing games numerous times a week can make the sport less about recreation and more about playing to win. 

“We are all super involved,” said Mallory, who plays in the NCHL (non&#45;contact league). “All of us are pretty competitive, but it’s a lot of fun. Sometimes it can get pretty stressful.”

With every team only allotted 300 penalty minutes and 30 for each player, sometimes the fights against the other team cause too many penalties and suspension of players.

“There’s a lot of screaming and yelling,” Mallory said. “It sucks when we have some players that get into a lot of fights and blow their penalty minutes at the beginning of the season and get suspended for the rest of the season.”

SAIT intramurals co&#45;ordinator Mike Stevens said he’s seen a lot of crazy things throughout his three years in charge. “A lot of people have experience in their sport so they expect it to be called right,” he said. 
“It just takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone.

“If one person takes too many liberties then others want to settle it on the court or ice.”

And while SAIT students pay to participate in intramurals and may be only playing for a T&#45;shirt at the end of the season, Stevens said it doesn’t mean they won’t play intensely. 

“It’s the same as an athlete in any competitive level of a game, he doesn’t want his entire year ruined by a bad play or a single call by a ref.

“Everybody wants their moment and a T&#45;shirt will help them remember it. They want a legacy to that moment that means something.”

A lot of recreational leagues in Calgary have had to institute “good behaviour” bonus points in their standings to show players what too much complaining could lead to. Stevens said referees for SAIT 
intramurals have quit due to too many arguments over calls. 

“I step in and loosen the rules to allow some flow. It’s my position people respect,” he said. “It’s tough to ask another student to settle things between students.”

He has simple advice for all players who complain about league they’re in or the officiating that takes place.

“It’s not about you, it’s more about everybody having  a great and fun experience.”

The worst thing a team can do is default their game, or sign up then never participate.

“It drives me up the wall when one week nobody shows up,” Stevens said. “We deduct points for forfeits but there were too many and nobody wants not points.”

Unfortunately some teams who don’t show up know they’re good enough to still run through the playoffs. Games in the middle of the schedule aren’t that important. 

“What players have to remember is their opponents sacrifice their school and social schedules to be there, so when the other team doesn’t show up I see how upset they are.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-08T06:00:39-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>A celebration of 2010 Trojan triumphs</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/a_celebration_of_2010_trojan_triumphs/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/a_celebration_of_2010_trojan_triumphs/#When:06:00:25Z</guid>
      <description>Cross&#45;Country
Coach Jamie Grant brought the team back after a long absence and his hard work paid off. The Trojans recorded five top&#45;20 finishes at the provincial championships in Camrose.
A few weeks later Melanie McCann set a personal best finishing 14th at the national championships.

Soccer
The women’s team had a record of 4&#45;5&#45;1, and was one point away from the ACAC playoffs. It was their best performance since 2004.
The men’s team had seven wins and three ties with no losses. In the provincial finals, the team earned a silver medal, coming up short against the Mount Royal Cougars.
 In 2010 men’s coach Grant Stevens will take over the women’s team. “I’ll have to push myself, but it keeps me young. It keeps me on my toes,” Stevens said. “It’s always a challenge, but having both teams now, our goals are doubled up. It’s going to be quite the task.”

Volleyball
The women’s volleyball team ended with a 6&#45;14 record, helping the Trojans reach the provincial division. The Trojans now say goodbye to fifth&#45;year player and ACAD student Meagan Boisvert.
The men’s team captured SAIT’s first provincial title since 1985. This victory came on home court. At the national tournament in Edmonton, they defeated the Saint Jerome Cheminots and the Camosun Chargers to reach the tournament final. The team came up short against the Limoilou Titans from Quebec City. This matches the silver medal performances in 2001 and 2002.

Basketball
Head coach Donovan Martin led the women’s basketball team to a 23&#45;1 record within Alberta and gave SAIT their first provincial title in nine years. Graduating forward Kim Lee was named provincial and national player of the year. 
“This was a little bit overwhelming. I’ve never really won such an award,” Lee said. She said she “definitely did not” view her dominant play on the court in 2009&#45;10 building toward this individual honour. “I didn’t have any idea what kind of numbers I’d be putting up. I just knew I’d be playing with a great team. I’ve played every game like it was my last, and the season just came together for me.”
The team finished tied for fifth at the national tournament.
The men’s team knew all year long they would be hosting the national championship and peaked at the right time. Their 16 wins this year were more than the two years previous (nine). It culminated with a bronze medal finish at provincials.
When the national tournament arrived at SAIT’s campus centre, the Trojans entered seventh. They upset the Humber Hawks from Ontario in the opening round, and then narrowly got past the Champlain Cavaliers 69&#45;67 to advance to the national final. The Trojans’ run ended as they were outmatched by the champions, the UNBC Timberwolves, but in front of a sold&#45;out crowd.
The team’s silver medal matched the performance of the 1996 Trojans at nationals.

Hockey
The women’s team suffered all year long with player shortages. The lack of depth showed up most in the second half of the year as they earned only one win after winter break and fell from first to fourth in the standings. They finished the season at 10&#45;11&#45;3. Tonya Faasse won the ACAC scoring title with 16 goals and 27 points in 24 games. She graduates this year with three scoring crowns in the league. Stephanie Heriot was awarded the league scholastic award.
The men’s team won their fourth provincial title in a row with a five game series victory over the Concordia Thunder. The team went undefeated at home with a tie against Mount Royal as the only minor blemish. Ken Babey became the winningest coach in Canadian collegiate hockey for a career, and won his eighth league title in the process.</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-08T06:00:25-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Take your  workout outside</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/take_your_workout_outside/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/take_your_workout_outside/#When:06:00:40Z</guid>
      <description>As the grass gets greener, days get longer and the temperature starts to warm up, one thought comes to most people’s mind: swimsuit season. 

After being kept indoors for the past couple months, getting outside in the spring air is a must. But getting in shape is not always an easy thing to do.

 “I really want to spend more time outside this summer,” says Krista Dunn, a SAIT student currently seeking ways to switch up her exercise routine. “A workout outside would be better for me because it will help keep things interesting. The change of scenery and the fresh air can be really motivational for a summer workout.”

 Gym time isn’t for everyone, so why not bring your workout to the great outdoors. While running, biking, and inline skating are the most common ways to take advantage of the outdoors, there are ways to pump it up without extra equipment or skill.

Started over a year ago in Toronto, Booty Camp fitness for women takes fitness outside. “Everyone is going to get a workout that fits their needs,” says person trainer Jessica Starrow. “Women love coming here. The ladies that have been coming have been here since we’ve started.”

Laura Parry has been a member since June 2009. 

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “It motivates me so much to live healthier.”

Incorporating such activities as running hills, agility ladders, burpies and resistance training, the boot camp group is a fun and different way to shed extra pounds.

“It’s not something I dread,” said Parry. “I want to be here. The instructors help so much. It helped me make a healthy life style.”

Finding something that not only motivates you but helps you diversify your workout is essential. “(It) gives a little extra to your workout,” said Starrow. “Whether you just want to tone or you’re an athlete that wants a good work out, there’s something for everyone.”

For some, having a group around you to encourage you will keep you on track is a big help. 

“Sometimes it helps to have someone else pushing me to continue to work,” said Dunn.

Try it for yourself

A class may help some people stay motivated. But there are ways to get a boot camp workout without the fee. Jeff Osadec, a personal trainer with Peak Performance at SAIT, offers these outdoor workout tips that don’t cost a thing. 

• sprint up and down hills. See a hill, and take a run up.
• body weight exercise. Find a big rock, pick it up and throw it. Toss it around. Toss it sideways and squat with it.
• run up the stairs in Sunnyside or on Memorial Drive.
• play at a children’s playground. Climb over and under things. Do pull&#45;ups on the monkey bars.</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-01T06:00:40-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Life after the Trojans</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/life_after_the_trojans/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/life_after_the_trojans/#When:06:00:21Z</guid>
      <description>Three trophies, gold and silver medals and a season filled with memories have come to an end. With exams around the corner and students finishing up their last days, some of this year’s Trojans stars won’t be back for another season.

After dedicating many hours training with fellow teammates, the thought comes to mind: what’s next?

Volleyball player Dustin Fox is finished his college athletic career this season. Along with providing a great team atmosphere and creating friendships, his run as a college v&#45;baller – which began at Grande 
Prairie College – helped him stay fit and balanced. 

 “If I wasn’t playing athletics I would probably be 250 pounds and have a beer in my hand as much as I could,” said Fox. “I’ve learned a lot as a Trojan. If I wasn’t I would have missed out on a lot of opportunities and life lessons. School provides enough structure, but it’s the times after school, it’s the weekends.”

After being so involved, Fox says simply being finished with his sport is not an option.

“I haven’t really thought a lot about my plans after school,” said Fox. “I would like to … possibly get into coaching. I’ve had some of the best coaches in this entire country and I think that I could relay what they’ve taught me into a positive thing for other athletes.”

Jim McLean is one of those former Trojans who never lost his love for the sport, and never truly left. 

 “I started skating when I was three, started playing hockey when I was three,” said McLean. “My mom took me down to a Can Skate program and went on the ice the first time and really never looked back.”

A Trojan from the 1994&#45;95 seasons, McLean has stayed involved in hockey for the past decade.

After playing hockey in multiple places in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, McLean found his way back to Calgary and back to SAIT.

“When I came back (in 2001) there was a position in the Wellness Centre,” said McLean. He eventually joined the Trojans hockey coaching roster under Ken Babey. “I had the opportunity to join the other side of the bench, and it was a no&#45;brainer. It was a great decision.”

Having been the assistant coach now for the past nine  years, many things make him want to stay. 

“The reason I wanted to be part of the Trojan program was because it never changed since I was a player. The philosophy has always been team first,” said McLean.

This team spirit makes it difficult for anyone to leave. But for athletes like Fox, that’s a decision they’ll soon have to make. 

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” says Fox. “It’s been such a whirl wind.

“It was a really special experience for me.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-01T06:00:21-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Coaches guide SAIT to excellent season</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/coaches_guide_sait_to_excellent_season/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/coaches_guide_sait_to_excellent_season/#When:06:00:20Z</guid>
      <description>With two national medals and three provincial championships, SAIT athletics celebrates one of its best years in recent history. The success comes not only from the players but also the coaches who directed their way. 

For the men’s basketball team, coach Mike Stevens produced 16 wins this year after only nine combined in the previous two years.

“The reason I hired him was because I believed he was a hard working coach,” said athletics director Ken Babey. “To become a coach you have to pay your dues, just like the players. When you start at the bottom and build it up it makes you appreciate it that much more. That way you build your program from a foundation, not just talent. “He had a good team on the court, in the classroom and good citizens.”

On the women’s side, coach Donovan Martin led the Trojans to their first provincial title since 2001 and collected his eighth individually.

“Nobody kept the records back far enough but he might be the coach with the most wins in Canadian college women’s basketball,” said Babey, who earned that same distinction in men’s hockey. “He’s a proven winner and in his time here he’s taken on the challenge of trying to recruit basketball players to come here. Now more and more women are coming to our school which will only help SAIT sports.”

The other national medalists came from men’s volleyball. Head coach Ryan Marsden, who won the Volleyball Canada coach of the year in 2005. He came to SAIT three years ago and has improved team every season.

“He had a lot of depth this year and he brought in the right people,” said Babey. “You have to have passion and the players see it. He’s now set a standard to help him recruit because SAIT’s no longer a contender but a champion.”

For the men’s hockey program, four consecutive titles didn’t come by accident. Babey brought in former five&#45;year player, and his son, TJ in as an assistant.

The younger Babey’s role was to observe the Trojans from the other side of the rink, up high in the press box, to offer a different perspective. 

“I’ve really enjoyed taking this opportunity. I could see myself going further in coaching,” said TJ Babey.</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-01T06:00:20-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Feeling the grass between your toes</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/feeling_the_grass_between_your_toes/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/feeling_the_grass_between_your_toes/#When:06:00:03Z</guid>
      <description>For many runners, the sensation of their feet as they pound the pavement evokes a primal feeling. So much so that some people even do it barefoot.

Ingrid Christensen, a Calgary painter, ditched her runners after suffering from chronic knee pain. “I thought I would have to give up running,” she says.

In the past she sought physiotherapy for her pain. But after hearing about barefoot running on the radio, Christensen decided to give it a try.

Wearing only thin water shoes to simulate the barefoot condition, Christensen found her knee pain was alleviated completely for the first time in a year.

The winter poses some difficulties for barefoot runners like Christensen. She improvised and began running in wool socks and slippers.

Studies are underway at the U of C biomechanics department exploring the impact of running barefoot. 

Dr. Beno Nigg is the director of the Human Performance Lab at the U of C. One of the theories being examined is whether athletes are more or less prone to injury when running barefoot.

The results aren’t yet conclusive. Nigg’s study suggests  development of small muscle groups in the ankle occurs more often during barefoot running.

Other findings from Dr. Nigg’s research indicate an athlete may consume oxygen at different, possibly more efficient rates when running barefoot.  This varies depending the type of surface the athlete runs on encounters such as concrete, a treadmill, grass or hard&#45;packed dirt.

However, Dr. Reed Ferber, director of the U of C’s Running Injury Clinic, says most people who begin running barefoot lack the strength to stabilize their smaller foot muscle groups.

“Our patients when they come in have a lack of strength in their ankle muscles, so that’s why there’s an injury,” he says. 

Although the clinic has patients who do practice barefoot running, Dr. Ferber doesn’t specialize in any research regarding the practice, but he did say he feels it’s too “pedantic.” 

The non&#45;shoe shoe

Barefoot product shoes have been on the market since the mid&#45;60s. Nigg says these are interesting products and even beneficial to athletes in different areas of muscle development. But the shoe is still a shoe.

“The name ‘barefoot shoes’ is a contradiction in terms,” says Nigg. “A shoe condition is not a barefoot condition.   

 “To assume that these shoes correspond to barefoot running or moving is not appropriate and the name ‘barefoot shoes’ may well be more a marketing strategy than a functional name.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-01T06:00:03-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Effects of alcohol throw off your game</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/effects_of_alcohol_throw_off_your_game/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/effects_of_alcohol_throw_off_your_game/#When:06:00:00Z</guid>
      <description>WATERLOO (CUP) – Every athlete knows in order to excel in any sport, a high level of commitment, responsibility and sacrifice is required. The body must be in peak condition both physically and mentally in order to perform at a high level of competition. 

The effect of alcohol on athletic performance is often underestimated. Examine how much it actually alters the body, and the results are staggering.

The University of Notre Dame has reported if a person consumes five drinks in a given night, it can take three days for one’s body to fully recover. The 100&#45;150 calories per drink is converted directly into fatty acid, comparable to three hamburgers from McDonald’s. 

“I’ve talked to all of my players and they understand the negative effects (of alcohol) and how long it takes to leave your system,” said Lynn Orth, head coach of the Wilfrid Laurier University women’s lacrosse team, which implements a 48 hour no&#45;drinking policy before game days. 

The policy has worked for Orth, who has coached her team to seven straight Ontario University Athletics championship games.

Most athletes recognize that quick recovery time, whether post&#45;injury or post&#45;workout, is essential. 

However, the consumption of alcohol completely erases the benefit of training. The muscles’ source of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is reduced, lowering endurance and making one weak and tired. 

Protein synthesis also diminishes, resulting in impeded muscle growth. Testosterone and the human growth hormone (HGH), essential hormones in muscle growth and tissue repair, are decreased by as much as 70 per cent, not to mention the body becomes dehydrated. 

“Our practices are so physically demanding that you don’t need the effects of alcohol compounded on top of that,” said Gary Jeffries, head football coach and manager of football operations at Laurier.

Not only physical performance is affected – a player’s mental game is thrown off after alcohol consumption. The ability to learn, store and retain information – such as plays,–is altered. Sleep patterns can be disrupted as well, which can affect memory formation. 

“You can probably only hit a 60 per cent performance level,” said Erik Kroman, captain of the Laurier men’s volleyball team. “It’s obviously detrimental to your performance when you’re hung over and tired from drinking.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-04-01T06:00:00-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Trojans nab silver on home court</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/trojans_nab_silver_on_home_court/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/trojans_nab_silver_on_home_court/#When:06:00:38Z</guid>
      <description>The Cinderella story came up forty minutes short.

The SAIT men’s basketball team snagged a silver medal as hosts of the 2010 CCAA National Championship after a fantastic two&#45;night run.

The seventh&#45;seeded Trojans – wearing green jerseys in tribute to the 1986 national championship team all weekend – first faced the second ranked Humber Hawks from Etobicoke, Ont.

Led by tournament all&#45;stars Emmanuel Chiek and Keenan Milburn, the Trojans captured a quick 23&#45;11 first&#45;quarter lead and held on to upset the Ontario provincial champions by seven points.

“In a tournament of this calibre, you have to play forty minutes and we let up for a few,” said SAIT coach Greg Stevens. “They really forced their will, but lucky for us, we had a big enough lead that we could absorb it.”

Stevens said the key in the first half came from the players moving the ball and their bodies well.

“We talked about doing what we do. The beauty of this team is that we don’t have to really change much. Emmanuel stepped up huge, Keenan hit some big shots and we iced our free throws at the end.”

Forward Fabian Warner jammed his finger on a play and was removed from the game. He would later find out he had a double dislocation of his finger, as well as a hernia. But he played the rest of the tournament.

In the semifinal, SAIT came up against the Champlain Cavaliers from St&#45;Lambert, Que. They had previously upset NAIT to reach this point.

The Trojans held on to win 69&#45;67 and earn the first medal at a national tournament since 1996.

Milburn came up big again with nine of his 18 points coming in the final quarter.

“Before this tournament, I told Keenan: ‘Your moment, it’s been two&#45;and&#45;a&#45;half years in the making, and now we’re going to try to ride you all the way to the championship,’ ” said SAIT head coach Mike Stevens.

Warner said afterwards that SAIT’s zone defence gave Champlain a lot of trouble.
“We were active and everyone was talking on the floor. Everyone really wanted this one. We felt something slipped away from us at the ACAC finals (bronze medal) so we wanted this one a lot more to make up for that.”

Champlain’s Adam Chmiel&#45;ewski missed an inside shot with 17 seconds left and SAIT leading 69&#45;67. SAIT’s Milburn and Warner missed two free throws apiece in the final 10 seconds. With no time on the clock, Cavalier Simon Bibeau clanked a three&#45;point attempt off the rim.

“It’s unbelievable, is what it is,” said Stevens. “The guys gutted it out. At halftime, when it was 33&#45;33, we talked about how it was a zero&#45;zero game, in a national semifinal in our gym, with 20 minutes left – and how we needed to go out and get it.”

The final step was to face the top&#45;seeded University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves from Prince George. 

The national championship game came in front of a sold&#45;out Campus Centre gym as the red and white of SAIT was almost matched by the yellow and green throng of fans who made the nine&#45;hour trip from UNBC.

The T&#45;Wolves led by 27 at halftime and took the match 96&#45;63 in a completely dominating performance. 

“Being on the losing end of this game is tough,” said Stevens. 

“But like I said to the guys, they won the silver medal last night. Tonight was a chance to earn gold. It didn’t go our way, but we’ve still got to be proud of what we accomplished this year.”

Stephen Olivier&#45;Job had his biggest performance of the tournament with 12 points, two shy of Milburn.

“Everybody said that we were going to play one game and get out of here. We made it to the final instead,” Olivier&#45;Job said. “It’s a huge achievement. We put SAIT back on the map.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-03-25T06:00:38-07:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>SAIT Trojans give back</title>
      <link>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/sait_trojans_give_back/</link>
      <guid>http://www.theweal.com/?/sports/sait_trojans_give_back/#When:06:00:26Z</guid>
      <description>They’re best known as a force to be reckoned with in college athletics, but the SAIT Trojans also play an influential role in the community through the Trojans Outreach Program.

Ken Babey, director of Athletics and Recreation, founded the program in line with the Trojan’ three pillars: athletic excellence, academic success and community citizenship. The Trojan Outreach Program primarily focuses on the third pillar, which emphasizes leadership demonstration and the importance of being a positive role model. 

“The athletics department at that time was missing a base,” said Babey, who started the program in 1997 when he became director. “It didn’t have an identity so to speak.”

To create this identity, Babey evaluated what a Trojan was, as well as what it means to be a student athlete. The current motto, “Courage, Determination, Spirit” was born out of this idea. 

The program has been part of the men’s hockey team at SAIT since 1988, when Babey began coaching, and he has since expanded it to all aspects of the athletic department.

“They (athletes) needed to be positive role models for kids and also make connections for themselves in the community,” he said.

The Outreach Program allows the Trojans to conduct clinics for young athletes throughout the community, host tournaments, and participate in charitable events. 

“I think that SAIT has gained a lot of good will out of it in the community,” said Babey, adding that the program is a positive experience for Trojan athletes as well as children.

An example of such good will is the positive impression left on St. Stephen school by the men and women’s volleyball teams.

“It was fantastic. We want to do it again,” said Barry Rutledge, a volleyball coach at St. Stephen who enjoyed witnessing the interaction between his athletes and the Trojans.

Along with the success of the program comes its own set of challenges, with the greatest being time management. Each athlete is expected to volunteer time towards at least one event during the year.

“Playing on a sports team is a privilege, not a right,” said Babey.

Michael Stevens, head coach of the SAIT men’s basketball team, expected a two&#45;hour time commitment on Sundays from his team in order to conduct clinics with athletes ranging from 13 to 17 years old.

“I expect them to be energetic and attentive. It may not seem like a big deal to them, but it is to the kids that they’re helping out,” said Stevens. “The better time they have, the better time the kids will have.”

Donovan Martin, head coach of the women’s basketball team, said their biggest project this year was with the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary. 

The team painted Eleanor’s House, a shelter for at&#45;risk youth run by the Boys and Girls Club. Working together, they were able to paint the entire house in the span of one Sunday.

“The girls like to give back. It makes them feel good, makes them feel appreciated and they always get a warm response,” said Martin. “It’s a good lesson for the young ladies on the team to even think about what they can do for someone else.”</description>
      <dc:subject>Sports</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2010-03-25T06:00:26-07:00</dc:date>
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