Intro to, and Blog by Captain Jen Kish

I wanted to open up my blogs again, moving into a very exciting 2013 with an introduction to a very good friend and teammate of mine, Jen Kish. I've been playing with Kish since a Scotland tour in 2007. First time I ever met her I got the impression she was a very confident, self aware youngster who knew her futures potential. Kish never hesitates to show her ability, and you would understand that if you have ever seen her play. This girl is a gamer and someone I recommend you keep an eye out for on our National Senior Women's road to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Here are a few things Kish had to say.

Kish, where did you grow up?
"I moved all around Canada but ended up staying in Edmonton, AB for the last 16 years."

Who do you play for in Edmonton?
"Currently I play with the Edmonton Rockers."

Who has been some of your great support along this journey?
"My dad. Without him I wouldn't be where I am today."

Before rugby what sports did you do growing up?
"Tea Kwon Do, Basketball, Football, Badminton."

When did you discover rugby as your passion and something you wanted to pursue?
"I knew I wanted to pursue Rugby when I started to really excel in it, and when the excitement I felt going to practice and playing in games grew stronger."

What are your goals personally and for the team working up to the Olympics?
"Personally: Ive got so many. MVP Canada, MVP IRB, Captain the world cup & Olympic squad & eventually squat more than I can bench ;)' And for the Team: To win the world cup & Olympics & have everyone run a 6 min mile."

Is there anything you fear?
"Injuries!"

What has been your greatest challenge so far?
"Centralizing in Victoria."

How do you vision 2013 working out for the Canadian women's team?
"I think we'll have a great year since we'll all be centralized again."

Out of all your watches which one is your favorite??
"So many to pick from but my white diesel watch. I just recently got it for Xmas!"

I understand you have owned Motor Bikes in the past, what's your favorite memory you have with them?!
"I brought my bike to Victoria in October with a moving truck. I parked it in the underground parking of the apartment where I was staying and left it there until I came back in Jan. When I arrived in Victoria in Jan I went to go see if my bike was still there after sitting for 2 months. I am happy to say it was there but when I went to start it, cause I needed to get groceries, it was dead. So i remember trying to push start the bike. Here I am running up and down in the underground parking lot with this heavy bike trying to jump start it. 45 min later I finally got it to start. I was so tired in the end that I never ended up going to get groceries. I went back upstairs and took a nap."

Blog by Captain Jen Kish, Post Dubai

It’s only been a few weeks now that I’ve been back on Canadian soil since the first ever IRB Women’s Sevens World Series took place in Dubai. I am completely gutted with my own performance and the result our team got after how hard we all trained leading up. However, our Maple Leafs team ended up showing well and placed first on the invitational side. Prior to the tournament kicking off, we spent 2 weeks in Victoria trying to refine our skills and get that team cohesion again after being apart for 6 months. Unfortunately 2 weeks just wasn’t enough and it showed in all our games. Our first match was against Russia and what a mess that was. We were out skilled and lacked a lot of discipline. I was in utter shock after the game because I just couldn’t believe what just happened. We all were. I just want to say, kudos to Russia for improving, as much as they have since we’ve last seen them. China was our next match and I am relieved to say that the result was in our favor this time. It’s too bad that the weather was so miserable that day because it makes a seven’s game a sloppy one. With knowing we were 1-1 we knew we had to step up our level when we met New Zealand in our last match of the day. What a battle that was. They are good athletes and solid tacklers. During that whole match it seemed as though we lost sight of our game plan. It was like a repeat of our match against Russia. Countless mistakes and handling errors on our part cost us the game and New Zealand came out victorious. The bus ride back to the hotel that night was a quiet one. I replayed every game in my head and the only thing I remember was, “What happened today?”

Waking up the next morning our team went for a walk. During that walk our coach, John Tait picked up a small pebble and put it in the palm of his hand. He asked one of us to try to pick up the pebble out of his hand but by only using 1 finger. It was impossible. His point was, you need the rest of your fingers to help you achieve the task. One individual cannot win a game when the game includes others. It was a very inspirational moment and from then on there was a sense of positive energy coming from everyone. To me, it was if everyone was saying in their minds, “OK, today is our day. Today is the day we turn it around and do what we came here to do.” I remember telling the girls before we played Australia, that no matter what happens today, we are a very talented team with endless potential. We were fired up and ready to play the way we wanted to play from the very beginning. I think out of all the games that weekend, it was our best performance even though we lost. It was that game where we finally started to play like a team. Later that day we faced England then Russia in the Plate Final. It was our time for redemption against Russia. We ended up playing a lot better than our previous meeting but there just wasn’t enough time on the clock seal a win.

We gather again in January to start our second year of centralization where we will continue to build and hone our skills. I am looking forward to training with all the girls and the new ones that are up and coming. We have a bunch of new talent on the scene and I am excited to see these players develop.

For all you people who enjoy a bit of social media, check out Twitter and you can follow Jen Kish @jen_kish.

Also check out this Youtube link about how Own The Podium has influenced out year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPXXeCYBQEo&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for checking out my blog!
Mandy Marchak @MandyMarchak

Player Profile: Barbara Mervin

I would like to introduce to you the very lovely and talented Barbara Mervin. She has been apart of the NSWT since 2004, and has been a huge impact in this team ever since the day she started. If you know her as a friend, met her in passing or played with her, you would know her presence does not go un noticed. Barbara can be seen organizing  most of our fundraising projects, helping out at summer camps, coaching the Uvic Women's rugby team, being a brilliant fashion designer, transitioning between Rugby's 7s and 15s, and training up to 5 hrs a day. She does all of this, believe it or not, while maintaining a healthy well balanced lifestyle. Go Barbara!

Lets hear a little bit about the above from the "Swervin Mervin" herself.

Barbara, please tell us about your hometown, club, and you making the move to Victoria, BC.
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Raised in Peterborough, Ontario.
Peterborough Pagans is my hometown club. The Pagans are an amazing club, I haven’t played for them in 6 years since I moved to Victoria, BC but they have continued to support me and I’m tremendously grateful for that. Velox Rugby Club is my home now. The rugby scene in Victoria is much different then Peterborough; national team players are a dime a dozen which makes finding training partners and world-class facilities much more accessible. I love both clubs and cities for different reasons. 

Why do you play rugby?

Rugby brings so much happiness to my life. I know this because I’ve been injured a lot lately and I’ve been just miserable to be around. However, I’m back on the mend and feeling grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat! Rugby empowers me and gives me a sense of belonging and achievement. I also absolutely love the girls I play with, in fact so much so that I just realized I don’t have a lot of other friends. Last week the NSWT played an inter squad 15s game in Victoria and we didn’t have a lot of fans. The girls were asking me were my friends were, and I realized at that moment they were all on the pitch...but you know what? I believe friends are like high heal shoes. You don’t need a lot of them, just a few great quality ones. They will be worth a lot, they will bring you endless joy, they’ll make you look good, give you confidence and if you treat them right, you’ll have them forever. If you have poor quality ones, it won’t matter how great they initially make you feel or how many you have, you’ll be left hurting and eventually you will dispose of them.

What do you do in your free time?

In my down time I enjoy playing with my dogs and feeding the ladies, aka the chickens: Feather Lockler, Pecahauntus, Robert Redfeather, Yoke-o-ono, Cluck Norris and Egger Allen Poe. There were 7 but unfortunately 2Peck strutted a little too close to my snoop doggies…RIP.

What do you do for work?

I started a business called APTOELLA / RUGBY. Our goal is through innovation and creation of performance apparel, we inspire, celebrate, and empower female rugby players around the world.

Basically, I started a women’s rugby clothing line to make women and girls look good and feel great playing the sport they love. The business encompasses all of my passions and I have big dreams for the company’s future!


Tell us about the National Senior Canadian Women’s Team Calendar.

 

I organized that controversial NSWT nude calendar ☺
Why?

1. To raise the profile and awareness of our successful team
2. To raise needed funds for our team to become more successful
3. To have my amazing teammates see the beauty of the countless hours they endured in the gym and on the pitch
4. To make muscles beautiful to the public and to young girls who think they need to be skinny to be attractive
5. To learn and grow as a entrepreneur

Will I do it again?
Not if my partner has anything to say about it!
I am definitely glad I did it, but it was a huge project with many challenges. Challenges that lead to great learning opportunities but also took up a lot of time. If the calendar reaches the goals that the team set out (and we are well on our way!), I think it’ll be time to pass the buck and let someone else have a vision and bring it to life. I would definitely still help out and support the production of future calendars, but right now I don’t intend to lead the project again.

Thank you Barbara for doing this blog, and everything you do for the program. Your efforts don't go un noticed, and they go above and beyond anything anyone would expect. Your an outstanding person and athlete. Keep up the hard work, big year ahead working towards the 2013 Russia World Cup.

You can follow Barbara @APTOELLA or contact her for any information about her business and how you can obtain some of her apparel!

A little bit of the last 3 months

It's been a really long time I have to be honest!
I never meant to wait this long to blog again. I think as soon as centralization was finished, sorting out moving back to London, a new Sport Visa so they would eventually let me back into their country, coming back to Canada for a week to go to the Canada East/West Camp, then visit my parents in Winnipeg for 3 weeks has really kept me occupied!
I have had so many ideas for blogging. I was going to do some survey blogs. A blog on one of the most challenging experiences I have ever had Climbing 4 of the Highest peaks in the UK in 48 hours. Multiple Player profiles (which one I am working on as we speak). All of which I will be doing eventually. I think I will probably jumble a lot of the last 3 months into this one blog. I have to keep you interested right!? Just try and keep up, I speak fast, and don't always make alot of sense. Haha. Seriously...

So I actually got off the plane the day after centralization in London, got in a car, and shot off to a 7s tournament some may know as Bournemouth 7s. I was involved in it last year with the Moody Cows, and was involved again this year with the Moody Cows. We only went and won it...again!!! Both years the final had been a thrilling experience. The Cows, you see, they play with alot of passion, heart. They play for a cause. They play hard and party hard. Perfect combination I think. We have won Bournemouth 7s 2 yrs in a row now. The money we've won goes towards the charity we play for, the McMillan Cancer Foundation. Great cause, if you ever see the girls, ask them to tell you the story about the team. Its wonderful.

Shortly after this I was asked to participate in the 4 Peaks Challenge on a team with Maggie Alphonsi MBE and Phil Vickery. Both England Rugby Legends in the game. Lucky me! What an experience. We had no idea what to expect. Only from the word of some of the other teams around us who have participated in the past years. We were doing this for the Wooden Spoon Charity of Rugby for Children. Doing this we decided ok, we are just going to cruise through this, no rush, our goal was just to finish. The way it worked was there are teams of 4, 3 who climb and the one driver. We flew into Scotland to start with Ben Nevis, then drove through the night to England where we hiked Hellvelyn. The challenge here was that we hiked two Mountains in one day, from Hellvelyn we drove through the day to Wales to climb Mt Snowdon. From there we drove through the night to catch the ferry over to Ireland to climb our final climb Carantouhill. My favorite was Mt Snowdon. We owned that mountain! Honest to god, we had a few near death experiences, some even went back another way because the winds at the top were 40mph plus. It was incredible. Each mountain had its own challenge. But we concurred them all, and did it in the 48 hours we were suppose to! The challenge was to do all this while being sleep deprived and malnourished! An experience to remember. Would I do it again!? Maybe, I'm not sure. I like not knowing whats ahead. They have 4 challenges alike through the year, so I would like to challenge myself to try one of those next time the opportunity arises. The Wooden Spoon charity raised 109, 000 pounds from that challenge to go towards giving young children the opportunity to experience sport, and the life lessons we learn from sport everyday.

 This was our finish, after 48 hrs!!!

This was me moon walking the start of Mt Snowdon...obviously!

After that I decided to take the summer to focus on training and getting my body back into game shape. I was pretty beat up after the season, and it really seemed like the smart thing to do. With the help and push of others, we are athletes, we cant always make those decisions on our own!
The summer was great. I really enjoyed the time focusing on training, hanging out, doing a little bit of work for friends. I have become a painter! Who knew. People trust you with their places here, and that actually gives the confidence to believe, hey, I've never really painted before, but heck ya, I can paint your room, rip out your floors and completely renovate your bathroom...thanks youtube!

Got back into the swing of it all with an East/West camp. What a great camp, 45 girls, alot of new faces with the biggest potential. Our program is growing and our future is exciting. Playing with these girls made me realize why I love the sport I play again.  They have the drive, the will to learn and that passion to play for their country. What I find as a Vet on this team is I am constantly learning from everyone around me. Someone used me as an example today and said I didn't make it as far as I have on my own, I have come this far because of the people around me. Yes I put in all the work, Ill give myself some credit, but I wake up thinking of the people I work for, train for, play for. The team that backs me, and who I back in return. The Staff who trust me to go to London and play because I love it, but to come back with the same focus and not have fallen off my game because I've still put in all the work. All of these new faces have given me that extra push to not become complacent. I'm not nervous because I trust my training and my ability, but I wont stop working, not with the young talent nipping at my heals!

To finish off this 3 months, I got to spend 3 amazing weeks with my family. My biggest fans, and the most important people in my world. I only ever really get to see them once a year, but depending on what events the decided they can come to, I would be lucky enough to see them on the circuit. Which for me is always a treat! I'm from Winnipeg, and 3 weeks there seems like a loooong time. This time around it wasn't long enough. I was able to see alot of family, and I don't get to do that often. Timing worked out well this year and we were all in the same place same time. Was the perfect August I would have to say.

Thanks you guys for reading in on my blog, I have a great player profile from Barbara Mervin coming up next. She is on the rise with her Business Aptoella. She will tell you more about it, but look out for her, she is going to be big!

You can follow me @mandymarchak on twitter, I usually have something to say.

Take care everyone!

 

Love of the game, love of sport.

Its been far to long since I last blogged.
Every time I had come to write something, I just had to much to say, and no matter how much I wrote down it just kept on flowing. It almost didn't make any sense! Which definitely suits my style. But for you guys I like to try and keep it simple and organized. I drive myself crazy, no sense putting you through that!

A lot has happened in the past while. The last time I wanted to blog it was going to be about team. Ive been involved with a lot of teams and thank alot of them for being just like a family. I have always had a loyalty to the teams I've been involved with, and have only ever played for a different team because I was in a different country or province. I'm very blessed that I have had the opportunity to play for such wonderful teams. Recently, which is what struck my interest for writing a blog about team, my home club in Vancouver, Capilano RFC, had won the Premiership Men's Final. Something to be so very proud of. I went to watch their semi final on the Island, and was absolutely blown away. The heart and drive those guys put into that game really struck a cord in me. One of the really emotional ones! They deserved that 100%. I was a very proud Capilano. I was fortunate enough to celebrate their win at the annual awards banquet held at the Capilano rugby club in West Vancouver. That night I knew the atmosphere would be amazing. Not only because of the win, but because the Capilano rugby club is filled with people who live and die Capilanos. They bleed black and yellow. They have true spirit and believe to no end. Their support to me has always been appreciated, they truly are considered family, and I always feel welcome. To get the chance to re connect with them, and see the men and women perform this year has been a treat for me. Team means so much to me, and I have really missed having them in my life.

Now that hasn't been the only thing that has happened lately. We travelled to London and Amsterdam with a 14 player squad. We came out of London 3rd beating Australia in the 3rd/4th final. While in Amsterdam we came out on top, beating the USA in one heck of a nail bitter! I'm not even kidding. The commentators were saying that with 6 minutes to go if Canada can come back from a 19-5 lead by the USA it would be a miracle. Well, leave it to us! We did just that. We came back to win the final, in 6 minutes, USA leading us 19-5. I'm getting goose bumps writing, and re living that moment. After that final whistle, that moment of complete excitement, I had never felt so beat up and exhausted in my life. We always say we want what the men have, a circuit...but really I don't know how they do it! (well obviously we do, they are specimens, fit! Drilled week in and out...its their life!) We got the opportunity to go from one weekend to the next and I had never felt so shattered. I'm not complaining, never, I just felt like my body wanted to give up on me! But good thing, your mind has much great strength than your body. We all made it thought that incredibly tough 2 weeks. Sure, we all looked like we had just came back from a war, but was it worth it?! Always is!

We then came home, had the rest of the week off, and that following Monday, for 4 days we tested.
The girls did outstanding. They crushed all their previous scores by some pretty impressive numbers. Something to be proud of bringing the centralization term to a close. What a finish!!! I just had a wow moment, and at the time I felt very passionate about how well the girls did. I get to train 5 months of the year with some of the most committed driven athletes in the world. Best!?

Just on a different note, I am in London now. All settled in.
I have decided to take this summer to train really hard for the next phase of our program. Playing only a few 7s events this summer, the rest will be focused on training with out niggly annoying injuries.
That being said I get to train at the official 2012 Olympic grounds for the Athletics. The center is a multi sport center so I get to see some of the best fencers in the world, there is canoeing, paralympic athletes, but mostly athletics. To see that day in and out is something special. To see these athletes preparing, talking about their events, their goals. These are the things that one day I aspire to be! I mean to be fair in Vancouver at Level 10 Fitness I get to see BMX, Snow boarding Sailing and the wrestlers prepare. Not only them, but to train beside some of the very talented NFL football and NHL hockey variety. PISE in Victoria I got to see The Swimmers and rowers preparing to leave for London.

This is something I look at being a very unique situation. Not everyone gets to see the inside of some of these athletes life. And if you are an athlete and have any clue of what the Olympics are, its a pretty awesome place to be in!

It's funny. I keep saying to train beside these Olympic athletes is an amazing opportunity, and it is. But, realistically, my team and I are looking to be apart of the Olympics in 4 years time, 2016 Rio. So I guess I get to train beside very talented unique individuals everyday. They are my training partners. The people who push me and each other to our limits. Till you think you can't, they are screaming you can. I would like to re iterate that I am very lucky. For this reason, I'm constantly surrounded by greatness. In my own back yard. I really love my life, my job. We go through alot of rough times, but for this once in a life time opportunity these life choices we make are for all the right reasons. The love of the game. Love of the sport.

Player Profile: Mandy Marchak (Hijacked!!!)

Hello! Julianne Zussman here, casual blogger, part-time rugby player, and full-time friend and teammate to Mandy Marchak.

I held Mandy against her will, hijacked her laptop and decided it was time to player profile the author herself.

Here we go.

 Mandy has a nickname, “Shamone.” A lyrical interpretation of Michael Jackson’s ambiguous mid-song shrieks, Shamone is also a modern variation of “Moni,” nickname circa Girls Gone Wild U-23 summer 2004.

 Shamoment: common noun; a Mandyism; an event characterized by Mandy’s finest qualities. Gullibility, absent-mindedness, fear, innocence, and humility. It involves a powerful movement. An awkward noise. And people sighing, “Oh Mandy.” Never planned. Always hilarious.

 For example, when I asked Mandy if I could guest write on her blog, she was stoked. Then I told her I was writing about her, and her eyes got wide like saucers, her mouth slowly opened and she went, “hrrrrmphphhphphhphmrr.” So I told her I wouldn’t.

 Shamoment.

 When in Dubai at the World Cup in 2009, Mandy saw an insect on the training pitch, screamed a gargling water sound, and dropped to the ground so fast that her teammates thought they were victims of a drive-by shooting.

 Shamoment.

 Once when Waters was getting dressed up for a Girls Nights Out, Mandy liked her outfit so much that she clenched her fists, squeezed her face, her body trembling, and said, “You… look… (almost moaning) soooo good right nowwwwww.”

 Shamoment.

On holiday in Greece, Mandy decided to stay behind from the group to “work on her tan.” Worried about her fair skin, Ghiz warned her about the hot Greek sun, to which she replied, “It’s ok guys, I’m wearing 4 spf.” A few hours later, her friends returned to find her curled up in a ball, wrapped in a hoodie, hiding under a shady tree, trembling, groaning, shameful and red as a tomato. We think she was blushing but there was no way to tell.

 Shamoment.

This is how her friends know her. Her opponents recognize her when they see the back of her jersey. Powerful, evasive and skilled, you can ask any of her teammates who they least like to tackle at practice… it’s her. The kind of girl that you love the play with and hate to play against.

 I would choose to play beside Mandy because of her skill, but also because she’s an exceptional team player. Mandy has a sincere belief in the ability and specialness of all her teammates. When she leads, she takes her team with her. She loves sharing quotes and fun facts, and staying in touch on bbm. She is one of the proudest Canadians I know, so firm in her national identity that she can tough out 6 months a year of unapologetic British banter. Maybe it’s because she just smiles when she’s confused.

 Mandy, you are humble, hard working, genuine, and one of my favourite peeps (MFP). I love catching up with you and you always make me smile. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts & reflections with everyone on your blog. Sorry I lied to you and, next time, erase your browser history before you hand me your laptop.

 MCX

You can learn more from a loss then a win

I just thought I would spend a little time talking about our recent tour to Hong Kong, our two week break, and us as a team moving forward.
We recently, well 4 weeks ago now, were in Hong Kong for the second of the IRB Challenge cup series. I hadn't really wrote about it because I think I needed time to reflect rather then react on emotions. Now your probably curious why I just told you that. In Hong Kong this year we placed 3/4. After just over a year and 5 tournaments later we were the team to beat. We placed 1st on every occasion given the opportunity. In Hong Kong, day one, we beat Brazil in what coach had referred to as the perfect game. With minimal errors we nailed the game plan, and came off that one with a high. Moving on to our second pool game we faced Russia. I would say they would have been the second fittest team, next to us, competing in the tournament. Not only were they fit, but they didn't lack in size, skill or speed! That was a tough game, even though we had a good lead on them, it was a fight to the finish. If we let off at all, for a second, they would have had the potential to over take us. I can honestly say that was one of the harder games of 7s I had ever been involved in. A mixture of the physical nature, the heat, humidity, and pace of the game made it very challenging. Its good to be challenged, its why we play. That point brings me to our next game. Doing well in our pool put us at the top and gave us our game against England in the Semi finals the next day. Now playing in a stadium, with 30,000 screaming fans is an amazing experience one thrives for. With women's rugby on the up, what a better way to show case the game with two of the top teams in the world right now. Hong Kong, one of the most popular 7s tournaments there is, is a great place to get people talking about how amazing that women's match in the stadium was. The word gets out, and the women's game is starting to get seen in a different light. Being compared to the men's game even. I can say that about some of our previous tournaments, but this time around it was a bit of a different story, a different outcome. Something was about to happen that nothing could have really prepared us for. We lost to England in the semi finals. We were beat. For the first time in 5 tournaments, Canada would not be playing in the final for the top spot. England went on to play Aus in the final and won. That game got people talking. What a final! Those two teams played their hearts out. The saying leave everything on the field, no regrets. Well that was literally what happened in that game. The final could have went either way with a fight to the very last second, and England takes home the cup. That was a very hard feeling to deal with. That feeling of not being recognized as winning that tournament, not getting the same response we usually had gotten after every occasion of over a year of success. The way I see it is we started off playing 7s with no track record. Canada not usually being known as the best in the world, or for winning in general. Then coming away with a clean sweep of 2011, winning 5 out of 5. We all knew, an unspoken thought, that there was going to be a point when we would lose. Now when that would happen no one knew, or really wanted to think about, especially happening so soon. Our streak had come to an end. Our heads were down, mentally I think most of us were a mess. The thoughts running through our minds I bet you can only imagine. What was going through my mind was we lost, do people think we are a joke, does this mean we are a bad team, where do we go from here, what happens now? My confidence was totally shot. My head was down, and for weeks I couldn't get the game out of my head. The game was haunting me, literally eating me alive. We had a two week break, and I honestly didn't feel I rested at all because my mind was so active. Now these are normal reactions for any competitive athlete, its an obsession. But in the end, the difference between a good team and a great team is the one who can overcome the mental barrier they put up, use what they learned from the loss, and rise to the challenge to come back stronger. After weeks of consuming myself with this loss, I started to realize we are a great team. One loss doesn't make us a bad team. We know our skills let us down, and now that is something we can go back and work on. It will only build our program and make it stronger. They say you learn more from a loss then a win, and I truly do see that side of it now. As much as it was an awful feeling to go through, to experience that loss, I am also thankful for it. We all are. The team moral is up. Coming back to our first week of training, with our new programs, our new training groups, and a new attitude we are back on track. You can tell the fire is lit and everyone has embraced this challenge, this gift. We are gearing up for London 7s in 4 weeks time. Another opportunity to put our hard work into play, and really test our skills. This is something we are all looking forward to, as selections have not yet been made.
Moving forward we have a lot of work to do. Taking one tournament at a time, looking to grow from every experience. The opportunity to play the best in the world, and challenge our skills. We have a 4 year plan and perfection doesn't happen over night. We are working on it, and as a team we are committed to the program, the process. We have bought in, and wont settle for anything less then greatness.

Kelly "the love muscle" Russell

After a 3 week break, post Hong Kong, we are back on the scene here with Kelly Russell.
Kelly grew up in Bolton, Ontario. She has a dazzling family who supports her, and can usually be found at most event scattered across the globe. She was two sisters, one of which is here centralized with her. When I asked her about Laura, this is what Kelly said, "I'm really lucky to have Laura out here and experiencing this all with me, we are super close and it's very fun to be able to play together and push each other to be better everyday." I think that is extremely special, and nice to have being away from so many loved ones, which Kelly has mentioned being one of the greatest challenges faced to date. Growing up in Bolton and attending Humberveiw Secondary, Kelly plays rugby with the Toronto Nomands. When I asked what playing for the Toronto Nomads ment to Kelly she responded with this.

"I am a second generation Nomad after my dad who I grew up watching play for them. I started playing with them myself when I was 15. The Nomads have been phenomenal in the support they have given me throughout my rugby career. Their support means the world to me and has helped me develop into the player I am today. I'm so happy to be part of the club and represent them on the International stage."

Kelly where was your first cap? Tell us how you felt?

"My first cap was against Scotland in 2007. It was a surreal feeling. I can remember the game like it was yesterday. I was really excited and nervous, but couldn't stop smiling when I came off the field. We won too! Today I have 23 15s caps and 11 sevens caps, I've been to 2 World Cups (7s in '09 and 15s in '10) and I still feel the same pride every time I step on the field for Canada."

No only that, but adding to  that list she has recently Captained Canada in both the Las Vegas and Hong Kong 7s Tournaments this year. Something to be very proud of.

So tell us about the last year, pretty successful. Where did you see yourself in the 7s scene moving forward?

"Looking back on last year is pretty crazy. It was a busy year. A lot of work and preparation went into developing our game both as a team and as individuals. We are very proud of what we have accomplished so far and looking forward to challenging ourselves even more."

What does being centralized mean to you?

"It means having the freedom of really being able to just focus on rugby. We have the opportunity to train as professional athletes with a whole wack of resources at our fingertips. It's a really amazing opportunity for us. Something that I never would have thought, even just a few years ago, that would've happened in my playing days."

Kelly, what sports you have been involved in the past?

"In high school I was involved with almost everything from basketball to throwing javelin and discus in track and field. And I also played a lot of baseball growing up as well."

So I guess we all want to know, why rugby?

"Rugby encompassed every aspect of sport that I loved. The challenge, physicality, teamwork, and fun."

You have Charlie here, your companion, would you like to share his story!?

"Well Charlie is my wolf hound mix pup. Clayton and I picked him up in December right before coming out here. He made the drive out here with Laura and I and has really been an amazing companion to have. He is extremely funny and like I said before he can get into a bit of trouble sometimes but everyday he makes us laugh cuz he's a little nutty."

How are the dynamics in your house?

"Our place is awesome and couldn't ask for a better roommate then Burk. Whether or not she's annoyed by the multiple times we have come home to a house full or ripped up recycling that Charlie has gotten into, she stays pretty cool and I appreciate it haha."

Typically you can be seen eating, what is your favorite post training food? Of all the gold medal meals what has been you favorite?

"Always up for a good snack I will really have anything. But right now I stick to my recovery shake, a piece of fruit and a granola bar usually. I'd say my favorite gold medal meal has been the pulled pork sandwich we used to get."
Scrunch or fold?

"Seriously I used to be a scruncher but have now turned into a folder."

Can you share some of your fav moments? A funny story?!

"Honestly this is so cheesy but really just laughing everyday with the girls. Something happens everyday that cracks me up."

Whats your biggest pet peeve?

"Bad drivers and traffic, and bad drivers causing traffic..."

Lastly, and because I think this is something very important to any athlete. The road, the people involved, the support, the emotion.What has it taken for you to get to where you are today?

"Definitely the support and love from my family and friends. I have also been really lucky to have had some amazing coaches, and learnt early on that hard work pays off."

Kelly is an outstanding teammate, captain, athlete and in general genuine person. There isn't a session she doesn't come to switched on and ready to give it everything she has. Her passion for the game, and desire to learn is one of her most admirable qualities. Something I feel I personally have shared with Kelly through out the years has been the final minutes before running onto the pitch, i turn to Kelly and she gives me this nod. I know this nod, very well. Its a nod saying were ready, we know what we need to do, lets just go out and do it. It has actually been the one thing I feel I look forward to, as it calms me, and gives me that last ounce of believe.
Kelly, your world class. I have no doubt in your ability to succeed! You will achieve this with your never say die attitude. Not only I, but us all, are very lucky to get the chance to play and perform beside you. Thanks Kelly.

And one for the record, Kelly also attended Western University, something we all know very well!

66 days, A celebration of half way through "the good life"

Its been a really amazing 66 days into the program. On Friday March 16, we reached the half way mark in our program. We celebrated the day with a hike up Mount Finlayson, followed by a Lunch at Jacks up Bear Mountain. It was the perfect day, we can all agree with that. The day started off with meeting the coaches for an activation session at Goude field. Now not only do we have an amazing team, but we definitely have personality. The personality of the day awards go to Andrea Burk and Barbara Mervin who showed up in their Friday best. Andrea Burk looking like she had just parked her skies and strolled onto the field in her very dated two toned fuchsia and purple wind breaker, dressed with a head band and tights. Barbara Mervin graced us with her presence wearing a very flattering Blue with Yellow trim and print track suit, worn by the Kazakhstan team at the 2010 World Cup.
There was talk at lunch the day before of wearing tight and bright as a theme for our hike, but those two decided to get the day started early, and practice that theme for our activation session. Defiantly put some light on what started out to be a very rainy and miserable morning!
After the activation we had a video session in the board room. The video session was followed by a compilation of a lot of our success's in the past year. It was a great compilation made by Sandro. He did a very good job, we truly appreciated that, thank you.
For those of you who may not know Mike Chu, he is the High Performance Director for Rugby Canada. He joined us at the end of our video session to say a few words. You can often find Mike coming around to lunch or a session asking "how you are doing, are you enjoying everything, is there anything we can help you with?" Mike is a very genuine person and we are all very pleased to have him with us, sharing his vast knowledge and driving us forward. Your kind words sending us off to Hong Kong were greatly appreciated by all. Thanks Mike.

Meeting adjourned, and we are off! All wearing tight and bright. Well most of us! It was cold...ish.
We were coming to the end of a tough week physically and mentally. We had done testing the day before, a blow out that morning. Thinking that what they had organized for us was a nice chilled hike up Mt Finlayson, we were all pretty stoked. Then...it began. We all started as a group, chatting away, sharing stories, laughing. Not far into it we started to slowly pull apart and become silent. I know I found myself taking every chance I could to appreciate the beauty, a great excuse for a breather! I think there was alot of mental talk going on. I don't think anyone really wanted to vocalize how they were really feeling, for fear that they might come off as the weakest link. We were all, if not most,  caught our selfs thinking what's with the climb? I really don't know how we didn't see this coming, a hike, up a mountain, just seems obvious. But then again maybe obvious isn't obvious at all! You could hear people saying My calfs are burning, I wont be able to walk tomorrow, I can't decide what on my body was going to be the most sore. Aside from all those thoughts we made it up the Mountain! As tough as it was, it wasn't that bad at all. After a long week, we all welcomed each other one by one with smiles on our faces, to the top of Mount Finlayson!
Up at the top we took a quick minute to take some pictures and take in all that mother nature had to offer us. John lining us all up to take a picture, "not to close to the edge" he says. Then John has us saying macaroni and cheese. What?! Ya, "macaroni and cheese" he says louder. I forgot to mention, 1 hour earlier John had warned us of bear warnings up the Mountain, "stay close, and don't go off alone" he says. Right after he takes his first shot, he takes another, and another and wait...another. Then suddenly we find John pointing behind us telling us there is a bear! We turn around, shrieking and bolting,  to find what we had been startled by, a man in a gorilla suit. A man in a gorilla suit!? "Who is that!?" Taking off his fake mask, Morgan Williams the master of disguise. Morgan had been waiting for 45 min, at the top, dodging dogs and couples, as he hides in the bush avoiding any sort of domestic that may occur if he was to be seen. Morgan calling John about 3 or 4 times "where are you guys?" And the secret word we figure, was macaroni and cheese. What a sport! Thanks Morgan for making that experience extra special!
Here are a few pictures we captured at the top.

Canada on 3...1, 2, 3, CANADA!

It has been a really great 66 days. We have all taken on this challenge and embraced it. This hasn't been easy in the slightest, but a process we are all willing to buy into.

I'm very proud to be apart of something so special.

Here are a few pictures of us going through the process, and taking the time to have a little fun every now and again.

Thank you guys for supporting us through this journey! It has been amazing so far, and in the next 4 years building towards one goal, we will all as a collective do this together. We wouldn't be able to do it with out everyone behind us, so thank you! We are off to Hong Kong on Tuesday so wish us the best. We will be defending out title. Hard work pays off, and we know nothing less. 

Julia Greenshields

I would like to introduce Julia Greenshields.
She is a very fresh new face in the Canadian senior women's rugby scene. She made her first appearance in Barbados with the development team back in November 2011. Julia got into playing rugby in Grade 9. She has two years of club rugby, and 3 years of Provincial rugby in Ontario under her belt. I asked Julia if she has played any other sports previous to rugby, and she replied " I didn't get into playing sports till I was about 12, but I played travel basketball for 4 years and volleyball in highs chool. I still love playing basketball and volleyball, but for fun. I have always wanted to try tennis and skiing!"
Something you might not know about Julia is that when she was young, she use to pretend she was a dog, her name, it was Pepper. Embarrassing? I think not Julia!
You could get away will calling Julia by just a few of her nicknames like Jules, Julsie, jay, ju, hoolia, Julia Goolia, Greens, Greehshields, Jub Jub. Im sure she would happily welcome anyone of those.
Jub Jub can also be found jamming to tunes in the weight room between sets with her parnter in crime Kayla Mo.

I have a few questions for Julia, and they will be followed by a few shared stories and kind words from her peers. If you dont know Julia, you will, and that amazing sense of humor she has. To go with that humor, a laugh  that comes from so deep within, there is no in the middle. Its very much a throw your head back, with an arm flail or a roll on the floor kinda laughter. (directly quoted from your teammates)

Ive been told Julia that you have a very wide base of knowledge on Famous people of all sorts, can you please tell us a little about this?!
"I love reading magazines and watching all the entertainment shows on TV. I blame my sister for this one! She got me hooked on these shows. Also, a great website, Perezhilton.com. Don't judge me. When ever all the girls are talking about celebrities I always know the ins and outs. They usually come to me if they want to know anything about the celebrities. It's a terrible quality."

So what is some of your favorite gossip? Who is hot right now?
"Bieber is always hot...his new single "Boyfriend" released on March 26th, eeeeeks!"

Julia, if you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
"This is a tough question. So many people I would like to have dinner with. Oh geez...Ellen, she is hilarious! I watch her show all the time. She would make the best dinner date ever. I would mind having dinner with Zac Efron either (drool). Oh, and the entire Kardashian / Jenner family at their house!"

Just a random thought, if you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
"A tiger! For sure, they are sweet. They are tough, aggressive, and gorgeous creatures. One of my rugby coaches took on the task of giving every one of the players on the Western team a spirit animal, he said I was a tiger. Thanks Sennik."

Is there any one that truly inspires you?
"A lot of people inspire me, I cant just pick one! The entire National women's team inspires me, You all inspire me individually in different ways. Your all friggen tough physically and mentally. You inspire me to work hard and never give up on my goals. The positivity is unbelievable. But I must say my biggest inspiration is my dad. Is that lame? He is the one who pushes me to succeed and supports my rugby career to the max! Somehow he always has something so powerful to tell me when I feel down. I wish I could be as powerful as him, he is the smartest man I know. He gives me the greatest advice for every problem I face in life. I want to make him proud. I cant say enough about him."

Julia will you please share some funny moments you have had and or shared with others during centralization so far?!
This was actually hilarious, we joked about this walking to lunch today, but Julia says "I need my own reality TV show." We then joked about how if in the next 4 years her reality TV show with Mo didn't sky rocket her close second in life was going to the Olympics...Joking obviously, that would be first!
"My roomie Kayla Moleschi posted an aerobic competition video from the 80s on my Facebook wall as a joke. Since then we have been looking for more aerobic videos on Youtube laughing hysterically at their hair, make up, costumes, routine and music. So what do we do? We decided to create our own aerobic routine in our living room while no one was home. We pushed the furniture aside and pieced together a couple of sweet moves. Not perfect yet, but we will be posting it on Youtube soon. I think this will help us launch our reality TV show."
"I find a lot of funny moments are when people are laughing at me...."
"Sometimes people laugh with me though."
"I went to the grocery store with Kayla Mack and could not for the life of me figure out how to insert the loonie into the cart, to detach it from all the rest of the shopping carts. I think I was actually holding up alot of people. I eventually got this to work and we classified this as a "learning in Langford" moment. I have had alot of those."

These are a few thing your teammates had to say.
Julia is so full of life and always brings a smile and a laugh to everyone around her!
Julia: great sense of humor.  She is the type of young player you hope sticks around for the long run because you truly enjoy her attitude and company.
Great laugh and sense of humor.
Brave and good instincts.
Julia is a very imaginative and unique individual whom I connected with instantly and we became the two best friends that anyone could ever have!! :)
This past Tuesday she wanted me to go to the show with her and I said yes at first but then I thought about it and turned to her and said Jewels if you clean your room then we can go to the movies....and she said "OMG I can't believe you just pulled that on me, your like my mom!!" and then Today I went to put someones stuff in the fridge and she said "why are you doing that you're not their mom, your mine!" hahaha all in all Julia is a talented rugby player, a great friend and I could not have asked for a better roommate! We are also in the making of our very own TV show starring us and our wonderful teammates, soon to come fun filled comedy skits, aerobic dance competitions (practice up ladies), new hit wonder music videos (Kish you better be working on your rhymes) and much more!! I love Julia shes so much fun and an amazing rugby player to boot!! :D *cross cross HISS* (hand signal).

Quick Question:
Scrunch or Fold?
Scrunch, and then throw on the ground...oops!

Stories of a roommate, by Kayla Mack.

1) Julia is a giggle machine! She loves to laugh....and some times she sure gets us all going. One afternoon, I think she calls it the attack of the Kayla's....we were all goofing off and it ended in Jules being pinned down by the two of us getting tickled past the point of laughing.... you know when your a kid and your mom or dad pins you down and tickles you to the point where you can't even laugh anymore...well that's where we got Jules to...which was followed by a series of wet willies and willies wet! (wet willies for those who done know are sucking your fingers and sticking them in the tortured ones ear, the reverse are willie wets...after the ear goes straight into the mouth, classic)  Definitely on of the most fun afternoons in our living room.

2) Julia Greenshields is a baking machine....how I have not gained 10 lbs out here I do not know. She may make some of the most delicious things I have eaten. I believe she calls them something like Oreo cookie squares....heaven.

\3) Julia and I may be the only 2 people in all of Langford  to rent the green bikes. But I have to say our Saturday morning and afternoon bike rentals and breakfast dates have been some of my favorite times out here!!! We must have biked around all of Langford on our bike dates checking out some awesome nature !!! Its real neat out here!

4) Above all the best thing about Jules is her laugh it is contagious and she is an amazing happy roomie!!! 

Julia you have one of the most amazing attitudes I have seen. You may be facing some challenges right now, but you have the mental toughness that we can all admire. What you bring to the sessions everyday is more then appreciated.  We can all learn something from Julia, and most of us already have. Your dad has given you something special. Dont lose that. Keep caring it with you!
Thanks for doing this Julia, I really enjoyed writing your blog!