X-Women Hockey’s Post-Season Recap

With the X-Women’s post-season coming to a close this past Saturday (March 16th), the team ended another season that exemplified the team’s top-notch grit, speed, and resilience. The post-season opened up on a pair of high notes for the club, as the team grabbed the top position in the AUS’s standings and multiple players racked up 2023-24 AUS major awards. The X-Women bested the UNB Reds by one point in the final word of the regular season, finishing with a 21-5-2 tally. Their first-place finish awarded them a buy through the first round of the AUS playoffs. On the individual side of things, Rookie Ireland McCloskey concluded a near-historic inaugural season by taking home Rookie of the Year, Most Sportsmanlike Player, and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Ending the season at an almost point-per-game pace, she is the 6th X-Women named the AUS’s Rookie of the Year. Her Fellow freshman Mackenzie Lothian was also named to the All-Rookie Team, and X-Women captain Maggy Burbidge secured a place on the league’s Second All-Star Team.

The X-Women kicked off the story of their playoffs with their 5-game series against the St. Thomas Tommies, who were the fourth seed going into the playoffs. St. Thomas proved to be a formidable opponent for the X-Women, as the series needed all five games to arrive at a verdict. At the end of those five games, however, the X-Women’s resiliency and tenacity were the determining factors. The team battled back each time the Tommies got ahead, securing wins in both games 2 and 4 after they went 1-0 and 2-1, respectively. One thousand eighty-eight fans were present at the Charles V. Keating Centre for game 5, where the X-Women’s speed and grit overwhelmed their opponents in a 4-0 victory. The win confirmed their place in the AUS championship series, and it also sent them to the national USPORTS championship.

The AUS championship was an instance of two arch-rivals clashing with their very best efforts and one coming out on top due to the fortuity of a split second. The X-Women and the UNB Reds have been the AUS's two premier Women's hockey clubs this decade, but UNB has prevailed against StFX when it matters most in the last two years. This year's three-game series saw the Reds take the first game 2-0, where UNB's star goaltender Kendra Woodland unmistakably showcased her skills. The X-Women captured the spark that elevated them to the top of the AUS this year in game 2, forcing the game to double overtime. However, UNB's Sydney Oitomen vanquished X fans' dreams by netting the game-winner in that frame. This year's USPORTS championship at the University of Saskatchewan would be the X-Women's final chance to bring home some hardware to the school.

The X-Women, unfortunately, could not find the magic in Saskatoon that propelled them all season long. They fell 6-1 to the Waterloo Warriors in the quarterfinal, with Ireland McCloskey potting X’s lone goal. Head coach Berthiaume was quoted saying that the team simply ran out of gas in the third, yielding five goals in the span of that 20 minutes. Neither did the consolation game on Saturday produce the desired outcome, as the home team Saskatchewan Huskies outscored the X-Women 3-1.

While X-Women did not live up to their standards on the ice this past weekend, they did exemplify their characteristic Xaverian spirit that duly represents our school. They bonded with the U9 Comet Defenders team throughout the trip, who cheered them on from the stands brandishing “Go X Go” signs that would make Father Stan proud. After their consolation loss, the team rallied by donating their leftover gameday snacks to the Saskatoon Food Bank. In the coming years, the teams that follow this X-Women team will not inherit this team’s underperformance at the USPORTS championship but the culture that has allowed them to outperform their competition all year. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and staff for this outstanding season.

Pucks for Purpose: A New Tradition Takes Center Ice at StFX

Although at first glance, Pucks for Purpose may seem like a game focused on rivalry—pitting StFX's Business program against its Arts and Science Faculties—this charity hockey event goes far beyond competition. Pucks for Purpose is really about coming together as a community, something that StFX students and faculty are all about.

Last Wednesday, March 13th, marked the inaugural Pucks for Purpose Charity Hockey Game held at the Charles V. Keating Centre—an event that was not to be missed.

If you're not already familiar with Pucks for Purpose, let me offer a quick introduction. This student-led non-profit organization generously contributes to charity through the game of hockey. The Business team athletes fundraised in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and its inspiring Camp GoodTimes, while their competitors in Arts and Science raised funds for Motionball for Special Olympics. Beyond individual player efforts, the Pucks for Purpose Executive Team worked tirelessly, securing support from numerous sponsors, donors, and organizing additional events to boost fundraising efforts.

Thanks to outstanding marketing and the dedicated work of the Pucks for Purpose Executive, 1,500 tickets were sold for Wednesday’s game, and a grand total of $55,000 was raised for these two special charities: the Canadian Cancer Society and Motionball for Special Olympics.

The evening buzzed with excitement from the very start. Master of ceremonies Nick MacInnis set the tone, rallying the crowd, and creating an electric atmosphere. The Keating Centre was packed to the brim, with attendees lining up out the door, stretching past the Saputo Centre.

Prior to the game, co-chairs Luke White, Danny Laursen, and Emma Quirin took the stage. Luke, Danny, and Emma, all StFX Business students, are dedicated leaders who spearheaded a team of 25 executives and over 100 brand ambassadors, bringing the vision of Pucks for Purpose to life. The fundraising total of $55,000 was announced, and ceremonial cheques were presented to representatives from both Motionball for Special Olympics and the Canadian Cancer Society.

The guest of honor for the ceremonial puck drop was Father Stan, who received a standing ovation from the crowd while proudly wearing a Pucks for Purpose jersey. Sponsored by OneExchange, the jerseys added to the overall impressiveness of the night. The Business team, coached by Professor Mark MacIsaac and captained by forward Reid Russett, sported sharp white uniforms. Meanwhile, the Art-Sci team, led by head coach Gerry Marangoni and captained by defenseman Mitchell Sturgeon, proudly represented their team colors in green and gold.

The game itself was high-level, high-scoring, and high-energy. Standout moments included hat-tricks for both Business captain Reid Russett and Business forward Jake Kyle. Art-Sci assistant captain Evan Pye described his team as the underdogs, and despite their determined effort, they ultimately fell to the Business team, resulting in a final score of 10-7.

The excitement was non-stop—During the break between the first and second periods, StFX faculty members joined local Antigonish sledge hockey athletes for an action-packed game.

Then, between the second and third periods, one lucky fan had the chance to shoot for a car, courtesy of Central Nova Subaru. Additionally, raffle prizes were awarded, with one student winning the grand prize: a WestJet round-trip flight for two, valid to any destination they fly to.

Player of the game honours, presented by Bet99, were awarded to Reid Russett from the Business side. Cameron Bell, representing Arts-Sci, and Jake Kyle, representing Business, were named as team MVPs, powered by Keep it Social and Nova Construction, respectively. Despite Arts-Sci's loss in the game, they achieved success in other aspects, especially with Craig Landry being named the top fundraising athlete. The Business team then raised the Pomerleau Cup, but the night wasn’t over just yet—there was still much to celebrate at the afterparty, hosted by the Golden X Inn.

If you missed the 1st annual Pucks for Purpose game, don’t worry, there will be more! Executives Luke White and Quinn Caplice both emphasized how creating a lasting legacy has been the goal from day one. Pucks for Purpose aims to establish itself as a new tradition at StFX, with an even greater fundraising goal and an expanded charitable impact in the future. Plus, there's hope for an Art-Sci comeback!

Woolley’s Warriors: Building Awareness of Type 1 Diabetes Through Hockey

For the X-Men hockey team's Mark Woolley, being an AUS athlete is about more than just the game of hockey. Mark is the founder of the Woolley's Warriors initiative, a non-profit organization he launched in 2019 to bring awareness to the challenges faced by athletes with type 1 diabetes. Woolley's Warriors also fundraises to send kids with type 1 diabetes to D-Camps, which are summer camps ran by Diabetes Canada that provide support and community to children who live with diabetes. Mark started and developed Woolley's Warriors during his tenure with the OHL's Owen Sound Attack but has recently brought the organization to Antigonish. The following is a conversation with Mark that explores the purpose behind Woolley's Warriors, the importance of his organization, and his message to young athletes living with type 1 diabetes.

XW: How would you describe the Woolley’s Warriors initiative?

Woolley: It’s a non-profit we launched in 2019 with the main goal of raising awareness of those living with type 1 diabetes. Also, we try to fundraise to help send athletes to [Diabetes Canada] D-Camps, which are summer camps that put kids in an environment with others that have the same lifestyle. They provide a sense of normalcy for those kids.

XW: What motivated to start the Woolley’s Warriors initiative?

Woolley: It hits close to home with my brother and I being diabetic, but the idea was sparked by a former captain of mine. He started a mental health initiative called McFadden’s Movement in my first major junior season. He actually played for the Acadia Axemen later on, and ended up bringing it out here to the AUS. He showed me the ropes of using your platform- its more than just the game of hockey. After seeing what he could do with his initiative, I got some ideas that laid the foundation for what Woolley’s Warriors became.

XW: The funds raised by Woolley’s Warriors go towards sending kids to D-Camps. Why does this program fit your organization’s mission?

Woolley: The opportunity for kids to be in an environment where they can see that their diabetes doesn’t have to define them is so important. That’s a reason why I wanted to start sharing my story. It’s not the end of the world. If you have it managed and kept in control, you can still chase your dreams. You don’t have to let it get in the way of doing things.

XW: How does your personal experiences inform the work you do with Woolley’s Warriors?

Woolley: I was diagnosed when I was 12, and hockey had already become a huge part of my life. I was shy at first, but I realized that people wanted to learn and ask questions. Being comfortable with it helps improve my overall mental health. That’s a skill I want kids to learn at a young age. That’s the main goal behind Woolley’s Warriors- to have confidence in your diabetes and not have it be something that’s bringing you down.

XW: Woolley’s Warriors recently held a fundraising event at the X-Men hockey team’s November 17th game against the UPEI Panthers. How was that experience?

Woolley: It was a really special night. It was pretty cool to officially bring Woolley’s Warriors to Antigonish for the first time. Most of the work I’ve done with Woolley’s Warriors was during my time with the Owen Sound Attack. I took last year off to get used to being on the east coast and living the university lifestyle, so it was a really special moment. Especially to see how full the crowd was- I wasn’t expecting it to be that well-supported. Thank you to all the students and local community members that came out! It was a cool night, and definitely something to build on.

XW: Lastly, what is your message to young hockey players living with type 1 diabetes?

Woolley: To not let your diabetes define you. It’s a disease- you have to manage it properly, but you don’t have to let it stop you from doing things, whether that’s fun things with your friends or playing sports. As long as you learn to manage it, you don’t have to let it interfere with anything you want to do.

A Fall of Female X-Cellence: A Semester Recap of Women’s Sports at StFX

As the fall semester draws to a close, let’s reflect on the highlights of our StFX X-Women from the past few months. This term showcased both strong performances from our fall athletes, and promising starts for our winter athletes, marking the midpoint of an exceptional year for women's sports on campus. With victories, championships, and national recognitions, it's evident that our female athletes have paved the way for an exciting and successful year ahead.

X-Women Cross-Country and Track

The X-Women kicked off their season in early September at the StFX invitational, where the top six finishers all proudly represented the white and blue. Sustaining this momentum throughout the season, they consistently secured top-three finishes in all subsequent meets. Capping off a remarkable AUS season, the X-Women clinched a conference championship victory.

The X-Women received notable individual recognition in the AUS, with five runners—Allie Sandluck, Eileen Benoit, Mairin Canning, Caroline Ash, and Caden Lee—receiving first team all-star distinctions, and Eve Carreau receiving second team all-star recognition. Eric Gillis was honoured with AUS Coach of the Year award, marking his third consecutive win.

Making their mark at the national level, the X-Women Cross Country team claimed bronze at the USports National Championship hosted by Western University. Mairin Canning, Eileen Benoit, and Allie Sandluck all earned All-Canadian status, adding to the team’s already impressive list of accolades.

Looking ahead, the X-Women are gearing up for the track season. No stranger to strong starts, they kicked off their first indoor meet of the 2023-2024 season in mid-November in Saint-John, New Brunswick. Brynn Hebert secured the top spot in the 1500m race, while in the 3000m race, Eileen Benoit, Allie Sandluck, Mairin Canning, and Taylor Rasmussen claimed the top four finishes. Notably, Benoit clocked the second-fastest 3000m time in X-Women Cross Country history.

X-Women Rugby

The X-Women Rugby team embarked on an early start to their season, travelling south of the border to compete against various NCAA teams in the New England area. Concluding the five-day trip, they achieved an impressive 3-0-1 record. Their undefeated pre-season streak continued with a successful tournament at Acadia University, securing three more wins.

Entering the regular season, the X-Women dominated their home opener match, defeating the Saint Mary’s Huskies with a commanding 81-0 score. As the mid-season point approached, the X-Women maintained their undefeated status.

 During the second half of the regular season, the team faced some challenges, but came out on top. A hard-fought battle against the Acadia Axewomen resulted in a tie, and in the final game of the regular season, the X-Women faced a comeback from the UPEI Panthers, leading to their first defeat. Concluding their season with a 4-1-1 record, the X-Women moved on to the semi-final game against the Axewomen.

In an exciting match witnessed by 500 fans at StFX Stadium, the X-Women secured their spot in the AUS final with a 29-21 victory. The X-Women then travelled to PEI and clinched the AUS Champions title for the 23rd time in program history, achieving a 26-22 win against the Panthers.

Recognition was given for impressive individual performances throughout the season, with five X-Women—Emma MacDougall, Akwaima Akpan, Sophie Beck, Skye Koyote, and Katie Murphy—earning spots on the AUS all-star team. Akwaima Akpan received the 2023 AUS Rookie of the Year award, and Katherine Culligan was honoured with the Student-Athlete Community Service award.

In early November, the team travelled to Laval University in Quebec city, Quebec, to compete in the USports Women's Rugby Championship. Despite putting up an admirable fight, the X-Women faced defeats against both the Guelph Gryphons and UOttawa GeeGees. Akwaima Akpan shone on the national stage, earning recognition as the 2023 USports Women’s Rugby Rookie of the Year.

X-Women Soccer

The X-Women Soccer team kicked off their pre-season at home against the Acadia Axewomen, before heading to Ottawa for match-ups against the UOttawa GeeGees and the Carleton Ravens. Concluding the pre-season with a 1-1-1 record, the team only went up from there. Impressive home openers seem to have become a regular feature for our X-Women teams, with X-Women soccer being no exception. They hosted the Moncton Aigles Bleues at StFX Stadium, securing a dominant 8-0 victory.

The X-Women continued their impressive streak, winning their next 11 games and achieving an undefeated regular season. Earning a first-round playoff bye, they faced the Memorial SeaHawks in the first semi-final match of the AUS Women’s Soccer Championship, hosted by Cape Breton University. The X-Women defeated the SeaHawks 3-1, marking their 13th consecutive win. They  went on to claim the AUS conference title with a 2-1 victory over the CBU Capers. This marked X-Women Soccer’s first AUS championship win since 2016.

Amanda Smith not only earned the tournament MVP, but also secured an AUS first team all-star honour, alongside her teammates Abby Steen, Caitlin Crichton, and Brynn Jurus. The second team all-stars featured keeper Christina Gentile and rookie Cheyenne Bower. Additionally, coach Graham Kennedy was named Coach of the Year.

The X-Women travelled to Kingston, Ontario to compete in the USports Women’s Soccer Championship. They battled fiercely, but ultimately fell to both the Montreal Carabins and UOttawa GeeGees. Three athletes received national recognition—Amanda Smith was named a first-team All-Canadian, while Abby Steen secured a second-team All-Canadian title, and Cheyenne Bower earned a place on the All-Rookie team. Coach Graham Kennedy was honored as the national coach of the year for both Women’s and Men’s soccer.

X-Women Basketball

The X-Women basketball team commenced their season with an unforgettable journey. Travelling to Barcelona, Spain, they spent eight days training, facing international opponents, and exploring the city. Upon their return home, the X-Women secured two pre-season wins by defeating both the Niagara College Knights and the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics.

Commencing the regular season at the end of October with a pair of games against the UNB Reds, the X-Women are now eight games in, holding a 2-6 record. With 12 more regular season games scheduled throughout the winter semester, the season is far from over. Fans can catch the X-Women in action at Coach K Court in the new year, during one of their seven upcoming home games!

X-Women Hockey

Much like the X-Women Basketball team, the X-Women hockey team’s season is far from over. They started the year with a pair of pre-season matchups against the Dalhousie Tigers, followed by participation in the Theresa Humes Invitational Tournament, hosted by Concordia University. There, they faced off against the Queen's Gaels, the Montreal Carabins, and the Toronto Metropolitan Bold, concluding their pre-season with a 3-2 record.

Opening the regular season at home against the Mount Allison Mounties in early October, the X-Women not only secured a win, but also delivered a shutout with a final score of 5-0. Since then, the X-Women have played a total of 14 games, wrapping up the fall semester with an impressive regular season record of 11-4.

As the X-Women hockey team continues their success into the winter semester, fans can watch them in action during their remaining 12 regular season games—five of which will be hosted at the StFX Keating Centre!

To all our X-Women who have completed their 2023-2024 seasons, congratulations! Best of luck to the X-Women Track, Basketball, and Hockey teams for the remainder of their seasons. Here's to another outstanding semester of female sports and athletic achievements at StFX.

Pucks for Purpose Puts the 'Fun' in Fundraiser for Cancer and Special Olympics

There's nothing that ignites the StFX community's passion quite like a thrilling sporting event. The roar of the crowd, the electric energy in the air, and the collective joy when a goal is scored. Now, picture taking that excitement and using it for something more than just the game, going beyond the ice rink. Enter "Pucks for Purpose," a charity hockey tournament that not only celebrates the love for the game but also harnesses the power of unity for a greater cause. Each play isn't just about winning; it's about making a real difference in the community.

Pucks for Purpose is a new initiative within the StFX community, dedicated to backing the Canadian Cancer Society and Motionball, an organization focused on promoting awareness for the Special Olympics. The team has been directly working with those affected by cancer to “share their inspiring stories,” hoping to educate the community on the disease’s sweeping impact. On March 13th in the Keating Centre business students coached by Mark MacIssaac will face off against arts and science students coached by Gerrad Marangoni to determine which campus faculty is better at hockey. All students are encouraged to buy tickets and come to support their faculties on the day of the tournament. The Pucks for Purpose team hope to sell out the arena’s 1500-person capacity.

Co-Chairs Danny Larsen and Luke White, along with their team, have been actively engaging the community and beyond to garner support for the upcoming event. Their marketing efforts are focused on generating enthusiasm among St FX students and spreading awareness about the event's charitable causes. Beyond campus, the town of Antigonish has rallied behind Pucks for Purpose, with local businesses like Burnside Brewing, Gabriels Pizza, Sport Chek, Main Street Café, and the Golden X Inn contributing in-kind donations. Danny Larsen emphasizes the significance of partnering with both local businesses and the St FX community to raise funds and awareness for the tournament. Any possible contribution to the tournament is appreciated. There is also growing interest from other local establishments eager to collaborate with Pucks for Purpose and demonstrate their support. The broader the event's reach, the greater the potential for raising funds for its impactful causes.

A similar event which is hosted annually at Queen’s university called the “Cure Cancer Classic” has most recently “raised 400,000 dollars for the Canadian cancer society and sold out an OHL stadium with the capacity of 5,000 seats.” Pucks for Purpose “hopes to have a similar fundraising total and attendance in upcoming years.” The organizers also hope to plan a charity golf tournament called “Putts for Purpose.” By diversifying their fundraising initiatives, such as the proposed golf tournament, Pucks for Purpose seeks to engage a broader audience and further contribute to the commendable causes of the organization.

So how can members of the St FX community support the event? The event’s Co-Charis are trying to sell enough tickets to raise as much money as possible for the event’s causes. So far, the support for the event through social media and word of mouth has been greatly successful. By continuing to share news of this tournament, the entire community can be made aware of its importance. One simple thing that students can do to support Pucks for Purpose is to buy a ticket to the tournament. All proceeds will be donated to charity so attendees can be certain their money is going to a good cause. For the event to function, the organization’s team will also rely heavily on the support of volunteers “to act as game day staff” says Danny. Ticket scanners, ushers, and time/score keepers will be necessary for the tournament to go smoothly. Individuals who are interested in taking part on game day should keep track of the Pucks for Purpose Instagram (@pucksforpurpose) for important updates. For those who want to play in the tournament tryouts for the Business and Art-Sci teams will be held on January 27th from 3:00- 5:00 and 5:00-7:00 respectively.

Pucks for Purpose isn't just about scoring goals; it's about scoring for a purpose. It's a reminder that, together, we can be a driving force for positive change. Every shot, every save, and every goal will get us closer to making an impact in the fight against cancer and supporting those with intellectual disabilities. Pucks for Purpose is proof that amazing things can happen when people unite in support of something bigger than themselves.

PJs and Glides: A Night of Fun on Ice with Intramurals

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, I find myself wearing my pajamas just a bit too early. Well, not to worry if you're in your pajamas as soon as the sun goes down, because on Saturday, November 25th, Intramurals is holding a skate night, and it happens to be pajama themed! So, grab your friends, your comfiest pajamas, and head over to the Auxiliary Rink in the Keating Centre from 7-9 p.m.

This Intramurals skate night is the second of the semester; the first had a Halloween theme. Next semester Intramurals will hold three more skate nights. On January 13th the skate night will be Jersey themed, followed by a Valentines theme on February 10th, and then on March 16th, a St. Patrick's Day themed skate will take place. These nights are great for students who want to socialize, meet new people, get active and maybe even learn to skate! Don’t fret if you don’t own a pair of skates: Intramurals has a limited number of skates available that students can borrow for the night.

For the skate enthusiasts who want even more options to take some strides, XREC holds public skates almost every day. These are open to the public, however StFX students skate for free. Skates happen Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Auxiliary Rink. Additionally, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, students can play drop-in shinny, or pick-up, hockey from 12-1 p.m. on the Main Ice.

Bundle up in some jammies and see you on Saturday!

Interview with Coach Graham Kennedy on the X-Men's conference Championship Win

Following their AUS Championship win, had the opportunity to interview Graham Kennedy, coach of the X-Men soccer team, to ask him a few questions about their season.

Q: Congrats on the win. This was X-Men Soccer’s first AUS championship win since 1994. As head coach, as well as a StFX alumnus, can you describe what this win means to you and the X-Men soccer program?

A: I wouldn’t say vindication—but more relief, joy, and happiness. We felt like we finally got the monkey off our back. We have had many years where we’ve lost in overtime or penalty shoot-outs before the finals, so this is a big feeling of accomplishment. We’ve gone into the national championship as the 2nd AUS seed before, but now we’re going in as the top seed.

Q: What are some challenges that you have had to face on the road to winning the conference championship? Are there any moments that you feel have made your team stronger in the long run?

A: Even though we were overcoming a recent history of disappointment, we didn’t talk about previous failures. Instead, we focused on this year. Our biggest obstacle was injuries; we didn’t have a consistent 11 players until the last few games of the season. We had to move players out of position and couldn’t manage to find consistency until the end.

Q: What would you say is your team’s greatest strength, on and off the pitch?

A: Our greatest strength is that we're together. We have a united approach to winning. All players have egos, but putting that ego aside, and putting the team before themselves is something that this team did does well—It is our biggest strength both on and off the pitch.

Q: Do you have a favorite match that your team has played so far this season? Is there a specific game that made you extremely proud of your team?

A: The AUS semi-finals game against UNB. The AUS final as well, it was the best defensive game I’ve seen over the last 10 years.          

Q: Can you provide some insight into the days leading up to a big game?

A: We do a detailed analysis of our opponent. We watched film of their games and identified formations and key players; we’ll even go over where each player shoots their penalties. Analytics and gathering information are major processes of preparation in the modern game.

Q: What are some things you say to your players before, or during, a high-stakes game? What type of mentality or mindset do you want from them?

A: I don’t say a lot to them before high-stakes games. I mostly just tell them to remember the basics and fundamentals of the game. We’ve got such good leadership on this team, that I don’t need to say much.

Q: Is there anything different that you expect from your players throughout the postseason?

A: By the time we get to the postseason, our habits are so ingrained that we just focus on doing more of the same. You don’t want to start doing something new once the postseason begins—just keep doing what you did to get there.

Q: Are there any coaches, either from the professional game or coaches that you know personally, that have inspired or influenced you in some way?

A: I’m a huge fan of coaches. There’s a coach from England named Stewart Hall who is a big influence for me. He works with Arsène Wenger at FIFA, and previously worked as a technical director in the Philippines. Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton is someone I follow a lot, as well as Pep Guardiola. Jean Pierre Gasperini and Marcello Bielsa are both also big influences for me. I’m still a student of the game. I don’t think there’s a week that goes by where I don’t spend an hour or two reading something tactical, and of course, I still love watching football.

Q: How would you describe your team’s playstyle? Would you say you have a rigid formation or system that your players follow at all times, or is it flexible?

A: We pride ourselves on being tactically adaptable. We've played in many different formations. Depending on who we play, we might change our formation. Out of possession, we want to stay narrow and force them out to the wings. We have a consistent way of playing in terms of principles, but we are tactically adaptable. For example, if we want more speed and height up front, or more control, we’ll change the personnel, which in turn changes the tactic.

Q: One last thing, do you have a message for the supporters of the X-Men soccer team?

A: I appreciate our fans and everyone who comes out to our games. I think part of my job as a coach is to entertain our fans, and I hope that our fans enjoy watching us play as much as the team enjoys playing in front of them. Thank you to all the fans who watch us at home, on the road, or online.

StFX Athletics: Home to Leaders and Champions, Bringing Home Four AUS Championships in Five Days

The last week of October saw remarkable success for StFX Athletics, as four varsity teams earned AUS championships.

The X-Women Rugby team was the first to return to campus in white hats, as they defeated the UPEI Panther 26-22 in Charlottetown on Wednesday, October 25th. This victory marks the program’s 23rd AUS banner.

The weekend that followed brought further victory to the X-Men and X-Women. The StFX Cross Country teams raced on Saturday, October 28th at the AUS Championships, hosted by the SMU Huskies. The X-Women delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 22 points, and claiming a first-place finish. Among the top seven finishers, five were proudly representing the White and Blue. Allie Sandluck secured the silver medal, and Eileen Benoit took home the bronze. The X-Men battled hard and finished in second place, with 43 points. The team was led by veteran Joel Gallant who placed 4th.

On Sunday, October 29th, both the X-Men and X-Women Soccer teams secured victories in the final matches of the AUS Championships, held in Sydney, NS. Both teams went head-to-head with the CBU Capers. The X-Women played first, prevailing 2-1. The X-Men closed out the weekend with a 2-0 shutout win. This marks X-Men Soccer’s first AUS banner since 1994, and the X-Women’s first championship win since 2016.

Behind every successful team, there’s an incredible coaching staff. Special shoutouts to Graham Kennedy (X-Men/X-Women Soccer) and Eric Gillis (X-Men/X-Women XC) for their well-deserved AUS Coach of the Year awards, with Kennedy earning two! Also, a big congratulations to Mike Cavanagh, who is wrapping up an impressive 25th season as head coach of the X-Women Rugby team.

I had the opportunity to speak with some of the veterans from the four recently crowned AUS Championship teams, to discuss what sets StFX Athletics apart.

They all highlighted the program’s standout culture, emphasizing the consistent efforts put in by both athletes and staff.

Katherine Culligan, fourth-year rugby player from Halifax, NS, offered her perspective on the culture within StFX Athletics, “It’s a culture of support and family and I think that comes through in all aspects”. When asked about what she believes provides the extra motivation to StFX athletes, Culligan mentioned the school’s small size and the Antigonish community, stating, “Coming from such a small school in a small town, we are constantly reminded of how many people support us and are looking up to us, so it gives us that extra bit of drive to achieve feats like AUS Championships. We are taught that regardless of our size or reputation, we can achieve great things if we lean on our culture”.

Sophie Beck, a fourth-year rugby player from Fall River, NS, and serving as Katherine’s co-captain, expressed similar thoughts. Beck spoke to the mentality of StFX Athletics, noting, “There are a lot of things outside of our control, but what we can control is our culture. Culture creates champions, and our Athletics Department is keenly aware of that. As a result, they have invested in our development, not just as athletes but as people. Across the board, our teams are full of wonderful people and great leaders”.

The StFX Athletics Department is no stranger to the concept of “punching above its weight class”. Eileen Benoit, a first team AUS Cross Country All-Star, also highlights StFX’s size as a unique advantage, stating, “At a small university, the sense of community is strengthened.”. Benoit, a third-year student from Windsor, NS, believes that the sense of community at StFX fosters a feeling of belonging that transcends the field, court, ice, and track. She emphasizes, “The support we receive from other teams, the wider StFX community, and the town of Antigonish goes deeper than our athletic successes because we come to know each other as people, rather than as another number.”.

The recent successes of our four varsity teams are a testament to the exceptional culture, sense of community, and spirit that defines StFX Athletics. As we celebrate the victories of the X-Women Rugby team, the X-Women Cross Country team, and both the X-Men and X-Women Soccer teams, it is important to recognize the dedication of the incredible StFX Athletics staff, as well as the unwavering support of all fans. Congratulations to all of our newly crowned AUS Champions!

October: The X-Men Hockey Team’s Month of Transformation

The month of October was one of redemption for the X-Men hockey club. The squad initially underperformed in both their pre-season and opening regular season games, winning only one contest in each of these 4-game frames. The second half of the month saw the X-Men go on a 3-game tear, putting up two victories over UPEI and one over Dalhousie. They exited the month over .500 with a record of 4-3-1 and have since extended their winning streak to 5 games. The following is a brief retelling of the transformation the team has undergone in the past month.

The X-men capped off their pre-season with a ceremonial puck drop at their game against Saint Mary's on October 1st, honouring this year's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Prior to the contest, Members of StFX's Indigenous Student Society joined team captains Bailey Webster and Andrew Coxhead at centre ice for a moment of remembrance and solidarity. The outcome of the game, however, was strikingly unfavourable for the X-men, as they yielded a 7-1 defeat to the Huskies.

The team went into the regular season with a singular pre-season win under their belt and would only register one more victory in their first four regular-season games, which came in their AUS season-opener against Acadia University (final score 3-2). The turning point for the team came after a burning home-barn defeat against one of their biggest rivals, the UNB Reds. The teams traded goals back and forth across the first 3 periods. StFX goaltender Joseph Raaymakers was pelted with 48 shots across regulation but stood tall with an outstanding .937 save percentage. The X-Men’s Liam Hawel (2023 AUS MVP) scored an overtime-clinching goal with just 30 seconds remaining, though UNB forward Michael Petizian’s dealbreaker ultimately quenched the X-Men’s fire in overtime.

This harrowing loss prompted a full-scale response from X-Men, which arrived in the form of a three-game winning streak. The first stop on their redemption tour saw StFX hosting UPEI, where they decidedly snatched a 6-3 victory over their opponent. Jacob Hudson, the X-Men’s leading scorer, put up his first hat trick this year on the occasion, this being only one chapter of his current goal-per-game tirade. The next game was an even bigger statement by the X-Men, as they bested the Dalhousie Tigers 8-1. Noteworthy in this tilt was the X-Men’s play in the second period, where five different X-Men players each put a tally on the scoreboard. The team rounded out the month with another victory over the UPEI Panthers, where they put their tenacity on display with three back-to-back goals in the third period.

In the middle of their winning streak, the X-Men congratulated the X-Women Rugby team on their AUS banner by welcoming them into the Keating Centre on October 25th. The X-Women had won the AUS championship on the same night the X-Men beat Dalhousie, so both teams gathered on the ice to revel in the win that the X-Women had brought to the entire Xaverian community. Though the merit of the X-Women’s championship should not be underplayed, the celebration was also symbolic of the arch the X-men had experienced in their first 8 regular season games. After struggling to find a spark, the X-Men caught fire and sent the message to the rest of the league that they are legitimate contenders this year. The moment when both teams posed with the AUS banner indirectly represented both the fresh trajectory of the X-Men and what is possible if they stay consistent. With their winning streak now extended to 5 games, the X-Men are only trailing UNB in the standings and are showing no signs of slowing down.

A Conversation with X-Women Head Coach Ben Berthiaume: Reflecting and Looking Forward

During the X-Women Hockey team’s preseason, I sat down with head coach Ben Berthiaume to discuss how last season’s success is impacting his approach to this season. We discussed the X-Women’s participation in last year’s U SPORTS National Championship, the atmosphere and goals of this year’s training camp, the values that shape the X-Women’s identity, and the players that fans can expect to excel this season.

XW: How has your team evolved from last year to this year?

Ben Berthiaume: The number one thing is more bodies. We brought in 12 new players this year. Last year, we went through a lot of injury issues, so we needed to solve that problem. We are also a bit of a quicker team this year than we were last year, in all areas.

XW: What was the X-factor that brought your team to nationals last year?

Berthiaume: The X-factor was our resiliency. If you look back at last year, we started off with injuries in September, when we were away on a road trip. The girls stepped up all year—at times we were playing with the equipment manager in the line-up, we called up a kid that was essentially not playing hockey, and we had our number one centre playing defense. That resiliency and toughness flowed throughout the year. It was the X-factor for sure.

XW: How would you describe the X-Women’s style of play?

Berthiaume: We are very quick, like I mentioned before. We are going to be very fast, especially up front. We are going to have an in-your-face style of play, using our speed to our advantage. In

all aspects of the game, we are going to be the first to the puck. We are going to be a gritty hockey team this year—that will be the difference maker for us.

XW: Who is the most dynamic player on the X-Women roster?

Berthiaume: If you look at the season that Maggy Burbidge had last year, she led the country in points. I think she went only one game without a goal last year—if she has time and space, she is going to bring it. We’re going to look to her to lead that charge again, although there are a lot of kids in the line-up that have potential. Kamdyn Switzer came back playing well this year; we have big expectations for her. She came back this year ready to prove something. We have a lot of good players down through the line-up that are ready to chip in.

XW: What was your message to players going into training camp this year?

Berthiaume: The biggest change for us this year has to be the way we practice on a daily basis. We needed to get better at having a high intensity approach every single day—practicing like it’s a game. So far, we’ve done that. We’ve been practicing intensely, and at game-speed, which will make a big difference, I think.

XW: Who will your biggest rivals be this season?

Berthiaume: If you don’t bring your A-game, you will struggle against any team in this league. But, if I look at our biggest rivals over the years, Saint Mary’s has always been a huge rival, UNB is there, and UPEI has been a big rival, too. You could keep going down through the league, to be honest. Every team is a rival, and every team wants to beat us on any given night. That’s the biggest message—we have to be prepared for whoever we play.

XW: What is the most important small detail of hockey that translates into success?

Berthiaume: The players without the puck, playing away from the puck. A big thing for us is secondary support. We also talk a lot about thinking about the game and being proactive rather than reactive. If you are reacting to the game, you are always chasing. The players away from the puck are very important.

XW: What was the most crucial moment of the season for the team as a group last year?

Berthiaume: There were a lot of key moments last year. We had to play short-staffed many times, and we realized early on that we couldn’t feel sorry for ourselves—it was just the situation we were in. A lot of people stepped up right from the get-go. Like I said, our equipment manager not only covered our equipment manager duties, but also played a lot of minutes in the line-up. I think it was the realizations that we had to be resilient, we couldn’t be down on ourselves, and we just had to push through.

XW: What defines X-Women hockey?

Berthiaume: Our grittiness, our passion for the game, and our culture. Our culture is very good, it’s something we work on consistently. We started making progress on it back in the spring when we knew what our team was going to be. If you have a good culture—a group that wants to come to the rink every day, and a group that wants to compete for each other—then you have a solid chance of winning.

XW: What is the most exciting part of your team’s offensive game?

Berthiaume: I think it’s our speed. There is a lot of talent up-front. We’ve brought in a lot of talent this summer. If you look at the two exhibition games we’ve had, especially game one here [at StFX], our speed was on display. We joke about the fact that speed kills, so using that speed to our advantage will be a big thing for us this year.

XW: What is one player on defense that fans should pay attention to this year?

Berthiaume: Right through our defensive line-up, one through eight, all of them are capable of getting the job done. We have a really good defensive core this year. I don’t know if I can point out just one in particular. They all move the puck very well—we have a very skilled group back there.

XW: UNB has been at the top of the league the last couple of years, winning the U Sports Championship back-to-back the last two years. How do you think the X-Women matched up against them in the AUS final last year?

Berthiaume: I think we played them very well during the playoffs last year. In game one, we played very well, and won. In game two, we played pretty well. It was a 1-0 game, but they have a very good goalie. [UNB Goaltender] Woodland is a very good goalie—she is very difficult to score on. In game three, we only had four defensemen on the bench. It went into double overtime, and we hit three or four posts. It was a very good game—we played well, there was just a lot of difficulty scoring against Woodland. Going into this year, she’s back, so we have to do a better job of getting in her face, and making sure the game is difficult for her.

The Correlation Between Exercise and Academic Success

It’s no secret to any university student that exercising is beneficial to their health. Yet, with exams approaching, essays, and final papers due, many students do not feel they can carve out time in their busy schedules for a workout.

This is completely understandable. However, what if I told you that even doing a quick 20-minute workout could enhance academic performance long-term?

As per a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, executive functioning and brain health are basic cognitive functions that facilitate learning. Evidently, these functions are related to academic success. The study “shows that regular exercise enhances them” (Hillman, 65).

Furthermore, especially in university students that have ADHD, exercise allows for better focus on academics, therefore, helping improve performance in the long term. In addition, if a 20-minute morning workout allows for better focus throughout the day, you should make the effort to put it into your schedule.  You may focus better on your lectures and improve your overall sleep quality.

Regular exercise can also lead to a better quality of sleep, which is directly related to academic performance (Tomporowski, 297).

There are also so many options for working out on campus if this is a barrier for you. The gym in the Keating Centre is accessible to all STFX students. There are also many workout classes available. You could go for a run on the track, go to lane swim when the pool opens back up, or even do a quick workout at home. There are lots of options on YouTube for these workout classes.

Even just listening to music and going for a walk around campus is a great way to work out, especially with the weather warming up and the longer days.

With all the other obvious benefits to exercise, one that is less talked about is that exercise can improve our grades. For your transcript, as well as your physical and mental health, try to get a workout in, occasionally.

Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008 Jan;9(1):58-65. doi: 10.1038/nrn2298. PMID: 18094706.

Tomporowski PD. Effects of acute bouts of exercise on cognition. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2003 Mar;112(3):297-324. doi: 10.1016/s0001-6918(02)00134-8. PMID: 12595152.

Interview with Coach Tyrell Vernon, Coach of the X-Men Basketball Team on their Weekend at the U SPORTS Championships in Halifax

I talked with Tyrell Vernon, Coach of the X-Men Basketball team, to discuss the X-Men’s Basketball U SPORTS Championship that took place from the 10th-12th of March.

When asked how he would assess the way the team played over the weekend, Coach Vernon stated “Obviously, it didn't end the way that we wanted it to. But I think we put ourselves in the situation to win every single game, so now it's just kind of you know, back to the drawing board a little bit to figure out some things that we can change for next season.” He continued, saying that he feels “everybody gave everything that they had, that's for sure.”

When talking about the atmosphere in Halifax and the team's energy, he responded that it was an amazing experience to have that many people show up, and to have sold out arenas cheering for them. He says he knows the guys won’t forget it.

When discussing improvements made this year and plans for improvements for next year, Coach Vernon said the biggest area in which they improved was trusting the defensive systems and having more attention to detail at the defensive end. Next year, he wants the team to continue to evolve their approach with what works.

When asked what this means for StFX and the basketball program, he responded “they haven't won an AUS championship in 17 years so being able to do that was a big monkey off our back.” He continued by saying “and, you know, to go to nationals and get the national silver, we got a bronze when I was here, and that was 2012, so it's been a while for that as well.” He believes that being in the middle of the national stage and having everyone show up with lots of energy was definitely a good thing for them.

For next year, Coach Vernon said some of his goals included recruiting and making sure they bring in some more talent (as they are losing a few players). Another goal is “to do what we can to win AUS to put ourselves in the situation to get back to that national stage.”

Lastly, I asked him who he thought personally really stepped up during the nationals. He said that “Avan Nava and David Muenkat did what they do, but they usually do.” Defensively, he mentioned that “Steven Levnaic was huge for us on that weekend.” Levnaic was able to shut down top players on other teams.

Ultimately, the discussion with Coach Vernon was great, and we are thankful he took the time to give us some insight into the team's success this season.

Interview with Lauren Dabrowski and Josie Chisholm from the X-Women's Hockey Team on their Weekend in Montreal for the U SPORTS Championships

Over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the StFX Women's Hockey team headed to Montreal for the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championships. The team played UBC, Nipissing, and Toronto. The Xaverian talked to Lauren Dabrowski, an assistant captain on the team, and Josie Chisholm the captain of the team, about their weekend in Montreal and their roles as leaders.

Ms. Dabrowski told the Xaverian that the atmosphere in Montreal was “awesome," saying that “the girls all enjoyed themselves… as this was our last away trip so we really just tried to embrace the moment we were in, whether that was eating dinner, walking the streets, practicing at McGill rink, or just hanging out in the hotel. The atmosphere was special, and I think all the girls really bought in.” She added that “One comment our team received quite often while in Montreal was how respectful and kind our team was, which is great to hear.” Josie also agreed that the atmosphere in Montreal was great, saying “personally, this was my first time in Montreal for an extended period so it was great to have some time to embrace the city.” She added, “In regard to on the ice, it was great to have the chance to play other teams from across the country.”

Ms. Chisholm talked about improvements the team made this year, saying that overall, the culture of the group improved and she says next year moving forward “it will be key to have a leadership group that is on the ball and present with the team.” Adding, “looking into next year I think that the girls have a very good foundation now for what a family should feel like and they can continue to grow from that.” Overall Josie says, “this past tournament was the first for the majority of this team, younger girls got a new sense of what to expect in regard to preparation and performance for national tournaments to come.” For next year, the girls believe the team is prepared and improved. Ms. Dabrowski says the team “definitely learned at this tournament that we are a competitive team in this nation and we need to continue to strive for those AUS and national titles.”

When discussing her role as a leader, Lauren mentioned how at the beginning of the year, they “really took a step back as the leadership group to assess the year and how we are going to go about it, with that we improved greatly in our team chemistry knowing that we needed to feel comfortable with each other off the ice first before the on ice chemistry came.” She says the team went on an annual trip to Cheticamp at the start of the year, and that “this was the time our team bonded the most.” Lauren says moving forward in the next season, “I think the girls are more experienced and realize how important the regular season games are when it comes to Nationals.” Ms. Chisholm also touched on being a leader, saying, “ being a leader on this team is a role that challenges you to always be the best version of yourself because ultimately you have teammates that are counting on you to do the right thing and do what is best for the team… this role helped me personally as a hockey player because I knew that I had people counting on me for guidance on and off the ice so I was constantly playing for something more than myself.”

Recently, Lauren was recognized as a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian. When asked what it means to her to be recognized, she told me, “It just shows that all the work I put in the off season really paid off with the help from our Strength Coach and our Coaches who went on the ice with me throughout the summer. It also demonstrates how good my teammates are as I could not have gotten this recognition without them. It took a full season of hard work, dedication and teamwork to get to where I am.”

When talking about goals for the team next year, Josie talked about striving to be a national contender again, saying “moving forward this team has the goal of being a national contender again. They have what it takes to do so as long as they work as one cohesive unit.” In regards to herself, Josie said  “personally, I have no set plan for next year. After this season, my love for the game is still strong and my goal is to continue my career in some fashion with hopes of gaining a new experience along the ride.”

It was great hearing from Lauren and Josie, and StFX cannot wait to watch the team again next year!

StFX Cheerleaders Win in Competition for the First Time in Eleven Years

When hearing the words ‘StFX cheerleaders’ the first group that comes to mind is likely the team that cheers on StFX’s athletes. This is the ‘blue team,’ and what many students may not know is that StFX has a second cheerleading team, named the ‘white team.’ Instead of performing at sports games, the white team competes around the province against other university cheerleading teams. On March 4-5, they took on their first competition of the season in Truro, NS, winning the first-place medal for the first time since 2012.

Cheerleading competitions run over the course of two days, with a performance of a pre-existing routine on each day. For this competition—named Maritime Meltdown—each performance constituted 50% of the team’s final score. A university cheerleading routine normally consists of a school cheer, multiple stunt sequences, a pyramid, a jump section, both running and standing tumbling, as well as a dance portion near the end—though this is optional as it no longer contributes to the final score.

On March 4th, the cheerleaders met in the Keating Centre before heading off to Truro. Once there, the athletes had time to finish getting ready, explore the convention centre, and watch other’s performances. Cheer competitions feature teams of various ages competing at all levels and provide an opportunity not just to compete and show all the hard work put in throughout to year, but to connect with others in their shared community.

After a quick warm-up and run-through of their routine, the StFX cheerleaders ran out to take their places on the competition mat. They were cheered on by family, friends, members of blue team, and even next year’s Student Union President Sophia Fabiano, a former cheerleader herself. During their performance, the athletes hit one of their best routines of the season, a success that was closely followed the next day. Though confident in their routine, the team would not know their final scoring until the awards ceremony Sunday afternoon.

Because of Covid-19, there has not been an in-person competition since 2020, right before the pandemic hit. This meant that the competition setting was new to a lot of first-time cheerleaders who had only started the sport in university. Amber Thibodeau, a third-year student, and second-year athlete, mentioned that “it was super great to have finally cheered in person after competing online last year.” The new environment was exciting, but combined with the knowledge that StFX hadn’t won a competition since 2012, pressure was at an all-time high. However, the hard work of the athletes pulled through and they heard their names called as the champions of their level, walking away with first-place medals in what one athlete, Hailie Sock, called an “exciting moment.”

The StFX cheerleaders surprised many judges and coaches in the crowd with their high-level skills, and Emily Hubbard, one of the team’s captains, called the experience “amazing…especially knowing that no one was expecting us to show up the way we did.” Hailie Sock echoed this, saying that their performance was “reflexive of all the hard work we put in over the year.” The team practices three times a week, and many members balance a job and a full-time course load on top of this. Their dedication proves the love they have for their sport and their team. Ashley Howe, a second-year athlete, expressed her excitement about “making history for StFX cheerleading.” She continued, saying that cheer “pushes me to keep going for the future of the sport and for the university.” The team was indeed making history as the last win had been eleven years ago. As Howe put it, they are “breaking boundaries and proving to everybody that we aren’t just a student-run club, and we can do big things.” This win could be the start of a new future for StFX cheerleading, so keep an eye out and continue to cheer on your cheerleaders, both in games and at competition!

The team’s coaches, Claire Schofer, Wynona Farrell, and Kaitlyn Anderson, all expressed how proud they were of the team, with Schofer making this closing statement:

“I am incredibly proud of my wonderful athletes and their performances at Maritime Meltdown! We dealt with various adversities this school year, but the team had a continuous desire to work for something we thought was just a dream. The coaching staff has been working a lot behind the scenes for this to happen, but at the end of the day, our athletes won this for themselves and for each other. Many people complimented our performances and our athletes’ conduct at the event which was incredibly rewarding. Several young girls approached us, expressing their admiration for us as university cheerleaders. I sincerely hope our program can continue to grow and succeed for years to come. This win breaks a long streak of losses and I hope it sets a standard for our program.”

My Virtual Doctor

Amidst the recent student union elections, there was also discourse surrounding the vote on whether a new referendum should be approved. This referendum is called My Virtual Doctor, and fortunately, students voted it in.

It’s no secret that many students have waited hours, upon hours in the emergency room at St. Martha’s Hospital and that the Nova Scotia healthcare system is deeply flawed.  My Virtual Doctor helps to solve some of these social issues surrounding healthcare, especially for the vulnerable student population, some of whom are living on their own for the first time and haven’t yet learned how to advocate for themselves.

The referendum allows students to skip the waiting room, and is a virtual healthcare service that offers, confidential, unlimited, 24/7 access across Canada to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Students can choose to discuss with a healthcare professional via either texting, video chat, or phone. With an average wait time of only four minutes for a consult and access to healthcare services in multiple languages, it is difficult to find flaws in this referendum.

Additionally, what services are offered to students via My Virtual Doctor? Students can receive referrals and requisitions for labs, bloodwork, and specialists. Students can be provided with diagnoses and treatment plans and can be directed to the proper facilities. There is also delivery of prescriptions to a pharmacy of the student’s choice provided, appointments are available within 24 hours, and extension is available to eligible family members at no additional cost.

Furthermore, no Nova Scotia healthcare card or Government Canada healthcare card is needed to enroll in this service, which is revolutionary as this is a common barrier to health equity. All full-time undergraduate STFX students will be enrolled automatically. The fee is only 44.85 dollars a year as well.

My Virtual Doctor also allows students the opportunity to opt-out unconditionally each year with a full refund to their student account before the opt-out deadline. There is no barrier to opting out of My Virtual Doctor.

Overall, this referendum was voted in for a reason, using students’ voices to make a difference, and helping to solve certain issues surrounding health equity, for the vulnerable student population. This includes lessening wait times and making healthcare more accessible in general. Transportation, eligibility, forgetfulness, finances, access to a health card, language, as well as mental health, are all barriers to health equity, and My Virtual Doctor is amazing for wanting to give the right to healthcare to all students.

I know that I have waited hours, late into the night for myself and for my friends in the emergency room and have struggled to access prescriptions at Antigonish pharmacies due to the barrier of being out of province. I know that I am not alone in this and that this service would’ve been very utile for me as well as other students.

Thank you, My Virtual Doctor, I cannot wait to see how you help our students in action.

Intramural Sports for The Winter

Unfortunately, at this time of year, the sun sets at 4:30pm. This means StFX students are left with less daylight than preferred, maybe even only 2 or 3 hours, depending on your sleep and class schedule. It’s also colder outside, and there’s the stress of a new semester.

However, there is one thing that can help with the mental health challenges that come in the winter months:  the possibility of registering for an intramural sport. Intramurals are an extra-curricular activity that is highly underrated, where leagues are created, and you get to play sports in a low-stress environment with your friends. There is something for everyone, with no experience required. You can meet new people and create new memories.

It’s a form of exercise that is proven to boost mood, as well as a forced, and likely well-deserved, break from academia and coursework. Whether it is studying, writing yet another paper, or doing readings, intramurals are a fantastic way to set your mind to something else for a couple of hours.

According to the StFX athletics website, there are many options for intramurals in the winter. These include recreational volleyball, super recreational volleyball, and indoor soccer. Registration for both types of volleyball closed on 6 January, however, registration for soccer closes on 16 February.

To register for these sports, simply go to https://www.goxgo.ca/recreation/intramurals/index, scroll down to “Winter Line Up 2023”, and click the registration link, where you sign in with the same username and password as you do for your Moodle account.

It is only possible to register, however, if you have already signed up with XREC. If you go to the StFX gym regularly, and can swipe your card, you are signed up. If this is not the case, simply go to the pool desk in Keating and ask to register.

There are also ESPORT tournaments happening at StFX each month this winter hosted by XREC intramurals. You can register the exact same way for ESPORTS as you do for other sports such as volleyball, except, after following the link, you are led to a sign-up sheet through Microsoft Forms. This uses a QR code, and the platform required is XBOX or PS. These are fun elimination tournaments, where the lucky winner walks away with an XREC prize package.

There is an ESPORTS football tournament where registration closes on 2 February 2023, which takes place on the game Madden 23. There is also an ESPORTS rocket league tournament, where registration closes on 9 March 2023.

Finally, XREC is hosting a student-only night of skating and music at the arena in the Keating Centre. This takes place from 7-9pm, on Saturday, 18 March. The theme for this event is St. Patrick’s Day colours! Be sure to get there early, as there is only a limited number of helmets and skates available for use.

There is also the possibility of an XREC curling night sometime in March 2023.  There are also group fitness classes that XREC offers, with a schedule available online, and plenty of games for you to go watch to support your fellow Xaverians.

For more information, visit the website mentioned above, contact XREC, or follow @stfxintramurals on Instagram.

Meningitis B in Nova Scotia

In the past 18 months, three Nova Scotian university students have passed away from MenB. Meningitis B is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck. It is essential to seek immediate medical care if you suspect that you or someone in your family has meningitis.

At the beginning of January, StFX sent out an email regarding the sad news and some education on MenB. StFXs email read, “before the holidays we were saddened to learn of two cases of meningococcal disease connected to Dalhousie University's student community, resulting in one death and one hospitalization.” It continues with, “Nova Scotia Public Health officials have reported that there is no indication of increased risk to the general public.” The email explains that “most university-aged students have been vaccinated against several strains of meningitis in the course of their routine childhood vaccinations; however, Meningitis B is not covered in this vaccination protocol in Nova Scotia.” Additionally, StFXs email mentions the organization BForKai, a foundation in honor of Kai, a 19-year-old that was studying Kinesiology at Acadia, who passed from Meningitis B.

I spoke with Norrie Matthews, Kai's father, who has, since his son's passing, made it his mission to educate and advocate on awareness and vaccinations for MenB. I learned that Meningitis B is the most common and most deadly strain of Meningitis. 1 in 5 people who contract Meningitis B can experience permanent complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, neurological disorders, limb loss and, shockingly, 1 in 10 cases of MenB can be fatal. Maybe most notably, post-secondary students are 5 times more likely to contract Meningitis B.

There is a huge misconception amongst Nova Scotians and other Canadians that they are already vaccinated against Meningitis B. In Nova Scotia, the publicly funded vaccine program currently provides monovalent meningococcal C vaccine at 12 months of age and as part of the Grade 7 school immunization program with the quadrivalent meningococcal A, C, Y, W135 vaccine. They do not fund or administer the Meningitis B vaccine.  Norrie said years ago, he himself was not aware that this was not included in the Nova Scotia vaccine program. When Kai was younger, he had watched a news story with his wife about a student passing from MenB and had told his wife he was thankful Kai had been vaccinated against meningitis, not knowing that meningitis B was not included in Nova Scotia’s vaccine program.

Because of Kai’s family’s advocacy, the StFX’s Students’ Union health insurance covers the cost of the vaccine. StFX employee health insurance also covers the cost for this vaccine, and the BForKai foundation is what pushed Nova Scotian universities to include this in their health plans.

When I asked Norrie what students at StFX can do to support BForKai, he noted that it isn’t just important to consider getting the vaccine, but it is also important to push the government to do more. On the BForKai website, there is a tool to find your local member of the legislative assembly. It will then help generate an email for you to send them. The email generates a message that pushes the Nova Scotia government to add the Meningitis B vaccine to the province's publicly funded vaccination program. Additionally, there is a link to sign a petition to join the fight to make Meningitis B vaccinations routinely administered to Nova Scotians. Lastly, there is a link to donate to the IWK BforKai Trust with the IWK Foundation. The funds are to support Meningitis B research, awareness, education, and training programs.

The most recent StFX Students’ Union Debate highlights the lack of knowledge surrounding Meningitis B. Some members of the current Students’ Union in the debate were not even aware that StFX’s Students’ Union health insurance covered the cost of the vaccine. Additionally, many students still believe they are vaccinated against it, even though they are not for the MenB strain. Ultimately, I encourage all StFX students to visit the BForKai website to educate themselves and consider getting vaccinated against MenB. StFX students can book an appointment at the Health and Counseling Centre if they are interested in getting vaccine. 

Group Fitness Classes at StFX

Did you know if you are a student at StFX you can get 30 group fitness classes for only 30 dollars plus tax?  XREC’s group fitness classes are a great way to stay active, meet new people, and try something new! There are several classes to choose from, offered almost every day of the week. 

As many students probably already know, the Keating and Saputo centers are under some major renovations. Next year, students can look forward to some significant upgrades. Adam Grimmitt, the StFX Fitness Centre Coordinator, said that when renovations are finished, students can look forward to new group fitness class spaces, a wider variety of classes, as well as a spin room! Until then, there are still a ton of classes from which to choose. Ranging from yoga to cardio, there’s something for everyone!

TBT – Total Body Timed (Mon. 7:30pm-8:30pm)

A class for anyone who wants to try new cardio and strength moves followed by brief recovery periods. Includes different options of intensity levels so that everyone finds success.

ABT – Abs, Butt, Thighs (Wed. 7:30pm-8:30pm)

Incorporating traditional bodyweight exercises with a timed-interval technique to help strengthen and sculpt your abs, butt, and thighs. This class is for all fitness levels with lots of modifications and options so that participants feel successful working at their own level.

Pump Up (Mon. 6:15 pm-7:30 pm & Thurs. 7:30 pm-8:20 pm)

There is no better way to pump up your mind, muscles, and heart rate than with this cardio and strength class. Incorporating weight training routines with a twist, you're bound to leave smiling.

Step It Up (Wed. 6:15pm-7:15pm & Sun. 5pm-6pm)

Time to Step It Up a notch! With simple and safe movements, you will see results in both your physical and mental health! Get ready to sweat out any stress you may have with upbeat tunes and amazing people. All fitness levels are welcome.

Upper Body Sculpt (Tues. 7:30pm-8:30pm & 8:30pm-9:30pm)

This upper body workout uses various bodyweight and strength training exercises to target your shoulders, biceps, triceps, and chest, in addition to adding elements of cardio that will raise your heart rate and leave you feeling energized and sweating. Get ready to feel the burn!

Hatha Yoga (Tues. 6:30pm-7:15pm)

Whether you are new to yoga or have an established practice, this class could be for you. Hatha focuses on breathing, controlled movements, and meditation. The gentle pace allows for moments of exploring what needs attention inside your body.

Yin Yoga (Sun. 6:15pm-7:15pm)

The quieter side of yoga for all levels. All poses are held for several minutes and are done either seated or laying down. Yin allows the body to sense and release, let go of all the tightness, and melt into a long-held yin pose. Your mind, body, and heart will thank you.

Mindfulness (Tues. 1:15 pm-2pm)

Meditation is a way to slow down, be in the present moment, and manage our stress.

Sponsored by the Health Centre. FREE for students, faculty, and staff.

To purchase a group fitness pass, head to the StFX Welcome Desk to get set up today!

Innovation in Achieving Healthy Equity in Rural Nova Scotia: A Conference by the StFX Health Society

Achieving health equity has been an ongoing process throughout Nova Scotia, and at StFX, the Health Society has been leading the conversation. In efforts to spread information and increase these types of discussions, the student-run society will be hosting a conference on January 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Schwartz Auditorium. Titled “Innovation in Achieving Healthy Equity in Rural Nova Scotia,” the conference will feature six changemakers of various expertise. Each will give a short presentation about their work related to current gaps in medicine and health in rural Nova Scotia, as well as share some of their innovative solutions aimed at achieving health equity. A panel discussion will follow the presentation period, focusing on how rural communities can make meaningful change in achieving health equity. The conference will feature a Q&A period with the audience members.

I was able to speak with Sophie Bezanson, the Co-Vice President of Conferences and Events of the Health Society and a co-organizer of the conference. She mentioned that the society wanted a conference that would “create a difference in the community”. They recognize that there are “so many wider social factors that impact an individual’s or a population’s health” that are often overlooked, and Bezanson spoke on how she wanted to “spotlight these issues and identify the challenges and barriers to achieving health equity in rural areas.” The conversations taking place during the conference will be a step towards “focus[ing] on the solutions and how we can move forward.”

The panelists speaking at the conference will include the following professionals: Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan (Dr. AJ), Dr. Amy Grant, Dianne Oickle, Sarah-Marie O’Toole, as well as a representative from both the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Sisterhood Initiative.

Dr. AJ is a family physician and director of the Coral Shared-Care Health Center. She is also an Assistant professor at Dalhousie University, where she developed a program named GeoView. The program is a virtual mapping tool that uses Geographic Information System technology to standardize health collection data. With this information, primary care providers are able to have a unique visualization of the social determinants of health.

Dr. Amy Grant has a Ph.D. in Social and Developmental Psychology and is the Senior Health Policy Researcher at the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit. Here, she leads and supports mixed-methods research, with her most recent project focused on pharmacist prescribing, collaborative family practice team implementation, transition of care for pediatric patients with chronic disease, and the mental health impacts of COVID-19.

Dianne Oickle is the Knowledge Translation Specialist at the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health. She has extensive experience working in the public health field as a registered dietitian and is a frontline health practitioner. Her work focuses on mental health promotion, community engagement, intersectoral practice, movement building, digital equity, and equity in environmental public health.

Sarah-Marie O’Toole is a Physician Recruitment Consultant with the Nova Scotia Health Authority in the Eastern Zone. In their previous role as a Community Navigator, Sarah supported the arrival, settlement, and integration of new physicians and their family members into the Antigonish community. Their work follows a “people first” philosophy, focusing on the individuals and families coming to Nova Scotia and acknowledging the many factors contributing to a satisfying and fulfilling life.

The two representatives from the Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative and the Nova Scotia Sisterhood Initiative, Preston Matthews and Elizabeth Nkrumah, will share information about their work. This includes providing culturally appropriate primary health care services to individuals of African ancestry. The Initiatives provide rotating clinics in various Black communities in the Central Zone. Additionally, they run programs that focus on improving health literacy, social determinants of health, health advocacy, and building capacity for individuals to develop health leadership and stewardship.

Bezanson closed by saying that it is easy to see the state of our medical and healthcare system and be deterred by the challenges present, but that “there are a lot of opportunities to be innovative and create change for the better.” Conversations like those that will take place at the conference are helpful to identify the barriers that do exist and will put “more of a positive spin on it” with the solutions they can provide. Bezanson remarked that coming together and having these discussions goes to show that “change is possible” and that it “needs to happen in order for our population to be as healthy as it can be.” The conference on Innovation in Achieving Health Equity in Rural Nova Scotia is just the first step on the road by StFX Health students and activists—like Bezanson—to solving issues surrounding health equity in rural Nova Scotia.

Cheerleading Is a Sport: An Ode to True Athleticism

In the last few weeks on StFX’s campus, there has been a lot of discourse regarding whether cheerleading should be deemed a sport. I was stunned to be the biggest advocate in very heated debates in my residence lounge on the status of cheerleading in the sporting world. My competitors in these debates, unsurprising to you, I’m sure, have never once been a cheerleader in their lives.

As an author, who has done dance, as well as synchronized swimming in the past, I felt that I could speak to the hard work of cheerleaders in these debates, given that my athleticism is also frequently disrespected. However, I realize now that I was wrong.

A previously well-meaning article created unintended backlash and hurt, with the misinterpretation that cheerleading was not for all gender identities. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, or from my opinion, for that matter. I have always felt that dance and synchronized swimming would greatly benefit from more athletes that do not identify as feminine or female. The same applies to cheerleading.

 To address this, and give a voice to those who felt I spoke for them, I have reached out to current StFX cheer athletes.

According to an anonymous athlete, some members of the STFX cheer team practice three times a week, for 8 hours total. This seems like a large time commitment to me and should be enough to solidify cheerleading’s place in the sporting world!

However, for many readers, more convincing may be needed. The definition of a sport is, “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment” (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.). Cheerleading certainly takes skill, as I’m sure not everyone has the ability to throw people in the air and catch them flawlessly. It requires strength and expertise to make it look easy.

Another misconception of cheerleading is that these athletes simply cheer on the sidelines for other sports. In fact, the opposite is true. Cheerleaders have their own competitions, as does the white team here at StFX. Also, while cheering on other sports, there is choreography and difficult tumbling involved, showcasing the athleticism required in cheerleading.

 Cheer is open to all identities and is not about femininity.

What could possibly dismiss cheerleading as anything less than a sport?