OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 1, 2009 · 38 OT girls' rugby team gets behind coach's cause Red Devils raise $3,000 for brain cancer research By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Iron Woman SPORTSBRIEFS Wright named co-captain Oakville's Allison Wright has been named co-captain for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team. Wright, who had eight goals and 21 points as a junior left winger this season, will share the captaincy with Laura Gersten. Wright led the team with four game-winning goals and scored in double overtime to give the Engineers a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Princeton. The Loyola graduate has not missed a game in three years at RPI, scoring 22 goals and adding 30 assists in 105 career games. Having won six of the last nine Halton girls' rugby titles, Oakville Trafalgar Red Devils' coach Dan Valley is not shocked when his team achieves great things. The team's latest accomplishment, though, is what he believes truly makes it special. Valley's uncle, Stephen Buttrum, recently died after being diagnosed with multiple brain tumours. Valley's cousin had been organizing a run, The Spring Sprint for Brain Tumour Research, in support of Buttrum. The OT coach approached his team about taking part in the event. Three weeks ago, the team began collecting pledges and this week when he totaled them up, it came to more than $3,000. "It was a surprise but at the same time it wasn't a surprise," said Valley. "That's just the nature of the girls, the nature of the team and the nature of the (rugby) program. It was unbelievable. It's exemplifies what the program is all about." The challenge took on special meaning for Grade 11 student Sam Mehltretter. She had also lost an uncle to a brain tumour. Mehltretter's family got involved in helping her collect pledges and she went door-todoor. In the end, she collected $900 in pledges. "It was amazing to see that other people were trying to raise money for the same cause," she said. The rugby squad formed teams of three for their fundraising efforts and Valley has pledged to buy track suits for the winning team. Team captain Devon Perras said the Red Devils will take part in Saturday's run in Hamilton wearing their jerseys. She said many parents are also coming out to show their support. "We were a close team already but this brought us even closer together," she said. "We'd do anything for Dan. We wanted to make him proud." The team begins the defence of its Halton championship today, but they've already their first goal of the season. "It's unbelievable. It's nice to know you've got that kind of support behind you," Valley said. "The run was organized before my uncle passed away. It was going to be a support thing for him. Now it's taken on a whole new meaning." Bekar, Salmon all-stars Two Oakville players will suit up for the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) All-Star Showcase May 3 at the Rogers Centre. Western Mustangs teammates Matt Bekar and Andrew Salmon, both outfielders, will play for the all-star team that will face the defending champion McMaster Marauders. The game will be played following Sunday's Toronto Blue Jays' game against the Baltimore Orioles. GOOD COMPANY: Eleven-time Ironman champion Lisa Bentley attends a promo for Saucony running shoes at The Running Company in Oakville on Saturday. Bentley shared training tips and experiences from her career, which includes Ironman wins in four countries over an eight-year period, including three victories at Ironman Canada. OAKVILLE HORNETS GIRLS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Notice of Annual General Meeting Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey Association (OHGHA) BURLINGTON MINOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION www.burlingtonminorfootball.ca THE BEST FOOTBALL IN HALTON! Proud Supporter of Canadian Football! Fall House League Tackle (Ages 6-14) · Fall Stampeders (Ages 9-14) In-Person Registration Dates: Saturday, May 2 11:00am 2:00pm Saturday, May 9 - 9:00am 11:00am Saturday, May 16 - 11:00am 2:00pm Place: B.M.F.A. Clubhouse (behind the football Stadium at Nelson High School) 4181 New St. All House League games are played in Burlington! 1st and 2nd Year Registered Players can attend our Rookie Camp Day Tyke, Atom & Peewee Players will have an Evaluation Camp Day Interested in being a Stampeder? Make sure you indicate that on the House League Registration Form! Tryouts start in May Don't Delay! All of our programs are open to Boys and Girls! No Experience Necessary! All Equipment Provided except for Football Cleats! Cash, Credit Cards and Cheques Accepted If you are new to B.M.F.A., please bring proof of age Thursday, May 28, 2009, 7:30 p.m. 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville Town Hall As per the Constitution of the OHGHA Agenda items will include: (1) The minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting; (2) The presentation of a financial statement, which is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) The ratification of any proposed amendments to the Constitution, By-Laws, Regulations or Rules must be submitted to the secretary in writing 14 days prior to the annual meeting. By e-mail to: secretary@oakvillehornets.on.ca or by post to: 1663 North Service Road East Oakville, ON L6H 7T1 (4) The election of Officers, nominations must be submitted to the secretary in writing 14 days prior to the annual meeting. All nominees must be members of the OHGHA and must accept the nomination; nominations by e-mail to: secretary@oakvillehornets.on.ca or by post. Registration Forms can be downloaded from our Website and mailed in! Additional In-person Registrations will be held! Dates and Times TBA Questions? Please e-mail the Registrar at JJMA@cogeco.ca Learn to play (ages 6 - 8) Bantam (ages 15 - 16) Mite (ages 13 - 14) Midget (ages 17 - 20) Novice (ages 13 - 14) For Registration and 2009 Season Information visit www.ogsa.mysportsite.com OPENING DAY, SATURDAY MAY 9 AT TRAFALGAR PARK Saturday May 9th LIMITED POSITIONS STILL AVAILABLE LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! PLAY BALL!