Coaches are now assessing their athletes in eight different categories on a scale from 1 to 4 (where 4 is outstanding and 1 means you need a lot of work). Among the categories they look at are: effort levels in games and practices; demonstrating respect for yourself, your teammates and your coaches; leadership skills; coachability; and respect for officials and rules. The hope is that CDS athletes will use this information to set goals for each term they play a sport.
Coaches from each team then passed out the Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player and Most Sportsmanlike Player Awards. As well, the Boys’ Snowboard Team presented Mr. Liggett with their CISAA Gold Medal and OFSAA Bronze Medal.
Special guests included two CDS Alumni and current Middle/Senior School Associate Teachers,
Meredith Langston ’13 and
McKinley Hunt ’15. Both CDS “Lifers”, Ms. Langston was a three-term athlete throughout her CDS career and named the Female Athlete of the Year her graduating year. She went on to play Varsity Women’s Soccer for the University of Guelph for four years.
Ms. Langston shared, “The CDS coaching staff not only taught me the skills necessary to become a varsity athlete, but they also instilled in me the importance of discipline, perseverance and teamwork that helped shape my life both on and off the field. Their encouragement and guidance have helped me to reach new heights and to believe in myself both as an athlete and as a person.”
Ms. Hunt was also a three-term athlete throughout her 14 years at CDS and named Female Athlete of the Year her graduating year. She went on to spend five years playing for the Queen’s Women’s Varsity Rugby Team, seven years for the Canadian Women’s National Rugby team and two years of pro-rugby with the Exeter Chiefs in England while completing her MA in Education. Last fall, she played for Canada in the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand!
Ms. Hunt shared the following with the students, "My participation in athletics at CDS gave me the tools to pursue and excel in elite level rugby. Most importantly, my coaches taught me how to balance the realities of sport and handle the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise along the way. The road to success can be long and difficult, but in overcoming and embracing the bumps and hurdles, you ultimately become a stronger athlete and person."
Congratulations to our athletes. We cannot wait to see all of you and more out on the fields again this spring!