Page 43 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 90

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #90 July 2020 43

From The President: Swimming with the Sea Lions:

Wildcats Football Update Jack Allen Graduates

By Kirby Camplin By Victoria Klassen future,” said McNeil.

ildcats Football is on hold during the pandemic, like all other sports. But there is This year Jack graduated from Char
Wcertainly no shortage of activity at Joe St Denis Field, home of Cornwall Wildcats ack Allen began swimming with Lan District High School. In the fall,
Football Club. This is the first time in recent history that our seasons are cancelled; however Jthe Cornwall Sea Lions Swim he will be studying computer science
this pause has given our club the opportunity to catch up on some much needed tasks. Club eight years ago, making him at Queen’s University, although to
Our Spring House League (200 athletes) and our OFC varsity squad (50 athletes) both one of the most senior athletes in the
had their seasons cancelled with Covid-19. There are another 60-70 coaches and volunteers. club. begin, his courses will be taught
Football Canada has steadily increased the number of certifications that our coaches online.
must take. These courses are now offered online, and many of our coaches have taken “Jack’s importance to the team At the Sea Lions, Jack will always
the opportunity to complete them. Our club can now boast that 95% of its coaches are is so much more than the years he
completely certified by Football Canada. This is certainly a number to be proud of - the has committed to it. Firstly, Jack is be remembered for being a great
safety of our athletes is our #1 priority. friend and supporter, always coming
Our clubhouses are also busy places, with much of our equipment getting additional a supportive teammate. He sets an to practice with a new joke or riddle,
attention that this time permits. Game jerseys and football pants are being checked over example of dedication and hard work never complaining that something
and sewn. Helmets and shoulder pads are being washed, sanitized, and put away. We’ve and inspires others to do the same,” was too difficult, being a dedicated
been reorganizing how our gear is stored and cared for. With just over 300 helmets in our said Sheilagh McNeil, head coach of
inventory, our club has made a substantial investment in the safety of our athletes. A youth the Sea Lions. and inquisitive student of the sport,
helmet is worth $350 and an adult helmet $425. and always being the first person to
The Wildcats take tremendous pride in the condition of our natural grass field. Joe St Two events Jack excels in are help clean up the pool after practice.
Denis Field is over-seeded, fertilized, and aerated regularly, giving us the top grass field in freestyle and backstroke, especially
Eastern Ontario. The City of Cornwall recently upgraded our sprinkler system to a Cadman “Swimming with the Sea Lions
1500, which allows us to water our field in less time, with more water. if the focus is on distance. He is has been a part of my life for a long
Our electronic scoreboard also received some much needed maintenance, with new known for being able to continue time. Throughout, it’s been a good
parts arriving just as the pandemic shut down plants in the United States. With a new swimming without ever appearing way to both socialize and keep
motherboard and batteries installed, the scoreboard should be good for another 10 years. to get tired. Outside of the pool, Jack
We are hopeful for a 2020 Fall season. With Football Canada recently releasing their has also completed several triathlons healthy. It’s a shame that it’s over,
“Return-to-Play” guidelines there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Wildcats especially with my last year being
Football is optimistic, and we are preparing for a season. As restrictions are lifted, our and running races. cut short, but I have had a fun time
favourite football team will surely be on the field soon! Keep watching our website and “I am privileged to have been regardless,” said Jack Allen. “Thank
social media pages for updates! Jack’s coach for seven years. We will you to everyone I’ve swum with, and
Go Wildcats Go!
miss him, but I have no doubt he will to all my coaches. You’ve made my
bring the same spirit and dedication time with the Sea Lions unforgettable,
to everything he sets out to do in the and I am forever grateful.”

Editorial: Mike Piquette, mike@sportsenergynews.com
Editor: Carrie Seguin
Graphic Design: Lynn Dillabough, dillydesigns@eastlink.ca
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mike@sportsenergynews.com or 613-662-3654
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Sales: Peter Padbury, 613-662-5370 • 613-930-9399
peter@sportsenergynews.com
Sales: Robert Martin, 514-779-9439
robertm@live.ca

Sports Energy is a monthly publication covering the Greater
Cornwall Area. Our goal is to offer a quality, informative and
enjoyable newspaper and website to our readership, focusing
on the accomplishments of the many gifted athletes and sports
organizations in our area. The opinions and statements of our
writers and columnists are not necessarily the opinion of Sports
Energy.
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Visit us on the web at: www.sportsenergynews.com Photo caption: Sea Lions swimmer, Jack Allen, at a home competition.
Photo by ChaddyCreates