After contributing to the Marauder women's volleyball team and featuring in a tense nationals game, first year Lucie Shaver shares her perspective and excitement for whats to come
Among the success and growth of McMaster women’s volleyball this season, first year Lucie Shaver has had the unique task of transitioning from high-school to Ontario University Athletics volleyball. With this, she’s been in many exciting positions throughout the season, including a tense U Sports quarterfinals match.
For Shaver, the transition to OUA athletics has been one filled with learning. She noted the increased speed and power of play that happens in university volleyball.
“The biggest thing I notice is that the game is very much faster. It's much faster. Everybody hits the ball harder, everybody moves faster and the moves are a lot more crisp and more precise. One thing I found in high school was like there's often like two or three good players on the team that have to carry a lot of weight but that is not really the case here,” said Shaver.
Despite the high level of play, Shaver have risen to the occasion this season. The team ended the OUA season by winning the Quigley Cup against Brock University. Shaver has attributed part of the team's success this season to head coach Nathan Janzen.
“Nate's also very like a statistical coach. He's big into stats, so he looks at patterns of the other team and he'll even map out where the other team's hitters hit most and like he'll do like serving charts. So you see like, oh they serve from this angle to this side of the court . . . you can see if they mix up the depth of their serves as well or if they're all serving all long or all super short,” said Shaver.
The team’s achievements this year brought the Marauders to the U Sport’s nationals
In this game, the Marauders lost their first set against the Carbins but impressively won sets two and three. In the game’s fourth set, it seemed as though Janzen wanted to change things up, as the team was struggling to put points up. This is when Shaver entered the match.
As such a young player in a team full of veterans like Sullie Sundara and Emma McKinnon, Shaver is not always put on the court. But, Janzen still had trust in Shaver's abilities and this trust was on full display when he subbed her into such a close match on the national stage. Shaver describes how this moment felt and how it influenced the rest of the tournament for her.
“Yeah, well, there have been a few times throughout the season where Nate's kind of put me in a few high pressure moments and so like going in I was definitely nervous, really nervous. But I kind of knew I could do it, just had to put some serves in. Then when I got subbed in for the rest of the tournament, I was kind of like, okay, I've got a sense of it and I was having a lot more fun,” said Shaver.
The Marauders managed to score a few more points with Shaver in the fourth set, but ultimately lost the it. They then lost the crucial fifth set against the Carabins, losing the game.
This loss put the Marauders into the consolation bracket of the tournament with the chance to finish in fifth place if the team won two consolation games.
“It was definitely upsetting, but I think the biggest takeaway is that we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament,” said Shaver.
. . . we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
The team did just that; they defeated both Memorial University in the first match and Saint Mary’s University in the second consolation match, earning the Marauders a fifth-place finish. Shaver was able to play in these matches and highlighted how she felt during the games.
“On the times that I did go into the court for the other two games, I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing. It just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing,” said Shaver.
I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing and then yeah, it just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing.
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
As the year has wrapped up, Shaver’s first season has turned out to be one she is happy with. Volleyball fans and the sports community at McMaster will look to see what lies ahead for her and the rest of her teammates in their next season.
In a rematch of last year's OUA championship final, the women's volleyball team emerge as OUA champions in final match against the Brock Badgers
In the first season under the reins of new head coach Nathan Janzen, the Marauders women’s volleyball team had a season filled with ups and downs. They ended the 2024 calendar year on a four-game losing streak.
Janzen weighed in on some of the reasons the team went on that losing streak before the turn of the new year.
“In that first game against Western, one of our best players, Sullie [Sundara], got hurt so she didn’t play in those four games leading up to Christmas. It forced us to adapt and it took a bit of time for sure,” Janzen said.
Janzen also spoke about a special training endeavour the team embarked on during the winter break—the first of its kind since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over New Year’s we did a training camp in Florida where we practised on the beach all day. We did a bunch of team building and talked a lot about who we are, what we wanted to be and what our goals were. The girls also did a bunch of team-building activities,” said Janzen.
“It was a really phenomenal trip. I think coming out of that trip we were way better prepared both technically and tactically as a team, but also in terms of our culture, we were ready to put a run together,” said Janzen.
It was a really phenomenal trip . . . in terms of our culture, we were ready to put a run together.”
Nathan Janzen, Head Coach
McMaster Women’s Volleyball
Following the training retreat, the Marauders went on an 8–2 run to end the regular season before the commencement of the Ontario University Athletics championships.
Janzen touched on some of the preparations the team undertook before the OUA playoffs.
“We didn’t do much different compared to the regular season, but the team was definitely more nervous,” said Janzen.
However, this team apparently thrives under pressure.
“This bunch of girls are high competitors. These are the high-pressure moments they are looking for. They love these moments,” said Janzen.
These are the high-pressure moments they are looking for. They love these moments.
Nathan Janzen
Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Volleyball
To start their OUA championship run, the Marauders secured a narrow win against the Waterloo Warriors on Feb. 21, before sweeping the Toronto Varsity Blues on Feb. 28 in a dominant win at home.
They then faced the Brock Badgers on Mar. 7—familiar foes. The Badgers had won the past three OUA championships and were looking to win their fourth in a row. The Marauders lost to Brock in last year’s OUA final but defeated them at U Sports in a consolation semifinal.
“. . . going into the final this year, our athletes were driven and excited to get the chance to go again. There was definitely that hunger within the team,” said Janzen.
This year at the OUA championships, the Marauders didn't just beat the Badgers—they swept them 3–0.
“We never expect to sweep anybody. We’re always expecting the game to be a two-and-a-half-hour battle going straight down to the wire. Even when we were up 24–17, there was definitely an urgency among us that the game was not done yet,” said Janzen.
Janzen also discussed some of the tactics that worked well this time against the Badgers.
“We served and blocked really well, and it was really important for us to defend strongly since we’re a good block-defence team,” said Janzen.
Following their OUA win, Janzen hoped the team could take home a medal from the U Sports championship over the weekend of Mar. 15.
“A medal would be nice. It would be the best result this program would’ve ever had, so if we can compete for a medal, we will be thrilled,” said Janzen.
For this year's U Sports competition, the Marauders travelled to Winnipeg and lost to eventual silver medalists, the Montréal Carabins, on Mar. 14. Despite not medaling, they bounced back on Mar. 17, coming out victorious in a close match against Saint Mary’s University to secure a program-best fifth-place finish at U Sports.
As the McMaster wrestling team kicks off the winter end of the 2024-2025 season, they head to St. Catharines for the Brock Open
The 2024 portion of the competitive season was exciting and productive for the Marauders wrestling team, having competed in four competitions in total. The 2025 portion of this year's season includes three competitions. The first took place in St. Catharines on Jan. 11, 2025, ahead of the coveted Ontario University Athletics championships, which will take place from Feb. 7 to 9, 2025.
The remainder of the team’s season includes three competitions, beginning in St. Catharines on Jan. 11, ahead of the coveted Ontario University championships, which will take place from Feb. 7 to 9, 2025.
The Marauder’s first competition of the season was the McMaster Open on Nov. 3, 2024. The women’s team was able to capture first place overall, while the men’s team finished fourth, securing a first place finish.
With a solid start to their season, the Marauders went on to compete in the Toronto Metropolitan University Open on Nov. 2, 2024. This competition saw both teams finish just one place lower than before, with the women’s team finishing second and the men’s team finishing fifth for an overall fifth place finish.
The Marauders then competed in the York Open on Nov. 16, 2024, where they landed an overall eighth place finish. Finally, the Marauders took on the University of Toronto Open on Nov. 30 to end the year. They finished third overall in the meet.
To begin the new year, the McMaster team competed in the Brock Open on Jan. 11. They finished second overall with 59 total points. Third year wrestler, Senuki Dasanayaka claimed McMaster's athlete of the week after a standout showing at the open, picking up 10 team points for the Marauders.
For the remaining meets, the Marauders wrestling team is packed with veteran wrestlers, including former USport Wrestler of the Year Serena Di Benedetto on the women’s side. The men’s team includes former USport Male Most Outstanding Wrestler, Gregory McNeil.
The Marauder team is packed with veteran wrestlers, including former USport Wrestler of the Year Serena Di Benedetto on the women’s side. The men’s team includes former USport Male Most Outstanding Wrestler, Gregory McNeil.
With veteran leaders on both the women’s and men’s side, the upcoming Brock Open will be a chance to begin this campaign on a high note, and find a maintainable level for their coming competitions.
McMaster rowing heads to nationals after earning medals at OUA championships
For current fifth year student Sarah Cushnie, the rowing team is not where her McMaster athletic career began. Cushnie began as a cross country athlete, but two seasons ago she made the transition to the rowing team, and has since become the captain of the women's team.
“The transition was actually pretty smooth. So the reason I initially switched is because I was having a lot of injuries as a runner. So one of my forms of cross training was to get on the rowing machine on the erg. I really loved it and I also excelled at it,” said Cushnie.
As captain, her focus has been on making the entire rowing program a more cohesive one and bridging the gaps between the novice, junior varsity and varsity teams within the program.
A more cohesive environment seems to have helped the team excel this season. From the novice level to the varsity level, the rowing team achieved great results throughout the regular season, building momentum ahead of the Ontario University Athletics championships.
This year’s OUA championships were hosted in St. Catharines on Oct. 24. And Oct. 25. The competition saw the Marauders women's team capture multiple medals. Sarah Oresnik and Brooke McCoy earned a bronze medal in the lightweight women's pair event. Cushnie and Nathalie Hilbert won a silver medal in the open women's double event.
These impressive results set the Marauders up for a great push at this year’s Canadian University Rowing Championships on Nov 2. and Nov 3. in Victoria, BC. While the event may be a source of pressure, Cushnie sees it as a way to celebrate.
“Nationals is more just a celebration and it's normally like a bonus, but it's about kind of admiring the hard work and using that to appreciate the fun and the joy of the sport in a competitive environment,” said Cushnie.
Nationals is more just a celebration and it's normally like a bonus, but it's about kind of admiring the hard work and, and using that to appreciate the fun and the joy of the sport in a competitive environment
Sarah Cushnie, Women's Team Captain
McMaster Rowing Team.
The exciting weekend at nationals was also a busy one for the team. But despite the busyness of the weekend and the travel, the women's rowing team continued with their mindset of viewing being at nationals as a bonus. Cushnie recalled the gratitude she felt being able to spend her time with her soon-to-be-graduating teammates.
"I was sharing a hotel room with Kate [Panzica] and Natalie [Hilbert] because it was just like the open-weight women in one room and both of them are graduating this year. So for me it was really nice to have that opportunity to really connect with them on a formal trip one last time before they leave," said Cushnie.
As Cushnie took to the first race of the weekend with her partner, she did not fell much external pressure on herself, being already happy with the results of the season. Though with this being Cushnie and Hilbert’s final race weekend, a sense of optimism filled Cushnie.
“It was just like me and Natalie knew that we were fit. We knew that we rowed well together and that we looked at it like it was our last chance to compete because she’s leaving [Hilbert]. But we also kind of treated it more as like we're doing this for us, not for anyone else,” said Cushnie
It was just like me and Natalie knew that we were fit. We knew that we rowed well together and that we looked at it like it was our last chance to compete because she’s leaving [Hilbert]. But we also kind of treated it more as like we're doing this for us, not for anyone else.
Sarah Cushnie, Women's Team Captain
McMaster Rowing Team.
After this race, the 2024 season came to an end for Cushnie and the rest of the rowing team. But the growth of the rowing team is something Cushnie is determined to continue through the off season. She’s aiming to build an eight person boat team to race in competitions.
After a successful season, the growth of the women’s rowing team will be one to keep an eye on. Cushnie’s work will hopefully bring the team to the next level come next season, continuing the team's pattern of success this year.
After moving from British Columbia to Ontario, first year Marauder swimmer Ashley Ko secures high placings for her team
For first-year student Ashley Ko, her transition to university life has included a long distance move from British Columbia to Hamilton. Along with the pressures of adjusting to university life, she also has had to adjust to being a student-athlete.
She is a part of the McMaster swim team and specializes in mid-distance swimming. Despite the move and the adjustments that come with it, Ko has found the transition to university to be easier than expected.
“I'd say the transition was pretty smooth. I mean, obviously, you get kind of into the groove of it during welcome week. I kind of got a glimpse after the first week. Obviously, I find that it's a lot less stressful because I feel like I have so much more time to myself. I also have a bunch of time to study and just like me time in general, it's a lot more flexible than high school,” said Ko.
I'd say the transition was pretty smooth. I mean, obviously, you get kind of into the groove of it during welcome week, I kind of got a glimpse after the first week. Obviously, I find that it's a lot less stressful because I feel like I have so much more time to myself. And I also have a bunch of time to study and me time in general . . . it's a lot more flexible than high school.
Ashley Ko, first-year swimmer
McMaster women's swimming team
An contributor to this ease of transition has been the McMaster swim team’s emphasis on team performance and less of a focus on individual performance. There is also an emphasis on balancing school and sport, which Ko recognizes that head coach Grey Fairley cares greatly about.
“I think that's why swimming here is so nice because they value your health and schedule, they know you want to do good in school. So in essence, it's also flexible in that way as well,” said Ko.
Ko’s smooth transition to university swimming can be seen already in her opening results of the season. In her first meet, Ko was able to finish first in the 200-metre freestyle and the 100-metre backstroke.
In the team’s second meet of the year on Sept. 28 at Niagara University, Ko was able to keep up this momentum. She finished first in the 100-yard backstroke, the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley.
With five first place finishes already this season, Ko has high aspirations for both herself and the team. She sees each meet with the Marauders as a chance to pick up points and chance to check in on her improvements as she has aspirations to compete beyond the university level.
“Well, honestly, my end goal is actually beyond university. It's to trial at national trials. And that's where I want to be my best. But that is after U Sports, and I think getting some of my goal times at U Sports would be good for us and ultimately I want to score points for McMaster. I think I just want to show that McMaster is a good team and I think that's one of the goals. Winning individually and as a team,” said Ko.
Well, honestly, my end goal is actually beyond university. It's to trial at national trials. And that's where I want to be my best. But that is after U Sports. And I think getting some of my goal times at U Sports would be good for us and ultimately I want to score points for McMaster. I think I just want to show that McMaster is a good team and I think that's one of the goals. Winning individually and as a team.
Ashley Ko, first year swimmer
McMaster women's swimming team
The Marauders swim team will continue their season at the Brock invitational on Oct. 20. Ko hopes to continue with her high form as the season progresses, for both the Marauder's as a team and her future swimming career.
Despite a big win at the team's home opener, Marauders women's rugby team was dealt a defeat by Brock University
After a season home opener win against Trent University on Aug. 31, the Marauders women's rugby team faced Brock University away from home. The team’s win against Trent showed the Marauder’s offensive abilities, and highlighted some of the team’s top players.
Fifth year Taylor Wood earned McMaster’s athlete of the week accolade for her performance against Trent University after scoring four tries for the team in the 57 to zero win. Fourth year Osa Olaye also put meaningful points on the board for the Marauders, as she scored four tries. She opened the scoring for the Marauders team against Trent.
After these standout performances, the Marauders traveled to St. Catharines on Sep. 7 to face Brock University.
After these standout performances, the Marauders traveled to St. Catharines on Sept. 7 to face Brock University.
Going into this game, the Marauders would have the upper hand in terms of USport’s power rankings. The Marauders were ranked in ninth place coming into the game against the Badgers. Meanwhile, the Badgers sat in 15th place, after losing their season opener to Queen’s University which was ranked number two.
Despite these rankings, the Badgers were able to win against the Marauders. The final score was five to 43 with the sole point by the Marauder's being scored by third-year Brianna Williams.
Despite these rankings, the Badgers were able to win against the Marauders. The final score was five to 43 with the sole point by the Marauder's being scored by third-year Brianna Williams.
This game contributed to the Marauders and Badgers having a change of place in the USport’s power rankings. The Marauders currently sit at 15th place, while the Badgers jumped to eighth place.
Stay tuned as the Marauders will face Wilfrid Laurier University on Sep. 14.
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.
The team has moved to a perfect record of 17 wins as they look to close out the final three games of their season on the road
The countdown is on; after a perfect 12-win record in 2021-2022, the men’s volleyball team continue their efforts to repeat their perfect results this year. Before finishing the season, they will face off against the York University Lions on Feb. 11, the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold on Feb. 17, and the Toronto University Varsity Blues on Feb. 19. The Varsity Blues present the biggest challenge as a provincial championship rematch from last season, despite the Marauders having already taken them down earlier this year.
The last few games played really show what the team is capable of as they increased their record to 17 consecutive wins. In January they faced off against the Waterloo University Warriors and the Lions, who rank second and third in the Ontario University Athletics standings respectively. They swept the Warriors three wins to none and disposed of the Lions three wins to one.
Another extremely impressive showing came against the Royal Military College Paladins. The Paladins rank last in the standings, having yet to win a game this season. However, it was the final line score that really impressed. McMaster University would win their sets by final scores of 25 to 16, 25 to eight and 25 to six, executing a blowout through and through in their final home games of the year.
Despite the season long success, the possibility of the perfect record is still in question following star Sam Cooper suffering a foot fracture, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. Last season Cooper was named an OUA all-star, made the U Sports second team all-Canadian, and was named to the Canadian senior national team. He is a major loss, but is eying a playoff return.
Despite the season long success, the possibility of the perfect record is still in question following star Sam Cooper suffering a foot fracture, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.
Thus far the team hasn’t shown any signs of weakness without him in their recent matches, showing the strength of the team depth. Their ambitions remain high as stars like Mateusz Wlodarski and Maxime Gratton continue to shoulder the load, and breakouts like Brendan Mills have stepped up when needed.
“Our guys are really working hard, they know what’s at stake. . . They’ve got a great opportunity in front of them, and thus far they’re really doing a great job of taking advantage of that,” said Dave Preston, the team’s head coach.
Preston had an especially emotional couple of games in their final home stretch, as he will be retiring following the end of this season. In Preston’s time at McMaster, the Marauders would see 10 provincial championship victories, the first having come in the 2007-2008 season. Prior to the game against the Paladins on Feb. 3, McMaster held a pre-game ceremony to honor the reigning OUA coach of the year.
“It tugged at my heart strings pretty good. . . [my family is] woven into that fabric of the team, so it was pretty cool. I didn’t realize until midway through the tribute that it was my daughters that were doing the voice over work. It’s been 21 years here, my family has grown up here, we’ve bled maroon for a long time, so it meant a lot to us,” explained Preston.
"It’s been 21 years here, my family has grown up here, we’ve bled maroon for a long time, so it meant a lot to us.”
Dave Preston, Men's Volleyball Coach
Preston has long had the respect of his athletes and as much as he tried to keep his cool through his final home games ever to let the players focus on the game, the team knew what the game meant and what they were playing for.
“When I saw Dave’s family come down to greet him after [the ceremony] it honestly made me throw a tear, really fired me up. . . It feels really good to have such a convincing win and doing what we said we were going to do at home, especially for a moment like that,” said Wlodarski.
Despite the special circumstances between the ceremony for Preston, as well as seniors night on day two of the back-to-back to honor the graduates of the team — Wlodarski, Wojciech Kraj and Jason Wildeboer — the Marauders still kept their professional tone of taking the game in stride and looking at the bigger picture rather than celebrating the smaller victories along the way, taking on the “mamba mentality” perspective.
“We don’t really think of the set score as a gauge of how we’re doing, it’s more so a reflection of the preparation and the work we’re putting in. . . Team goals are to secure as much home court as possible for the playoffs,” said Wlodarski.
With the U Sports national championship taking place at McMaster this March, there is an opportunity for a picture-perfect ending for Preston’s time at the school. Between the newfound motivation for the team, the possibility of a perfect regular season record, the home court advantage all the way through nationals and the potential return of Sam Cooper just in time for the playoffs, the Marauders have all the momentum they can possibly ask for.
When it comes to questioning the goals and ambitions for the Marauders this season, nobody puts it as well as the head coach.
“I think that answer is pretty clear,” said Preston.
“I think that answer is pretty clear.”
Dave Preston, Men's Volleyball Coach
McMaster sports teams and the Mac Athletes Care organization come together to raise money and awareness for breast cancer
Raising money for breast cancer is an annual tradition for McMaster University sports teams. After fundraising online for the past two years, McMaster’s Think Pink Week returned in-person this year from Jan. 16 to Jan. 21., making it even more remarkable with the diversity of teams involved.
At McMaster, sports teams can be organized at the U-Sports, Ontario University Athletics or club level. Competing within different governing bodies can mean different amounts of social media exposure and inclusion.
This Think Pink Week kicked off with several vibrant Instagram posts from McMaster sports teams at every level — from women’s basketball, track and field, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s rugby, to sailing, rowing, cheerleading, field hockey, figure skating and nordic ski.
The photoshoots were spearheaded by student leaders from the Mac Athletes Care organization. Think Pink Coordinator and women’s volleyball player, Christina Stratford, highlighted the importance of including so many Marauder teams.
“A lot of people have brought up how OUA and club teams don’t necessarily get as much representation [as U Sports teams], so [when organizing] the photoshoot, we sent it out to all the Instagrams and as many teams as possible,” explained Stratford.
The united social media presence from these teams resulted in over 1,000 Instagram likes. More importantly, this gesture opened the door for these players to get involved in fundraising booths throughout the week. The president of Mac Athletes Care and a women’s basketball player, Mia Spadafora, spoke with the Silhouette about creating opportunities for every athlete to get involved.
“People forget that men can also have breast cancer and get breast cancer. . . It’s important to have the men’s teams involved to show support but also to give them an opportunity to share their story if someone in their life or a loved one is suffering from this as well,” said Spadafora.
“People forget that men can also have breast cancer and get breast cancer. . . It’s important to have the men’s teams involved to show support but also to give them an opportunity to share their story if someone in their life or a loved one is suffering from this as well.”
Mia Spadafora, Women's Basketball Team
Think Pink Week also featured two volleyball games on Jan. 18 and concluded with two basketball games on Jan. 21. A fundraising booth was available at every event, selling baked goods, t-shirts, pink ribbons and raffle tickets in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
During the final men’s basketball game, five student athletes cut and donated their hair during half time. The half-time show also featured an exciting performance from the Mac Dance Competitive Team.
“We figured it would be cool to have something going along with the haircutting, so having the dance team come out was a really unique experience and something that we’ll definitely continue – whether it’s dance, or cheerleading or some other club – to include in those events because again, I think it brought out more engagement,” explained Stratford.
“We figured it would be cool to have something going along with the haircutting, so having the dance team come out was a really unique experience and something that we’ll definitely continue – whether it’s dance, or cheerleading or some other club – to include in those events because again, I think it brought out more engagement.”
Christina Stratford, Women's Volleyball Team
Although Think Pink Week has come to an end, the student athlete community continues to seek out leadership opportunities relating to health and advocacy.
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.
