The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 25, 2012 · 32 Sport Oakville recognizes town's top sportspeople Many of Oakville's top athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers from the past year were recognized last weekend. Eleven local associations handed out honours at Sport Oakville's fifth annual Sport Recognition Awards, which were held Sunday at the Operating Engineers Banquet Hall. Following are brief bios of all the award recipients: Athletiques International · Athlete award ­ John Breeson: The Iroquois Ridge student's recent decision to make track his top priority has begun to show tangible results. In August, Breeson was completing the 600-metre run in one minute, 22 seconds. That time would translate to under one minute, 50 seconds in the 800m, which would make Breeson one of the country's fastest runners in his age group. · Athlete award ­ Madison McCowan: In her first year of organized track, McCowan has shown herself to be one of the province's top throwers in her age group, ranking first in discus and javelin. She is also a proficient hurdler. Oakville Aquatic Club · Team award ­ OAK age group national team: The OAK team won both the overall team championship and the men's title at the Canadian Age Group Championships last July in Calgary. · Athlete award ­ Mack Darragh: Darragh has accomplished many things over the past year, including winning his first career men's national title in the 200m butterfly at the summer nationals. He also contributed to the OAK age group national team's performance at nationals by winning four gold medals, and posted fifth- and sixthplace finishes at this year's Olympic trials. · Athlete award ­ Tera Van Beilen: The King's Christian Collegiate grad surprised many by qualifying for this year's Olympics in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke. She finished ninth in the 200m breaststroke in London. A long-time OAK member, Van Beilen is known as an incredible role model for the club's swimmers. · Coach award ­ Sean Baker: Baker led the club to one of its most successful seasons last year. OAK won the 2012 team championships, Central region championships, long- and short-course provincial titles and the Canadian age group national crown while finishing second at the summer nationals. Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club · Team award ­ Crusaders U14 Lancers: The Lancers enjoyed an undefeated season, including playoff victories over the Ajax Wanderers and, in the finals, the Toronto Nomads. Despite the team's success, coaches were also able to ensure each player received game time. · Coach award ­ Sonia Sennik: Sennik guided the Crusaders' women's team to a league championship and promotion to the elite Ontario Women's League. In two short years, Sennik has already been instrumental in boosting the club's women's rugby program through her energy and enthusiasm for the sport. · Volunteer award ­ Paula Edwards: The youth volunteer program director's passion has been instilled in the club's youth, which is now involved in everything from co-ordinating parking at major events to cutting grass and flipping burgers. Oakville Gymnastics Club · Athlete award ­ Jordyn Pedersen: One of the top gymnasts in Canada for her age, Pedersen is being heavily recruited by NCAA schools and is one of the country's top prospects for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Pedersen, a three-year member of the women's national team, is a twotime Canadian novice champion and was part of Canada's bronze-winning entry at the 2012 Pacific Rim championships. Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey Association · Team award ­ 2011-12 atom AA Hornets: Last season's atom AA Hornets team was one of the association's strongest-ever rep teams. Coached by a four-man staff led by Dominick Hardy, the atom AA squad posted the associaton's top record for rep teams last season and won three gold and a silver in tournament competition. The team also won the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League's atom A title. · Coach award ­ Brent Christensen: Christensen continues to be one of the most successful and valued coaches in the Hornets system despite the fact he never has a daughter on the teams he coaches. Along with his daughter Sarah, who quit playing hockey four years ago after suffering her fourth concussion, Christensen began a program of having teenage players coach younger Hornets squads. · Volunteer award ­ Linda Thomson: Since starting as a volunteer eight years ago, Thomson has become more and more involved each season. In addition to her own team duties, Thomson joined the tournament committee and took over the silent auction, one of the association's most lucrative fundraising activities. Six years ago, Thomson started the Executive Moms, a group of likeminded and enthusiastic volunteers who take on many tasks for the association. Oakville Legion Track and Field · Volunteer award ­ Christine O'Brien: Five years ago, with the club in danger of folding, O'Brien stepped in to plea for committed volunteer involvement as the cornerstone of the club's immediate survival and long-term sustainability. She spent many days and nights re-creating the club's books and records, and was integral in rebranding the club, launching its website and implementing its first-ever consistutition. O'Brien was the club's first elected treasurer/registrar and served as a member of the club's executive committee in that position until this year. Oakville Little League Baseball · Volunteer award ­ Kaelan Leedham: A long-time Oakville Little League player, Leedham has given back to the league in many different ways. He has worked as a volunteer for tournaments, helping groom fields, barbecue and even announce games. He has been an umpire for several seasons as well. Recently, Leedham volunteered to coach a team in the league's blastball program that introduces fiveyear-olds to baseball, even though the commitment meant having to give up his place on one of Oakville Little League's all-star teams. · Volunteer award ­ Nick Rigato: Rigato has THANKS: Sport Oakville president Claudio Serrao (left) and Skate Oakville president Doug Shelley (center) present Pat Heard with a volunteer award Sunday during Sport Oakville's fifth annual Sport Recognition Awards. ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @HALTON_PHOTOG coached Oakville Little League teams for more than a decade, serving as both a house league and all-star coach. He has also increased his volunteer commitment in recent years, taking on the role of convener at the junior, senior and Big League levels. Rigato is known for bringing fresh ideas to the league and has been key in the success of the league's older divisions. Oakville Minor Baseball Association · Athlete award ­ Danny Beaver: Beaver has enjoyed a stellar past 12 months on the diamond. He helped the midget A's AAA team win the Central Ontario Baseball Association championship, and -- despite being only 16 years old -- suited up for the provincial U18 team. He conributed significantly to Ontario's gold-medal win in the Canada Cup, a tournament that brings teams from each province to compete in a week-long tournament. · Volunteer award ­ Dale Larson: For more than 20 years Larson has been a dedicated OMBA board member. He spends hours of his free time fixing, cleaning and organizing the hundreds of pieces of equipment the club uses and provides for its teams, or mentoring less-experienced coaches. In addition, Larson coaches the Oakville A's junior AAA squad, guiding the team to numerous Ontario Baseball Association and Central Ontario Baseball Association titles over the past two decades. Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association · Team award ­ U19 Oakville Lady Hawks field lacrosse team: The U19 Lady Hawks won the C Division title at the provincial field championships in Oshawa, defeating the Mississauga Trilliums 10-7 in the final. Making the victory particularly special was the fact that this is only Oakville's second season in the league, following a winless campaign last year. Their record of four wins and one loss at provincials, compared to their regular-season record of 8-8, showed how they elevated their game when it mattered most. The team also gave back to the club's girls' field lacreosse program by supporting, coaching and mentoring Mini Hawks (four- to six-year-olds). · Coach award ­ Troy Cordingley: The Toronto Rock head coach also shares his knowledge and passion with youngsters, coaching a pair of Oakville rep teams. He was the association's mentor for coaches of boys' rep teams last season. He also developed a group of house league select players to the point where they could win a tournament in Welland. Cordingley's compassion for the sport extends to personally reaching out to help families in need through the donations of free lacrosse equipment or financial assistance. · Volunteer award ­ Tanya Tymkiv: An integral part of the Lady Hawks organization from inception three years ago, Tymkiv has been a strong voice and advocate for getting girls involved in sport in the community. She has overseen the girls' rep field lacrosse program, served as an assistant coach and convener, co-ordinated tournaments and maintained the Lady Hawks website. Her impact on women's lacrosse extends beyond Oakville as she is the current director of communications for Ontario Women's Field Lacrosse. Oakville Speed Skating Club · Athlete award ­ Blake Sullivan: Sullivan has consistently qualified to compete at year-end provincial championships since joining the club seven years ago. The last two seasons, he's won overall gold and overall silver in the highly competitive junior boys' division at the all-Ontario meets. Sullivan has also competed at four Canadian Eastern or Canadian championships. In addition to his busy training and competition schedule, Sullivan also makes time to volunteer and assist with coaching some of the club's younger skaters. · Athlete award ­ Erin Stewart: Stewart has always been an asset to the club through her tremendous work ethic and dedication. She is a regular qualifier for provincial championship meets, earning overall silver in the juvenile division last season. Stewart is ranked fifth in her age division for provincial series competitions this season. She is also a great friend to many at the club and has volunteered to assist younger skaters this season. · Coach award ­ Dave Lowrey: Lowrey began as one of the club's adult members, then started assisting with the adult program and now devotes his coaching expertise to members of the shorttrack racing development program. All Lowrey's students are competitive skaters, with many qualifying for provincials. Lowrey is known for making drills and technique lessons fun and interesting, and is quick to fill in for other coaches when they're unable to attend their team's practices. · Volunteer award ­ David Stewart: A tireless volunteer with the club over the past decade, Stewart has accomplished many things in the sport. Several years ago he was elected to the board of directors of the Ontario Speed Skating Association. He has served as an effective chairperson of the association's technical committee, a position he still holds. In addition, Stewart has become one of the most respected referees in the province. Skate Oakville · Athlete award ­ Megan Segeren: Three years ago, Segeren entered the competitive stream of figure skating and has improved on her placements and personal-best scores each season. Last year, she cracked the top 10 at the Central Ontario sectionals. This season, she has jumped two competitive levels. Segeren passed the first of her gold medal tests at the age of 11 and is now a triplegold medalist. She is also a positive role model for younger skaters at the club and finds time to volunteer at club events. · Coach award ­ Michelle Leigh: Leigh has coached skaters of all levels, from grassroots to Olympians. She currently oversees Skate Oakville's competitive program of more than 60 skaters while also working with skaters from across the province. Two of her skaters are currently on the International Grand Prix circuit. Leigh devotes her time and passion to guide young beginners with the same enthusiasm she uses with international competitors. · Volunteer award ­ Pat Heard: Over the past six years, Heard has served on the club's board of directors. During that time, she has overseen the club volunteer program, worked on several ice shows, co-chaired the 2009 Central Ontario sectional championships and helped out with many other club events. Heard has been a mentor and positive influence to all who have worked alongside her and, if she is too busy to assist a program, she works diligently to encourage others to get involved. www. High Efficiency FURNACE & CENTRAL AIR PACKAGE INCLUDES: · 96% High Efficiency DC motor, Gas Furnace · 15.75 SEER High Efficiency Central Air R410A Refrigerant · 10 Years Factory Warranty BIGGEST EVER SALE HEATING & COOLING .com SKI & SNOWBOARD SWAP RECYCLE MILTON HEIGHTS RACING CLUB'S ANNUAL $ 4990 69 * INSTALLED LIMITED TIME OFFER pplies La st ONLY Furnace diagnostic service Only $ 49 NOVEMBER 2, 3 & 4 · Fri 6-10, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3 2ND LARGEST SKI SWAP IN ONTARIO Gas Furnace $ 96% EFF. /MTH OAC* Location: Country Heritage Park (Gambrel Barn) off of Tremaine Rd., Milton ... just north of Glen Eden FREE ADMISSION & PARKING *After OPA rebate, Aire One and Manufacturer Rebates. Must have existing Furnace and A/C. *Call now for details. Offer cannot be combined. OAC. Accessories excluded. Call us to see if you qualify. OVER 120,000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS 15.75 Amazing Deals on New & Used Equipment! Skis - Boards - Boots - Poles - Helmets - Goggles - Clothing - Bags - Adjustments Onsite SEER While Su NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS OAC THE FORECAST CALLS FOR 9 Locations To Serve You Better! * See dealer for details HEATING & COOLING www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 905-849-4998 FAMILY SEASON'S PASS DRAW NOVEMBER 4th at 3PM See Website for details (no purchase necessary) WIN A FREE BONUS FOR 2012: GLEN EDEN `BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE' LIFT TICKET COUPON WITH $250 MERCHANDISE... BUY MORE... GET MORE! THOUSANDS OF ITEMS! Check out miltonheights.com or SuperSkiSwap.com for more details 416-997-1290 *SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS THIS NEWSPAPER