Bell Athletics at its Peak Performance

The bruises and bumps cannot be felt, the pain of a loss cannot be imagined, the ground is soft beneath one’s feet, the goal seems close but at the same time far away, and the screams of the crowd cannot be heard – there is nothing but the opponents in front of you, nothing else in the world matters during those brief but important moments strung together to form what one refers to as a “game”. More than a game, more than a sport, more than a passing of time is this... it is a chance to grow, to challenge, and to learn beyond that given to you in a classroom. Athletics are a means of attitude. Not to be easy but not impossible. An opportunity to be the best that one can be. This is an athlete, this is a mindset, this is Bell Athletics.

The 2008 Girls Varsity Field Hockey team lead by grade 12’s (seniors) Melissa Flatla, Christine Harrison and Shibani Choudhry showed great promise this year with over 25 girls eager to try out. With the roster set and the team beginning their season at the annual S.R.B Tournament the season promised to be one of great success as the girls were undefeated in their 3 preliminary games only to lose to Merivale in the semifinals – a true game of heart. The Girl’s played a spectacular season and for the first time in years made the playoffs. The team is matched up to play Earl of March in a tie-breaker. The result of this game will determine whether they advance to the Quarterfinals. No matter the turnout, the Field Hockey team is destined for success as they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. Opponents need watch for the Bell Field Hockey Bruinettes!

Coach Moloughney has prepared his Varsity Girl’s Basketball team well as the take the floor to battle in tier 1, and against many strong opponents. It is true that you are only as good as your competition. The team has a record of 4-3 early in the season. Remember to support your Bruins by coming out to a game. Congratulations on a strong start ladies, keep up the hustle!

Coach Reid, Coach Macrae, and Assistant Coach and Bell Alumni Ashley Wilson are instilling the fighting spirit into their rookie and veteran players in the hopes of going deep in the playoffs. The girls maintain a .500 win percentage with a 1-0-1 record. Lead by veterans Vicky Wood, Melissa Flatla, Katherine McKenzie,

Julianne Dallas, and Terrlyn Kutchnicki the team shows great promise for a season of learning and team development. Off-ice training opportunities are being held and information can be found through anyone of the team’s senior players. Good Luck in the season and come support your Bruin Hockey players as they shoot for the playoffs – pun intended.

Coach Moors is currently preparing his Golf Team for competition. The team, although small in numbers, is not small in heart. They are preparing to take a swing at the competition at the upcoming Mayor’s Cup in Pineview. If you are interested in playing Golf and representing your Bell Bruins please see Coach Moors in the Science wing.

Coaches Stasko and Des Brisay have run their Cross-Country team to the finish line with a great season of wins, losses, and good times eating multi-colored marshmallows. The athletes were determined and hard working – training almost every morning in preparation for their races. Congratulations to all who ran to compete and those who chose to take advantage of the training opportunity. Well done Bruins!

With the anticipation of an early winter Coaches Mason, Cameron, and Des Brisay along with Assistant Coach Kim Samulack, are preparing the Nordic Ski team for their races in early February. Dry land training has begun and training information along with team expectations can be found through talking with anyone one of the aforementioned coaches. No experience necessary and all are welcome. Coaches encourage you to start running, biking or jogging to build cardio.

Bell Athletics are underway and with a class of leadership in our grade 12’s, perseverance in our 11’s, dedication in our 10’s, and courage in our 9’s- this season promises to reap great rewards for our school. Not by points scored, or games won, but in the cooperation and dedication of your school representatives will Bell we successful in a year of firsts. As Bud Wilkinson says “Every game is an opportunity to measure yourself against your own potential.”