After a home opener loss to Wilfrid Laurier University, the Marauders faced a subsequent defeat to Queen’s University on the road
As the 2024 season has come into swing for McMaster football, the team has struggled to pick up a win. In their season home opener on Aug. 24 against the Laurier Golden Hawks, the Marauders lost with a score of 14 to 31.
Despite leading at the half against the Golden Hawks with a score of 14 to 13, the Marauders were unable to keep the scoring going. After this home opener loss, the Marauders traveled to Kingston to face Queen’s University.
The Queen’s Gaels would not be an unfamiliar opponent for McMaster, as the teams faced off in 2022. That game the Marauder's lost with a score of 10 to 14.
This game would present a new opportunity to quarterback Keagan Hall, as he was not the team’s starting quarterback when the Marauders last faced the Gaels. But defeating the Queen's Gaels, USport’s 10th ranked team, would prove to be a difficult endeavour for the Marauders.
But defeating the Queen's Gaels, USport’s 10th ranked team, would prove to be a difficult endeavour for the Marauders.
The Gaels opened the scoring quickly on their home field, as they led 24 to zero for a majority of the first half. But, just before the first half ended, the Marauders were able score themselves a touchdown bringing the score to 24 to seven.
Despite the team’s effort, the Marauders failed to change the tide of the game and secure victory in the second half. . The Marauders were able to score two touchdowns before the game was completed, but these points would not be enough, with the game finishing 27 to 22.
The Marauders were able to score two touchdowns before the game was completed, but these points would not be enough to secure a win, with the game finishing 27 to 22.
Stay tuned as the Marauders face the University of Toronto in their third match of the season on Sep. 7 at Ron Joyce Stadium.
The McMaster Intramurals annual sports calendar has been released, detailing opportunities to partake in multiple indoor and outdoor sports for all students
On Aug 23, the McMaster Intramurals account (led by Athletics and Recreation), released the annual intramurals sports schedule that is available to students for the upcoming year. For the fall and winter terms, there will be a total of 21 and 17 sports available respectively.
Intramurals are an opportunity for non-varsity athletes to partake in activities throughout the week on campus. They are open to McMaster students and alumni who wish to get active throughout the year.
For the fall semester, students will have the opportunity to register from Sep 4. to Sep. 18. for the activities they wish to partake in. While individuals are encouraged to register for as many activities as they wish, there are some rules in place to ensure a fair chance is provided to all participants.
Participants will only be able to take part in one gendered league (open, men’s or women’s) and a co-ed league per sport, meaning that one can only join a maximum of two teams per sport.
Most of the sports in the fall will have a mixture of PlayFun and PlayComp opportunities. PlayFun leagues are built for all participants, but the focus of these leagues is on the fun of the sport and teamwork, rather than competition with other groups. Experienced players are expected to support beginners throughout the league, which would promote a less competitive edge to the sport.
PlayFun leagues are built for all participants, but the focus of these leagues is on the fun of the sport and teamwork, rather than competition with other groups
PlayComp on the other hand has more competitive games that often results in a quicker and more intense league than PlayFun, yet always respectful. Teams are expected to have a good understanding of the rules and be ambitious.
Whilst most of the sports in the fall will have a mixture of PlayFun and PlayComp opportunities, there are sports that will have nights for students to learn the sport called the Learn To Play Night. These are scheduled to be provided for flag football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, H20-Polo, H20-Basketball, Volleyball, and Floorball.
For the winter, all of the sports will be indoor, including some of those sports held outside in the fall. Students can register for the winter semester sports from November, specifically Nov. 11-24.
One thing that stands out compared to the previous years is the steep price increase for activities such as soccer and a general price increase for almost all other sports.
In particular, soccer 11-a-side open registration went up from $165 for the 2023-2024 year, to $225 for the current year, a spike of 36 per cent. While an annual slight uptick in price is normal, it remains unknown as to why such a large rise has occurred, making the activity the most expensive one.
Other sports that saw noticeable price changes include Flag Football, Volleyball and Floorball, with various subcategories, such as co-ed and open, increasing by up to 25 per cent.
To get involved with intramurals this year, students can sign up through the IMLeagues app or website, where they can access all the details. If students have an invite from an existing team, they can join if they first completing a quiz. They can also create their own team within a league of their choice and start inviting their friends or other students that are eligible (McMaster students or alumni) for intramurals.
To get involved with intramurals this year, students can sign up through the IMLeagues app or website, where they can access all the details.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to sign up as agents. There they can describe their skills and give a brief description of themselves, which will provide team captains with information to choose them for their team.
For more information about the upcoming intramurals program, students can reach out to McMaster Intramurals on Instagram or visit their home page.
After two years as head coach, Chris Jones looks to prove he’s built the foundation the women’s rugby team needs to succeed
For Chris Jones, leading the women’s rugby team has come with a fair share of ups and downs. In his opening season with the team in 2022, Jones led the team to a season with four wins and three losses, with the team ultimately losing in their first round of playoffs
The teams second season did not show much improvements from the first regarding how many games they lost versus how many they won. The Marauders finished with two wins and 4 losses in the 2023 season, and failed to secure a playoff spot.
As Jones embarks on his third year coaching the Marauders, he has aimed to clean up the problems which have caused his team to struggle. Taking advantage of the time during the preseason has been a key factor in creating a well organized team.
“We’ve done as good of a job as I think we can around having a clear language. In camp, if there's been confusion about the meaning of something, we’ve been able to work it out,” said Jones.
Allowing team members to be on the same page, and having a joint team vision seems to be a top priority for Jones. He looks to capitalize on this strength in the upcoming year.
“Our strength is our team vision and cohesion. What I love about rugby is that if you are clear and working toward the same strategic end, teams that maybe don’t have the Micheal Jordans of the world can still be competitive,” said Jones.
Our strength is our team vision and cohesion. What I love about rugby is that if you are clear and working toward the same strategic end, teams that maybe don’t have the Micheal Jordans of the world can still be competitive.
Chris Jones, head coach, McMaster women's rugby team
As the team heads into the 2024 season, a mix of first years along with a strong group of returning players look to carry the women’s rugby team to greater heights. Older experienced players will look to further implement Jones' tactics, as they’ve had two seasons to become accustomed to them.
“This year we’ve really solidified the way we want to play, the structure offensively. We’ll leave that in for a few years but it feels like we have a good set-up,” said Jones.
The Marauder’s kicked off their season with a home opener against Trent University on August 31st. Soon, they will face Brock University's team, ranked eighth in preseason statistics , in their second game of the season on September 7th.
To end the season the team will go up against a USPORT powerhouse team, Queen’s University, on October 5th. The Gaels are ranked second in preseason rankings. Despite these tough matchups, Jones' team aims to focus on what they can control throughout the season.
“A goal to say we want to get to the quarters or semi’s is not actionable, we can’t do anything about that. So one thing we want to see is us hitting our shapes, upwards of 50 per cent to 60,” said Jones.
A goal to say we want to get to the quarters or semi’s is not actionable, we can’t do anything about that. So one thing we want to see is us hitting our shapes, upwards of 50 per cent to 60.
Chris Jones, head coach, McMaster women's rugby team
With a key matchup coming up September 7th, against the Brock Badgers in St. Catharines, the Marauders and Jones will test their abilities against a high level team.
A look into the varsity wrestling team's progress, and ambitions for the upcoming season under Coach Ahmed Shamiya
As the new school year begins, anticipation is building within McMaster University's varsity wrestling team. Under the leadership of Coach Ahmed Shamiya since 2019, the team is in a position to make a significant impact this season. After five years of steady progress in areas like adopting a winning mentality, the team is ready to transform potential into results.
In an interview with The Silhouette, Shamiya looked back on his time as coach and expressed confidence in the team's development. "When I started, there was a lot of potential, but [...] a lot of work to be done [...] I believe this year we will reap the fruits of our labour," said Shamiya.
When I started, there was a lot of potential, but [...] a lot of work to be done [...] I believe this year we will reap the fruits of our labour.
Ahmed Shamiya, coach, varsity wrestling team
He admitted that creating a winning culture has been a lengthy process. But that the team's confidence going into the season is a direct result of an altering of the team's beliefs, attitudes, and actions to place an emphasis on cooperation, discipline, and the common goal of success. "Although wrestling is an individual sport, it builds camaraderie like no other," Ahmed noted.
Coach Ahmed has led the club to several significant accomplishments since taking over in 2019 . The team has continuously performed well, winning two Rookie of the Year titles - which recognize outstanding first-year athletes for exceptional talent - to earning both the male and female Athletes of the Year. The women’s team, in particular, has made history with a top-three finish at the U-Sport National Championships.
Despite these accomplishments, the team's objectives for this year are still very high. "Our goal this year [...] is to be national [...] and OUA champions," said Shamiya. However, he also stressed that achieving these titles will need more than simply skill.
Our goal this year [...] is to be national [...] and OUA champions.
Ahmed Shamiya, coach, varsity wrestling team
Perseverance and loyalty to their basic principles will be needed, particularly in the face of difficulties. "When things get difficult, it can be very easy to abandon your goal. It can be easy to abandon your values. It's just a matter of sticking to that no matter what happens," he stressed.
Wrestling is a demanding sport, and injuries have been a significant challenge for the team in the past. "In the past we've had championship teams on paper, but then two weeks, three weeks out from the national championships, one of our key wrestlers will get injured and will not be able to wrestle that tournament" said Shamiya. In the interview, Coach Ahmed emphasizes the need to balance pushing athletes to their limits whilst also ensuring optimal recovery. A key wrestler missing from the lineup can severely impact the team’s chances at a national title, making injury prevention a top priority.
Coach Ahmed is optimistic about the direction of the McMaster wrestling team as they get ready for another tough season. “[Brock has] been very dominant [...] and you got to give them credit [...] but I truly believe that [...] in time, we will pass them. It's not a matter of how, it's a matter of when – and I truly believe that” said Shamiya.
[Brock has] been very dominant [...] and you got to give them credit [...] but I truly believe that [...] in time, we will pass them. It's not a matter of how, it's a matter of when – and I truly believe that.
Ahmed Shamiya, coach, varsity wrestling team
According to Shamiya, the culture of the team, which prioritizes academic and athletic achievement, will also see its members implement the teachings they have learned in their personal and professional life, off the wrestling mat. "Excellence is a transferable skill," Ahmed emphasized, "the pursuit of greatness will make you so much better as a person and that will translate to all aspects of life post wrestling”.
As the McMaster wrestling team heads into the new season, the strong foundation they’ve built over the last five years sets them up for continued growth and success. With a clear vision and a commitment to their values, the team feels ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Despite a strong in the national competition, McMaster women's curling feel short of their aspirations
After placing second in the Ontario University Athletics championships, the McMaster University women’s curling team took their game to U Sports nationals hosted in New Brunswick from Mar. 12 to Mar. 16 by the University of New Brunswick.
The team was led by head coach John Gregory after an accomplished previous season with the Marauders.
This year’s roster was composed of a vast array of players in various years. Veteran athletes, including sixth-year Madelyn Warriner and third-year Anastasia Cornea, were paired with three sophomores, Clara Dissanayake, Evelyn Robert and Sydney Taylor, to round out the team.
Warriner, Cornea, Dissanayake and Robert all have previous U Sports experience.
Following last year’s fifth-place finish in the U Sports competition, the team was looking to improve their performance and finish with better results.
Following last year’s fifth-place finish in the U Sports competition, the team was looking to improve their performance and finish with better results.
As the U Sports tournament started off, the Marauders opened with a tough loss against the University of Waterloo on Mar. 12. However, the team would redeem themselves on the second day of the tournament with a win against Mount Allison University and the OUA title holders Laurentian University.
The third day of the competition saw McMaster splitting their games, winning against the host team, the University of New Brunswick, but losing against Dalhousie University.
The team's final matches in the nationals would see the Marauders face an ultimatum. After their loss to the University of Alberta, the team would need a win against the University of Victoria to advance to the tournament’s semifinals.
The Marauders were unable to do so, with their loss of 7-5 against the Victoria Vikes ending the team's season as they finished fifth to end the tournament.
The Marauders were unable to do so, with their loss of 7-5 against the Victoria Vikes ending the team's season as they finished fifth to end the tournament.
With the final result mirroring their performance from the previous year, the team will likely look to improve in the off season to achieve their podium finish dreams in next year’s U Sports.
McMaster students share their experiences accessing the SWC and what the service has done to enhance student accessibility
The Student Wellness Centre is a McMaster University service that provides undergraduate and graduate students counselling and medical care as well as undertakes health promotion initiatives. In September 2023, the Silhouette spoke with Debbie Nifakis, a psychologist and SWC’s associate director of counselling, as well as with three undergraduate students about their relationship with the SWC.
Nifakis shared that the SWC cares very deeply about their counselling services. Currently, the SWC operates under the Pathways to Care model, which offers students a diverse array of resources in an effort to help find the best combination of service for an individual.
“With Pathways to Care, it helps people to see what are the different options that you have when you come here ... So it really helped the counselor and the student together to look at "what are your needs and where would you best get them met?",” said Nifakis.
Fiona Allen, a fourth-year Health Sciences student at McMaster, has accessed both SWC medical care and mental health services. Allen explained that she found the service to be very helpful and organized, as she was able to have both a general practitioner and a psychiatrist through the SWC
“I found even like the general physicians, who see you for all of your medical needs, they're very knowledgeable of mental health and they were very understanding,” said Allen.
Breanne Poernbacher, a fourth-year anthropology student at McMaster, sought out mental health support from the SWC this past summer. She explained that she is very appreciative of the medical care she has received and encouraged those who need it to seek support from the SWC. She emphasized how the SWC's trauma-centered approach was a good fit for her while seeking support.
“Even before the whole procedure, which is a very safe procedure, [the doctor said] "Yeah, [any] worries that I can address? Do you want me to like tell you before I touch you, or are you comfortable with this?" It's just really nice that that's in their practice. It makes it a lot more comfortable as someone that survived trauma to access that,” said Poernbacher.
Poernbacher explained that while she felt the support she received from the SWC was a positive experience, she also felt she had to overshare to the front desk in order to convey the urgency of her requiring support.
“If I left that information out they probably would have tried to push my appointment to the next day or the next week even,” said Poernbacher.
Anisah Ali, a fourth-year Health and Society with a specialization in Mental Health and Addiction student at McMaster, accessed the counselling service at start of her undergraduate education and now again in her last year.
Ali shared that she began counselling in Aug. 2023. She shared that despite the overall positive and smooth intake, she was a bit disappointed to learn that they currently do not have any South-Asian therapists working.
Ali shared that during the time of her intake, the only South-Asian therapist employed was on leave. In a follow-up statement six months later, she stated she had become well acquainted with her current therapist and was not interested in switching. However, she noted that to her knowledge therapists at SWC lack diversity relative to who they treat.
“It was unfortunate to not have somebody who gets my cultural background, because obviously, that informs what I see from therapy,” said Ali.
It was unfortunate to not have somebody who gets my cultural background, because obviously, that informs what I see from therapy.
Anisah Ali
Fourth-year Health and Society student
Moreover, both Allen and Ali both expressed that an area for improvement would be the capacity of staff for counselling services. Allen shared that overall she is very happy with her service, but she wished the wait times could be reduced. Ali expressed that with a larger capacity, they would be able to take more students in per day.
“Probably, if anything, it would just be reducing the wait times. I know that's difficult because there's obviously a lot of students and a lot of students who have mental health needs [and] general medical needs and only so many staff, but I feel that that would be a great place to invest,” said Allen.
Nifakis shared that her team wanted to counter this by introducing a walk-in system last year, which is now titled the drop-in system. The goal was to make counselling more accessible so people could get the help they needed on the same day.
Nifakis shared that there was an overwhelmingly positive response, but did not provide any data to support this claim when asked through email correspondence.
Nifakis also explained that sometimes despite their best efforts, sometimes they need to turn people away. She explained that situations deemed emergencies are prioritized. Nifakis expressed that resources are limited for the service, though they plan to hire a few more people.
“Now even walking in is a little bit limited because if we had two or three counselors on there would only allow for maybe six, seven people. So there were days where we might have had to turn people away, because we just didn't have enough openings for the walk in. So that's always a bit of an issue,” said Nifakis.
Poernbacher shared an earlier experience where she was unable to receive counselling care at a frequent basis that accommodated her well-being.
Poernbacher partook in one of their counselling services that help students overcome a particular situation in their life, but she expressed that not being able to access that therapist after the eighth-week mark had been difficult.
“Now I am without a therapist and I have been recommended to continue long term care. So that's why I ended up finding a therapist outside of SWC and pretty much paying out of pocket,” said Poernbacher.
Now I am without a therapist and I have been recommended to continue long term care. So that's why I ended up finding a therapist outside of SWC and pretty much paying out of pocket.
Breanne Poernbacher
Fourth-year Anthropology student
In March 2024 we reached out to Fezan Khokhar, the director of the McMaster Students Union's Emergency First Response Team, to discuss findings from the report they shared with the MSU Executive Board in February 2024.
In their report, it was noted that between August 2023 and February 2024 there was a decrease in mental health calls, in comparison to the previous year’s report. Khokhar shared that these statistics are subject to change as the full year's data has not yet been collected.
In the EFRT report, they also attributed this decrease in part to SWC drop-in counseling and the hiring of a mental health nurse through a McMaster initiative initiative called the Student Urgent Response Team. The goal of the latter program was to have someone specialized in order to support students in crisis, alongside other campus security staff. This project was funded by Bell Let's Talk's implementation grant, which provided McMaster $100,000.
Khokhar explained that in a conversation with Rosanne Kent, SWC director, she expressed their efforts to provide increased access to counselling. Khokhar shared that he hoped those responsible for the finances of SWC continue to help them build their drop-in counselling services.
“I'm viewing it, as in my opinion, that we're seeing [the] Student Wellness Center provide more support towards individuals who have any mental health illnesses or are going through any crisis so that they don't reach the point of panic attacks or intense thoughts of suicide. [This] tends to be when we're called,” said Khokhar.
The Silhouette was able to recently follow up with two of the undergraduate students we spoke to earlier in the year.
Allen expressed that she actually had to switch doctors this past year. She was greatly appreciative of the effort that the SWC took to ensure the transition was smooth internally and that her care continued without any issues.
Furthermore, she shared that since the last time she spoke with The Silhouette, she had come to terms with the unchangeable chronic aspects of her mental health conditions. While that process had been difficult, the SWC's treatment provided her with a sense of self. She shared that as she prepares for graduation, the SWC has effectively helped her begin to plan the transfer of her medical care.
"Sometimes, my [mental health] makes me feel like I am completely out of control. It is nice to get a degree of control back through the autonomy and respect I’m given as a patient at the SWC. Although I’ll lose access to the SWC shortly after I graduate this year, I feel empowered to advocate for myself and my needs," said Allen in an email statement to the Silhouette.
Conversely, Ali's follow-up statement expressed that she believed the SWC does not significantly recognize the chronic treatment of mental health. She wishes that cultural aspects of mental health presentation were more clearly acknowledged.
"I think they should improve how they engage in actual sessions to take note of cultural differences present in how [mental health] symptoms arise," said Ali in an email statement to The Silhouette.
Overall, students who have used the counselling services have a deep appreciation for the SWC and any suggestions for improvement merely stem from their personal experiences with the center.
If you would like to share your pwn experiences with the SWC, the centre is asking those who have used the service in the past twelve months to share their experiences anonymously.
Department of Physics and Astronomy purchased over half a million eclipse viewing glasses, hosted public lectures and a viewing party for the Apr. 8 total solar eclipse
Ahead of the total solar eclipse on Apr. 8, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University was busy preparing plans to engage all of Hamilton with the rare astronomical event.
The eclipse is the first of its kind to happen over Hamilton since Jan. 1925. The next total solar eclipse over Hamilton will not occur until 2144.
In a webinar live streamed in November 2023, Laura Parker, a professor and university scholar in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster, explained how total solar eclipses happen and why they are so rare.
Parker explained that a total solar eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the Earth and completely blocks out the sun over a certain area. She explained that lunar eclipses, when the moon passes behind and is blocked by the Earth, can be seen far more frequently from anywhere on our planet as the Earth is much larger than the moon and is more likely to completely block sunlight from reaching the moon.
In contrast, the moon is much smaller and does not cast a total shadow on the whole Earth during a solar eclipse. “The area of the earth which experiences a total solar eclipse when these things happen is pretty small” said Parker.
The area of the Earth which experiences a total solar eclipse when these things happen is pretty small.
Laura Parker, Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy McMaster University
Parker elaborated that when a solar eclipse does happen, a much greater area of Earth can witness a partial solar eclipse, meaning that the moon only partially blocks out the sun from that point of view. She explained that it is because the path of totality, the area of the Earth for which the entire sun is blocked, is so small that total solar eclipses are such rare events for any given place on the planet.
As they are such rare events, many within the path of totality were watching the eclipse and many who reside outside of the path travelled to cities like Hamilton to view it. However, as always looking directly at the sun causes damage to one’s eyes and so special viewing glasses that reduce the intensity of light needed to be worn to watch the eclipse progress.
For this reason, McMaster purchased more than 600,000 pairs of viewing glasses for the residents of Hamilton. McMaster partnered with local Hamilton libraries to distribute the glasses to residents. Glasses were also distributed to public libraries in Brantford, Burlington, Haldimand County and the Six Nations Public Library. Glasses were also available for students to pick up from McMaster’s libraries.
McMaster purchased more than 600,000 pairs of viewing glasses for the residents of Hamilton.
In addition, the Department of Physics and Astronomy hosted several lectures about total solar eclipses that were free to attend and open to the public, where attendees could also pick up a pair of viewing glasses.
Finally, on Apr. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m., a viewing party open to McMaster faculty, students, staff and alumni was held at the Ron Joyce Stadium.
After falling short to Brock University, the McMaster wrestling team picked up podium finishes at this year's nationals
After the McMaster University wrestling program’s 2022-2023 season, which saw the men and women's team win a national silver and bronze medal respectively, head coach Ahmed Shamiya and his wrestlers had high standards for what they could accomplish this year.
With standout wrestlers such as Serena Di Benedetto, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, and Karanveer Mahil, a first-year U Sports gold medalist, having a year of experience behind them, the team would look to grow and further develop the talent in their roster.
This year's regular season would go smoothly for the Marauders, who gained multiple podium finishes throughout their competitions.
Second-year Irman Kang and fourth-year Macy Malysiak were two athletes who contributed big for the teams. They were able to capture McMaster’s Athlete of the Week accolades during the season’s progression on Jan. 15 and Feb 12. respectively.
As the team approached their OUA Championships on Feb. 10, they would likely have had one major goal in mind. The Marauders were looking to take first place from back-to-back OUA champion Brock University University.
The Marauders were looking to take first place from back-to-back OUA champion Brock University.
This would prove too big of a challenge for the Marauders, as both the men and women’s teams could only capture a silver medal and fall yet again to the Brock Badgers.
After the OUA championships concluded, the Marauders would head to Guelph, Ont. on Mar. 2 to compete in the U Sports national championships.
With gold medal results by second-year wrestler Gregor McNeil and Di Benedetto, the Marauders would round out this year’s competition with a third place finish for the men’s team and a fifth place finish for the women’s team. Second-years Olivia Lichti and Mahil were both able to capture silver medals, adding points to the Marauders' overall scores.
With gold medal results by second-year wrestler Gregor McNeil and Di Benedetto, the Marauders would round out this year’s competition with a third place finish for the men’s team and a fifth place finish for the women’s team.
Despite lower placements in this season's U Sports meet, the Marauders have plenty to look back on and be proud of. For Shamiya, his aim throughout the offseason will likely be to excel even further and increase the team’s form come next season.
Following the 2020 report, the Black Student Athlete Council provides avenues to foster conversation and encourage McMaster to improve supports for Black athletes
In 2020, a report titled “A Systemic Review of the Black Student-Athlete Experience and the McMaster Athletics Climate” was released, highlighting the issues that Black student athletes, coaches and staff had experienced within the McMaster University Athletics and Recreation department. The report also made recommendations to the department to address these issues, based on numerous interviews with athletes, coaches and staff involved in McMaster Athletics and Recreation.
In October 2020, McMaster released a follow up report titled “Taking Action on the Recommendations In A Systemic Review of the Black Student-Athlete Experience and the McMaster Athletics Climate.” This second report highlighted the main priorities for the university's action plan to address the issues within the department. These priorities included increasing representation within the department, creating a culture of accountability, developing targeted supports, scholarships and advocacy roles as well as mechanisms for training and education.
One of the outlined mechanisms for creating a culture of accountability was the creation of a Black Student Athlete Council. The BSAC is a student-run organization that aims to support student athletes who identify as Black, Indigenous and persons of colour.
"Our main goal is to foster community within the McMaster community and BIPOC athletes. Secondly, and very close to our main goal, is to be the liaison between athletes and the athletics department,” said Osa Olaye, one of BSAC's co-presidents.
Our main goal is to foster community within the McMaster community and BIPOC athletes. Secondly, and very close to our main goal, is to be the liaison between athletes and the athletics department.
Osa Olaye, fourth-year rugby player and co-president of the Black Student-Athlete Council
The council intended to foster discussion between athletes and McMaster, allowing for the needs of BIPOC athletes to be communicated directly to the administration.
As part of this, climate surveys and progress review focus groups have been set up by the athletics department to provide open and updated communication between them and student athletes.
These events and surveys include racialized and non-racialized groups and help any groups that face collective barriers.
“The climate survey and progress review is not just race-focused. It's for any equity deserving group. It asks what are we [the department] doing wrong and what ideas do you [individuals in the focus group] have,” said Olaye.
These avenues for communication seem to allow the university more access to student’s thoughts and needs. They open a discourse for changes to occur before things become too extreme.
“I think that the climate surveys and quality control checks are so important to know where we stand, because at the end of the day, the institution won’t know where we stand until someone tells them there's a problem. Then we can hold them accountable after they know there is a problem,” said Olaye.
I think that the climate surveys and quality control checks are so important to know where we stand, because at the end of the day, the institution won’t know where we stand until someone tells them there's a problem. Then we can hold them accountable after they know there is a problem.
Osa Olaye, fourth-year rugby player and co-president of the Black Student-Athlete Council
As the BSAC continues to support opportunities for conversations with the department of athletics and recreation, more avenues for further change will hopefully follow suit.
Facing tough match-ups with newfound confidence in the playoffs, the Marauders women's basketball team has a promising future ahead of them
The McMaster University women's basketball team's journey through the playoffs was a clear display of the team’s potential to stand toe-to-toe with the country's best. The team was faced with tough match-ups, particularly in their quarterfinal match against the Carleton University Ravens, the top team in the Ontario University Athletics and U Sports, on Feb. 24.
Jenna Button, a player on the women's basketball team, highlighted their increase in confidence throughout the season, a critical factor in their ability to compete at the highest level.
"I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience," said Button.
I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
This faith was not misplaced, as the Marauders demonstrated their capabilities in the tightly contested playoff run against the Ravens.
“They’re a great team. . .So that was obviously a huge challenge for us. Going up to Ottawa as well, it’s a tough gym to play in," said Button.
Despite the odds, the Marauders approached the game with determination.
"We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter," said Button.
We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
The 77-94 defeat was a mix of disappointment and pride for the team. However, the season’s overall success and 16-8 record was a testament to the team's resilience and their solid foundation for the future.
Especially in their victory against Wilfrid Laurier University and the hard-fought game against Carleton, the Marauder’s playoff performance highlighted their potential and the bright future that lies ahead.
As they continue to grow and gain more experience, their faith in their ability to compete with any team in the country only strengthens, promising thrilling seasons to come for the women's basketball team.
