A former McMaster varsity athlete and once the men's athlete of the year, Keenan Jeppesen is set to become the new director of Athletics and Recreation
Come Sept. 23, Keenan Jeppesen is set to take the directors seat of the athletics and recreation department. Jeppesen, who is a familiar name within the McMaster community, has already demonstrated himself as a leader in his previous roles in Housing and Conference Services and Athletics, High Performance.
This transition from housing and conference services to athletics and recreation might seem like quite the shift, but Jeppesen was confident that it was the right choice.
"Housing touches so many parts of the institution around McMaster, so it was a great learning experience for me. Coming back to athletics and recreation, it is a different score but there's a lot of familiarity, whether its with the operations of the department or the staff," said Jeppesen
Born into an athletic family, Jeppesen was always determined to leave his mark on the sports world. Over the course of his career, he competed with the varsity basketball team at Brown University, where he was selected for the All-Ivy League Second-Team for the 2005-2006 season.
"I'm a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, so I've spent a good time in both countries. When I graduated high school, I got recruited to play college basketball at Brown University. I spent around three years there, then after graduating I returned to Canada," said Jeppesen
His return to athletics and recreation is particularly meaningful, as he is a former student-athlete at McMaster and won the male athlete of the year award in 2010.
"After a brief stint at Western, I came to McMaster to do my Masters in Business Administration where I also played on the varsity basketball team for a year. We had a pretty successful season, we were ranked third in the country, and personally I've had my best individual year. Unfortunately, the season came to an end prematurely due to my ACL tear," said Jeppesen
Jeppesen's previous personal experience and relationship with athletes over the years means that he will be entering office with expectations to achieve. He aims to communicate effectively with athletes to improve their experience in the school and the department.
"I was in their shoes, but I try not to make too many assumptions about others experiences even though I can relate. For example, a lot has changed since I was last working within the department, so I understand that things may not be the same compared to when I was around. So my objective is, as soon as I enter office, to consult with athletes, coaches and other staff to get their perspectives about various things such as their challenges, what they're excited about and what we can do better to improve their experience at the school," said Jeppesen
Jeppesen's return to athletics and recreation brings an experienced leader back to the department, after a few years spent in other sections of the university. With a varsity background and leadership experience embedded at McMaster, he is set to take office on Sep. 23 with a fresh perspective. While his path forward may present challenges, this leadership change could contribute to positive developments within the department.
A look into Mac student Puisand Lai's journey to competing for Canada at the 2024 Paralympics
A McMaster engineering student, and a rising star in the parasports scene, Puisand Lai is getting ready to compete for Canada in the 2024 Paralympic Games. Lai, who first began playing wheelchair basketball at the age of 13, has come a long way as a player for the women's national wheelchair basketball team.
Lai unexpectedly lost the ability to use her lower body when she was six years old and was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which causes inflammation of the spinal cord. Despite this, when she was introduced to parasports, her gravitation to physical activity since childhood shined through.
Lai's mother encouraged her to try out wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and sledge hockey. At one point, she was ranked number seven in the International Tennis Federation's World Rankings for girl's wheelchair tennis. In 2017, she was a member of the World Team Cup - the largest international team event in wheelchair tennis, featuring men's, women's, quad, and junior teams from around 50 countries.
Lai wrote in an article that she came to the realization that in order to advance to the next level of competition, she had to hone in on sport. With great difficulty, she decided to let go of tennis and devote herself entirely to wheelchair basketball because she was drawn to the sport's sense of friendship and teamwork. "If I wanted to get serious about playing at the next level, I had to really dial in on one sport," stated Lai.
At the age of seventeen, she became the youngest member of the Canadian Women's Wheelchair Basketball national team in 2018. She has since participated in other high-profile competitions, such as two world titles, two Parapan American Games, and the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where Canada placed fifth. The team's goal is to place on the podium in Paris to claim their position as one of the best Paralympic teams, not having won a medal since 2004.
At the age of seventeen, she became the youngest member of the Canadian Women's Wheelchair Basketball national team in 2018. She has since participated in other high-profile competitions, such as two world titles, two Parapan American Games, and the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where Canada placed fifth.
Lai has put in a lot of work and dedication to go to the Paralympic Games this year. After training in Quebec City with her colleagues in anticipation of the games, she expressed her excitement about the upcoming games and her confidence in the team’s potential. "I believe that every single one of us is really, really talented. We have the foundation to be a really great team," said Lai in an interview with the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
Lai attended McMaster University for a degree in mechanical engineering where she also excelled in athletics. After returning from Paris, she plans to complete her degree, but also to keep her options open, thinking about opportunities in engineering or picking up basketball again.
Lai attended McMaster University for a degree in mechanical engineering where she also excelled in athletics. After returning from Paris, she plans to complete her degree, but also to keep her options open, thinking about opportunities in engineering or picking up basketball again.
As she prepares to represent Canada abroad, Lai is an example of the power of mental determination. Her career is expected to soar to new heights with the Paralympic Games in Paris, beginning a new chapter in her amazing tale. In the end, her journey serves as a reminder that despite the obstacles we encounter, excellence is achievable with commitment and grit.
New sports begin for McMaster students looking to participate in winter intramurals
As McMaster students head into a new semester, the McMaster Athletics and Recreations department will begin the winter portion of their intramural competitions. Fourteen sports will be included in the winter intramural schedule, all of which are different from those offered during the fall semester. Such sports include indoor cricket, inner-tube water polo, and volleyball.
There are fourteen sports included in the winter intramural schedule, all of which are different from the sports offered during the fall semester.
The intramural sports winter league will also include 5 tournament style games, which include table tennis, wheelchair European basketball and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Different intramural style levels will also be available in the winter term. The different types of leagues include Playfun, which offers the chance for beginners to experience the games without an emphasis on the competitive aspect of the sport, as well as PlayComp, which are geared towards students who look to engage in a more fast pace style of play.
The different types of leagues include Playfun, which offers the chance for beginners to experience the games without an emphasis on the competitive aspect of the sport, as well as PlayComp, which are geared towards students who look to engage in a more fast pace style of play.
Registration for winter intramurals have already passed, ending on Nov. 26. Those who are interested can follow updates and announcements on the McMaster Intramural Sports Instagram.
McMaster Aquatics has added Masters swimming classes to their roster of aquatic clubs and services
McMaster Aquatics recently began offering a Masters swimming class.
Masters swimming is for those who are looking to improve their overall swimming form and technique. Through McMaster Aquatics, certified competitive swimming coaches will work with athletes to correct their stroke and technique.
Through McMaster Aquatics, certified competitive swimming coaches will work with athletes to correct their stroke and technique.
Per the program’s page on the McMaster Athletics and Recreation website, the group is aimed at swimmers who are able to swim a straight distance of at least 100m comfortably.
These classes run for 12 weeks, running from Sept. 18 all the way until Dec. 22. A semester's worth of lessons will cost athletes $150 to participate, with lessons occurring all throughout the week.
A semester's worth of lessons will cost athletes $150 to participate, with lessons occurring all throughout the week.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the program runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., while Tuesday classes go from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. For weekend times, the group is scheduled to meet on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
McMaster Aquatics also offers several other services and clubs. Some services include recreational swim times, National Lifeguard re-certification courses, and private lessons. Clubs that are associated with McMaster Aquatics include the Lifeguard Competitive Lifesaving Team and the Synchronized Swim Club.
For McMaster students, services such as recreational swim times are free of cost. Recreational swim times can be found on the McMaster Aquatics Instagram.
For students who want to enjoy McMaster Aquatics services without the commitment to a club, intramurals are a great option. McMaster Aquatics offers intramural innertube basketball and innertube water polo.
A quick rundown on intramural opportunities at McMaster and how students can register
On Aug. 28, McMaster Athletics and Recreation released their 2023-2024 intramural sports calendar. The calendar details the many indoor and outdoor sports taking place over both terms this year along with important information about the types of leagues offered, roster requirements, play styles and times of the week that the intramural will run.
The fall semester will include intramurals such as three-pitch softball, flag football and spikeball, kickball, touch rugby, Halloween dodgeball, seated volleyball and fantasy football and NFL picks. Registration for these fall leagues and tournaments runs from Sept. 6-18.
The fall semester will include intramurals such as three-pitch softball, flag football and spikeball, kickball, touch rugby, Halloween dodgeball, seated volleyball and fantasy football and NFL picks.
For the winter, the department will offer intramurals including ice hockey, badminton and cricket and tournaments for three-on-three March Madness basketball, table tennis and wheelchair European handball. Registration for these winter leagues and tournaments will run from Nov. 13-26.
Students are able to join up to one gendered men’s or women’s league as well as an open league with no gender-based roster requirements or a Corec league with sport-specific gender-based roster requirements.
Different intramural styles are also present for students of varying experience levels and desires for competitive play. PlayFun leagues offer an opportunity for both beginners and veterans to participate in intramurals without overly aggressive play. On the other hand, PlayComp leagues are geared towards players who wish for a more intensive and quicker intramural style.
To sign up, students must create an account through the IMLeagues website and select McMaster University as their school. Once students are registered, they can find and join an intramural league by creating a team as a captain and sending invite requests or emails for other members to join.
Once students are registered, they can find and join an intramural league by creating a team as a captain and sending invite requests or emails for other members to join
Students can also sign up as a free agent within a league and division of their choice for members on the site to add to their team. Remaining free agents will be assigned to teams once all of their members are confirmed at the end of the fall and winter registration period.
More information about intramurals can be found through Instagram @macintramurals or on the intramural sports page on the McMaster Athletics and Recreation website.
The team's hard work paid off at the 2023 Canadian University Ultimate Championships where they took home the gold
The McMaster University women’s ultimate team just concluded their all-around dominant season with a first-place finish in the 2023 Division One Canadian University Ultimate Championships. This win marks the first time in club history the team has won the national championships.
Recently McMaster has had experience playing on the national level after finishing second just last year. Next year the team hopes to have a competitive edge given the team chemistry they have the opportunity to build amongst the 15 returning players, including co-captains, Jessica Gao and Safeena Shajani.
“Some of our veteran players definitely carried that [winning] mentality and it spurred the entire team to improve and work hard during practices,” explained Gao.
Some of our veteran players definitely carried that [winning] mentality and it spurred the entire team to improve and work hard during practices
Jessica Gao, McMaster University women's ultimate frisbee team co-captain
The ultimate frisbee season typically consists of a few tournaments and lasts about a month. McMaster started their dominant season by winning the Steeltown Tournament on Sep. 26 for the first time since 2014. Finishing in the top spot also earned McMaster the only bid to the Division One Championships given out at this tournament.
The team went on to compete in the Canadian Easterns University Ultimate Championships on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 where they won against Toronto Metropolitan University in the quarter-final and McGill University in the semi-final before a narrow loss to the University of Toronto. Their finals game came down to a universe point--the last game-determining point after the clock runs out.
The tough loss gave the captains and their team a push heading into the Division One Canadian University Ultimate Championships. Especially as McMaster went on to face many of the same teams again on Oct. 16 and Oct.17.
“If we’ve played against a team before, we know what kind of defense they like to run and we think about how we want to beat that defense. And we know [who] their key players are – the players we have to focus on more and allocate some resources to shut them down,” explained Gao.
McMaster put on an impressive performance throughout the national championship in pool play and playoffs. The team finished with a strong nine-four victory over the University of Manitoba to win the championship.
Winning the championship, however, was not the focus of the season. Regardless of the circumstances, the McMaster Ultimate Club emphasizes controllable factors such as discipline, commitment and hard work every year.
“A huge part of how we approach each season is focusing on what we have influence over – team discipline, commitment, attitude. We’re very much a process-oriented team, not an end-goal-focused team,” explained Shajani.
A huge part of how we approach each season is focusing on what we have influence over – team discipline, commitment, attitude. We’re very much a process-oriented team, not an end-goal-focused team
Safeena Shajani, McMaster University women's ultimate frisbee team co-captain
Both captains also emphasized the team growth and individual development they’ve witnessed throughout this year. Winning the championship is a bittersweet ending with McMaster Ultimate for a couple of other veteran players, Gao and Shajani included.
“It’s a culmination of all your hard work over the season and over all the years playing Mac Ulti,” said Shajani.
With an experienced, high-caliber roster and a solid foundation, there’s lots more in store for the McMaster women’s ultimate team.
This behind-the-scenes group of McMaster athletes is addressing common concerns faced by student athletes
The Varsity Leadership Committee is a group of athletes from teams across McMaster University. The committee strives to advocate for McMaster teams, improve the student athlete experience and tackle some of the common challenges faced by student athletes.
This year, the committee is emphasizing equal exposure and support for all of McMaster’s sports teams.
Competitions for different university sports teams can be organized by U Sports, Ontario University Athletics or as club sports and competing in different governing bodies can mean entirely different experiences.
Christina Stratford is one of the co-presidents of this year’s Varsity Leadership Committee and a member of the McMaster women’s volleyball team. As a U Sports player, Stratford acknowledged the challenges faced by other OUA and club athletes.
“Last year, it kind of brought to light the different treatment and the different opportunities [outside of] U Sports teams. Our big goal is to help get that exposure and hopefully start to get the opportunities that U Sports athletes get for athletes on those OUA or club teams,” said Stratford.
Last year, it kind of brought to light the different treatment and the different opportunities [outside of] U Sports teams. Our big goal is to help get that exposure and hopefully start to get the opportunities that U Sports athletes get for athletes on those OUA or club teams.
Christina Stratford, co-president of the Varsity Leadership Committee and a member of the McMaster women’s volleyball team
In the past, the committee increased coverage by promoting all upcoming sport events on their social media. They also encouraged athletes to attend other McMaster games through contests or promotions.
The committee has plans to further bridge the gap between club, OUA and U Sports teams by encouraging interactions between athletes. Arianne Soriano, the other co-president of this year’s committee and a point guard on the McMaster women’s basketball team, is spearheading these plans to create new opportunities for athletes to meet and build relationships.
“Going into my first year, I had no idea that we had a sailing team. I didn’t know much about the lacrosse team [or] the field hockey team. Over my years, I was able to develop relationships with players on those teams and I think it’s what enhances the student-athlete experience even more,” said Soriano.
Mental health is another common concern of student athletes and the committee is also a strong advocate for intiatives aimed at improving athlete and student mental health.
“In general, a lot of times, as athletes we put a lot of stress on ourselves between school and performing well. [We focus on] that mental health piece,” said Stratford.
Previously, the committee organized multiple panels and workshops for athletes on Bell Let’s Talk Day, including one of which featured Canadian sports journalist and mental health advocate, Michael Landsberg.
In addition to their involvement in athlete mental health, the committee has also organized outreach events within the McMaster student population and local community to encourage folks to get involved with the athletics community. These events includes games dedicated to Bell Let’s Talk, a Pride Celebration game and toy drive for local organizations.
As part of building strng community realtions, the committee works closely with the McMaster Athletics Department and different coaches and members within the athletics community. As a student-run committee, they are able to offer a unique perspective on the student-athlete experience at McMaster.
“Speaking from my own experiences, there’s so many times where I just don’t feel like I can talk to someone. It’s such a different perspective being a student-athlete from what the department can see, and they don’t always know what to offer. I think it’s really important having a committee especially run by athletes, and the purpose [being] for athletes,” explained Soriano.
Overall, through their various initatives and outreach, the Varsity Leadership Committee strives to better support and meet the needs of fellow McMaster athletes.
It's back to normal for intramural sports at McMaster University this year
By Miguel Sibal, Sports Staff Writer
As the school year begins, McMaster University students can look forward to getting involved in a variety of intramural sports. This year the department of athletics and recreation will provide students with a wide assortment of intramurals, including indoor sports, outdoor sports and e-sports.
Peter McComie, intramural sports coordinator for McMaster’s athletics and recreations department, is expecting a full return to normality, barring any last-minute government announcements. Any occurring changes to health and safety restrictions set by the province will in turn be followed and enforced by the department.
“I know it comes pretty last minute and everybody does not agree . . . It’s catching us off-guard as well and whenever things have to change, we need to take our time to get things into place,” explained McComie.
Back in the fall semester of 2021, the department of athletics and recreation instituted a set of COVID-19 policies for McMaster intramurals following both provincial health guidelines and health and safety policies outlined by the university. Such procedures included the adherence to the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy and the limiting of intramural leagues to current McMaster students.
Presently, these mandates are paused for the upcoming term and should have no impact on intramurals for the fall.
“As we go along, if things do change, we will update as necessary,” explained McComie.
Per McComie, the department also plans to reintroduce previously offered sports which were unavailable in recent years, such as cricket and flag football, in the fall intramural lineup.
The department [of athletics and recreation] also plans to reintroduce previously offered sports which were unavailable in recent years, such as cricket and flag football, in the fall intramural lineup.
Registration will begin on Sept. 7, and will run until Sept. 14 for all outdoor sports, such as soccer and ultimate frisbee. Registration will begin on Sept. 18 for indoor sports, including water polo, floorball and volleyball.
Intramural sign-up is done through the IMLeagues website. On the site students can sign-up in pre-organized teams or register as free agents to make and receive requests to join teams still in need of members. Based on their interests, participants can select several different leagues and play styles for their intramurals.
Intramural sign-up is done through the IMLeagues website. On the site students can sign-up in pre-organized teams or register as free agents to make and receive requests to join teams still in need of members. Based on their interests, participants can select several different leagues and play styles for their intramurals.
The league options require a team to meet specific gender-based requirements when fulfilling their roster. Students can take part in a men’s league, a women’s league, an open league for students of all genders or a co-rec league with sport-specific gender-based roster requirements. It is however important to note that students will only be able to participate in one gendered league (either the men’s or women’s league) and one other league per sport they are involved with.
On top of these league options, students can play under a PlayFun or PlayCompetitive style. While both options allow for players of varying degrees of skill, PlayFun allows for a more casual dynamic of gameplay while PlayCompetitive play is typically a choice for more sport specific experienced athletics.
Continual updates through the year will be provided through the McMaster intramural website, as well as on their social media pages: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
C/O The Silhouette Archives
This is the year to tune into the variety of varsity sports McMaster offers
The 2020-2021 school year was a frustrating year, with no varsity or intramural sports happening on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2021-2022 season offered a full variety of sports opportunities and activities students could get involved in, there were still a handful of disruptions, including the January lockdown that prohibited OUA competitions from continuing as planned.
This upcoming season provides a sense of hope and continuity for sports enthusiasts and novices alike. There are many reasons to watch the sports the university has to offer and below are our top five reasons for why you should get involved this upcoming school year.
1. Everything is open!
As it stands in July 2022, all the facilities on campus will be open to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, students will not be required to sign up to access any on-campus facilities. Finally, the COVID-19 screening tool used in the 2021-2022 season, MacCheck, will no longer be required for students or student athletes wishing to get involved in any sports activities on campus.
2. More athletes involved in national teams
As the new season approaches, there are more opportunities for student athletes to be involved with junior and senior national team call ups. Although last season had its fair share of athletes being called up to the national teams, this season is promising comparable results.
Although we are still two months away from commencement, Canadian U-21 women’s volleyball team included Marauder Sullie Sundara for the team at the upcoming U21 Pan American Cup in Mexico. Meanwhile from the men’s team, Sam Cooper was named to the Canadian senior national team. Finally, from the wrestling team, Serena Di Bennedetto qualified for the Canadian junior national team.
3. More fixtures added to the teams’ schedule
While the teams were allowed to play last season due to the timing of the pandemic waves their fixtures were somewhat limited. For example, if a team typically had 15 fixtures in the regular season, they were cut down to 10.
From the schedules released thus far, there have been more matches added to the upcoming OUA season. For example, both the men’s’ and women’s’ soccer teams have seen an increase in their schedule from 10 games last season to 12 for this year's regular season.
4. Greater focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ in sports
Over the past season, the Athletics and Recreation Department at McMaster University has organized numerous events students and athletes alike could get involved in. Events like this are key for connecting with the wider McMaster community. Many events have been tailored towards supporting and recognizing particularly communities, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus.
An event that shed light on this community last season was the Pride Game taking place at McMaster men's and women’s basketball game against the Waterloo Warriors. The goal of the game was to highlight and increase the visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ student-athletes. Although not confirmed as of July 2022, the event among others to shed light on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are likely to held again.
5. More racial equality implementation
Over the past couple of years, McMaster has been grilled for consistently letting down their athletes. There were numerous allegations regarding the mistreatment of the athletes representing the school, including the prioritization of white athletes while not responding to Black students for varsity meetings.
This year McMaster put effort into combatting these allegations and has taken action. In late June 2022, the Athletics and Recreation Department hosted multiple peers at their inaugural anti-racism symposium. The goal of this event was to further the conversation within the OUA and OCAA about creating actual changes in athletics and recreation departments at the post-secondary level. Although this one event doesn't signify a complete change in the community’s stance towards racism, it certainly is a step in the right direction and shows a glimpse of hope for the future of McMaster athletes.
C/O Pixabay
Out of school and away from their teams, how do McMaster's athletes spend their time off?
In December, the Silhouette asked athletes how they spent their winter break. With a much longer summer break quickly approaching, it only seemed right to check back in with Marauders athletes as to how they’ll be spending their summer.
McMaster’s men’s rugby team played their last game of the season on Oct. 23, but that doesn’t mean their training has stopped. Matthew Bazinet, a member of the team, took the time to discuss the training that the team has undergone thus far and the training that its members will be taking on over the course of the summer.
Heading into the summer offseason, or as Bazinet called it, the “pre-season,” the team continues to hold high expectations of their players in preparation for the season to come. They are provided with training regimes prior to their departure which they must follow almost religiously, regardless of whether they’re able to stay at the school.
“During the pre-season we are [supposed] to go to the [high performance area] at McMaster. There are certain workouts that you have to complete two to three times a week . . . We focus on growth, so getting bigger and staying healthy and functional,” said Bazinet.
“During the pre-season we are [supposed] to go to the [high performance area] at McMaster. There are certain workouts that you have to complete two to three times a week . . . We focus on growth, so getting bigger and staying healthy and functional."
Matthew Bazinet, a member of the McMaster Men's Rugby Team
He really stressed the importance of building muscle for the team, mentioning the HPA several times as a critical component for pre-season training. During the summer months McMaster keeps the HPA open through extended hours in an effort to aid its athletes in finding the time in their schedule to keep improving. However, this is only a help to those who opt to remain in Hamilton during their time off.
“The HPA at McMaster, for people who stay in Hamilton, stays open, and they widen their times so that people who work different shifts are still able to come in and make their lift times. Then, for people that go home [outside of Hamilton], they have to have a sit down with the coaches to discuss where you’re going to be working out, how you’re going to be working out, if you can’t follow the HPA lifts [exactly], how are you going to substitute the exercises,” explained Bazinet.
The HPA is a go-to spot for athletes that has been mentioned by athletes countless times through the year, as one might expect given the elite atmosphere and training capabilities it enables. Using the HPA or trying to emulate that experience elsewhere for the athletes who don’t remain in Hamilton is just one part of the summer training experience.
As a team with a fairly short regular season, the rugby team realizes that there’s more to training than just muscle building. Although it is a key component and remains a massive focus for a majority of the summer, it’s also important to keep your game skills sharp.
As a team with a fairly short regular season, the rugby team realizes that there’s more to training than just muscle building. Although it is a key component and remains a massive focus for a majority of the summer, it’s also important to keep your game skills sharp.
“It’s really hard to progress as rugby players if you only play six to eight games in a season during the OUA. [Coach] uses the term ‘it’s absolutely vital to our success as a rugby team that everybody, whether they stay in Hamilton, or go home for the summer, that they are playing some form of rugby.’ Those are the requirements in order to uphold your role on the team — two lifts in the summer per week and playing rugby,” said Bazinet.
Over the course of the pre-season, the team typically has a general goal to work towards. For the upcoming pre-season, the goal is muscle building. Despite that, they still make sure to switch up their training programs through time to continue working towards a well-rounded result before getting back on the field.
“We do change our regimens usually about once every one to two months . . . We’re mainly focusing on hypertrophy or getting bigger. As we get closer to the season we start to add in more conditioning, we start to add in more functional movement. That’s because you’re now preparing your body for sport, not just getting bigger. That’s just to try and make sure less people get injured over the season,” explained Bazinet.
"As we get closer to the season we start to add in more conditioning, we start to add in more functional movement. That’s because you’re now preparing your body for sport, not just getting bigger. That’s just to try and make sure less people get injured over the season.”
Matthew Bazinet, a member of the McMaster Men's Rugby Team
In the later months of the summer nearer to the start of the season, the team eventually comes together for a training camp at McMaster. This high intensity camp is meant to get the team back together and working towards a common goal as a unit. Between fitness testing, gelling together and polishing your in-game skills, the team is using this time to ensure they hit the ground running once the season starts.
“Five days a week during those weeks we practice and get ready for the season . . . The training camp isn’t about brushing up your rugby skills. The training camp is about getting back together and working collectively as a team. That’s the goal of the whole training camp, take in new players, see who’s gonna fit in and build a squad before the season begins,” said Bazinet.
There is a long journey ahead before many of McMaster’s teams return to play and in that time the Marauders will be found continuing to train all summer long, whether it be in the HPA or in a gym closer to their hometown. There’s a reason why university athletes are so talented and dedicated — even during their time off, the high intensity never stops.
