WILL WALLACE: FROM PRESIDENT TO HEAD COACH

(By Tama Soble)

A huge thank you to our outgoing president, Will Wallace, for his tremendous leadership, unflagging energy and dedication to building a speed skating club that offers a lively and healthy atmosphere for skaters at all levels and of all ages. During Will's tenure, the Club has taken great strides. We have succeeded at the challenges of supporting both recreational and competative skaters, running annual sanctioned regional meets, campaigning for increased ice time, and organizing print media and TV exposure for the Club. All of this while maintaining a welcoming and family friendly atmosphere.

Over the last few years, Will has set a fine example for all of our skaters by taking on coaching responsibilities and competing as a Masters skater. Now that he has stepped down as president, he has taken on the role of head coach. This is a boon for the Club as Will is highly skilled at motivating both the other coaches and our skaters. The Club will certainly continue to benefit greatly from Will's expertise and boundless enthusiasm.

Club president (2003)

Club head coach (2009)

END-OF-SEASON BANQUET

The end-of-season banquet was held on April 5, 2009. The following awards were given out:

• Spirit Award: Kerri N.
• Female "Up and Comer": Annika E.
• Male "Up and Comer": Jordan O.
• Female Most Improved Skater: Claire B.
• Male Most Improved Skater: Nils E.
• Female Skater of the Year: Stephanie B.
• Male Skater of the Year: Misha S.

Congratulations to all the award winners and a big thank you to all the coaches for their hard work throughout the season!

Click here for more pictures from that evening.

WHAT A FANTASTIC SEASON!

The last practice of the season was held on March 29, 2009. Check out the pictures from that evening.

Thanks to everyone for making the 2008-2009 season a truly fantastic one! Thanks to all the skaters who gave us a season full of excitement, laughter, PBs, and personal achievements. Thanks to all the coaches for helping our skaters develop their skills and work towards their goals. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the season. Special thanks to everyone who helped out with the mats!

Here are the highlights of this past season:

• a record number of participants (39) in the Learn to Speed Skate program
• a successful Western Regional Meet
• numerous PBs by many skaters at various distances
• 8 skaters entered the sub-60-second club, 1 for the sub-55-second club, and 1 for the sub-50-second club
• 7 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze medals at six Western Regional Meets
• 1 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze medals at four Ontario Cups
• 2 representatives at the North American Championships
• 1 representative at the Canadian Junior Championships
• 1 gold medal at the Quebec Elite Circuit
• 2 gold and 2 bronze medals at the Provincial Regional and Masters Championships
• 2 gold and 3 silver medals at the Canadian Age Class Championships

Even though the season has just ended, the board members and coaches are already looking ahead to the next season. We are currently working on a dryland training program for this summer. Details will be available within the next few weeks. Please check this web site for the latest information.

See you at the end-of-season banquet!

RESULTS FROM THE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stephanie B competed in the Canadian Age Class Short Track Championships in Cambridge from March 27 to 29. Steph had an awesome meet, winning 2 gold medals (500m and Junior-Senior 3000m relay with Team Ontario) and 3 silver medals (777m, 1000m, and 1500m). She was also crowned the Canadian Junior Female Champion (most points overall). Congratulations, Steph!

Watch this video of Steph's golden performance in the 500m final. Video courtesy of William P. (Note: this is a 9 MB video in WMV format.)

Although technically not a Toronto skater, Ben D practised with us on Thursdays during the past season. Ben also had an incredible meet, winning a gold medal in every individual distance (333m, 500m, 666m, and 777m) and was awarded the title of overall champion in the Midget male category. Ben also won a bronze medal in the Midget-Juvenile 1500m relay with Team Ontario. Congratulations, Ben!

Last but not least, Cam B also participated in this event, not as a competitor but as a track steward. He did an excellent job.

Click here for the complete results and here to see the official Photo Gallery.

RESULTS FROM THE PROVINCIAL REGIONAL & MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

11 Toronto skaters skated the Regional and Masters Championships in Newmarket on March 21 & 22, 2009.

We had 4 medal winners at the meet: William P – 1st in Alpha, Nils E – 1st in Foxtrot, Cam B – 3rd in Charlie and Jordan OC – 3rd in Golf. Most of our skaters skated in “A” Finals throughout the weekend. Other significant results included: Kerri N – 4th in Hotel, Aidan P – 4th in India and John W – 5th in Lima.

Benn M skated his 1st ever meet making it 38 different Toronto skaters that skated at least one meet this year!

Every Toronto skater at the meet skated at least one PB, with great improvements shown across the board. PBs included: William P (777), Cam B (500), Will W (500, 777, 1000, 1500), Nils E (333, 500, 1000), Rachel LW (333, 500), Jordan OC (333, 500, 777, 1000), Kerri N (333, 500, 777, 1000), Aidan P (222, 333, 666), Alex H (222, 666), John W (666) and Benn M (222, 333, 500, 666).

Excellent way to conclude what has been an excellent year for the Toronto Club!!

Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

6 Toronto skaters competed at the Provincial Championships in Kitchener-Waterloo on March 14 & 15, 2009.

Highlights included Steph B placing 1st in Junior Female and Annika E placing 4th in Bantam Female. Eden S had a great meet skating PBs in all 4 distances she skated. Misha S placed 1st with his relay team.

It was a fantastic meet for many of the Toronto skaters punctuated by a couple of records. Steph B broke two Ontario Junior Female records – the 500m (now 47.76) and the 1000m (now 1.37:31). An amazing achievement in Steph’s 1st year as a Junior!

We had numerous PBs achieved, including: Annika E (222 & 500), Claire B (500, 1000 & 1500), Eden S (333, 500, 666 & 777), Sarah (500) and Steph (777 & 1000).

Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE 6TH WESTERN REGIONAL MEET

10 Toronto skaters attended the 6th Western Regional Meet in Barrie on February 21st 2009.

Significant achievements included Will W 1st in Charlie, Nathanael M 2nd in Golf, Kate K 4th in Foxtrot and Jordan O 5th in Foxtrot.

We had 2 skaters join our sub club in this meet – Aidan P and Nils E.

This was an awesome meet for Toronto skaters achieving PBs. PBs were achieved by John W (222), Aidan P (333 & 500), Nathanael (333 & 500), Kate K (333 & 500), Jordan O (333, 500 & 777), Rachael LW (500, 666 & 777), Nils E (500 & 777), Sarah K (500, 666 & 777) & Will W (500, 777 & 1000).

Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM ONTARIO CUP #4

6 Toronto skaters attended Ontario Cup #4 in Gloucester (February 14th & 15th 2009).

Steph B placed 1st Women’s Open A and William P placed 2nd in Men’s Open B.

Skaters PBs included: Annika E (222, 500 & 666), Eden S (333 & 666), William P (1000 & 1500) & Claire B (1500).

Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM QUEBEC ELITE CIRCUIT #3

Stephanie B competed in Quebec Elite Circuit #3 in Drummondville, Quebec on January 31st and February 1st, 2009. Steph had an excellent meet. In fact, she took home the gold! She now moves up to Group 1 and will skate against all the National skaters...when they are not away at the Olympics or Worlds. Congratulations, Steph!

RESULTS FROM THE 5TH WESTERN REGIONAL MEET

13 Toronto skaters attended the 5th Western Regional Meet in Brampton on January 31st, 2009. Significant achievements included Aidan D 2nd in Oscar, Jordan O 2nd in Hotel, Conor W 3rd in Echo, William P 3rd in Alpha, John W 4th in Mike and Maxwell E 4th in Hotel.

This was the first meet ever for 3 of our skaters: Aidan D, Erich E and Jordan O.

PBs were achieved by Aidan P (666), Annika E (333 & 500), Conor W (500 & 777), John W (333), Maxwell E (500), Nils E (500 & 777), Rachel LW (777) and William P (1000).

Click here for the complete results.

LTSS MINI MEET

The Learn to Speed Skate (LTSS) Mini Meet, held on January 25th, was a success! Every skater went home with a certificate, a discount coupon, and a chocolate bar!

Thanks to all the skaters who participated in the program. Special thanks to the coaches (Bruce and Davida) who not only showed the participants the proper techniques throughout the 8-week program but also how much fun speed skating is. Thanks also go to all the volunteers who made the mini meet possible. More from the Club President later.

RESULTS FROM THE 4TH WESTERN REGIONAL MEET

The club sent a record 21 skaters to 4th Western Regional Meet in Oakville on Jan. 11th, 2009. Significant achievements included Herschel N 1st in Mike, Julian P 1st in Golf, Michele W 3rd in Golf, Kerri N 3rd in Hotel, Will W 3rd in Masters, Bruce P 4th in Masters & Conor W 5th in Echo. This was the first meet ever for 6 of our skaters: Bruce P, Elliot P, Herschel N, Jade L, Kerri N, Meghan M, Michele W. PBs were achieved by Aidan P (500 & 666), Alex D (777), Angela B (500 & 777), Conor W (500), Eden S (666), Julian P (500), Maxwell E (500), Nils E (500 & 777), Will W (500 & 777). Other significant achievements include Bruce P joining the 500 sub minute club with a time of 59.6 and Will W joining our 500 sub fifty five club with a time of 54.84. Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM ONTARIO CUP #3

5 Toronto skaters attended Ontario Cup #3 in Kitchener-Waterloo (Jan. 3rd & 4th, 2009). Steph B placed 2nd in the Women’s Open A category and Claire B placed 2nd in the Women’s Open B. PBs by Eden S (333 & 666) & Sarah K (500, 1000 & 1500). Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE CANADIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stephanie B represented the club at the Canadian Junior Championships in Chicoutimi over the holiday period (Dec. 20th & 21st, 2008). Steph skated great finishing 28th overall and achieving significant PBs in both the 1000 and 1500 metre distances. Click here for more detailed results.

RESULTS FROM ONTARIO CUP #2

6 Toronto skaters attended Ontario Cup #2 in Belleville (Dec. 13th & 14th, 2008). Every skater skated at least one PB, and Claire B walked away with 4th place in the Women’s Open B category. PBs by Claire B (1000 & 1500), Misha S (500, 1000 & 1500), Eden S (333, 500 & 777), Rachel LW (666), William P (1500) & Sarah K (1000 & 1500). Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE MILTON MEET

7 Toronto skaters attended the first meet hosted by the Milton club on Dec. 13th, 2008. While not a sanctioned event, skaters earned valuable racing experience during the meet and were able to achieve personal goals. PBs by Aidan P (500 & 666), Annika E (222, 333 & 500), Bayli (666), Elena S (222 & 333), Kate K (333, 500, 666 & 777), Nils E (333, 500 & 666) & Yunus D (666, 1000). Click here for more detailed results.

RESULTS FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Misha S and Claire B represented the club at the North American Championships in Madison, WI (Dec. 5th-7th, 2008). Both skaters had an excellent meet with PBs in the 500 & 1500 distances for Claire B and 1500 for Misha. Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE 3RD WESTERN REGIONAL MEET

Excellent results for Toronto skaters including a Gold medal for Aidan P, William P breaking 50 seconds and Sarah K breaking 60 seconds!!! Here are the results for our skaters:

• William P – 5th in Bravo Group, PB in 500, sub 50 sec 500
• Sarah K – 10th in Foxtrot Group, PB in 500, sub minute 500
• Rachel LW – 12th in Foxtrot Group
• Nils E – 7th in Hotel Group, PBs in 500 & 777
• Nathanael M – 10th in Hotel Group, PBs in 500 & 777
• Eden S – 12th in Juliet Group, PB in 666
• Aidan P – 1st in Lima Group, PBs in 333 & 500
• Bayli S – 6th in Lima Group, PBs in 333 & 500
• Annika E – 11th in Mike Group, PB in 333

Click here for the complete results.

TORONTO MEET A BIG SUCCESS

The 2nd Western Regional Meet, hosted by the Toronto Speed Skating Club, was a big success!

Thanks and congratulations to all the skaters who participated in this event.

A big thank you to all the volunteers, without whom this meet would not have been possible.

Special thanks to our donors who contributed to a hugely successful silent auction: Angela Wilson, Annika, Black Creek Village, Blockbuster Video, Bobby Eggett, Canadian Optical Supply Co., Casa Loma, Centennial Optical Ltd., Christen McKenzie, Constant Montpellier, Dell Canada, Dr. Robert Vagners, Esther Myers Yoga Studio, Irv Witte, Laura Secord, Lisa Lapoint, Mary Thomson, Nils, Penguin Canada, Pizza Nova, Putting Edge, Rogers Wireless, Safilo Group, Scott Valentine, Tama Soble, The Engholms, The Preudhommes, and Woodbine Entertainment.

A GREAT DAY FOR TSSC SKATERS

3 golds, a silver, a bronze, and over 20 PBs. Excellent!

20 TSSC skaters (a club record!) took part in the 2nd Western Regional Meet in Toronto on November 15th, including 8 who skated in their first meet ever. Even skaters from this year's Learn to Speed Skate program got into the action!

Big thanks to Bruce and Kendra (two of our coaches) for shepherding and supporting our skaters.

Click here for a summary of the results for our skaters and here for the complete results.

NEW "SUB CLUB" MEMBERS

Conor, Eden and Rachel are the newest members of the TSSC "sub club". Congratulations and welcome to the club!

RESULTS FROM ONTARIO CUP #1

Several of our skaters competed in Ontario Cup #1 in Cambridge on November 1st and 2nd. Here is a summary of the results:

• Jesse LW - 6th (Male Open A)
• Misha S - 12th (Male Open A)
• Stephanie B - 2nd (Female Open A)
• Claire B - 3rd (Female Open B)
• Rachel LW - 16th (Female Juvenile)
• Eden S - 11th (Female Midget)

Congratulations to all of the skaters but especially to the following who skated new personal bests:

• Claire B - 500 and 1000
• Eden S - 777
• Misha S - 500

Click here for the complete results.

RESULTS FROM THE 1ST WESTERN REGIONAL MEET

Congratulations to William P and Claire B for placing 3rd and 10th, respectively, in the Bravo group and to Aidan P for placing 6th in the Juliet group. The meet was hosted by the London Speed Skating Club on October 18th and 19th. Click here for the complete results.