Beyond Sport - Basketball's Shaquille Smith
The Acadia Axemen basketball team has picked up where it left off last season when it made a surprise appearance in the AUS final. And one of the key players in Acadia's ongoing basketball revival is rookie Shaquille Smith.
A prized recruit from Auburn Drive High School of suburban Halifax, the North Preston native had many suitors from post-secondary institutions but is happy in the Valley.
“The reason I chose Acadia is because of the great history behind the school in both athletics and academics and because of the goodwill the school has as a whole,” said the six-foot-three guard.
“Acadia is a special school to attend because of the overall atmosphere. Everyone at Acadia is very friendly and on top of that it is located in a welcoming community.”
Smith says the Axemen aren’t catching anyone napping this season which makes games more intense this time around.
“I feel this year’s team has attracted a lot of attention so teams get fired up to play us, which may not have been the case last year,’ said Smith.
“However, we have a good group of players who love to work hard and are all on the same page with each other, and with the coaching staff, so we won’t need to catch teams by surprise this year. We just need to out-work them as a team.”
And Smith is no stranger to work. As a varsity athlete, business student and volunteer, the 18-year-old is a busy guy. As far as volunteering goes, Smith’s says it’s been a part of his life since he was a youngster.
“I recall first volunteering back when I was in Grade 7. I used to always be around the gym and volunteered to do the game clock for my older sister's game, and for my junior high girls’ team.
“However, volunteering started getting serious around Grade 10 when I was selected to take part in the ‘Cops For Kids’ organization which helps create bonds between kids and police officers so they can rely on the police for help. Another thing I started to volunteer for was coaching the Cole Harbour Rockets (minor) basketball team. I started that in Grade 11 and I am still involved with that organization today.
“I also give some time to some local elementary schools around the (Wolfville) area where I do some talking to the kids about the benefits of extracurricular activities. This time of the year is hectic with ball, but it is common that I will pick up more volunteering time on the off season.”
Smith recognizes that as a varsity athlete he can be a positive influence on a younger generation.
“The reason why I volunteer is because I know the impact that a role model can have on kids,” said Smith, who hopes to be an accountant and play professionally overseas one day.
“Growing up, I have been inspired by volunteer speakers who helped me learn about lots of different things from lifestyle choices to athletics. I feel that those speakers deserve a lot of credit for my success thus far. Just knowing that I can have that same impact on several people just by volunteering my time motivates me to do so.”
Smith’s hometown of North Preston is a proud one but one with many challenges and he hopes to be part of the solution.
“I would like to see myself as a role model for the young kids in my community of North Preston. I feel North Preston is a very ambitious community, and I hope that the paths I take in life will help influence others to take similar paths and use that ambition to reach great success in the community like we deserve.”
Submitted by Dave Salter
Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Cross Country's Sara Thomas
When you want something done ask a busy person.
That cliché would seem to apply to Acadia cross-country runner Sara Thomas.
The fourth-year student from Sackville, N.B. says volunteering, in addition to varsity sports, has helped her become a more disciplined student.
“Using running and my other extracurriculars as study breaks are a great way to incorporate them into my day,” says Thomas, who started cross country running in the third grade.
“I often find being busy conducive to getting my school work done in good time, and I definitely think staying in shape helps me to focus."
Thomas currently volunteers with the SMILE program which stands for Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience. The program seeks to improve the total development of children with special needs by enhancing vital physical skills and motor patterns. She also hopes to begin volunteering with the Wolfville Nursing Home.
“The SMILE program is very rewarding because it really does feel like you make a difference in the lives of the kids you work with,” says Thomas. “I think it is also a really great learning experience for me.”
Thomas says as a result of her busy schedule, just about every hour of the week is spoken for. “The majority of my time is probably spent in class and studying, but running is a great break from studying… I do an hour or two six days a week,” says Thomas.
“I probably spend about 24 hours in class time and then at least that much time studying during the week and on weekends, depending on the time of year. Then I spend probably 8-10 hours a week running and when we have meets most of the day on Saturday is used up for that. I spend eleven-and-a-half hours with SMILE every week and probably four hours a week doing other extracurricular activities. The rest of the time I spend socializing and sleeping.”
Thomas has been volunteering since the first grade when she and a group of friends collected garbage on her school playground during recess. “Since then I have done a variety of volunteer activities through school and in my community,” says Thomas.
“I've participated in the Terry Fox Run for many years, Relay for Life since high school, Run for the Cure in high school, and a number of other similar activities. I have volunteered at Sappy Fest (music festival in Sackville, N.B.) for the past three summers and have participated in the SMILE program at Acadia three out of the four years I have been here.”
Submitted by Dave Salter
Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Basketball's Jasmine Parent
In 1940 Thomas Wolfe penned the novel and coined the phrase, “You Can’t Go Home Again.”
Jasmine Parent of the Acadia women’s basketball team is proof this oft-used adage doesn't apply to everyone.
The fifth-year forward from Aylesford left the Annapolis Valley after high school to pursue a post-secondary education but eventually found her way back.
“Acadia was my third university in three years,” says Parent, who stands five-foot-10.
“After high school I wanted to leave home and go to school elsewhere. After two years I realized that I missed the close-knit community life that is Wolfville. I came to Acadia because I grew up in this area and I know how supportive and friendly this town can be. Not only did I have the benefit of being close to home but I knew I'd be getting one of the best undergraduate educations in the country.”
Because Parent has attended other universities, she has first-hand knowledge of how Acadia stacks up to the competition.
“Acadia is so special because you don't feel like just a number. My professors know my name and are always willing to help me when I need it. Acadia has such a diverse group of students, yet everyone seems to get along. I feel so much support from my peers as a student athlete. The Acadia spirit is like no other.”
Parent expects the women’s basketball team will raise campus spirits even more this season.
“This year’s team is more experienced and definitely more skilled,” says Parent.
“The returning athletes all worked so hard over the summer break and we were all very prepared to come into the season ready to go. The recruits that coach Greenlaw was able to bring in are the best yet. We have first- year players that are able to get into the game and make an impact right away. This is a great addition to our team and gives us depth that we have never experienced.”
Like all varsity teams at Acadia, the women roundballers contribute on and off the court – most notably with the Junior Axewomen program, in which varsity members mentor aspiring young female players.
“I think we expect it (volunteering) of each other,” says Parent.
“We know that we are role models in the community and we have a reputation to uphold. We take great pride in that and want to show the community that we are thankful for all of their support.
“I do it because it is fun. It feels good to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I love working with children, especially the young girls who are striving to be elite athletes. I hope one day I will be able to come back to Acadia and see some of the girls playing on the court that I have helped coach."
As a varsity athlete, Parent says her life is so busy that socializing is a “privilege”
“In reality, I feel that going to practice and working hard with 14 of my closest friends is socializing for me," says Parent.
“Years of practice has allowed me to balance all my activities. You have to make sure you stay on top of things and keep your priorities in order. I just tell myself it will all be worth it in the end... and for someone who is very close to the end of my university career I believe that now more than ever.”
By Dave Salter
Local Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Basketball's Emma Duinker
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch made sports highlight reels across North America recently by munching a handful of Skittles candy after a touchdown run.
Don't count on basketballer Emma Duinker following Lynch's lead after her next three-pointer. She's kinda picky about what she eats.
Duinker studies nutrition at Acadia when she's not on the hardcourt and lists it as her number one interest.
"I chose Acadia because it has one of the best nutrition programs in the country," says the fifth-year guard/forward. "I'm really interested in nutrition and supplements."
In fact, Duinker is more likely to entertain at halftime than chug candy on the sidelines. After nutrition, she lists playing the saxophone and singing as two of her favourite pastimes.
However, around these parts Duinker is mostly known for hoops and her veteran coach Bev Greenlaw gushes with pride when speaking of his protege.
“Emma is among the most self-disciplined and hardest working players I have ever had the privilege to coach,” says Greenlaw.
It appears the team has adopted Duinker's attitude. She says the Axewomen's increased work ethic has propelled the squad– currently ranked eighth in the country – this season.
“This year's team is more intense, hardworking, energetic and focused than last year's team,” says the Cambridge native. “There’s more organization and increased discipline. Overall, we're a better team this year.”
Greenlaw credits the improvement to Duinker and the maturity of several of her teammates.
“The leaders in this group have paid their dues through the past few years when we suffered ongoing injuries to key players," says Greenlaw.
"Our kids competed hard every night but usually with less than our full line-up and lost a lot of hard-fought, very close games to more veteran teams. Those sorts of experiences either discourage you or drive you to become better. With leadership from our veterans, especially Emma and Jasmine Parent as our two fifth-year players and the increased maturity of kids like Stefanie Chapman, Lindsay Harris and Abbey Duinker, this group are just more determined. They have paid the price to get here.”
Like most Acadia athletes, Duinker not only represents Acadia in the sports arena, she represents the university in the community as well.
“I have been volunteering probably since my first year of university,” says Duinker, who at six-feet is one of the nation's outstanding perimeter shooters and all-round two-way players.
“That includes the food bank, Wolfville School breakfast club, church dinners, Catapult leadership camp, Terry Fox Run, Run for the Cure, Relay for Life, Trick or Eat and Breakthrough Athletics, along with all the work we do with young girl basketball players throughout the Valley. I have done a combination of these throughout my five years…a lot of it this year. There may be more that I'm forgetting.
“Volunteering is something our team is encouraged to do but it's not mandatory. It's good for us to get out and promote in the community by volunteering and we also should give back.
“I do it because it's fun. I like giving back to the community and raising money for good causes."
In addition to her studies, volunteering and socializing, Duinker is at the gym two-to-three times a day, which means she has very little idle time.
“I'm good with time management and have had a similar busy schedule since Grade 10 so I'm used to it,” says Duinker who also enjoys listening to music, watching movies, keeping up with the NBA and playing other sports.
“It's important to be efficient with time and take advantage of the bits of time you have here and there. Also planning in advance helps me balance things a lot.”
Duinker -- who is an Academic All-Canadian -- has lived the life of a varsity athlete to the fullest. Greenlaw has nothing but praise for her dedication, drive and character.
“Emma is a somewhat unique individual," says Greenlaw.
"She has always had her own engine. Nobody has ever had to push her to work; if anything, we sometimes have to impress upon her the value of occasionally resting. She is truly an interesting, quite amazing young person. We have been truly fortunate to have her among us at Acadia and it has been an absolute joy to coach her for these years. Emma has definite goals for what she wants to accomplish in her life and she brings tremendous passion and dedication to her pursuit of excellence in each of her activities. We all want to see her do well in her future. She exemplifies the absolute best in what one hopes for in a student/athlete/person. Put simply, she loves what she does and gives it her best.”
By Dave Salter
Local Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Cross Country's Christine Manning
Saying Christine Manning likes volunteering is akin to saying Norm Peterson enjoys the occasional cold beverage.
In fact, like Norm, of Cheers television fame, its hard to believe Manning’s favourite pastime enables her to do much else.
The Acadia cross-country runner has volunteered for the following organizations since entering school in 2009:
Acadia Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Run for the Cure, KFROGS charity run, Valley Youth Fun Run, Valley District Track and Field Meet, Eagle Crest Golf Tournament, Acadia Health Fair, Kingsport Gala Days, Scott’s Bay Days, Hannah Miller Memorial Hockey Tournament, Acadia Sledge Hockey Tournament, Track and Field Coach, High School Basketball Time Keeper, Middle School Gym Teacher Assistant, Grade 7 Math Tutor and Co-op Education.
In addition to studying kinesiology, competing in cross-country and volunteering, Manning is also communications coordinator for the Acadia Kinesiology Society, cross-country representative on the Acadia Players Association and Student Athletic Trainer for the cross-country team.
An Academic All-Canadian, Manning could also probably teach a course in time management. She says despite the hectic pace, volunteering is something she will always make time for.
“I volunteer because I learn from it while helping others, which is really rewarding,” said the Canning native. “In particular, the volunteer experience I currently do at Acadia (Athletic Therapy and Cardiac Rehabilitation) helps to enhance my degree because it is related directly to my field.
“It provides a lot of practical experience, which is something you don't get in the classroom. Volunteering is something I enjoy to do and plan to continue in the future.
Manning says a typical week for her includes: attending class and labs daily, Cross country practice six days a week, travelling to races/meets on Saturdays, volunteering at least twice each week (at the Cardiac Rehabilitation program), attending other varsity practices for her athletic therapy class, tutoring twice a week, marking labs and assignments for her teacher’s assistant position, attending committee meetings, studying at the library whenever time permits and going out with friends on weekends.
Manning says her busy schedule forces her to be more focussed student.
“I find that since I'm involved in a number of activities, it forces me to make good use of the free time that I have.” says Manning. ”If I wasn't as involved, I feel as if I would waste time due to lack of structure in my day.
“Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, but the support from my family, coaches, and professors allows me to stay on track and stay focussed with whatever obstacle I may have.”
Acadia has gained a reputation as a university that gives back to the community but Manning says volunteering is not something forced upon her cross-country team.
“Volunteering is not something that the team is necessarily expected to do, but rather something that our team takes part in regardless,” she says.
“There are many great volunteering experiences at Acadia, and our team is definitely involved. Occasionally our team will volunteer together at a particular fundraiser or event, but mainly we volunteer at different places and locations on our own time.”
By Dave Salter
Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Football's Andrew Frazer
Footballer Andrew Frazer embodies everything Acadia University wants its student-athletes to be – scholar, athlete and model citizen.
This season, the 5-foot-11, 275-pound defensive lineman led the Axemen to their first AUS football crown since 2006; was nominated for the coveted Russ Jackson Award (CIS student-athlete of the year) and was named an Academic All-Canadian for the second time. And away from the gridiron and the classroom, Frazer gives back to the community.
Ever the team player, Frazer credits the success of this year’s football program to old-fashioned work ethic and togetherness.
“Aside from the fact that we were a talented group of guys who had great coaching; we worked really hard to prepare ourselves physically and mentally for every game we played,” says the Mississauga native.
“Guys worked their butts off in off-season training to get ready for this year and we continued to work hard every time we took the field for practice. We never took anything for granted and knew that our success wasn't going to continue if we stopped doing the things that were making us successful.
“In addition to that, we were also the most tight-knit team I've ever played for. Everyone had faith in each others' ability to go out on the field and do what they needed to do to help the team win. We loved to go out and play for each other, we wanted to be as good as we could be, not for ourselves, but for our teammates.”
Acadia’s dream season came to abrupt end with a 45-21 loss to eventual national champs, McMaster University at the Uteck Bowl – a game they led 14-0.
“McMaster is a great football team...clearly, the best in the country,” says Frazer.
“We came out in the first quarter with extreme focus and energy. The biggest thing being that we were out there executing our game-plan and everyone was doing their job. We knew that the game was not going to be easy and unfortunately Mac was just able to execute better than we were down the stretch.”
The enthusiasm Frazer brings to the football field is also evident in his charity work.
“The greatest portion of my volunteer time currently goes towards the Breakthrough Athletics leadership program at Acadia, where we pair varsity athletes with local youth in a mentorship role,” says Frazer, who holds down a 3.5 GPA.
“Generally these young people also have an interest in sport. The entire group of athletes and youth meet up weekly which helps our athletes develop relationships with these kids and vice-versa. The purpose of this program is to try and give these young people something to aspire to while at the same time providing them with a mentor who they can confide in.”
Frazer also coordinated all fundraising efforts on behalf of the Acadia football team for the CIBC Run for the Cure in October and participated in the event after a game. He has also volunteered as a team leader for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life; is a group leader with the Acadia Axemen Alzheimer's Drive and volunteers with the Acadia S.M.I.L.E. (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) Program.
Frazer clearly sees the big picture when it comes to the role of athletes at Acadia.
“As varsity athletes, especially in a small town, I do not think we realize how big an impact we can and do have,” says Frazer, a team captain.
“Many of these kids look up to us and, at least momentarily, want to be like us. I think it is part of who we are as a football team and as a program. We understand our role in the community and realize that we get so much support from the community and there is no better way to thank them than by trying to give back in any way we can.”
“I (volunteer) because I love the feeling I get from doing something good for other people and I also like being able to be part of something that has the potential to influence positive change in a young person's life.
"Doing well academically, being the best football player I can be and giving back to the community are all equally important to me. It takes time and effort but it's what I want to do and the person I want to be, so I just do it.”
As much as Frazer has given to the Acadia community over the years, he is thankful for the unique experience the university provides.
“I feel like the sense of community here,” says Frazer.
“There’s nothing like any place else in the country. As varsity athletes we get so much support from the student body, other athletes, faculty and our administration.
“We take a lot of pride in being able to represent this great school and the people who comprise it. What makes it easier to do that is the fact that the school is so small we know for a fact that everyone is behind us and supporting us. We see and hear our supporters everyday around campus and in the classroom.”
Submitted by Dave Salter
Freelance Writer
Beyond Sport - Volleyball's Deanna Schaper-Kotter
NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley once famously said athletes should not be role models.
Deanna Schaper-Kotter of the Acadia Axewomen volleyball team begs to differ with ‘Sir Charles’.
“I coached minor volleyball here and I know a lot of kids in this community look up to us and think we’re much cooler than we actually are,” says Schaper-Kotter, with a laugh.
“Wolfville is such a small town we (athletes) can have such an impact. We can make a difference.”
And with that mindset, the Coquitlam, B.C. native is spearheading a mentorship program she hopes to launch in the New Year. Twenty-five varsity athletes have been recruited to pair up with students from Wolfville Elementary. The athletes will gain life experience and class credit for their efforts, while the children benefit from the influence of a positive role model.
“The athletes and kids will spend a couple of hours together every week, going to sporting events and stuff like that,” explains Schaper-Kotter. “We’re targeting children who see themselves playing varsity sports someday as well as those who just need some guidance.”
“We only wanted varsity athletes who are going to do this well and give their all. We want to make an impact. We want to help out.”
The Axette middle-hitter has done her share. Her list of volunteer experience includes stints with the SMILE, (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) program which seeks to improve the total development of children with special needs by enhancing vital physical skills and motor patterns; Kinderskills (a program that provides preschool aged children with a variety of movement activities in order to promote their development); Wolfville Nursing Home, minor volleyball, and the Acadia Players Association. The latter group is made up of varsity team representatives who raise funds for various local causes.
Schaper-Kotter admits adding volunteering to a varsity athletes work load creates something of a juggling act but says it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
“It’s a struggle sometimes,” says the recreation management major. “I’m still not perfect (staying on top of everything) but I’ve gotten better over the years. It’s about time management. As a volleyballer, we’re in the gym two to three hours a day; we have classes; we’re in the library and I work two shifts a week in the gym. Your free time? You have to be productive. You have to make sure you’re using your time wisely.”
And according to Schaper-Kotter, most Acadia athletes agree that volunteering is worthwhile.
“I did an independent study last semester on varsity athletes and their role in the community and found that most of the varsity athletes want to be involved with the community.
“Our mentality is this town supports us, so we should be trying to give back to them.”
Schaper-Kotter sums up her views on volunteering thusly:
“I want to leave my mark here and be a better person for it.”
Submitted by Dave Salter
Local Freelance Writer