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!