Wow! We have had a busy and wonderful first few weeks of athletic programs. 

Our students joined sports teams, worked hard during selections and have began to settle into their fall term. Some of our older students went through the process of trying out for a team and experienced the disappointment of not being selected. These moments are delicate and I thank parents and coaches for providing the emotional support that students may need. That being said, we want to reiterate that if they enjoy a sport and weren't selected, we encourage them to inquire about community grassroots programs that focus on skill development and tryout again next year. 

If your child is on a competitive team (competes against other schools), you will receive a Welcome to the Team letter in the coming days. Some of our teams have already received these and I encourage you to read through these carefully. 

I am excited to share some highlights from the past few weeks:

• Students learning the sport of field hockey for the very first time in Year 7.

• U12 volleyball travelled with the U13 and U12 soccer teams to St. Andrew’s College.

• Our Year 5 intramural program is developing their volleyball skills and learning the game.

• Year 6 soccer league teams will be finalized this week and teams will have a chance to design their logo for their shirts.

• U13 blue soccer defeated Toronto French School in their home opener.

• Year 5 to 7 students competed at their first cross country meet at Centennial Stadium. We are excited to share these results with you in our next Heads Up edition.

• U13 volleyball won an exciting 3-set game against St. Michael’s College in their home opener.

• Our Terry Fox Run offered our middle school students a chance to run with their Upper School friends in a race on the beltline. We are so proud of these students for running this 4 km race!

As happens each year, September brings the start of classes as well as the kick-off of athletic fixtures at the College. The fall term has a plethora of activities that keep our students engaged physically and mentally, as well as connecting with our school community on a broad scale. The fields and courts are buzzing with excitement and energy as athletes put their best foot forward in hopes of representing themselves and the College as best we can. Whether it is interschool competition taking on St. Andrew's College on the pitch or intramurals between close friends after school, there is something for everyone. 

Notable events so far:

• The varsity soccer team attended a preseason tournament at St. Andrew's College on Sept. 8, where they went undefeated.

• Varsity football traveled to Kingston on Sept. 8 to practice with five other schools from that area, followed by an exhibition game versus Oscar Romero CSS on Sept. 15 at UCC.

• Varsity hockey made their presence felt at the Ridley Challenge Cup (Sept. 14–17) as they went 4-1 losing in OT in the finals.

• Varsity volleyball travelled to the University of Guelph for a preseason tournament where they clearly demonstrated they are a top team in Ontario. 

• The U16A and varsity soccer teams hosted Christ's College from New Zealand as they were touring North America and played an international friendly game. It was an incredible experience of shared cultures and experiences, highlighted by Christ's College performing a haka at the end of the matches.

• JV football travelled to St. Andrew's College on Friday, Sept. 22. It was a very close battle that saw UCC come out on top to start their season. 

• The cross country team attended Trinity College School for a preseason race to get the kinks out and show the rest of the field how strong a team UCC will have this year. 

•  All other teams have begun their seasons and are well underway.

What's Coming Up:

• Varsity volleyball will be hosting St. Michael's in the Hewitt Athletic Centre at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29.

• Varsity football will be hosting St. Andrew's College on the Oval at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29.

• Varsity hockey hosts the first CPSHA tournament of the year this coming weekend (Friday, Sept. 29 to Sunday, Oct. 1) at the Mara and Eaton rinks. UCC plays at 7 p.m. on Friday night and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, both on the Mara ice pad. 

• Varsity rowing heads down to the Head of the Trent on Sunday, Oct. 1 to showcase the world class program we have built. 

• Golf travels to Cherry Down Golf Course on Monday, Oct. 2 for the OFSAA qualifier.

• U14 cross country travels to Centennial Park on Tuesday, Oct. 3 for their first meet of the year. 

With the fall season underway, any and all support for the Blues is much appreciated. Go Blues!

Dave Brown

Upper School Athletic Director