Amir Shirazi named athlete of the week for his outstanding performance against Brock Badgers
The men's soccer forward for McMaster University, Amir Shirazi, was selected athlete of the week following his strong performance on September 1st. Following a difficult 2 to 0 setback to the York Lions on Friday, Shirazi was a major factor in McMaster's 2 to 0 victory against the Brock Badgers on the night of Sunday Sep. 8 at 8:15pm, securing the Marauder's first victory of the season by scoring both of of the two goals.
When asked about the honor, Shirazi replied with humbleness. "It feels good to be recognized, but honestly, it’s all about the team. We knew it would be a tough weekend playing our biggest rivals right away. We’re happy with the win, but we could have done better," said Shirazi
It feels good to be recognized, but honestly, it’s all about the team. We knew it would be a tough weekend playing our biggest rivals right away. We’re happy with the win, but we could have done better.
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Between the two games, Shirazi played for 173 minutes, showing his stamina and determination. It can be exhausting to play back-to-back games, but Shirazi explained how he remains prepared. “Last year, I played a lot of minutes during doubleheaders, so I knew what to expect. It’s about preparing well, resting after the first game, and getting mentally ready for the next one,” said Shirazi.
While describing how he scored the first goal, Shirazi mentioned that it was a tactic he had already practiced with teammate Carlos Spiro. “Carlos cut in and played across. I headed it in after the goalie made a great save. We practiced a similar play in preseason, so I kind of knew what was coming,” said Shirazi.
Carlos cut in and played across. I headed it in after the goalie made a great save. We practiced a similar play in preseason, so I kind of knew what was coming.
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Shirazi received a free kick which led to his second goal. “In the game against York, I had a free kick from the same spot, but it hit the post. So, when I got the same chance against Brock and scored, it felt really good,” said Shirazi.
Although the team was frustrated by the outcome against York prior to facing the Brock Badgers, Shirazi clarified that they saw it as a teaching moment. “We made mistakes in the first half, but we created a lot of chances. We just couldn’t finish them. We took what we learned from that game and brought it into the next one, and we got the win,” said Shirazi.
In addition, Shirazi attributed his success to his colleagues. “The midfield, wingers, and fullbacks are all working hard to get me the ball in good positions. Guys like Mohamed El-Shachman, Carlos Spiro, and Damiano Refosco are the reason I’ve been able to score so many goals. It’s a team effort,” said Shirazi.
The midfield, wingers, and fullbacks are all working hard to get me the ball in good positions. Guys like Mohamed El-Shachman, Carlos Spiro, and Damiano Refosco are the reason I’ve been able to score so many goals. It’s a team effort
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Despite his achievement this past game, Shirazi is more focused on the group's future performance than on individual awards. “Every year, we aim to win the OUAs and qualify for nationals. That’s still my goal. I just want to help the team finish in the top two and do well in the playoffs. My job as a striker is to score goals, and I’ll keep doing that to help the team win,” said Shirazi.
As the Marauder's continue their season, Shirazi will be a key player to watch as the team pushes for a strong finish in the OUA standings.
The McMaster Athletics and Recreation department organizes in- game events to highlight the importance of Black History Month
Observance of Black History Month holds great significance globally, and in Canada, it is observed in February to pay tribute to the contributions of Black communities across the country. This celebration presents a unique opportunity for people to acquaint themselves with captivating stories accounts of Black history.
Albeit the thorough controversies surrounding the university and their treatment of Black athletes over the years, McMaster University sports community took time this month to reflect and uplift the Black voices and stories. The Athletics and Recreation department organized a range of events such as in-game occasions to celebrate the month and to honor its Black athletes across all sports.
On Feb. 1st, the Marauders cited that “With a focus on Black Excellence: Maintaining the Momentum, McMaster will kick off the month with a day-long Black Expo in the Student Centre atrium”.
At the beginning of the month, it was announced that there would be a couple Black History Month games across the department, with various varsity teams participating. The objective of these games would be to promote the cause and provide McMaster clubs with the opportunity to host booths during half time intervals. On Friday, Feb. 3, the men's and women’s volleyball teams started off the first two games for the event.
In an impressive display of athleticism, the men's volleyball team dominated their opponents, the Royal Military College Paladins, with a resounding victory of three sets to none (25-16, 25-8, 25-6). This win added to their already impeccable record of 15 consecutive OUA wins at the time.
The women's volleyball team also shone in their game against the same opponents, achieving another sweep to cap off the first two games of the Black History Month event. Both teams showcased their strength and skill, leaving fans in awe of their performance.
For the second set of games, the maroon colors were defended with pride by the men's and women's basketball teams as they took on the Waterloo Warriors. The men's team proved their mettle on Feb. 17 with a decisive 83-64 win, further solidifying their position in the OUA table.
The women's team followed suit with an impressive 81-61 victory, concluding the highly successful Black History Month games that took place on campus. Fans were excited by the teams' displays of skill and teamwork and the university community rejoiced in the celebration of Black excellence and culture.
In addition to the games taking place, the Athletics and Recreation department partnered up with the Black Student Athlete Council to create space for various clubs such as Mac Africans, Black Space, MACaws to host stands at the game settings and promote the event.
Just like every other year, the McMaster athletic community did not miss out on the chance to honor Black athletes and their accomplishments throughout the campus. In addition to publicizing the observance and paying tribute to the athletes, the Athletics and Recreation Department enticed the student community to the events around campus by hosting four different Black History Month games, whilst providing an opportunity for different clubs to take part in the initiative with their booths at the games.
After the scandalous controversies that were surrounding the sports scene at McMaster with allegations of racism among other problems, this is the least that the Marauders can do for their Black students in their path to corrective action.
Deja Vu hits as the basketball team joins the football team as the second McMaster victims to forfeiture
It’s official, the men’s basketball 101-56 blowout win against the Algoma Thunderbirds from Jan. 21 has been overturned as punishment due to the appearance of an ineligible player in the matchup. Their Jan. 18 game against the Brock Badgers also featured the ineligible player, but as a game that was already lost, the result will remain as is.
In a statement from the department of athletics and recreation, it was explained that the player became ineligible due to a “brief course load violation”, but has since been reinstated. The identity of the athlete has remained confidential.
In a statement from the department of athletics and recreation, it was explained that the player became ineligible due to a “brief course load violation”, but has since been reinstated. The identity of the athlete has remained confidential.
This story may sound familiar to some after the department released a similar statement about the football team this past September, who also forfeited two games due to an ineligible player, though with a different ineligibility violation, before narrowly missing the playoffs.
The basketball team was in the midst of a hot streak, having won eight of their last nine. Following the forfeiture of their biggest win of the year and a one point loss to the Windsor Lancers on Saturday night the team has fallen into a slide, losing three of their last five. On the season they now hold a record of 10 wins and eight losses.
