Page 4 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 74

4 Issue #74 January 2019 www.sportsenergynews.com

Crossing the Border to Swim with the Sea Lions

By Victoria Klassen Wahanatisha Jacobs, and Rex
Benedict. Rex, 8, has been with the
he Cornwall Sea Lions Swim
TClub is in a unique position team for three years. He is known
for putting energy and commitment
to attract athletes from across the
border in the U.S. into every practice.
“He is a fantastic teammate,
“We have had a long tradition
kind, supportive, and friendly
of swimmers coming across
the border,” explained Sheilagh with the other young swimmers
McNeil, Sea Lions head coach. in his group,” said McNeil. “He
is always happy to share aspects
“Most recently with Keely
Thompson, a former Sea Lion who of his culture with his teammates,
who get to learn about Mohawk
has moved on to varsity swimming
at her high school in New York culture from one of their peers.”
State.” Atat’shataha is in his second
year with the Sea Lions.
Keely swam with the Sea
Lions for two years as she trained “When he tried out for the Photo credit: chaddycreates
to compete in the Canadian team, he had never had formal
Indigenous Games. McNeil swimming training of any kind— year, and is showing himself to be three or four times a week for
explained that the pool at Keely’s but had grown up swimming in the remarkably like his older brother. practices. McNeil said the border

high school was a yard pool, and river. He blew me away! He was He is learning incredibly quickly does present an extra challenge to
for many competitions the pools fast and natural in the water, and and has the same head-down, no these swimmers since they often
are metres. Training at the Sea soaked up coaching so quickly that complaint drive to accomplish have to wait in long lineups to get
Lions’ metre pool helped Keely after a month no one would know something new, and often difficult, to practice.
prepare for the competition. he had never been in lessons,” in the pool.” “Having these swimmers as
McNeil expressed.
Currently there are three cross- These three athletes are part of part of our club is enriching and a
border athletes with the Sea Lions: “Atat’shataha’s younger brother, the Sea Lions’ junior program, large part of what makes our team
brothers Atat’shataha Jacobs and Wahanatisha, joined the team this meaning they travel to Cornwall unique and fantastic!”

Brought to you by Cakes & More... Highlanders Home
Hustler of the Month for the Holidays

London Lazore the Christmas break. To recognize
By Staff Writer
School: Salmon River Elementary the girls, we had them take part
Grade: 5 Age: 10 in a ceremonial puck drop before
Home town: Akwesasne ome of our Highlanders Alumni the game where the Glengarry
January’s Hustler of the month, London Swere home for the holidays and Highlanders Midget A team was
Lazore, was nominated by her Cornwall they attended their former Midget taking on the Rideau St Lawrence
Atom B Typhoons coach Michelle Guay: A team’s final home game before Thunder.
“This young lady always amazes me with
her determination and will to win. She
never gives up.”
“London does not only excel at the sport
of hockey, but she was also selected to play for an elite lacrosse team called the
Akwesasne Ride. She had to miss several games with us to be able to compete
with them and upon her return it was as if she never left,” says Coach Guay.
According to her coach, London always gives 110% in every practice and game,
and she won Player of the Game honours in a tournament in Peterborough
tournament recently. Coach Guay is also impressed with London’s positive
attitude and great smile. “She makes me proud to coach such an amazing young
lady,” she says.

Cakes & MORE ...Simply Delicious!
• Custom Cakes
• Fresh Baked Goods
• Sandwich & Dessert Platters
• Don’t forget our lunches to go!
EASTCOURT MALL
2nd Street, Cornwall • 613-936-6069 L to R – Brittany Hum, Rebecca Holiday, Sarah Dulmage, and Emma
VanderBurg. Highlanders’ captain Kaitlyn Lefebvre and Thunder’s
Bridget Craig. Perry Ruffo Photo