BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
The Sudbury District Secondary School's
Athletic Association (SDSSAA) is playing the numbers game, and
winning.
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Girls basketball is just one of
many sports in the Sudbury high school loop guaranteed
to give fans plenty of excitement. |
The 2005-06 high school scene is virtually
exploding across the city and the athletes are ready to
shine.
Dave Makela, SDSSAA Athletic Administrator,
is proud of the scope and health of the local high school
sports scene.
"In terms of numbers, we are strong," said
Makela. "Since 1994, the total high school enrolment in all
four school boards has decreased, but the numbers participating
in sports hasn't really decreased. It's a great
achievement."
Many sports are enjoying record numbers of
participants, including boys' hockey and football.
"Our league is seeing great numbers and
interest," said Paul Schutt, football convener. "Sudbury has
seen a resurgence in football. We have more teams than ever
before, better crowds and great community support. The chance
for players to go onto bigger and better things has never been
better."
Track and field, in particular, has really
taken off.
"Track and field...sets the bar," said
Makela. "In 1994, there were 720 kids participating in track.
Last year, there were 730 kids involved. It shows real
stability and how important high school sports really
is."
Makela sees a wide range of reasons for young
athletes keeping the high school scene fully stacked with
quality action.
"Schools have become more adept at promoting
programs," said Makela. "There's also a greater awareness of
fitness and the benefits by kids. A
few years ago, there was a major concern that
retiring staff wouldn't be replaced. That has changed. We are
seeing a lot of new faces stepping into extra activities,
attending meetings and bringing fresh ideas."
Sudbury serves up an extraordinary amount of
choice for young athletes.
"In Northern Ontario, nobody else offers the
variety of sports that Sudbury does," said Makela. "Sudbury is
the place to be for high school sports in
the north."
Even with decreased numbers, and athletic
participation holding strong, there hasn't been a drop off in
quality athletic achievements.
"I have heard people are critical about the
quality," said Makela. "This past year, Sudbury won six
provincial gold medals in six different sports. Our athletes
are as strong as they have ever been. There are hundreds of
schools in Ontario, so to win a provincial gold medal is quite
an
accomplishment. It's not just in one sport
either, it's all over the map. It shows our strength in a
variety of areas."
Makela has his eye on several initiatives
within the city that might bear some worthwhile fruit for the
high school athletes down the road.
"I see encouraging signs outside our
organization," said Makela. "There's improvements at Adanac Ski
Hill. There's talk of a possible four-pad ice complex and
improvements to the Laurentian track. All these things are
necessary to support our athletes. Again, it's encouraging and
will make Sudbury a better place to play sports."
This fall, volleyball fans should mark Nov.
24 to 26 on their calendars. Champlain school will host the
Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) A
boys' volleyball championship.
"Who ever represents Sudbury will be
competitive," said Makela.
Check out
www.rainbow.edu.on.ca/sdssaa
for more information on high school sports and city
championship dates.
Also, log onto
www.scorecrazy.com
for regular updates on all results and statistics.