It's nice when the tide turns, in your
favour. Just take a look at the Laurentian University athletics
program. In the last few years, Laurentian has been in a
frustrating war with NCAA Division I schools for top local
athletic talent.
Many quality local basketball and soccer
players were leaving the Nickel City for so-called greener
pastures in the United States, thanks to the lure of full
scholarship rides.
Every time a local athlete took a U.S.
scholarship, it was trumpeted loudly by the media much to the
chagrin of Laurentian.
Some players, like former Lasalle basketball
star Shauna Brouilliard at the University of Utah, stood by
their decisions and still remain at their school,
while others, like former Lasalle soccer
stand-out Cara Smith who went to Niagara University, came back
home after things didn't work out.
In the summer of 2005, things really started
to change.
The women's soccer program landed three
top-notch local recruits this past summer in Erica Duczeminski,
Jenna Roach and Samantha Falcioni.
The three were heavily pursued by schools
south of the border and all had a major impact on the Lady Vees
2005 campaign.
Roach was awesome to say the least, netting
four goals (which led the team) in her rookie campaign.
Duczeminski was also stellar, potting three
goals and being a big presence out of the field.
Falcioni was an absolute rock in the
defensive zone, using her size and power to bully opposing
strikers.
All three played key roles in helping the
Lady Vees earn its first-ever home- playoff game (which they
won.)
"All three are very coachable and have been
great additions on this team," said head coach Rob Gallo.
"Jenna is quick and intelligent...She will develop into a
premiere striker. Erica was a dominant force in centre
defence...She's very tough and isn't afraid to join the attack.
Samantha was placed in the left fullback position...It was a
major adjustment for her, however she did fairly well. (She
will be part) one of the premiere defences in the entire CIS in
2006."
Now, the women's basketball team is getting a
serious dose of excellent local talent.
Lasalle superstar Lisa Furchner and Lockerby
all-star Katie Goggins both committed to the Lady Vees in
December 2005.
"It's exciting to have local kids that are
top prospects choose to stay home and attend Laurentian," said
women's basketball head coach Mike Clarke.
"A lot of time the grass isn't greener
elsewhere. The more local kids that stay and become role
models...The better women's basketball will be in this
city."
It's great to see local athletes stay closer
to home so everyone can still enjoy their talents, and maybe,
bring a national championship to the city.
When you win locally with local athletes, it
just makes the wins sweeter.
