(Oct 6, 2007) While turkey and all the trimmings are being gobbled up this weekend I'm serving up a sports smorgasbord.
Call it Super September for Hamilton's Cathedral High School alumni.
Melissa Tancredi who captained the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the 2004 NCAA soccer Championship suited up for Canada's national team at the FIFA World Cup in China. Rocco Romano, a five-time CFL All-Star and fourteen year CFL veteran, was inducted into the hallowed Hall of Fame. Michael Cornell, a third year University of Ottawa linebacker recorded six solo tackles and scored his first CIS touchdown as the criminology major pocketed a pass and scampered 38 yards for a touchdown in Ottawa's 60-7 romp over the Mac Marauders. Simon Jones, a second-year student at nationally ranked Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, was named Quebec University Football League (QUFL) Player of the week. The business administration major registered four solo tackles as the Gaiters gorged the University of Montreal Carabins 24-5.
"In a time when sometimes it may not be cool to step up and be a leader, Simon has accepted the challenge," said Leroy Blugh, the Bishop's boss and 1996 CFL Player of the Year.
And who can forget Brian Melo. The Cathedral "cap-kid" captivated the country and was crowned Canadian Idol.
All hail the Gaels.
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York University's Steve Grochot put the boot to the University of Toronto who continue to sing the football Blues (46 consecutive losses). The Bishop Ryan (B.R.) High School graduate was mobbed by his mates as the place-kicker split the uprights from 36 yards out with 40 seconds remaining in the final stanza to give the York Lions a 21-20 come from behind win over the beleaguered Blues.
"When I made the 3rd field goal (having scored earlier treys of 27 and 23 yard lines) my linemen picked me up and everyone in the stadium (a near capacity crowd) went wild," said the 21 year old kinesiology and health sciences major. "It was an overwhelming feeling of joy."
Grochot was named York Lions Male Athlete of the Week for his last minute heroics. The unassuming booter was "thrilled" about receiving the weekly accolades. "I'm just trying to stay grounded and remember that we have a game this Saturday (against Western)."
The twice named B.R. Athlete of the Year credits his high school teacher-coach, Jenn Gallagher for his post secondary success. "Jenn Gallagher was a great inspiration to me (in high school)," said the grateful Grochot. "She guided me to apply myself in school and is the reason I am even in university now. And my parents, too have been extremely supportive."
Said Gallagher:
"I'm very proud of Steve. As well as being a gifted athlete -- a natural athlete -- he's a wonderful humble human being."