We have finalized our Year 4-7 team rosters and developmental program lists! Some of our students chose to try out for a team, some of our students joined our developmental programs and others moved from program to program before settling on a winter option. It is important to remember that all grade-levels offer different programming and each grade has unique CISAA league formats that sometimes impact the way our team selections are made. I have received several emails this week about our winter athletic programs and what the progression might look like from year to year. I have tried to capture these questions as best as I can and have offered some answers in Q&A format below:

Why are tryouts during the day? 

One of the most unique and incredible aspects of our timetable is that students will have 1 hour of physical activity a day. This means that some days they will have P.E and other days they will have their extra-curricular activities during this time. This time block is called “Games”. This begins in Year 4. This time block is used for tryouts and regular practices to ensure daily physical activity and enough facilities to support our students. 

What happens if my child is not selected for a team? Is there a developmental program for the same sport?

This is never easy and we recognize that there can be overwhelming disappointment and sadness during this time. That being said, we will always offer alternative programs for them and guarantee two tryouts for another selection team. Due to facilities we may not be able to offer the same sport but we do our best to ensure they will learn something new while playing small and large group games. You will notice that as your child gets to Year 7, more options are available. See below for our winter grade-level options:

As the fall colours fade and we look forward to all that winter has to promise, we reflect on a season of camaraderie, sportsmanship and, of course, excellent play. The conclusion of our fall athletics season was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by unbeaten regular seasons, outstanding come-from-behind victories, and teammates that will remember their time on the pitch/court for years to come. UCC had five fall teams showcase their prowess, earning coveted spots in the championship finals. As we close the chapter on the fall, we dive head first into all that winter has to offer. 

Notable events thus far:

• The varsity and U14 volleyball teams both went undefeated in the regular season, while varsity also placed 5th in the province at OFSAA.

• Cross country sent 5 runners to OFSAA where David Jiang placed 3rd - the best a UCC runner has ever placed — bravo!

• A special nod to our U14 Flag Football team, who, in their inaugural year, clinched victory at the Crestwood tournament.

• The 5 rowers who travelled down to Boston to compete at the Head of the Charles regatta placed in the top 50% of boats (90 boats) earning them a place at next year's regatta. This is truly an incredible accomplishment.

• The varsity hockey team was also down in Boston from Nov. 23-25 playing some of the top competition from across the US, representing UCC exceptionally well. 

• The varsity volleyball just received the Team Leadership award at this year's OFSAA tournament — a fantastic testament to the values and beliefs we are fostering at the College. 

• Varsity basketball travelled to Montreal to represent UCC at the CAIS tournament (Nov. 22-25) going 4-1 on the weekend. 

• On Nov. 25, UCC hosted 51 rugby coaches from across CISAA schools to train and become certified coaches, aiming to provide safe and effective coaching strategies and techniques

What's coming up:

• All sports: Almost every winter team is up and running (with the exception of Alpine skiing which will commence in January) and have started practicing and playing. It is a busy time as we transition from tryouts, to practice, to playing our first matches. This is where the learning really ramps up as the teams evaluate their strengths and challenges, and work to develop as a unit with a common focus of development and improvement. 

• The U16 and varsity basketball teams will participate in a couple of tournaments before the holidays as they test their mettle against some stiff competition from across the GTA and beyond. These tournaments will be held at U of T, and the annual Blackball Tournament in Orillia. 

• As noted above, the Alpine ski team will be forming after the holidays, but we will be holding an introductory meeting before the break to let your sons know of the expectations and how tryouts will occur. As always, please remind your son to listen at assemblies and check their email for important announcements. 

• We are extremely fortunate to have such incredible facilities, and as such we are lucky to be able to host many more home fixtures in the winter months for our basketball and hockey teams in particular. Please do your best to come out and support the Blues whenever you have a chance.

We are sad to see the end of the warmth and the sports that go hand in hand with the fall hues, but are excited to hone our skills on the hardcourt, in the pool, on the slopes and the ice. Not only will we be honing our skills, but developing life-long friendships and learning valuable lessons that are so often taught through competition, such as trusting one another, and putting the team, or a group of individuals, before oneself. The winter season is truly magical and one that the College is excited to watch unfold. Go Blues!