‘My journey in sports and life has taught me to dream. Chase those dreams with a solid plan and work ethic,’ Orillia lacrosse star Hannah Morris tells young athletes.

Four student athletes from each Orillia high school were honoured during Sport Orillia’s Breakfast of Champions on Thursday at Eclectic Café in downtown Orillia.

The event is annually held on the Thursday before Orillia’s Sports Hall of Fame inductions, slated for Saturday night. The event recognizes the accomplishments and dedication of local student athletes.

Speaking to students at the event was Hannah Morris, an Orillia lacrosse star who played for Team Canada in the Senior Women’s World Cup of Lacrosse twice. In 2021, Morris led the University of Louisville’s women’s field lacrosse team in goals with 56 while playing against the fiercest competition in the NCAA.

Several years ago, while attending Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School, Morris was selected to attend Sport Orillia’s Breakfast of Champions as a student-athlete.

“It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago when I was your age,” the 23-year-old told athletes in attendance. “It’s pretty cool to be here.”

The former Orillia Lady King, Orillia Laker, and Mariposa Gymnastics Club standout talked to the students about goal setting, hard work, and overcoming adversity.

After winning the first-ever U19 provincial championship with the Orillia Lady Kings and three consecutive Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) championships with Patrick Fogarty, Morris set her sights on playing with Team Ontario at the national championships.

“I tried out but was cut twice,” she said. “It was devastating and, honestly, embarrassing.”

After being convinced by her coach and father Pat, Morris tried for a third time and succeeded.

“That decision led to some pretty incredible sporting experiences and life-changing moments,” she said. “I became the captain of Team Ontario, we won two national championships, and I got to play with my sister (Kassidy Morris).”

Morris went on to play Division 1 lacrosse in Louisville where she was once again faced with adversity in her first year.

“I underperformed, made mistakes, and dropped the ball,” she said. “I failed to meet expectations.”

In her first of five seasons with the Cardinals, the attacker only found the back of the net six times in 16 games.

“I think it’s moments like this that teach you a lot about who you are,” she said. “I kept a brave face, but I was devastated.”

Morris worked hard in the off-season to improve her stick skills, strength, techniques, and confidence and returned to Louisville for the 2020 season. This time she scored 21 goals in nine games and was the top goal scorer on the team.

“I taught myself that I could overcome things and that I belonged,” she said. “That might be the most important lesson, it’s what you do when you meet the obstacles.”

Morris, who studied kinesiology at Louisville, continued to excel on the field and in the classroom from that point on.

“My journey in sports and life has taught me to dream,” she said. “Chase those dreams with a solid plan and work ethic.”

Last year Morris was accepted to McMaster University in Hamilton to pursue her master’s in science and physiotherapy.

“There is no instant path to what we want and what we want isn’t always what it seems,” she told student-athletes. “We don’t just want to be an attacker, have a starting position, or an A in math, we want to feel and be confident, we want to know we can overcome, we want to succeed, and we want to have faith in ourselves and those around us.”

Morris says she owes her success to her failures, perseverance, family, and coaches.

“That’s a source of pride when I reflect,” she said. “I’m exceedingly grateful for what sport and lacrosse provided me.”

With lacrosse in the rear-view mirror, Morris says there are still intimidating life challenges ahead for her.

“I know inside that I’ve gained the resilience and ability to believe in myself,” she said. “I have the confidence to pick up the ball, carry it, and pick it up again when it falls. I think that internal feeling and achievement is my personal championship.”

The message resonated with the student athletes who are each on their own journey.

Local high school students recognized

Orillia Secondary School (OSS) athletes Raygen Hendley, Nolan Weening, Carter Holmes, and Canyon Ferguson were recognized Thursday.

Hendley, a Grade 11 student has participated in both flag football and slow pitch at OSS. Her softball coach describes her as a “selfless player who goes out of her way” to help her teammates and the opposing team. She’s an outstanding pitcher and first baseman. She’s a leader on the field and in all of her respective sports.

Weening, a Grade 12 student, was the captain of the volleyball team this year. His coaches say he demonstrated a “profound commitment” and “unwavering dedication” to his play throughout the season. Weening’s ultimate frisbee coach praised his “calm” and “collected” nature regardless of the pressure he may face on the field. He rarely makes a rushed play, has great timing, and a cannon for an arm.

Holmes, a Gade 11 student, was determined to get back to top form in his athletic pursuits despite being sidelined with a serious injury this fall. Holmes plays basketball, ultimate frisbee, rugby, football, and track and field at OSS. His coaches say he is often the first to congratulate his teammates and his competitors.

Ferguson, a Grade 11 student, earned a top-16 finish in wrestling at OFSAA this year. She’s also a member of the rugby, flag football, soccer and hockey teams at OSS. When the pressure is cooking, Ferguson’s work ethic shines brightest. Her coaches say she always strives for success and puts her team first.

Recognized from Twin Lakes Secondary School (TLSS) were Paige Baxter, Jacob Hazel, Payton Burnett and Erik Vurma.

Baxter, a Grade 12 student, was the captain and MVP of the senior girls’ basketball team this year. She also helped lead the TLSS senior girls’ volleyball team to OFSAA last year. Most notably, Baxter won MVP of the varsity girls’ soccer team despite never playing goalie before.

Hazel, a Grade 11 student, is a past male Junior Athlete of the Year at TLSS. The Simcoe County Athletic Association (SCAA) soccer champion is described by coaches as “innovative and intense.” Hazel was a defensive stud for the SCAA championship basketball team, won the Georgian Bay cross-country championships, and competed in Nordic skiing and track at OFSAA.

Burnett, a Grade 11 student, is also a former TLSS Junior Athlete of the Year. In Grade 10, she was named rookie of the year in softball and was the MVP of the hockey team in grades 9 and 10. In Grade 11, Burnett was the first female to play on the boys’ hockey team. She is currently being recruited to play at Division 1 after high school.

Vurma, a Grade 12 student, is a Georgian Bay championship volleyball player who has represented TLSS at OFSAA twice. He has also competed at OFSAA in swimming and Nordic skiing. His coaches commend him for his “fun demeanor” and character.

Recognized from Patrick Fogarty (PF) Catholic Secondary School were Emma Dickson, Cohen Robitaille, and Zach Clarke.

Dickson, a Grade 12 student, has been a standout volleyball player at PF during her high school career. She led her team on and off the court to an OFSAA appearance this season. Dickson is heavily involved with her school community and leads the Relay for Life committee.

Ali Rolston a Grade 10 student, got called up to the senior girls’ basketball team this year because of her maturity and skill set. Rolston, who also played on the junior girls’ volleyball and soccer team, is an outstanding field lacrosse goalie. She was recently named to Team Canada’s U20 national team.

Robitaille, a Grade 12 student, was a major contributor to the boys’ hockey Georgian Bay championship team that went on to play at OFSAA. Robitaille was one of the team’s leading scorers and a true leader in the dressing room.

Clarke, a Grade 10 student, student, won the junior Athlete of the Year award at PF last year. He’s a multi-sport athlete who played top minutes for the championship-winning hockey team. He was also on the lacrosse team that netted a silver medal at OFSAA last year.

Original Article By: Tyler Evans
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: May 2, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

Dean Heliotis, who died in 2023, will be inducted in the builder’s category at Saturday night’s gala; legendary local coach was ‘one of Orillia’s great sportsmen’.

Dean Heliotis is being inducted posthumously into the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame as a builder.

The name of Dean Heliotis is synonymous with baseball in Orillia. From 1965 until 2008, he coached at various levels and also helmed the Orillia Majors for several years.

But many in Orillia of a certain vintage won’t forget 1969. He and his partner and long-time co-coach, Gander Ross, had been fired by the Orillia Majors just three games into that season.

They thought they would have the summer off. But they were coaxed into coaching the city’s junior team and promptly turned the ragtag group into a dominant team.

The two stern taskmasters turned the squad upside down, put a structure in place, injected discipline and created in that group of mostly selfish teenagers a firm commitment to a team-first approach.

“We were a bunch of ball players who didn’t know how to win,” recalled Mel St. Onge, a key pitcher for that squad. “Dean and Gander were so organized. I think the key was they gave us structure. We respected them big-time; they were unbelievable mentors who taught us how to win.”

With Jerry Udell, Doug Roe, Brock Richardson, St. Onge and others, the juniors dominated.

As fate would have it, the juniors met the Majors that year for the league championship in a series that captured the imagination of Orillians young and old.

It took seven breathtaking games, but the juniors shocked the mighty Majors, winning the title in front of more than 2,400 fans who jammed into the fabled Lions Oval to watch the seventh and deciding game that Thanksgiving weekend.

“That was my biggest thrill in baseball,” Heliotis told The Packet. “It was sweeter than winning the OBAs as a player because I had a bigger role. Those boys played so hard.”

That magical triumph served as a launching pad to more than four decades of coaching for Heliotis — at various levels. He was revered by many, feared by some and respected by all whom he coached.

“There were times when I wanted to kill him,” laughed St. Onge, reflecting on gruelling workouts and the coach’s merciless approach.

“He was hard on you. And he made you do things until you got them right. He used, I guess you’d say, colourful language and was pretty stern. Some people didn’t like that, but we loved it. He taught us to be pitchers, not throwers. We loved to play for him,” said St. Onge.

Heliotis made no apologies for his approach and he never wavered in it. It was, he would say, why his teams were successful, helping the 1970 juniors, the 1992 bantams and the 1996 Fenelon Falls peewees to Ontario crowns.

When Heliotis died in November of 2023, tributes poured in.

Local historian Marcel Rousseau called Heliotis “one of Orillia’s great sportsmen,” saying “Dean will be remembered by many Orillians as a great coach and player.”

Ted Williams, now chief of Rama First Nation, shared his memories of being coached by Heliotis and of spending time with him at the downtown pool hall he owned.

“He was a great man who influenced many in sports including me,” said Williams.

Heliotis will be officially inducted at this year’s Orillia Sports Hall of Fame Gala, which will be held May 4 at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club.

Original Article By: Dave Dawson
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: May 2, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

Ian MacMillan, a legendary ODCVI coach who helped generations of athletes reach their potential, ‘really cared about us as athletes,’ says Rob Town.

In 1964, Ian MacMillan was hired as a math teacher at Orillia and District Collegiate Vocational Institute (ODCVI). But few might know, he was really brought to Orillia to become the school’s football coach.

He came as advertised and the ODCVI Blues were Georgian Bay finalists in his first season.

But he soon turned his sights to coaching basketball and track and field, becoming a legendary mentor who turned raw, young students into champions.

His basketball teams won more than 1,100 games during his distinguished career, winning multiple Georgian Bay crowns and Blackball titles.

In addition to coaching hoops, MacMillan helped organize the popular annual Blackball tournament, helped run a basketball camp and was a member of the Barrie and District Referee Association for two years.

His track and field athletes won countless medals at regional and provincial competitions. During one impressive stretch, ODCVI won 11 straight team titles at the Georgian Bay Secondary School Association regional championships. The Blues finished second as a team in the entire province at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) championship among high schools from throughout Ontario.

He also coached cross-country running from 1967 to 1981 and helmed the Orillia Track Club from 1971 to 1988.

Multiple times during those years, he helped convene OFSAA cross-country running and track and field competitions. He also served as convener of the junior track and field development program at Laurentian University in 1972.

In whatever sport he coached, he helped the athletes hone their skills and taught them how to improve. His young athletes won countless medals at whatever competitions they entered.

On top of that, dozens of ODCVI athletes used their time under MacMillan as a springboard to post-secondary scholarships.

One of those athletes was Rob Town — one of Orillia’s most decorated athletes.

He is the only local athlete to ever win five individual OFSAA gold medals. He is the only two-time winner of Orillia’s Athlete of the Year Award.

He was, it could be argued, one of Canada’s premier athletes in the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a world-class decathlete who shone on the international stage.

He credits MacMillan for helping him realize his potential.

“He was a master motivator,” Town told The Packet in a 2013 interview. “He was a knowledgeable guy who really cared about us as athletes. He would put former athletes on pedestals and give us something to shoot for.”

Chad Moreau is another — of many — former ODCVI students who point to MacMillan as key influences on their success.

A budding shot put and discus athlete, Moreau began working with the legendary coach and was one of the reasons the family moved from Huntsville to Orillia.

In 1990, his first year at ODCVI, Moreau recorded 25 first-place finishes in either shot put or discus and won silver medals in both disciplines at the OFSAA high school championships.

He went on to win Canadian titles in both sports in a nation-wide Legion competition and was named Orillia’s athlete of the year for 1990.

In 1992, he won gold at OFSAA in both events in the senior competition — an unheard of feat that led to a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina.

He tells anyone who will listen It would not have been possible without his high school coach.

“MacMillan was a real student of the throwing sports,” said Moreau in a 2012 interview with The Packet & Times.

“Without him I never would have been able to accomplish what I did,” said Moreau. “You can be big and strong, but in throwing, it’s all about technique. He was huge in teaching me the sport.”

MacMillan’s work did not go unnoticed.

He earned OFSAA’s prestigious Pete Beach Award in 1996 — the year he retired. The award is presented annually to a teacher-coach who has made a significant contribution to the educational athletic program.

The recipient of this award “exemplifies the values of fair play and good sportsmanship while promoting enjoyment, personal growth and educational achievement through school sport.”

He was also recognized with the Government of Canada Celebration ‘88 Medal.

In addition, the Ian MacMillan Scholarship, in his honour, is still handed out annually at ODCVI’s successor, Orillia Secondary School.

MacMillan will be officially inducted at this year’s Orillia Sports Hall of Fame Gala, which will be held May 4 at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club.

Original Article By: Dave Dawson
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: May 2, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

The 1973 Allan Cup Champion Orillia Terriers, Chad Thompson, Dean Heliotis, and lan MacMillan entered the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday evening.

A two-sport athlete, two long-time coaches, and a championship hockey team were enshrined in the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night.

The 1973 Allan Cup Champion Orillia Terriers headlined the class of 2023, making them the first team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Accepting the honour on behalf of the team on Saturday night were forward Gary Milroy and player-coach Doug Kelcher.

“The first thing we want to do is thank the people of Orillia,” Kelcher said. “We had a guy named Bill McGill who convinced us that this was the place to play and if we played here and did a good job, we’d never forget it.”

The powerhouse team skated to a 31-13 record, placing them behind the powerful Barrie Flyers for second place in the Ontario Hockey Association’s Senior A division.

The Terriers would overcome the Flyers in Game 6 of the Ontario championship, earning a hard-fought victory in overtime.

“We had a great rivalry with the Barrie Flyers,” Milroy said. “When coach Doug Kelcher whistled the puck past the goaltender to win the game — and, of course, there are several interpretations of the word whistle — it ended up in the net anyway and we won.”

The Terriers went on to defeat Thunder Bay for the Eastern Canadian Championship, earning themselves their shot at the Allan Cup. The Terriers defeated the St. Boniface Mohawks 4-1 in the championship series, winning the Allan Cup on home ice at the Orillia Community Centre.

“It was a long time ago,” Milroy said. “But there are a lot of good memories for all of us.”

Milroy credits the championship victory to the players, team supporters, and the fans.

“We came together and played as a team which is what you have to do to win the Allan Cup,” he said. “A bunch of us from Toronto came to play here but the fans cheered for us as their own which was inspiring.”

Lacrosse and hockey star Chad Thompson was inducted into the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame in the athlete category on Saturday night.

Thompson began playing lacrosse when he was four and moved up the ranks, playing with the Jr. A Rama Hammond Kings. In 2005 he won the John ‘Gus’ McAuley Award for the most valuable defensive player.

Thompson graduated to the Barrie Lakeshores Sr. A lacrosse team before playing professionally in the National Lacrosse League for Toronto, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Orlando.

Thompson was also a star hockey player, shining first with the Orillia Terriers in the Provincial Junior Hockey League as a 15-year-old.

In 2001, the defenceman was drafted 105th overall by the London Knights. He played five seasons and more than 200 regular season games in the OHL with the Knights, Barrie Colts, and Oshawa Generals.

“There are a lot of coaches along my journey who I owe any thanks to the success that I had growing up,” he said. “Each and every coach taught me something along the way that helped build me into the athlete that I was.”

Thompson says his favourite coach was his father.

“Until I got older my skill in most sports somehow allowed me to get away with things other coaches wouldn’t give me trouble for. You, on the other hand, found holes in my game and were open about it, and I now realize that you saw me for what I was and who I was,” he said, while looking at his father. “A kid that was good but had flaws that needed to be better.”

Thompson also credited his brother Troy for his success as an athlete.

“Thank you for teaching me as a kid all of the skills that you had already learned for the game,” he said. “Thank you for making me tougher. Those days in the basement scraping and blasting pucks at each other taught me to never be afraid of anyone or anything.”

Long-time Orillia Legion Minor Baseball coach Dean Heliotis was inducted as a builder on Saturday evening. Speaking on his behalf was his son Louis.

“Unfortunately, Dean passed away last November,” he said. “But I know he’s looking down with a big smile as he would have been extremely thrilled.”

Heliotis, who had a baseball diamond named after him at McKinnell Square in 1988, coached all different age and skill levels for over five decades.

“The time and passion that he put into the game that he loved would have made this recognition extremely meaningful for him,” Louis said. “What he loved most was taking all his knowledge and passing it onto others so they could improve their game.”

In 1969, Heliotis and his “great friend” Grant ‘Gander’ Ross coached the Orillia Juniors.

“The team had only won three games the previous year,” Louis said. “He saw lots of promise in the young players on that team.”

With Heliotis and Ross at the helm, the Juniors ended up in the York Simcoe League finals against the defending Ontario Senior A men’s champions, the Orillia Majors. The Juniors won the series in Game 7 in front of more than 2,400 fans at the Lions Oval. The following year, the Juniors won the Ontario championship.

“After four decades of coaching, it was this team that Deano always looked back on so fondly as one of his greatest accomplishments,” Louis said.

Heliotis also coached the 1992 Orillia bantams and the 1996 Fenelon Falls Raiders to Ontario crowns during his coaching career.

“Those were also significant achievements that he was proud of,” Louis said. “In between were countless York Simcoe League titles and tournament victories.”

Louis says his father was known for being “stern” with his players and using “colourful” language.

“He worked them hard and made them do things until they got it right,” he said. “Some would say he was relentless, but he just expected discipline and dedication.”

lan MacMillan was also inducted into the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame as a builder on Saturday night.

The long-time Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute teacher coached track and field and basketball from 1964 to 1996. He also coached the track team, football, and cross-country.

“I’d really like to thank both of my kids who spent countless hours at the track with me when they were growing up,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Sports Hall of Fame for honouring me with this award tonight.”

MacMillan won more than 1,100 games behind the bench on the basketball court and his cross-country athletes won countless medals at regional and provincial competitions.

“I had no idea that when I started my coaching career, I would be creating a relationship with my athletes, fellow coaches, and parents that would impact the rest of my life,” he said.

“People often ask what coaching meant for me, what did I get out of it, and why did I do it. Well, I’m competitive, I’m analytical, and I’m curious about some of those things that led to me being bitten by the coaching bug,” he explained.

In 1996, MacMillan earned the prestigious Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association’s Pete Beach Award and was recognized with the Government of Canada Celebration ’88 Medal.

MacMillan says his favourite part about coaching was watching “sports change kids’ lives.”

“The lessons they learned trickled into their everyday lives and successes later in life,” he said. “To this day it still keeps giving back to me.”

In MacMillan’s honour, a scholarship is given at Orillia Secondary School each year.

Original Article By: Tyler Evans
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: May 4, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

Legendary Canadian champions from 1973 will be the first team to be inducted in Orillia shrine; this year’s class will be recognized at May 4 gala at Hawk Ridge.

A two-sport athlete, two legendary builders and one of the city’s iconic hockey teams will be inducted into the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame in May.

Chad Thompson, who starred in both the Ontario Hockey League and National Lacrosse League, longtime high school coach Ian MacMillan, renowned baseball coach Dean Heliotis and the Allan Cup champion Orillia Terriers will be inducted into the city’s sports shrine this year.

It’s the first time a team will be inducted, says Roy Micks, the chair of the Orillia Sport Council, which oversees the hall of fame.

“There have been some fantastic teams throughout the years in Orillia and we felt it was time to recognize them,” said Micks, who noted the committee that oversees the induction process worked hard to create tough but fair criteria for eligibility in the team category.

The Terriers were the cream of the crop when it came to senior hockey in the province in the mid-1970s at a time when the level of play was just below the American Hockey League. Orillia captured the historic Allan Cup, emblematic of Canadian hockey supremacy, on home ice on May 13, 1973.

In the athlete category, Thompson, who grew up in Orillia playing both lacrosse and hockey, went on to play parts of five seasons in the NLL, after playing five seasons in the OHL with the Barrie Colts, London Knights and Oshawa Generals.

During his time as a defenceman in the OHL, he played more than 200 regular season games, he scored 23 goals, added 41 assists and amassed almost 200 minutes in penalties. In the NLL, he played for Toronto, San Jose, Philadelphia and Orlando, tallying 64 points in 49 games as a defensive specialist.

MacMillan was a legend at Orillia and District Collegiate Vocational Institute, where he was the school’s track and field coach and basketball coach from 1964 to 1996. He also helmed the Orillia Track Club for more than 15 years.

When he first arrived at ODCVI, he was the school’s football coach — from 1964 to 1966 — and he also coached cross-country running at the school from 1967 to 1981.

His basketball teams won more than 1,100 games, while his track and cross-country athletes won countless medals at regional and provincial competitions. He earned the prestigious OFSAA Pete Beach Award in 1996 and was also recognized with the Government of Canada Celebration ‘88 Medal. The Ian MacMillan Scholarship is still handed out annually at ODCVI’s successor, Orillia Secondary School.

Heliotis’s name is synonymous with baseball in Orillia. From 1965 until 2008, he coached at various levels including mosquito, peewee, bantam, midget and junior and also helmed the Orillia Majors for several years. He helped generations of players learn to play and love the sport; in 1988, a diamond at McKinnell Square Park was named in his honour.

Original Article By: Orillia Matters Staff
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: March 18, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

‘There are a lot of really great athletes in Orillia. That’s what makes this mean a lot,’ says Isabella Holmgren, Orillia’s Athlete of the Year for 202.

Isabella Holmgren was named the 2023 Orillia Athlete of the Year during a ceremony at Orillia’s Rotary Place Thursday evening.

The 18-year-old elite cyclist won two world championships in two different cycling disciplines in 2023, which made her stand out among the three nominees for Orillia’s most prestigious athletic award.

“This is super special,” Holmgren said. “I’m very happy and grateful to be recognized with other great athletes from Orillia.”

Since 2022, Holmgren, 18, has cycled on to the podium multiple times in a sport that is dominated by European riders on the world stage. However, winning the Orillia Athlete of the Year is one of her biggest accomplishments, she said.

“This is super cool,” she said. “My brother, Gunnar, (won this award) a few years ago which also makes this special.”

While Holmgren proudly accepted the award, she says fellow nominees Chas Sharpe (hockey) and Wyatt Thompson (baseball) were also more than deserving of the honour.

“There are a lot of really great athletes in Orillia,” she said. “That’s what makes this mean a lot.”

In February 2023, Holmgren became the first Canadian to win the Junior Cyclocross World Championship held in the Netherlands.

“It was special because it showed how hard Canada has worked as a federation,” she said. “A lot of people worked really hard to get us to that point.”

Finishing second at the world championship was Holmgren’s twin sister, Ava.

“I think she’s definitely worthy of this award, too,” Holmgren said. “Even more than me maybe.”

Both Holmgren sisters recently signed with Lidl-Trek, a WorldTour road cycling team that competes in Europe. Holmgren says she would never be able to live out her cycling dreams without the support of her sister.

“We push each other a lot in training,” she said. “We motivate each other constantly.”

Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac says he is proud of Holmgren’s accomplishments.

“It’s unusual to have an athlete who has three world championships for mountain bike, cyclocross, and road bike before 19,” he said. “I think that’s very impressive.”

Orillia Sport Council President Roy Micks says Holmgren is well deserving of the Athlete of the Year award.

“I think she is someone all girls can look up to,” he said. “Winning two world championships in one year is one of the biggest accomplishments we’ve ever seen from somebody from Orillia.”

Orillia Sports Hall of Famer (2018) Jayme Davis, who won the 2007 Orillia Athlete of the Year Award, says it’s important to celebrate athletes like Holmgren each year with the award.

“It’s a pretty special honour,” said Davis, who is a member of the Orillia Sport Council. “It’s important for athletes like Isabella to know as they are competing at such a high level that they have a whole community behind them. It’s very powerful.”

Davis says it’s “special” to recognize local female athletes.

“Historically, we often think of males as being dominant, powerful, and successful in sport,” she said. “It’s important for our community to know that we have really strong female athletes.”

Original Article By: Tyler Evans
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: Feb. 15, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

The world champion in two cycling disciplines is among three worthy candidates for 2023 Orillia Athlete of the Year award; winner will be announced Thursday.

Isabella Holmgren did the improbable in 2023: she won world championships in two different cycling disciplines.

The year of unprecedented success for the 18-year-old elite cyclist began in January of 2023, when she won a bronze medal at a World Cup event in Besancon, France at the finale of the Cyclocross World Cup Series.

Then, a month later, the talented Orillia teen made history, becoming the first Canadian to win the Junior Cyclocross World Championship held in the Netherlands.

“I was overwhelmed with emotions because I had just raced as hard as I could,” Isabella said in an interview back home in Orillia after returning from the race.

Her twin sister, Ava, finished second in the race, allowing the sisters to sweep the top two podium positions.

“I saw my parents right at the finish line and my sister was right behind me. It was definitely a nice feeling,” said Isabella.

Ava says she will always remember the celebratory feeling of finishing the final stretch of the race.

“I was just really happy,” she said. “I was so proud of my sister. It was such a special moment for me.”

The sisters say they could not have made it to the big race without each other.

“During the race, we are definitely competitive with each other,” Isabella said. “We make sure to not work against each other during the race, but, especially in training and at home, we push each other.”

Isabella says it is a “special feeling” knowing she and her sister made Canadian history on the world stage.

“I saw my parents right at the finish line and my sister was right behind me. It was definitely a nice feeling,” said Isabella.

Ava says she will always remember the celebratory feeling of finishing the final stretch of the race.

“I was just really happy,” she said. “I was so proud of my sister. It was such a special moment for me.”

The sisters say they could not have made it to the big race without each other.

“During the race, we are definitely competitive with each other,” Isabella said. “We make sure to not work against each other during the race, but, especially in training and at home, we push each other.”

Isabella says it is a “special feeling” knowing she and her sister made Canadian history on the world stage.

“I hope it encourages more Canadians to get on their cross bikes,” said the 18-year-old. “We hope we can inspire a few more Canadians to help grow the sport a bit more.”

The two ÉSC Nouvelle-Alliance students have been mountain biking since the age of four and have been racing competitively since they were nine. They got their national start in cyclocross in 2022.

Isabella followed up that incredible feat in August by finishing the Cycling Super Worlds race with a time of one hour seven minutes, 37 seconds to earn the gold in the mountain biking competition — and her second world crown of the year.

Isabella’s coach and father, Rob Holmgren, says her success has been “years in the making.”

“This year we definitely had a focus on building a big engine and making her skills as good as they possibly could be,” he explained. “Some of that was done by some extra road racing and training and sacrificing Canadian Nationals to do a road project in Europe.”

Despite a pair of world titles, Isabella’s stellar year was not quite finished.

In November, the reigning junior world champion was granted permission to race up into the elite women’s category at the Pan American Cyclocross Championship in Missoula, Montana.

Once again, the local athlete separated herself from the pack, finishing strong to take the gold medal.

“Isabella showed her technical abilities being able to ‘bunny hop’ the barriers during the race, where the other women had to dismount and run,” said Rob Holmgren.

“Her patience and tactics were outstanding, showing it takes more than skill and fitness to win cyclocross races.”

Isabella Holmgren was nominated for the Athlete of the Year award by Andrew Doble. And while her accomplishments are impressive, there’s more to the teen, he noted in his nomination letter.

“Isabella is a kind, giving teammate always willing to help,” said Doble.

“She is the first to help with cleanups, cooking, to help with teaching younger athletes skills, line selection, and share a safe, quiet spot to warm up. Reducing her teammates’ stress allows them to focus on their own performances and goals,” said Doble.

He also cited the young athlete’s strong eighth place showing at the world championship for road racing in Scotland.

“Road cycling is the ultimate team sport; certain members of the team will sacrifice their own dreams and results in order to support their teammate,” explained Doble.

“Isabella gave 110 per cent of herself on many occasions to deliver her teammates to the finale in her races in Europe last spring.”

Original Article By: Dave Dawson
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: Feb. 11, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos / Orillia Matters

Former Terrier and ex-Predator named captain of OHL’s Steelheads and is the team’s top blueliner this year as the Orillia native continues to chase his NHL dreams.

Like a fine wine, Chas Sharpe seems to get better with age.

Sharpe, who started playing house league hockey in Orillia when he was five, is now skating in his fifth — and final — season with the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League.

Prior to the start of this season, the fleet-footed blueliner was named the team’s captain.

“Chas Sharpe has been with us for five years and has really grown as a player and as a person,” James Richmond, the team’s coach and general manager told OHL.com earlier this year.

“He’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. We all believe Sharpie is the right guy to lead this group and we couldn’t be happier to announce his captaincy.”

Sharpe, 20, said he was honoured to be named team captain.

“It’s truly a honour to be named captain of the Steelheads, and a leader of this young group,” he told the OHL’s website.

“We have such a special team this year and I’m just happy I will be able to help the young kids grow.”

Sharpe has been up to the task. The reliable defenceman with an excellent point shot who helps quarterback the power play, has 10 goals and 19 assists in 49 games this year. He also sports a plus six.

Sharpe has had a long love affair with hockey.

“Since I was born, I’ve been raised around the sport of hockey,” he told OrilliaMatters earlier this year. “My dad played Junior B and taught me how to compete and the importance of giving it your best effort for every game.”

When Sharpe was nine, he started playing with the Orillia Terriers A team. In his first year with the squad, he broke his wrist, which changed his hockey path forever.

Once the young forward was healthy enough to return to the lineup, his coaches decided to move him back to the point to play defence. He has never looked back.

During Sharpe’s time with the Terriers, they went to the OMHA finals twice but came up short both times.

“It was a pretty memorable journey,” he said.

When he turned 11, Sharpe graduated to the North Central Predators AAA program.

Playing with the Predators and contributing to several tournament victories made Sharpe realize that he could play at the next level.

“I got better and better each year,” he said. “It started to become a real possibility for me to play in the OHL.”

His old coach with the Predators, Andrew Morris, provided a letter in support of Sharpe’s nomination for the city’s athlete of the year award.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Chas in his minor midget/U16 year. Throughout the year you could see his dedication, attention to details, and his commitment to improve everyday become apparent,” recalled Morris.

“The more time spent with Chas the more appreciation you have of not only him as a player, but a person, and leader,” he said.

“As our year went on, he was the player more and more OHL teams were asking about and rightly so. Whatever situation he was put in, whatever role was needed, you knew that when Chas was faced with a challenge he would excel,” said Morris.

During his minor midget year, Sharpe was frequently being scouted by OHL teams. He was selected in the third round, 60th overall, by the Steelheads.

“After being selected by Mississauga in the third round you could see he was ready for his new challenge,” said Morris.

“He was one of the youngest players in the league his first year, and he not only earned his way into the lineup, but became an integral part of a team with winning aspirations,” Morris explained.

“Over the next few years I’ve continued to see that dedication and hard work earn him the respect of his coaches and teammates. He continues to get better each year and take on more responsibilities on and off the ice leading to becoming the captain of his team,” said Morris.

“It has been incredible to see his growth as a player and person and see him continue to thrive as an athlete today,” said Morris.

While he shone, the Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School graduate said the transition to the OHL wasn’t easy. But the experience has helped him grow, he said.

“I’ve grown a lot of confidence over the years,” he said. “I’ve been here for a while now and have a really good relationship with our coach, James Richmond.”

Sharpe credits Richmond for giving him “all the tools needed” to succeed in the OHL. He also credits his career year to the work he put in during the off-season.

It’s work he hopes might help him realize his NHL dream.

“This is my last year to get an NHL deal and that’s my goal.”

Leading up to the 2022 NHL draft, Sharpe, who stands six-foot-three, had talked to a few different teams, who ultimately decided to pass on him. He admits he was devastated by being snubbed on the biggest stage for hockey’s best prospects.

“It hurt for sure,” he said. “It’s every kid’s dream to play in the NHL, but there are a lot of different paths to that league.”

Following the draft, Sharpe was invited to the Buffalo Sabres prospects camp.

“Being around NHL players every day was really cool,” he said. “It made me want to get there even more. When you get a little taste of it, it motivates you a lot.”

At the end of the camp, the Sabres decided to let Sharpe return to the Steelheads without a contract.

“It definitely lit a fire beneath me,” he said. “It gave me extra motivation to just keep working.”

Shape has been in contact with several NHL teams this season, giving him hope that his childhood dreams of playing pro are still alive.

Original Article By: Dave Dawson
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: Feb. 12, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photo / Orillia Matters

Twin Lakes grad helped Orillia Royals win league crown and shone on the mound in his sophomore season for Thomas College in Maine.

The Orillia Sport Council will announce the winner of the coveted Orillia Athlete of the Year for 2023 on Feb. 15 at Rotary Place. Isabella Holmgren, Chas Sharpe and Wyatt Thompson have been nominated for the award. Today, we feature Thompson. Click here to read our profile of Holmgren and here to read our profile of Sharpe.

An Orillia baseball player shone on both sides of the border in 2023.

Wyatt Thompson had a stellar season on the diamond for the Orillia Royals last summer. The six-foot-five pitcher was the go-to hurler on his junior team, helping them win a North Dufferin Baseball League (NDBL) championship.

His talents were recognized outside Orillia as he was named the league’s top pitcher and also earned the NDBL’s most valuable player award.

“It meant a lot to me. It was pretty cool” to be recognized, the right-handed pitcher told OrilliaMatters.

Thompson began playing baseball when he was a kid and credits his dad for helping him become the player he has evolved into.

His strong play in the Orillia Royals system over the years helped him to get recognized.

In 2022, the Twin Lakes Secondary School graduate took his talents to Thomas College in Maine. Playing Division III baseball was a dream come true for the local lad.

This past season, as a sophomore, Thompson played in 13 games, recording a 4.18 ERA while compiling a 2-0 record. He had 10 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched. Twice in 2023, he was named the North Atlantic Conference pitcher of the week.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It feels like the work I’m putting in is paying off.”

He also played basketball for Thomas College, serving as a key bench player for the Terriers.

The 20-year-old says he’s enjoyed putting his talents to the test against some of the best baseball players his age from around the United States.

“The competition is definitely a lot higher than I’m used to,” he said. “Back home you can make a mistake and get away with it, but here there is a lot less room for error.”

While happy with his performance to date, he knows his fastball is not what higher-level teams are looking for.

“I’m a junk guy,” he said with a chuckle. “I throw a lot of curve balls.”

Thompson’s goal is to finish his college tenure with Thomas College by winning the division championship. He has two more seasons left to achieve his dream.

Once Thompson has thrown his final pitch, he plans on coming back to Canada to get his pilot’s licence.

“I’m currently majoring in finance,” Thompson explained. “But being a pilot is something I plan on exploring down the road.”

Thompson says he’s learned through achieving his dream of playing NCAA sports that anything is possible.

“This was a chance that I will never get again,” he said. “If I had tried and it didn’t work out, then I wouldn’t have been worse off because of it.”

In addition to his strong play on the field, Thompson has also put a lot of emphasis on his academics, earning a spot on the Dean’s List. He was an honour roll student at Twin Lakes as well.

“All the coaches and adults I’ve talked to have always said, “Worry about the classroom and getting good grades because that’s what is most important,’ and it’s definitely true,” Thompson said.

None of the success is a surprise to one of his former Orillia Royals coaches, Mark Kuntz, who nominated Thompson for the athlete of the year award.

“He’s an incredible leader … who is loved by his coaches, teammates and officials” and always displays sportsmanship, said Kuntz.

“He is very proud of being from Orillia and represents (the city) with class,” said Kuntz, who noted the driven athlete always works hard, trains hard and is a “very good” student.

Original Article By: Dave Dawson
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: Feb. 13, 2024
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Supplied Photos

City council votes in favour of transferring stewardship of award following group’s ‘tremendous’ job of renewing interest,

After a successful trial over the past year, the Orillia Sport Council will permanently oversee the city’s Athlete of the Year award.

Since 1952, the annual award has recognized local amateur athletes who are a credit to the city for their athletic ability, sportsmanship, and achievements — but the award has seen a drop in interest and nominations in recent years.

Last year, city council voted to transfer stewardship of the award to the Orillia Sport Council for a one-year trial period, given its strong involvement in recognizing and honouring local athletic achievement.

Following a “tremendous” job reinvigorating interest in the award over the past year, council voted at Monday’s meeting for the sport council to permanently oversee the award.

There has been a strong uptake in athletic activity since the Orillia Recreation Centre opened, reported city staff, who noted transferring stewardship of the award will free staff up to submit nominations themselves.

“Transferring the stewardship to Orillia Sport Council also allows for staff to now submit nominations of individuals who are making great strides in their athletic development, hopefully helping to foster a community of lifelong healthy and active living,” stated a staff report.

Coun. Tim Lauer questioned whether the award would still be “owned” by the city, despite the fact the sport council will administer it on an annual basis.

“I have complete faith in the sports council; I think they’re good they’re doing a good job and will do a good job,” he said. “Looking down the road 10 years from now … if that organization faded away, or whatever happened, (I’m wondering if) we automatically pulled it back into our domain.”

Marcia Russell, the city’s director of recreation, youth, and culture, said the award will still be owned and displayed by the city, and will come back under the city’s control should the sport council dissolve.

The recreation advisory committee will continue to be a voting party in the award process, and city staff will be included in communications about award nominees.

The Orillia Sport Council has recommended local athletes “truly performing at the height of their athletic careers” be allowed to receive the award on more than one occasion.

A member of city council will also be included in the presentation of the award.

Original Article By: Greg McGrath-Goudie
Site: Orillia Matters
Date: Dec. 12, 2023
Link to Original: Link to Orillia Matters
Photo: Nathan Taylor