High school students from the Alberta Technical Alliance (ATA) stand behind “Rex,” the robot they created. The team will be off to St. Louis for the World Championship from April 26 to 28. WHITNEY BUETTNER PHOTO

Robots are taking over SAIT, if what is transpiring in the Thomas Riley building is any indication.

Local high school robot gurus have been using SAIT as a training ground as they prepare for the World Robotic Championships, better known as FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition.

SAIT machinist instructor Jeff MacaRoy said that students, predominantly from Bishop Caroll High School, have practiced to run computer numerical control machines, computerized mills, print reading and a number of other skills directly or indirectly related to machining and engineering.

“This is obviously a way to encourage these students to come to SAIT. This portrays the school in a great way,” said MacaRoy.

The students are led by robotic wizard Alex Rodrigues who, at the age of 16, has already competed in the world championships twice.

Rodrigues handpicked the squad by looking for students who were competent in micro-tronics and had an interest in injecting life into pieces of metal.

He has been involved with the futuristic trade for a number of years explaining, “I started with building little Lego robots and then I went to the next level.”

SAIT instructor of manufacturing and automation Craig Maynard eventually scouted him out after searching for students who had a passion for artificial intelligence.

Rodrigues knew he could look to Maynard when he began searching for an appropriate place to build and practice.

SAIT was ideal, not only for the capacious area across from the Thomas Riley building, but also because of the vast human resources available.

The young protégé was quick to give Maynard praise saying, “He basically started robotics in the city. He has been teaching microtronics for around 20 years.”

Although MacaRoy and Maynard were both there to lend a hand to the students, MacaRoy insisted that the aid was limited.

“These guys did 90 per cent of the machinery. They needed a bit of guidance and then they were good to go,” he explained.

The team’s chief project “Rex” is a robot capable of shooting hoops and playing tough defence against his robotic peers in a high-tech version of basketball. Rex took six weeks to construct—the exact period of time allotted for teams to build their signature creations.

Rex’s stringent defence and balancing capabilities landed him second place in Oshawa at the regional championships earlier this year.

The high placement of Rex is the major reason why the crew is off to St. Louis to compete against the best the world has to offer.

Team member Andrew McCormick said that because the team is in its first year, they would be looking to take home one of the freshmen awards.

“Winning [the whole tournament] could be tough, but the rookie award is achievable and it would also be impressive,” he said.

The tournament transpires April 26 – 28 in St. Louis, Missouri.

A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen can provide protection from the sun. PAIGE THOMSON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Having a complexion that rivals the colour of cold oatmeal may seem more appealing when one considers the frightening possibility of skin cancer that can come with a golden glow.

According to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 5,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma annually, and Canadians born in the 1990s are two to three times more likely to develop skin cancer than those born in the 1960s.

With these daunting statistics, it appears people have been forbidden from enjoying the summer sun, but there are ways to overcome this seasonal obstacle. By being informed and developing proper sun safety habits, having fun in the sun can once again be a possibility.

Contrary to popular belief, a tan isn’t necessarily a sign of health and vitality, according to Eveline Charles’ spa and cosmetics director, Cheryl Johns. “When skin gets too much sun, it produces more melanin, which browns the surface of the skin,” said Johns. “So a tan is a sign that skin cells have been injured by UV rays, which can turn into skin cancer.”

Johns advised tanners to be on the lookout for any signs of sun damage. “Sun damage can add up, sometimes developing into something much worse long after the colour has faded.”

To combat the adverse effects of both the long and short-wave rays of the sun (UVA and UVB, respectively), wearing sun screen with a minimum SPF level of 15 is advised.

According to dermatologist Dr. Eric Reding’s online advice, the application of SPF lotion should not be used as an excuse to languish in the sun for extended periods of time. “Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the single most important preventable cause of melanoma,” said Reding.

If detected early enough, melanoma is “highly curable”, according to Reding’s website. Reding advised that melanoma can be prevented by avoiding tanning beds, staying out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and by wearing SPF lotion.

While sun block and sun screen can be used as interchangeable terms, they are quite different from one another. While sun screen’s chemicals are soaked up by the skin and absorb UV rays before any damage can be done to the skin, Johns says that sun blocks contain inorganic ingredients which sit on the skin while acting as a “wall between your skin and the sun.” For broader protection, sun block may be the best bet since sun screens’ chemicals allow some UV light to be absorbed by the skin.

Those who experience sensitivities to chemicals found in many sun care products should opt for formulas containing either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which can be less irritating to sensitive skin types.

To forego the greasy feeling that often comes with being slathered with various sun blocks and screens, a worthy summertime investment may be SPF clothing. Though it may sound ridiculous, one t-shirt from the website SPFstore.com provides up to 100 hours of sun protection with an SPF level of 50. The company’s website claims that all of their SPF-infused fabrics, “Block more than 97 per cent of UVA and UVB even after two years of wear and tear.”

The SPFstore’s innovative shirts set customers back roughly $15, depending on the selected style and colour. However, customers can also find SPF-infused garments such as shorts, long-sleeved tops, and kids’ swimsuits on the company’s online store.

Those looking for cheaper ways of evading harmful rays can look to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation’s list of alternatives for safeguarding against the terrors of UVA and UVB rays. Included on the list are donning wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and staying in the shade.

An easy way to remember simple and effective sun safety is to memorize the slogan of Australia’s cancer control program, SunSmart.

The slogan ‘slip, slop, slap’ refers to the act of putting on a shirt, sun screen, and a hat, respectively, and has been part of Australian pop culture since the 1980s.

The slip, slop, slap method may leave former sun worshippers as pasty as their pre-summer selves, but it’s nothing a little spray tanning won’t fix.

Catherine Pooley, manager of Vulcan Tourism, demonstrates the Transporter App at the bus shelter on 4th st. and 17th ave. in Calgary. SARAH PYNOO PHOTO

Ever since geek-media hit the movie scene, being uncool has become a social norm.

With the annual Comic Expo only weeks away (April 27 – 29), Calgarians are getting ready to cosplay, see their favourite stars and attend the reunion of the cast from Star Trek, The Next Generation.

The expo has increased in popularity over the past few years, ticket sales for this year have already surpassed the attendance from all previous years, and as the slogan for the expo suggests, “the geeks will inherit the earth.”

“There is nothing apathetic about being a geek,” says Lindsay Thomas (aka Emily Expo), the mascot and face of the Comic Expo.

Thomas serves as the geek-chic woman of every nerd’s dreams, but she also represents a new demographic of women who are starting to appreciate comics.

Martin Rouse of Phoenix Comics on 17th Ave says that as a result of DC movies in the cinema, and the popularity of television series like The Walking Dead, the demographic of customers that visit his store has changed.

“We definitely get more women now,” said Rouse.

As a child, Thomas explains that she never went through a “girly phase.”

While her classmates were becoming fascinated with bad perms and makeup, Thomas was embracing her inner-bookworm and watching Star Trek with her father.

“Being a geek allows you to explore areas of interest with passion,” says Thomas.

Aside from being the girl of every geek guy’s dreams, Thomas is looking forward to seeing James Marsters, who played the hunky bad boy vampire, Spike, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Other big-name geeks who are going to make appearances at the expo are Stan Lee, the most famed comic book creator in the industry; Adam West, who was the original Batman; Adam Baldwin, who starred in Firefly, The X-Files, Chuck, and Stargate SG-1; Robert Englund, the face of Freddy Krueger in Nightmare on Elm Street; Lance Henriksen, who has made a name for himself in The Terminator, Aliens, Aliens 3, and Alien vs. Predator; Hayden Panettiere, who is most famous for her girl-next-door looks and famed role on Heroes; and Dave Prowse, the man inside the suit of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.

While rumours have been circling that passes for the Expo have already sold out, Kelly Dowd of Redd Skull Comics on Edmonton Trail confirms that tickets to the event are still available, although tickets to the anticipated Star Trek TNG EXPOsed have sold-out.

“It’s a one-time reunion; how often does that happen?” said Dowd.

The Star Trek TNG EXPOsed; reunion is the first public event in 20 years to bring together Sir Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Wil Wheaton and Denise Crosby; stars who played characters in the hit TV series.

The cast will be at the expo for photo ops and autographs (for a fee), and will also be hosting various panel discussions for avid Trekkies.

The headliners will also partake in the sold-out reunion event on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Styled similar to a television talk show, the event will give fans a chance to get up close with their favourite stars.

The tickets were originally priced upwards of $40, but online auctions are now selling these rare commodity tickets for upwards of $100.

The Expo also released a Trekk iPod app this week, at the bus stop on 17th Ave and 4th Street. The free app, which is called “Calgary Expo Transporter” allows users to transport their friends to and from the bus stop, with a little help from the pros on the USS Enterprise.

Although being a geek has often had negative connotations, the expo this year is giving the nerds of Calgary an opportunity to come together with guests from all over the world, and prove that geekdom is the only way to be.

nviting trails are one of Banff National Park’s most sought-after features. Get away from it all this summer on a backcountry excursion to Hidden Lake, where the meadows are filled with colourful wildflowers and chirping hoary marmots. JESSICA BURTNICK PHOTO

The summer season is a busy time for most sport enthusiasts. But students on a tight budget, or who will be working away their summer fun, may find themselves at a loss for ideas.

Check out the following collection of affordable alternatives for sporty “staycations” around Alberta.

BEST PLACES TO GO

Northern Alberta:

Lesser Slave Lake is known for its remarkable stretches of white sandy beaches and hiking trails. The lake is located in a provincial park that features both thick, evergreen forest and rolling sand dunes. For the wildlife enthusiast, bird watching, and fishing for Walleye and

Northern Pike are notorious in this area. It is a prime camping location as there are over 110 campgrounds priced for all budgets.

The Rockies:

Naturally-formed ice carvings and magnificent ice caves, make the Canadian Rockies one of the coolest places to be when the temperatures rise. From Banff National Park to the northern Jasper National Park, this area is a gold mine of activities. Whether it’s a day trip to the icefalls, or a weekend stay at one of the many resorts, the rugged beauty and splendor of this area await to be explored.

The Badlands:

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a melting pot of diverse landscapes that blend in one location. There are over 50 kms of marked trails that lead all levels of hikers and walkers through heavy woods, grasslands and wetlands. For weekend campers, Fire Rock

Campground is on the shore of Elkwater Lake. It’s clean, private, and costs only $15 per night.

Central Alberta:

Brazeau Country is surely the place to be for outdoor adventures, and versatile activities on all athletic levels. Its rivers offer the perfect swimming holes, sport fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Brazeau Country is also known for its abundant ATV trails, and golf courses. For as low as $23, Willey West campground is the place to go for a real wilderness getaway. The campground is situated beside wild Crown Land and offers a picturesque view of the Rockies.

Southern Alberta:

Found east of Lethbridge, Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, offers the most spectacular landscapes in Southern Alberta. Known for its abundance of rainbow trout, Beauvais Lake is perfect for the water sport enthusiast. This lake is always busy with windsurfers, power boats, canoes, kayaks, and sail boats. The campground is exceptionally clean, and includes free guided hikes for all levels. Cost: $18 – $24 per night.

BEST EVENTS

Huntfest 2012:
July 13 to July 15

Huntfest is the largest outdoor lifestyle festival in Canada, and offers a variety of activities, speakers, and showcases the cutting-edge gear and accessories for avid hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. This year’s Huntfest will be held at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton, and is sponsored by Wild TV. Cost is $12 per person. For more details, check huntfest.ca.

2012 Alberta Summer Games:
July 26 to July 29

The 2012 Alberta Summer Games combines 15 different sports from lacrosse to inline-hockey, in an all-out skills competition held in Lethbridge, Alberta. The games will need 3,000 volunteers and expects over 6,000 spectators. Cost is free for volunteers and students.

Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival: Aug 11 to Aug 12

For the perfect day trip, check out this unique battle where teams of 22 paddlers race 40 foot long traditional dragon boats. Set on Lake Minnewanka, near Banff, be sure to pack a picnic, and enjoy a day of mountain air and outdoor festivities.

BEST DEALS

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Price: $5 per adult
Seven days a week:
9 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily
Red Deer, Alberta

A great “rainy day” activity that exhibits an interactive tribute to Alberta’s sporting history. The museum includes a multi-sport Virtual Visual System, “Treadwall” climbing wall, 200m wheelchair race, and Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Gallery. The newly added Ice and Snow Gallery is also awe-inspiring for the Canadian athlete.

Trail ride at Country Acre Stables
Price: $30 per hour
Available: June 18 to Aug 31 Bentley, Alberta

Spend a lazy summer afternoon on a prairie trail. Anyone can partake in this activity because Country Acre Stables gets you fitted for the trails by teaching how to saddle, groom, and ride a horse. For the more experienced rider, just book a delightful trial ride. The stables are located near Gull Lake, in central Alberta.

Voyageur Canoe Trip
Price: $39 per adult
Available: May 4 to Oct 8
Banff, Alberta

Enjoy a one-hour trip in a Voyageur Canoe through the winding western end of the Bow River. Trips include a “Voyageur” guide who will engross you with stories of the past as you paddle through the beauty of the Rockies.

Drive a Stock Car
Price: $120 per adult
Available: Mar 1 to Sept. 30 Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Rev up your summer by driving an official racecar. This activity includes one hour of instruction, followed by an adrenaline pumping drive on the track while following a pace car for 10 laps. This awesome experience also comes with an 8×10″ photo and two event tickets to the Edmonton International Raceway. Book online at edmontonraceway.com.

EDITOR’S top PICK

A peaceful getaway

Kananaskis Country is a short drive west of Calgary and is situated on the slopes of the Canadian Rockies. The HI-Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel on Ribbon Creek is a tranquil getaway that is on the doorstep of over 60 biking and hiking trails. The abundant mountain activities are balanced by this hostel’s serene evening atmosphere.

From delicious home-cooked breakfasts, to late-night campfires, and the handmade chocolate on your pillow, this place allows you to get away from the city and back to nature. Call 1.866.762.4122 for reservations, rates are $25 – $70 per night.

Candidates running in the riding of Calgary-Mountain View (where SAIT is located) for the upcoming provincial election took part in the All Candidates Forum hosted in SAIT`s Heart Atrium on April 4. Candidates included (left to right) Dr. David Swann of the Alberta Liberal Party, Christopher McMillan of the NDP, Inshan Mohammed of the Alberta Party, Shane McAllister of the Wildrose Party and Cecilia Low of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. ASHLI BARRETT PHOTO

This provincial election is going to be one of the closest elections in Alberta history. The different political parties are looking for the support of the youth vote, and The Weal has interviewed candidates from across the province to know the position of each party.

ROB ANDERSON, Wildrose Party Candidate for Airdrie

The Wildrose Party considers that an expansion in post-secondary education access is needed especially in the trades, “to help to fulfill the need of trade workers on the oil sands,” said Anderson. The party believes the major issue that students have during classes is the cost of tuition. The Wildrose Party plans to freeze tuition, adjust them to inflation and “no more than that,” said Anderson. The Wildrose sees loan payments as the main issue for postgraduate students. The party plans to “forgive” all the debts of graduate students that decide to work in “key sectors of the economy.” Wildrose considers itself unique among the competition because they won’t require MLAs to vote with caucus, but “MLAs should be free to vote for what they think is best for their constituents,” said Anderson.

GREG CLARK, Alberta Party Candidate for Calgary-Elbow.

The Alberta Party believes a shift in the perception of post-secondary in Alberta is needed. It should be seen as an “investment” and not an “expense,” said Clark. Alberta needs the “best and most accessible” education system possible to be able to compete in the global economy. The party sees the major issue for students as the cost of tuition and life. To solve this, the Alberta Party plans to develop a tax credit for housing costs incurred by students and their families, and the party plans to extend the payment grace period for student loans by two years, and make loans interest-free. The Alberta Party considers itself unique among other parties because of their “Big Listening” strategy to work with and ask communities about problems and possible solutions, said Clark.

CHRISTIAN MCMILLAN, NDP candidate for Calgary-Mountain View.

NDP Alberta said the government is forcing too much of the burden on students and a change is needed. “If debt is bad for the government, why is it good for the students?” said McMillan. For the party, the main issue that students have during class is having to work while they’re studying, to be able to afford school. The New Democrats consider the main issue for students after graduating is finding work in their field of study. The NDP plans to immediately freeze tuition, and reduce it by 10 per cent next year. They also propose reducing individual student debt by $1,000 each year graduates stay in Alberta. The NDP considers itself unique because, “we have people directly involved in the problems we are facing,” said McMillan.

RAJ SHERMAN, Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party and candidate for Edmonton-Meadowlark.

The Liberal Party considers post-secondary education in Alberta as a crisis; having the lowest enrollment and highest tuitions in the nation. Students have to choose between “mountains of debt” or being “unskilled workers,” said Sherman. For the Liberals, the major issues for current students is having to work extra time to afford the cost of living, and being able to receive a mortgage when they have to pay their loans after graduation. The Liberals plan to reduce tuitions by $250 each year until zero with an increase of oil and gas royalties to 25 percent. “Let’s have the lowest tuition in the country,” said Sherman. Each year, the Liberals will eliminate $1,000 in the loans of graduate students who pay taxes in Alberta. The Liberals consider themselves unique because they, “have the most aggressive and comprehensive educational plan in Canada,” said Sherman.

CECILIA LOW, Progressive Conservative Candidate for Calgary-Mountain View.

The PC Party considers that the post-secondary education system “is very strong” and plans to continue improving it if elected, said Low. “We need to continue to build over the strong foundations that we already have” to make Alberta a leader in research and investigation. The PC considers the major challenges for students while they’re studying are different “from case to case,” said Low.

Some students are raising families, or have to work while they’re studying. The PC plans not to increase the tuition cap of 0.35 per cent to match inflation. The party plans to offer grants between $1,000–$2,000 for graduate students, and an additional $1,000 for students who remain in the province working in essential occupations like trade works, said Low. The PC promises to review the tuition system if they’re elected. The PC considers itself unique because of Allison Redford’s leadership. “She is articulating a positive inspiration for Alberta,” said Low.

JESSICA BURTNICK PHOTO

In partnership with SAIT Recreation, the ‘AKF Break the Cycle’ fundraiser and attempt to break the World Record for the most one-inch pine boards broken at the same time will be held on April 14.

The Ohtsuka Amateur Karate Foundation (AKF Karate) and the SAIT Karate club are adding the Guinness world record attempt to this years fundraiser in hopes of drawing more attention to the cause.

“We are trying to drive home the point, to stomp out domestic violence while raising funds for the Calgary Counselling Centre’s programs,” said Sensei Richard Fossey, head instructor of SAIT Karate.

“Breaking the boards is really easy, and it’s the perfect way to demonstrate the effectiveness of negative energy redirection,” said Fossey, who hopes to see people from all walks of life join the attempt.

A survey conducted in February, commissioned by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, found that eight per cent of Albertan males believe it’s acceptable to physically assault a woman who makes them angry. Four per cent think it’s acceptable to hurt a woman who withholds sex.

The survey is the first of its kind in Canada. It focused on examining the attitudes of men toward domestic violence by concentrating on over one thousand Alberta men.

Canadian Women’s Foundation Violence Prevention Programs director, Anuradha Dugal, believes that if tested, these attitudes would in all probability be the same across Canada.

“[These attitudes] exist everywhere…it’s reflective of men who believe they can control women,” said Dugal. “Abusers tend to have a similar profile, no matter where they are.”

According to Dugal, it’s not race, religion or economics but, “A man’s belief that he can have power over women.”

Violent crime across Canada has dropped to its lowest level since 1973, according to Statistics Canada, but domestic violence numbers have not changed since 2004.

As stated in the 2010 Statistics Canada numbers, “domestic violence affects about six per cent of women in Canada, and Alberta’s numbers in 2009 were one per cent higher, tied with Saskatchewan for top spot.”

It is for these reasons that AKF Karate, the Calgary Counselling Centre, and SAIT Recreation will be holding their event on Saturday, April 14, at the SAIT Main Gym in the Campus Building.

If you or someone you know would like to participate, please contact the SAIT Karate Club at 403-203-8710 or email: akfkarate@shaw.ca

Event Schedule
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Demonstrations, Registration, and  Donations.
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Guinness World Record Attempt(s)

Did you know…

Women continue to outnumber men nine to one as victims of assault by a spouse or partner. (Statistics Canada)

On average, more than half of all family homicides involved spouses, and three times as many women were killed by their spouses as were men killed by their spouses. (Health Canada)

Nearly three out of four (74 percent) of North Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. (Allstate Foundation International Poll on Domestic Violence)

Abuse is defined as, “Acts that result, or are likely to result, in physical, sexual and psychological harm or suffering to a woman, including threats of such an act, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether occurring in public or private life.” (Health Canada)

It’s become the norm to get a base tan before heading outside—but recent studies indicate tanning is unhealthy. SHYLO THOMPSON PHOTO

As the days get longer and beach season starts to enter the minds of Calgarians, many look for a head start on the sun. Sweetan employee Jess Hosfield said spring is the busiest time for their salon.

“Clients say they just don’t feel good when they’re white and pale. Getting a nice base (tan) gets them excited for summer!”

SAIT Radio, Television and Broadcast News student Haley Jarmain can relate.

“I’ll go every day for a week, then take a couple months off,” said 18 year-old Jarmain. “It’s so warm and relaxing. It’s just a treat, especially in the winter.”

Jarmain is one of many SAIT students using indoor tanning, a trend that extends across the province. In 2006, an Alberta Health Services study found 21 per cent of Albertans had used artificial tanning equipment in the past year. In 2012, a follow-up study found 30 per cent of 17 year-old girls have used indoor tanning before, which isthe highest provincial rate in the country.

Skin-health organizations are looking to change those numbers, starting with a ban on teen tanning. The dermatologist-backed “Indoor Tanning is Out,” is one of many coalitions lobbying for the provincial government to pass the ban. It’s a movement that’s already underway around the world. Australia, Germany, England, France, Scotland and many states in the U.S. have already passed a ban on tanning under the age of 18. Although there has not been a proposal for legislation against teen tanning in Alberta, other provinces have started the trend in Canada. Just last month, B.C. became the first province to ban tanning under the age of 18 something that Alberta Health Services spokesperson Howard May would like to see in Alberta.

“Indoor tanning is not healthy,” said May. “British Columbia’s legislation to ban youth indoor tanning is a step forward that Alberta should be following.”

May also said that it’s not just youths that are at risk from the dangers of indoor tanning. According to Alberta Health Services, using tanning equipment before the age of 35 increases the chances of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, by 75 per cent.

Fabutan Vice-President Mat Rockey said there’s a lot of information that the numbers don’t show.

“There are literally hundreds of different tanning beds available. At Fabutan, we manufacture our own beds to mimic natural light as closely as possible and to make them as safe as possible. We ensure that we do our best to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of too much or too little UV light.”

Business student Kyle Anheller agreed that there may be more to the story. “I don’t tan, but I’d like to see more information behind the research before making a decision.”

Now enrolled in SAIT’s welding technician program, Sarah Podorieszach was once a world class luge athlete. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH PODORIESZACH

As Sarah Podorieszach slid down a German G-force tunnel, a bad turn shattered her future in Olympic luge, leading her to pursue a future through SAIT’s welding technician program.

Podorieszach was born and raised in Calgary; however, ‘like father like daughter’, she has dual-citizenship in both Italy and Canada. It was also her father’s guiding hand that pointed out an ad in the newspaper for a luge summer camp at COP.

“I loved it right away, and I tried out for the team,” said Podorieszach, who entered her first luge competition at the age of 10, and joined the Calgary Luge Club at age 12.

A scout noticed her last name was Italian, and asked Sarah to join the Italian National Luge Team, a decision that would prove to be difficult for Sarah to make.

“I would have liked to be with Canada,” said Podorieszach, feeling closer to her country of birth, but at the age of 15 she went “da solo” to Italia. Within a year, she went from hardley knowing the language to speaking fluent Italian. In the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, Podorieszach finished 11th in the women’s singles event.

Her teenage years were stressful. Here in Calgary, she attended a national sports school for Grade 9. She would train eight to nine hours a day, and then sneak in a few hours of night school before bed. In Italy, she took her high school education online.

After almost a decade spent devoted to the sport, Podorieszach shattered her right ankle training for the Viessmann World Cup in Altenberg, Germany. This track is the fastest in the world at speeds of up to 150 km/hr., and lugers can reach the same G-force as astronauts in space. A special helmet with straps has to be worn to survive the pressure.

This unfortunate, ill-timed accident brought a hard end to Podorieszach’s career and her future as an Olympic luger.

“It’s too bad I’m out so early, but I’ve got to move on with my life,” said Podorieszach.

After two months in a Dresden hospital, Podorieszach came back to Calgary, and spent several more months in physiotherapy care. All that time spent healing took away time needed to stay in top physical form.

“I had a lot of time to think about the future.”

Podorieszach realized it would be too much to get back into the shape she had worked so many years to keep.

Luge is notably the most dangerous Olympic sliding sport, compared with the skeleton or bobsleigh. Lugers sled supine (face up, feet first) at speeds from 65 km/hr. to the fastest (in Germany) at 150 km/hr. Lugers steer the sled runners with certain pressures from their legs and shoulders.

The concentration and precision Podorieszach brought to luge will now be focused on her welding work.

“I like that it takes a lot of patience and concentration, like in luge,” said Podorieszach.

Podorieszach came to SAIT having heard good references from some friends.

“I thought it looked challenging, something new for me to try,” said Podorieszach.

Since Jan. 3, she has been in the program, and will receive her Welding Technician Certificate on June 22. By that time, she will have found a company to be indentured in, where she will need to complete 5,400 hours of work, before completing a third year of school at SAIT.

“I’m definitely liking it. Honestly, I just want a nice steady job,” said Podorieszach after her luge career took her around all the globe’s slide tracks.

“If it hadn’t been for the injury I would have been in Vancouver and later Russia,” said Podorieszach. Russia will host the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Currently, Podorieszach enjoys having a life that is a dramatically different lifestyle.

“At first it was hard, very hard,” she said.

“I’m not an athlete anymore. I love golfing and fishing; I can just relax instead of training 24/7.”

Like many athletes, Podorieszach has proven determination and spirit through adversity. Even from a young age, she has strived for success.

JESSICA BURTNICK PHOTO

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The SAIT Trojans award winners pose for a photos following the Annual Athletics Awards Banquet Friday, Mar. 30 at the Red & White Club. JESSICA BURTNICK PHOTO

Few surprises came at this year’s annual Trojans awards banquet held on March 30 at the Calgary Stampeders Red and White club.

Top players Rachel Caputo, Darcee Froese and Jon Malin received due acknowledgment for their contributions and performance this year.

The additional SAIT Trojans who earned Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference’s (ACAC) award for either first or second all-star team status for the 2011-12 season are as follows:

Men’s basketball guard Ajay Sihota, first-year information technology, South Division second team

Women’s basketball guard Jordyn Rabbitt, second-year academic upgrading, South Division second team

Men’s soccer midfielder Jaron Broom, first-year business administration, South Division first team

Women’s soccer midfielder Katie Morrison, first-year business administration, South Division first team

Women’s volleyball middle Christine Charlemagne, third-year business administration, ACAC second team

The Trojan women’s cross-country running team earned the ACAC bronze for the provincial championships, which were held Oct. 29, 2011.

SAIT Trojans team-by-team individual awards:

Women’s Basketball:

MVP: Caputo, Top Freshman: Clarise Jennings, first-year bachelor of business administration accounting, Trojan Award: Meachel Carnahan, fifth-year database administrator.

Men’s Basketball

MVP: Sihota, Top Freshman: Justin Makasiar, first-year business administration, Trojan Award: Dalton Hackett first-year electrical engineering technology.

Women’s Hockey

MVP: Rylee Scott, third-year dental assisting, Top Freshman: Kali Jamieson, first-year rehabilitation therapy assistant, Trojan Award: Sarah Williams, first-year medical radiologic technology.

Men’s Hockey

MVP: Pettapiece, Top Freshman: Andy Williams, first-year business administration, Trojan Award: Malin.

Women’s Soccer

MVP: Courtney Thomas, second-year baking and pastry arts, Top Freshman: Elizabeth Hoyeck, first-year environmental technology, Trojan Award: Meaghan Schnell, second-year library information technology.

Men’s Soccer

MVP: Jordan Alvarez, second-year professional cooking, Top Freshman: Seamus Smyth, Trojan Award: Seth Van Loon, third-year emergency medical technician.

Women’s Volleyball

MVP: Charlemagne, Top Freshman: Caia Morstad, fourth-year petroleum engineering technology, Trojan Award: Shelby Hunt, first-year academic upgrading.

Men’s Volleyball

MVP: Froese, Top Freshman: Jonathan Macdonald, first-year business administration, Trojan Award: Nic Davies, fourth year nutrition for healthy lifestyles

Cross-Country Running

Female MVP: Britton, Male MVP: Kiprop, Top Freshman: Lisa Curle, first-year environmental technology, Trojan Award: Alison McPherson, first-year nutrition for healthy lifestyles.

Women’s Club Fastball

MVP: Payton Eldridge, Architectural Technologies,  Freshman: Kristy Artinger, Business Administration, Trojan Award: McLachlan.