A Chilly Win for Fugacity

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of enduring sixty minutes of what has most arguably been Montreal’s chilliest weather this fall.  As I stood in the freezing cold, pining for the warmth of my bed and some mindless downloaded television on my laptop, I tried to remember why I was even outside in the first place.  As a sharp and icy gust of wind jumped down my jacket, I remembered how I had promised my friend that if her intramural soccer team made it to the finals, I would go to the game to show my support.  If only I had known that my friend’s team would actually make it all the way to the finals and the game would take place on the coldest day of the year I probably would have turned down her invitation.  It wasn’t actually the coldest day of the year, but for the first week of November, it was far too chilly for my liking.

Since misery loves company, I dragged my roommate with me up to Forbes Field where the game was being played.  Once we arrived, with about five minutes to spare before the game started, the two teams, the Molson Legends and Fugacity, were each huddled together on the sidelines, bouncing up and down, in attempt to warm up before hitting the field.  I immediately felt horrible for these two teams of girls, wearing only shorts and sweatshirts underneath their jerseys.  Once the teams hit the field, I recognized about half of them, which undeniably made the game more interesting. 

The game got off to a very quick start with both the ball and girls flying in every direction.  It appeared that my friend and I, as well as two other boys (I assume they were dedicated boyfriends of two players) were the only fans present at the game.  The players, however, on both teams, were entirely unbothered by this.  These girls meant business on the field- I have never seen so much aggression, intensity, concentration and seriousness during an intramural game before.  The one time I participated on an intramural team, it was all fun and giggles- probably the reason we did not succeed in making it past the first round of play-offs.  Anyways, the level of skill of these girls was very impressive and as soon as a forward of Fugacity scored the first goal, the game became even more heated.  Having said that, I was still freezing and hoping for a concession stand selling hot dogs and hot chocolate to magically appear. 

The second half was just as intense.  Anytime a ball would hit one of the players’ legs I couldn’t help but flinch and grimace.  The sound the ball made upon making contact with a set of bare legs was awful, and made me thankful that I was a spectator who was wearing pants.  Fugacity scored another goal, and unfortunately the Molson Legends were unable to catch up by the time the last whistle was blown.  The members of Fugacity were awarded glass mugs- a strange alternative to a trophy or medal, but nonetheless, proof of their hard work and success as this year’s intramural soccer champions.  As for me, I was awarded a hug from my friend for my support and permission to return to the warmth of my apartment.           

No Doubt The Redmen Are More Golden Than Any Gael

After an extremely long, stressful and tiring week of midterms, papers and assignments, McGill students had this year’s “Fill the Arena” Redmen hockey game to look forward to.  In fact, the only thing that kept me moderately sane during the last week was knowing that come Saturday night, I would be decked out in my red apparel, nestled in between close friends on a cold bench, delicious beer in one hand, hot dog in the other, cheering on one of our school’s most accomplished varsity teams as they take on our second most despised rivalry, Queen’s University.

As with the majority of sporting events at McGill, I attended this weekend’s hockey game not to engage as a spectator to Canada’s favorite sport, but to take part in the social event that is a hockey game at McGill.  By the time my friends and I had our trekked our way up to McConnell arena at around 6:45, the stands were already packed with face-painted members of Red Thunder and other McGill fans eagerly awaiting the start of the game, and the Redmen were warming up on the ice, accompanied by the loud cheers of those who, I assume, partook in the pre-game festivities at BDP.  

By the time the first puck dropped, McGill fans were as rowdy as Habs fans during last May’s play-off riot on St. Catherines.  Some fans were already on their feet, faces pressed against the glass, cheering on the Redmen players as they warmed up and living up to the reputation of McGill fans as being the most boisterous.  Any Queen’s fans, which appeared to be a very small group of players’ parents and grandparents, were forced to endure a string of loud and persistent chants and rants in favor of the Redmen. 

The Redmen scored their first goal (of seven) five minutes into the first period.  Fans arriving late to the game were somewhat confused as they entered an arena of screaming and standing fans.  Realizing that the Redmen had just scored, some fans were so caught off guard by excitement that they dropped their drinks to join in on the cheering.  One fan in particular, upon realizing that the first goal had been scored, watched in despair as her hot dog fell to the ground.  She made the right decision in leaving it there and joining the red sea of McGill fans in the stands.

The Redmen scored two more goals during the first period.  With each goal scored, McGill fans grew more rowdy, excited and spirited.  I almost felt bad for the parents and fans on the Queen’s side of the arena as fans proceeded to erupt in cheers whenever a Redmen player so much as made a successful pass to another player.  I did not feel bad, however, because only those foolish enough would attend a McGill home hockey game with the expectation of being able to sit back and relax, while watching their son get crushed by the Redmen. 

The second period would have been tragic to witness had I been cheering for Queen’s.  After scoring four more goals, the Redmen were dominating 7-0 and a comeback from Queen’s seemed very unlikely.  It wasn’t until the third period that the Queen’s team was able to squeeze in their only goal, but that was it.  The better University, I mean team, remained on top for the entire duration of the game, reminding Queen’s of our superiority not only as a hockey team but also as a school.  McGill students have a tendency to channel their McGill pride through their school spirit at sporting events, and this game was no exception.  Marlet Girl is expecting big things from this year’s Redmen hockey team.  Good job, boys!

Put a Little "Boot" in Your Life

After last weekend's four-day food binge, more commonly known as Thanksgiving, I returned back to classes feeling a few pounds heavier.  They say that you are what you eat, and after a few too many slices of pumpkin pie I was beginning to worry that without any immediate action I was going to start resembling a pumpkin.  As we all know, returning home for Thanksgiving means that you are going to be consuming at least twice the amount of food you would on your student budget at university.
As per usual, I ate myself into unconsciousness three of the four nights I was home.  Some people would call this a food coma, a state wherein you have consumed so much food you literally cannot do anything but sit on the couch and watch television. As a result of the three such food comas over the Thanksgiving weekend, my first priority upon returning to school was hitting the gym and ridding my body of the pounds of sugar, butter and stuffing I had consumed over the last four days.


When I returned Monday evening however, the gym was closed so my plans were postponed until the next morning. Tuesday, after a decent workout, I left the gym still feeling bloated and in danger of rolling back down the hill to my apartment.  It was then that I decided activity slightly more rigorous and challenging than forty-five minutes on the treadmill and some sit-ups was needed.  It was time for Boot Camp.

Boot Camp classes at McGill are offered every Wednesday night in the Aerobics room from 6:00 to 6:55 pm. Part of the Pay-As-You-Go fitness program, the classes are open to all McGill students.  Accompanied by a friend, who was also suffering from post-Thanksgiving pumpkin shape syndrome, I arrived right before the class started. The room was packed full of girls all with a wide variety of equipment set up in front of them. After quickly assembling our own stations, that included exercise balls, weights, resistance bands and aerobic steps, the class got started.

We began with a standard warm-up of lunges, punches, and stretches after which things started speeding up.  During the basic aerobic routines however it became very clear that the class was overbooked for the evening.  Apparently I wasn't the only one hoping to sweat off a little excess turkey.  That so many people were there, however, made it difficult to fully execute some of the kicks and cross-body punches for fear of knocking out the brunette beside me.

In spite of the lack of space, the class definitely got me sweating.  In fact I was sweating so much I was excessively thankful that no cute boys were there to see me, the sweating pumpkin, kicking, punching and doing obscure abdominal exercises on a giant purple bouncy ball. 

Notwithstanding the balanced combination of cardio and muscle toning exercises, which overall provided a reasonable workout, I don't think that Martlet Girl will be returning to Boot Camp anytime soon.  I was under the impression from the name of the class that I would be under the supervision of some muscular and intimidating army officer, breathing down my neck demanding that I work harder and faster.  This Boot Camp class, however, turned out to be more like an aerobic dance class that incorporated exercises on the ground, on the purple bouncy ball and with weights, under the direction of a fellow student.  I cannot deny that it was enjoyable, however, and a great way to satisfy my daily need for exercise and time with a friend, but I believe less chance of injuring myself on a treadmill than in a congested room of girls, large bouncy balls, a variety of weights and limbs flailing left, right and centre.

Monday to Sunday at the Fitness Centre

Back to school doesn't always just mean back to the books; it also means back to the gym.  For those McGill students who decided to enjoy a fitness-free summer and opted for Popsicles instead of push-ups, registering for their Fitness Centre membership was at the top of their to-to list once school started.  And let me tell you, based on the inordinately large number of students breaking sweats on the treadmill the week before classes even started, is a clear indication that students this year are looking to stay fit.

For those students, and in particular first years, who are keen to establish a weekly workout regime, McGill's Fitness Centre is the perfect place to do so.  With a wide variety of cardio machines, including some on which I will never step foot due to my lifelong loyalty to the treadmill, free weights galore and a second floor stretching area- featuring additional unfamiliar machines, students are offered all that is needed to shape up.  And apparently, everyone already knew this.  I have never seen so many Lululemon neon pink spandex tops or muscle shirts at the Fitness Centre during the first week of school.  And the second week of class was no different.  During those two weeks, it would have been foolish for anyone to expect to arrive at the gym between the hours of 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm and not have to battle it out for a time slot on one of the cardio machines.  Even the peculiar and extremely unpopular stationary bikes which usually remain unoccupied are taken during this time.  My point is, the first two weeks at the Fitness Centre were absolute chaos comparable. 

As we approach the end of a carefree September however, midterms, assignments and papers are right around the corner.  This means that the Fitness Centre flow is finally going to decrease.  Students who begin to realize that university consists of much more than GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry), such as readings and tests, they will be spending less time on the elliptical, and more time at the library.  The following is what one can generally expect at the Fitness Centre, for the remainder of the semester, Monday to Sunday.

Monday: Monday is probably the busiest day of the week at the Fitness Centre.  Students were either too busy studying during the weekend, too lazy, or physically incapable of mustering up the strength after a few too many rounds of flip cup to make it to the gym.  Students want to feel efficient and productive returning to classes on Monday, and what a better way to top off a day during which you didn't miss one class, doing something good for your health?

Tuesday: Still feeling guilty about the weekend's laziness, or trying to remain on track for the week, Tuesdays also tend to be a bit more bustling than other days.  The day is always more quiet than in the evenings.

Wednesday: There are two types of people who go to the Fitness Centre on Wednesdays; those who are there to exercise, and those who are anxiously awaiting the weekend and feel confined or trapped in the library.  These people, although at the gym in full workout attire (guys-form fitting Under-Armour tops and basketball shorts, girls- the classic "bike" shorts and latest neon green tank from Lululemon) are usually at the gym for social reasons.  These people have been cooped up in the library all week, and unable to justify going out on a Wednesday night with the weekend just around the corner, they flock to the gym.  They probably won't be using the machines, but they may be in your way at times.

Thursday: From the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, the Fitness Centre is practically as deserted as Lower Field is after Frosh ends.  Things start to pick up in the evening, but overall, signing up for a treadmill or that fancy cross-trainer you've been dying to try, won't be an issue.

Friday:  Despite the fact that the majority of students don't have class today, they're busy finding other ways to kick start their weekend than squeezing in a workout.  However, those who accept the fact that, for whatever reason it may be, they realistically won't be making it to the gym Saturday or Sunday, attempt to pay the fitness centre one more visit until they meet again on Monday.  These folks usually hit the gym in the early evening.

Saturday: Ghost town.

Sunday: Ghost town.  In fact, the fitness centre is so unpopulated on Sundays that the staff sometimes don't bother turning on this week's Top 20.  In which case, if you're hitting the gym on a Sunday, make sure to bring your ipod.

McGill University's Annual "Fill the Stadium"- More Than Just a Game

It takes the average McGill student approximately 48 hours to fully recover from the university's annual "Fill the Stadium" football game, and this year was no exception.  "Fill the Stadium," an event of which no other university can offer anything even remotely comparable, takes place once a year and is undeniably one of the most anticipated events of the season.  It needs to be understood as much more than a football game and more so as a social event that cannot be missed.  For those of you who weren't at the "game" (I truly believe that the word gala or carnival could be used to properly describe the event), I want you to take a minute and reflect on the reasons for which you felt compelled to skip out on such an event.  Everyone and anyone was at this game.  It doesn't matter whether they showed up for the pre game Molson party or not until the last quarter- this game was the place to be, as it always has been.

As a student who has had the opportunity to attend my fair share of "Fill the Stadium" events, my proclamations asserting the necessity of attendance is rather warranted.  As I mentioned before, "Fill the Stadium" is so much more than a football game.  For our beloved Redmen varsity football players, it is an opportunity that allows them to feel like absolute rock stars for a couple of hours while girls with bright red lipstick and meticulously colour-coordinated attire cheer them (and their tight red pants) on, and guys without their shirts on and painted beer bellies cat call the opposing team's fans.  For actual football fans, it is an opportunity to watch a university level game between two rival schools. 

I would argue, however, that it's not about the teams, players or football enthusiasts but the fans in the stands, wearing their McGill attire oh so proudly (totally disregarding the fact that McGill Redmen have only won one game in the last four years).  It is these people who despite skipping out on the first quarter of the game due to pre-game festivities, cheer the loudest amongst the sea of red (even without any knowledge of the score), and who are most willing to act disorderly to the point of removal in order to show their McGill pride and support.  These people are there to show their love not necessarily for the game of football, but for their love for McGill and to have a congenial time amongst their closest friends, acquaintances and those they have yet to meet.  This game is an event during which fans of not just football, but McGill in general, cat congregate and celebrate their pride and spirit as McGill students.

This year's MVF (Most Valuable Fan) title belongs unquestionably to the young man who, over the course of three quarters, not only inspired fans to cheer louder and clap harder while discarding garment after garment of clothing, but also was escorted out of the game by security as a result of his devotion and zealousness for the Redmen.  For the majority of the crowd, this nameless fan got us up on our feet cheering and yelling collectively as a student body, for the mutual love of McGill athletics, McGill football and the for the institution of McGill itself.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

McGill Redmen fans could not have asked for more beautiful conditions for a football game this past Saturday.  The sun was shining, the heat was bearable- one could even argue enjoyable- and the dark, unfriendly rainclouds overstaying their welcome the previous week, were nowhere in sight.  Whether it was the ideal weather or that it was the McGill Redmen Season Opener against Bishops on home soil, fans of all ages were out in full force, sporting a plethora of red apparel in support of their varsity football team.

For most McGill fans, a varsity football game entails much more than the game itself.  Football games for McGill fans extend far beyond the mere four quarters and final score- these games are an experience enjoyed by fans of all ages.  A large number of these fans, unable to contain their excitement and anticipation before the one o'clock start, convened before the game at the season opener's tailgate party outside Thomilson Hall.  There, fans were able to enjoy two dollar beers, hamburgers, hot dogs, the company of equally enthusiastic fans and a live band.

Fifteen minutes before the game, those fans in attendance at the tailgate party, and those fans just crawling out of bed after a Friday night, made their way to the stadium.  Seats were filled quickly as McGill's cheerleaders performed on the field and players, both from McGill and Bishops, completed their pre-game warm-ups.  Accompanying the yelling, cheering and at times screaming of McGill fans, was the talented Fight Band, comprised of McGill's music students.  Situated at the top of the stadium, at the fifty yard line, the Fight Band, in a sense, became the conductor of all the fans in the stadium, playing the most suitable tunes for a football game and a rowdy crowd.

For those fans paying attention to the game (a large number were either too busy pestering Bishops fans or were occupied with a giant slice of pizza) the events leading up to the first touchdown of the game were highly appreciated and noted.  For the other fans, a touchdown was simply a touchdown and the crowd immediately errupted.  Fans were on their feet, screaming, dancing and some boisterous male fans were even removing their tops in celebration of McGill's early lead.

The day's warm weather and the crowd's lively atmosphere encouraged not only the true football fans, but those simply there for the love of McGill and its athletics, to stick around until the last quarter to show their support.  Despite a loss on the scoreboard, McGill Redmen's season opener was a win for all fans within the McGill community.  With McGill fans anxiously awaiting this Friday's most anticipated football game of the year, "Fill the Stadium," Concordia fans better be on the lookout.