Page 37 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 126

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #126 July 2023 37

Continued from page 35
Bill Rogers, (4-time Boston, 4-time Wildcats Flag Football Wraps Up
NYC marathon winner), Katherine
Switzer (first woman to officially run for the Season
the Boston Marathon), and Roger
Robinson, (New Zealand author By Molly Kett dedication of these young athletes. flag as opposed to tackling someone.
and marathon runner). All three There was a huge improvement at
The event focused on fostering a
have visited Wendell and Sheila in every level. The kids just got so much
une 25 marked a memorable day sense of camaraderie and providing
Williamstown and have been there better at each individual skill.”
Jfor Wildcats flag football at the an opportunity for young players to
for the Great Raisin River Footrace. A highly anticipated championship develop their skills and improve their As the flag football season comes
highlight of the GRRFR for a number games that took place at Joe St Denis game. This season of flag football saw to a close, attention now turns to
of years was the presence of Ed Field. This year’s tournament, which significant growth and improvement the upcoming tackle season. The
Whitlock, the renowned world record celebrated the second spring season in various aspects, especially in terms National Capital Amateur Football
holder in the marathon and other of flag football since the COVID-19 of football IQ and fundamental skills. Association (NCAFA) is gearing
distances in different age categories pandemic, saw an impressive up for another exciting year, with
who, sadly, has passed away. turnout, with approximately 185 “There was a huge change, a huge tryouts scheduled to begin on July 16.
Sheila and Wendell have been young players participating. Teams improvement in terms of learning Players of all ages, from U 10 to U
football, learning to run, to catch
putting back into the sport over the from Brockville and Alexandria also 16, are encouraged to participate and
the ball, run with the ball, pull flags,
years. They were long-time co- joined in, bringing the total number play defense. That was probably the showcase their talents.
directors of two local races, the of athletes to 250 to 260.
biggest level of satisfaction, seeing Prospective players interested in
Chilly Willy, and the Great Raisin
The championship day featured improvement in the kids,” said Kirby joining the tackle season can find
River Footrace.
the top four teams from each level, Camplin, President of the Cornwall more information on their website.
With his running history, it’s no including U10, U12, U14, and U16. Wildcats. “A lot of kids wouldn’t The organization is constantly
surprise that Wendell has received
The semifinals and finals of all four have played a sport that required seeking new talent and welcomes
the Cornwall Multisport Club Runner
divisions were fiercely contested, them to catch a ball on the move or individuals who are passionate about
of the Year award multiple times,
showcasing the remarkable talent and attack a player with a ball and pull a the sport.
and in 2015 won the Cornwall Lions
Club Runner of the Year award. In
his marathon journey he has won a
number of age category awards for
the 5K, half marathon, and marathon
distances.
Marathon running may be viewed
as an individual sport, but the running
community is large and quite closely
knit. Wendell would like to thank
the members of the Raisin River
Ramblers, Cornwall Multisport Club,
the running community at large, and
the host of others who have supported
his running over the years. The last
and most important would be Sheila,
who has a very impressive running
resume herself, with Wendell saying
that “She has been there every step of
the way, in so many ways.”
In August 2013 Wendell was very
honoured to be inducted into the
Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame. Will
Wendell Lafave be slowing down
anytime soon? Hardly! He is already
registered for three more marathons.
Photos Submitted
The adventure continues.