A Golden Start

Manitoba had a golden start to these 2010 Summer Games. It happened at the Athletic Venue courtesy of Brita Hall and her victory in the 5000m race. And that was just the beginning of the medal haul.

Manitoba had a fantastic day in the pool today with personal bests coming hot and heavy. It was an early start to the day for swimmers and Danny Crow best exemplified this with his multiple nap morning. Coach Gord Stewart reports that the routine was, “Wake Danny, move the team. Wake Danny, move the team.” It seemed to be a fantastic strategy as he came out with a medal and two personal bests. “Whatever works!” - Coach Gord reported. It certainly helps that the swim team has come together as a tight and supportive team.

Swim Results:
Betty Rose 2PBs and 1 silver (25m free)
Danny Crow 2PBs and 1 gold in (25m free)
Shannon Legg 1PB, 2 silver (200m free and 100m breast)
Jason Norminton 2PBs, 2 bronze (200m IM and 50m
back)
Tanner Price 2PBs, 1 bronze (200m IM)
Ashlee McLeod 2PBs, 1 gold (200m IM)

Correction: Yesterday, the newsletter reported that Barry Mulligan was a soccer athlete. He is, in fact, a Soft Ball athlete. Speaking of Barry, it was a day of comedy in the hitter’s box. Barry has always been known to swing at EVERYTHING. “If it’s between the dugouts, Barry will swing.” Coach Warren comments. “Yet today, he decides that the best pitch he’s ever seen in his life is the one that he’ll watch go over the plate! The umpire couldn’t have gotten a dirtier look from Barry for calling a strike!

With losses to PEI and New Brunswick as well as a well earned tie with Brampton-ON, they will be seeded in Division #2. On the soccer pitch, in the first game vs Alberta, Alberta drew first blood. Tim Gratton with great passing, hit the side of net for Manitoba’s first shot. Alberta then added a second goal. Manitoba’s first was scored off Tim’s foot. Manitoba had a free kick and Tim sent it just over the
corner of the net. Ian Swain had some good attempts but couldn’t capitlize. And that was just the first half.
Second half, Jonathan Currie, Doug Stobbe, Wayne Bauche and Tim worked really well together. Harvey played net in the second half and was commanding the troops from his vantage point. Then the shots started raining in and he stood on his head to keep the game tight; at one point stopping 3 in a row.
Final score AB 3 MB1.

vs New Brunswick
Our guys came out with a vengence. Solid directional passing and 4 goals scored in first half to New Brunswick’s one. A solid defensive second half with no blood drawn. Final score MB 4, NB 1.
With their 1-1 record, the soccer team has been placed in Division B.

Rythmic Gymnastics reports a great day all around. There are no results to report from this venue. Divisioning will be announced at the start of competition tomorrow. Nikki Carr reports that she will no longer spend her free day on Friday with her parents, but will instead escort Rick Syrenne for the
day as he goes about his duties.

5 Pin Bowling reports a solid day of divisional play. There are no results to report at this time.

10 Pin Bowling has been having a great time, Dale has emerged as a wonderful team leader and, along with Steve, Darbe, Cliff and Curt, is in the running for the all-round. (All-round takes 9 games of total scores + handicap.)

Back at Athletics, there were still more PBs happening there despite the heat that closed the venue for the afternoon. Despite this, the Athletics Team is now known as the team that will cheer for absolutely anything, from other teams to popular brands of coffee. At the opening ceremonies, the coolest one was “Guy Carrying Signs! Guy Carrying Sings!” The weirdest one was “White Car Driving By! White Car Driving By!” (We did say 'Anything!') Tomorrow’s competition will be in the morning and evening with no events held in the afternoon. 100m finals run in the morning.

In Powerlifting, Coach Darryl Ludwig reports, “Across campus, Robin Latimer is lifting small vehicles in training for power lifting later in the week.”

Manitoba’s current medal count stands at
2 Gold - 3 Silver - 3 Bronze

More importantly, the personal bests, the teamwork and camaraderie is our developing story.
That is all from London. With opening day jitters behind them, the team is looking forward to a fantastic second day of competition.

Cheers!