Martlet Volleyball

                The average McGill student is probably skeptical about going to see a Martlet volleyball game. For most of us, the word “volleyball” brings back memories of high school gym class where 50% of serves went into the net, no one ever moved and the longest rallies lasted about 5 seconds. Volleyball, for many, spells boredom. If you are one of these non-believers, I would highly recommend going to check out a varsity game. Two points in and you will quickly realize that there is much more to the sport than planted feet and uselessly flailing arms.

After witnessing the events of the recent Martlet Invitational Volleyball Tournament, it’s safe to say that McGill has a very strong team this year. They have a good mix of veterans and rookies who have a ton of chemistry on the court. The team has height, great serves, excellent setters and an experienced, successful, kind and knowledgeable coach. Their digs are often spectacular, superhuman dive-rolls that defy the laws of physics. And, most importantly, they all appear to be genuinely enjoying themselves on the court.

The Martlets managed to play their way to a third place finish in the tournament despite injuries to some of their top players, including their starting setter. They beat their division rivals from Universite de Montreal in three straight sets to win the bronze medal game, while St Mary’s University edged out Dalhousie in the finals. McGill played both St Mary’s and Dalhousie earlier in the tournament, managing to beat Dal 3-1 and coming very close to upsetting St Mary’s in a 3-2 loss. They showed poise, confidence and depth in their roster, with rookies stepping up to fill in for injured vets. It was an inspiring effort from all players and truly a pleasure to watch.

The Martlets will kick off the regular season with a home game against Universite de Montreal at 7pm on October 28^th. These teams have a lot of history and Montreal will be looking to redeem themselves after their semi-final loss. The game promises to be action-packed and most likely very close. If you think volleyball is a lazy person’s sport and that girls can’t spike the ball, you need to come to this game and witness the high level of skill and athleticism that is sure to be on display.

See you there!

- Martlet Girl 

McGill Squash

                There are several reasons why I play squash. Mainly, I find running around and crashing into walls to be highly amusing. Also, there aren’t many sports where you can hit the ball as hard as you can in basically any direction (I mean tennis? I would be 100% better at that sport if the courts were as big as football fields). Also my usual squash partner is a friend who I don't get to see very often, so a quick game is always a good chance to catch up on each others lives. Finally, squash is a great excuse to swear as loudly as possible when you mess up (which in my case is often).

                In case it wasn’t made obvious enough in the previous paragraph, I definitely do not play squash because I am good at it. I can run, I have hand eye coordination and I can hit the ball well enough to have a good time, but that’s about it. Do I know strategy, tactics or proper technique? Not so much. That’s why I was completely shocked when, as I was playing with my friend the other day, we were approached by the coach of the McGill squash team and asked to come out to their next practice.

                “But I don’t really play squash…” was my first response. “That’s ok!” said the coach, “You can run, you have hand eye coordination and you can hit the ball! Practice is this Tuesday at 8:30. It would be great if you both came out.” We managed to wait until she was out of earshot before the giggling started. However, even though the idea of being on a squash team was completely ridiculous to my friend and I, we decided we would give it a try. Why not, right? It could be a lot of fun, and maybe we weren’t as terrible as we thought.

                Tuesday rolled around and I started to have second thoughts. These thoughts intensified when we arrived at the courts and all of the other girls were dressed in these professional looking sport-skirt things. I felt like a total newbie in my soccer shorts and science goggles (couldn’t find my squash goggles), holding a crappy racquet. I became even more uneasy after talking to one of the players who had been practicing squash since the age of 2. I glanced over at my friend and I realized we were both thinking exactly the same thing: what the heck are we doing here???

                Fortunately we split into two groups: the more experienced players (ie: the ones in skirts) and the less experienced players (ie: the ones looking lost and terrified). The coach worked with us lost and terrified players and was very encouraging throughout the process. I learned how to hold my racquet, hit the ball properly and where to aim the serve on the court. The coach’s instruction was very helpful and I feel as though I improved more over the course of that practice than I have during the all of my previous squash experiences combined.

                Although it was a good practice, I respectfully declined the offer to be on the squash team. Personally, I would rather just run around like an idiot and hit the ball wherever than spending hours each week trying to refine my technique. Squash for me will remain a recreational pursuit.

                However, if you are a dedicated player who owns real squash goggles, I highly recommend checking out the McGill Athletics website and getting involved with the team. If you're a beginner, don’t be shy to rent a court with a friend and enjoy a low-key game. It’s a guaranteed good time, good workout, and the kind of stress relief you can only get from smacking an object as hard as possible.

See you on the court! 

The Beautiful Game

                When I woke up yesterday I was in a pretty bad mood. Whether it was the sudden shift to winter, the unfortunate outcome of the fill the stadium game (except for this: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150321113124876&set=a.166319314875.114443.157991499875&type=1&theater) or simply a bad day for the hormones, I was not a happy camper. When my room mates found me clattering dishes around in our disastrous mess of a kitchen with a scowl on my face they probably should have quickly run in the other direction. Luckily, they did something much better: suggested that we all go play soccer.

                My hometown is an interesting place.  There are 6000 people, no high school, a handful of restaurants, one grocery store and 7 soccer fields. Needless to say, a lot of soccer is played by the residents. I think that we boast the highest per-capita number of registered soccer players in Quebec, mainly because there is not much else to do! The summer when I was 17 and didn’t have a driver’s license yet I was so bored that I tried every day to juggle the ball 1000 times with only my feet (a summer well spent as I eventually succeeded and can now brag about it whenever possible for the rest of my life). I started playing soccer on a team when I was 5 years old and played competitively up until CEGEP. At that point, I decided that all of the drama with parents, screaming coaches and catty team mates was not worth it. Since then I have continued to play at a more recreational level and have rediscovered just how much fun the game came be when you strip away the politics.

                While away at McGill, I was happy to discover that there are lots of opportunities to play soccer without having to commit to the varsity team. Aside from intramurals, which only give you about five games per semester, there is recreational soccer in the field house several times per week. Rec soccer basically means that you show up hoping that other people do as well (but not too many!). You never really know how it’s going to turn out. Sometimes there will be 40-50 people there waiting to get a turn to play. Sometimes everyone will be so skilled that you will rarely manage to touch the ball. But other times, there will be 10-12 appropriately skilled players to create the perfect pick-up game.

                Luckily, yesterday was that kind of day for the rec soccer world. I had a blast playing for the first time since August. Nothing on earth is more fun than a good pick up soccer game, where the atmosphere is competitive yet relaxed, where you don’t hesitate to carry the ball if you feel like it and where no one is screaming at you for doing the “wrong” thing. Two hours later I was a sweaty-but-happy mess, having scored some goals, made some plays and laughed a lot with my roomies.

                If you are a soccer player at McGill who is looking for a quick scrimmage now and then, I would definitely recommend stopping by the field house during a recreational soccer time period. Although the players are 90% male, most of them are respectful and have matured past the sixth-grade mentality of never passing to a girl. I will definitely be going back whenever I can this semester, to enjoy the best game in the world.

                See you on the pitch!

                

Fill The Stadium

One of the biggest parties of the year is taking place this weekend. It’s not at a club, at someone’s apartment or even at Gert’s. It involves turf, cleats, facemasks, short skirts, back-flips, bullhorns, body paint and morphsuits. Last year, a large part of the McGill population attended this event held at McGill’s own Molson Stadium.

                It’s that time of year again, when fans of sports, buff men, cheerleaders and loud noises gather to “Fill the Stadium” in support of the McGill Redmen Football team. So far this season, the Redmen have lost all of their games but that should definitely not deter anyone for showing up to this epic event. When myself and 3,144 others attended the season opener back on September 7^th, there was more than enough excitement both on and off the field to turn even skeptics of the sport into believers.

Although the Redmen ended up losing that game 39-13, they managed to hold the visiting Sherbrooke Vert et Or to within a few points for the entire first half. McGill actually had the lead early on when they converted a Sherbrooke fumble into a touchdown, giving the hyped-up crowd something to cheer about. Expect the team to be in even better form this weekend when they face Bishop’s University. In their game on September 25th, the Redmen managed to hold one of the country’s top teams, Universite de Laval, to only 12 points in a 12-4 loss.  

If everything I just said was extremely boring to you and you could not care less about what you perceive to be a bunch of guys running around bashing into each other and occasionally catching a funny-shaped ball, do not worry! Because of the culture and excitement surrounding the sport, there is much more to football than just football. The cheerleading team has been practicing together for a month now, perfecting some impressive routines and stunts. Also, Red Thunder will definitely be out in large numbers making lots of noise and starting some serious cheering. Although this can be entertaining from far away, be warned that if you are sitting in their section you might not be able to hear for a few days afterwards.

The party starts at 6pm with a DJ, beer and hotdogs (ie: everything you need in life). I hope to see you all there enjoying the day and cheering for the Redmen team. With the support of the home crowd behind them, maybe McGill football will be able to pull off their first win since 2009. 

It's Pop vs Jock

Pop vs Jock Charity Basketball Game

On the McGill campus, the division between the jocks and the artsy musicians is usually obvious. The jocks are quite easy to spot.  Decked out in their red and white sweaters or tracksuits, they’re often carrying a gym bag, lacrosse stick or football and sometimes all three. They usually walk with their chests stuck out hoping that other students passing them on the street will take the time to read the words on their team jacket and admire the fact that they belong to a varsity squad. Jocks generally want to stand out, to be seen and to be recognized by the rest of the university community.

Music students and musicians, on the other hand, are harder to find - unless they are trying to squeeze onto a crowded bus with a giant tuba case. In general, they are much more mysterious than the jocks and may often spend hours locked away in a dark room practicing their art. They are less obnoxious, less likely to brag and much less known in comparison to varsity athletes.

                During a typical day at McGill, the worlds of the jock and the musician rarely collide. These two groups go their separate ways, working hard to reach their potential. But what happens when one world encroaches on the other? When a group of musicians decide to  beat athletes at their own game?

This is exactly what will happen right here at the McGill gym on September 24^th at the “Pop vs. Jock” charity basketball game. Win Butler of the Grammy-award winning band Arcade Fire has organized a team of musicians which includes his brother Will and Chris Tomson of Vampire Weekend. The jock team will feature NBA veteran Matt Bonner and is made up primarily of star players and coaches from the McGill and Concordia varsity squads.

                Both teams met in Love Competition Hall last Wednesday to warm up and play an exhibition match before the big day. It was very cool to see members of Arcade Fire decked out in gym clothes, shooting around like any other McGill student would do on a break between classes. The jock side of the court was also looking pretty sharp, with members of both McGill women’s and men’s teams practicing their 3-point shots. The basketball players seemed a bit star struck by the presence of Arcade Fire on their home court, since the last time many of the athletes had seen the band was when they played at Osheaga in 2010 in front of almost 30000 people.

                Besides the basketball game, this event promises to provide musical entertainment as well. Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne will play the organ at the game, and band member Richard Reed Parry will play a bicycle symphony during the halftime show, which will also feature Kid Koala. Proceeds from this charity event go to the DJ Sports Club, a non-profit organization that offers sports programs in the city to kids ages 7 to 17.

                Whether you are a band geek or a gym rat, a varsity athlete or a music major this event has something for you. As a Physical Education Major, a music enthusiast, a competitive runner and a pianist, I know I’m looking forward to seeing how these two worlds collide.

                And if it goes well, who knows? Maybe next up is a Battle of the Bands, Arcade Fire vs. anyone in the NBA who knows how to hold an instrument. Now that would be crazy.

Shockers Take the Win!

Last night at 11 o’clock I made the treacherous climb up to the McConnell Arena to watch the championship game of the men’s intramural hockey A league.  Hockey is one of my favorite sports to watch, but bundling up in my parka and scarf on the second day of Spring to go see this game was not appealing.  That said, I knew quite a few people on the two competing teams so skipping the game was not an option.

The competing teams were “The Shockers” and “The Big U” (it seems that each year the names of intramural teams continue to take on the most bizarre names).  Typically when I show up to watch an intramural game of any sport the mood and atmosphere is relaxed and lighthearted.  When I walked into the arena, however, members from both teams were looking very serious and intent on getting the game started.  I took my seat in the crowd amongst a few dozen other people, some noticeably students and some older people who I assume must have been parents of some of the players. 

The game started off quickly with the Shockers scoring within two minutes of the puck dropping.  The game was extremely fast paced and the skill level of the players was impressive.  The first half (intramural hockey games are divided into two twenty-two minute halves as opposed to three periods) ended with the Shockers scoring their second goal, leading the Big U by two.  During the two minute halftime over a dozen other fans showed up- better late than never.  These fans were definitely livelier than the ones already in the stands.  The fans were equipped with signs, bags of chips and some even with beer.

As the two teams returned to the ice, it was rather obvious that the new fans were here to cheer on the Shockers.  The new cheering proved to be a bit of a distraction for the Shockers as the Big U slipped a goal past the Shockers’ goalie three minutes in.  This was a bit of a wake-up call for the Shockers and things on the ice began to heat up.  Within the next five minutes, both teams had received two penalties.  Although no fights broke out, players from both teams were playing extremely aggressively, provoking cheers from the guys in the stands and alarming looks from the girls.  The game was playing out to be much less of a jovial match between two teams and more of an intense display of testosterone and aggression.  With two minutes left, the Shockers scored two goals, within one minute of each other, crushing any hopes of becoming champions for the Big U.  When the buzzer went the Shockers swarmed their goalie cheering and hugging while the Big U hung their heads and removed their helmets looking ever so defeated.  I really didn't expect an intramural hockey game to evoke such emotions in the players of both teams.  Despite the sadness felt amongst the Big U, the fans seemed to enjoy themselves and the Shockers went home with not only the title of champions but also a nice mug to commemorate their efforts and teamwork.  I am confident they put their mug to good use after the game!  Congratulations, Shockers!

Appropriate Etiquette at the Fitness Centre

After a warm, relaxing and indulgent week spent in Mexico over reading break I was not looking forward to hitting the gym upon my return.  Within two days of being back in Montreal and in the midst of a serious case of beach withdrawal I decided to make my way over to the gym for a long overdue workout.  Seeing as students had already gone on vacation I figured the pre-reading week congestion at the gym would have subsided, however, I was very mistaken.  The gym was just as busy as it had been before reading week. 

It was while I was waiting twenty minutes for a treadmill that I found myself extremely frustrated with not only the wait times for machines at the gym but also the behavior of my fellow gym goers.  Although the gym can be very busy at times I truly believe that if people practiced more suitable gym etiquette, things at the Fitness Centre might run a tad smoother.

First and foremost, the Fitness Centre provides laminated scheduling sheets for each and every cardio machine.  This is to ensure that everyone is able to access the machines fairly.  Notwithstanding the existence of these sheets, I witness countless episodes of people awkwardly and sometimes not so awkwardly interrupting someone’s workout because they’re signed up for a machine that someone else is using.  Signing up for a treadmill or elliptical takes less than a minute and can save you from having your workout interrupted.  Most importantly, if you are not signed up for the machine you’re using and are force to get off, do not simply go to the next available machine! Go and sign up so you don’t have to get kicked off for a second time! 

Secondly, the Fitness Centre is not a meeting place for people to socialize.  I am certainly not suggesting that people cannot speak to each other but that twenty-minute conversation with someone in front of the treadmill I’m using is extremely distracting and unnecessary.  So many people feel uncomfortable coming to the gym as it is and certainly do not need a stranger standing right in front of them for the entirety of their workout.  Furthermore, conversations in front of the water fountain, sets of weights, entrance or exit is not acceptable! Most people want to get in and out of the gym as quickly as possible and groups of people conversing in every corner of the gym is distracting and often bothersome. 

Lastly, a small list of less serious, but nonetheless distracting tendencies gym goers should consider ditching: talking on your cell phone, “forgetting” to wipe down the machine you just used, neglecting to put back your stretching mat and/or weights, bouncing the large exercise balls as if they were a basketballs and simply failing to remember that the McGill Fitness Centre does not only belong to you, but also to the thirty-two thousand other students at McGill!