University of Toronto

As students and members return to routine, refreshed and looking to get active in 2010, the Athletic Centre has some special offers to inspire a new year full of physical activity and fun.

Fitness-lovers looking to spice up their routines can try Latin dance-inspired Zumba®. This new class is sure to raise heart rates and spirits while teaching participants a few new moves along the way. Zumba ® is one of many classes offered on a drop-in basis(free to members, no registration required).

Varsity Centre dome is up and the driving range is open. U of T students can practice their golf swing for free. Athletic Centre members (who are automatically Varsity Centre members) can take advantage of a discounted rate (35¢ per minute or $21.00 per hour).

Fitness enthusiasts can celebrate that Cycle Fit has returned to the Pedal Zone (in the Field House) by dropping in for free classes that will be held for a limited time during the week of January 11th.

The Athletic Centre in 2010 – A Fit for Everybody.

Concussion experts from around the world convened at the University of Toronto December 10th and 11th to share the latest ideas and research on assessing traumatic brain injury in several key populations.

Organized by U of T’s concussion research team in the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, the conference drew researchers and practitioners from the across Canada, the United States and Australia to discuss the challenges of assessing specific groups, including athletes, children and members of the military.

Topics discussed at the conference included return-to-play guidelines, the use of computerized tests, and clinical management of athletes who have experienced a concussion. Speakers included: NHL neuropsychology program director Dr. Ruben Echemendia; Drs. Andrea Vincent and Kirby Gilliland from the University of Oklahoma, who outlined the challenges associated with baseline testing 400,000 soldiers before deployment to embattled areas; Dr. Gerry Gioia of Maryland, who spoke of the difficulty in reliably assessing children; and U of T’s MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic director Dr. Doug Richards, who highlighted the factors other than concussion that often get in the way of understanding athletes’ conditions after brain injury.

The University’s concussion research team includes Toronto Rehabilitation Institute neuropsychologist Paul Comper, Professor Lynda Mainwaring, Richards, and graduate student and assistant Varsity Blues men’s hockey coach Michael Hutchison.  The team’s research, educational and clinical care program includes a mandate to baseline test all at-risk Varsity Blues athletes. 

For more information on U of T’s concussion research program, visit concussion.utoronto.ca.

Over 200 student-athletes, family, friends, donors and faculty gathered at the Isabel Bader Theatre on November 30th to celebrate Blues athletes who have excelled, not only while sporting the blue and white , but while working in the classroom.

Blues alumna and current women’s soccer coach Laura Arduini shared with the crowd her perspective of what it was like on her journey from when she first joined the soccer team, practicing on makeshift home turf, to when, in her senior year, she represented U of T at the world-class Varsity Centre.

Former top Blues athletes and recent graduates Cory Kennedy (football) and Mila Miguel (volleyball) served as emcees for the night.

Two awards were handed out for the first time on Monday. The M. R. Wright Family Award was given to Paul Dupont (hockey) and Michelle Wood (volleyball). Award founder Mert Wright attended the ceremony to congratulate the recipients in person. It was also the inaugural presentation of the Eli Drakich Memorial Award. Blues women’s volleyball head coach Kristine Drakich created the award in her father’s honour. Rebecca Crosier was this year’s recipient.

“These students are remarkable in their commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom,â€� director of athletics Liz Hoffman told the crowd. “They truly represent excellence at the University of Toronto. We are very proud.”

The 2009 Academic Excellence program, including a list of all the award winners, is now online.

The Angus Glen Winter Golf Academy is hosting an open house and holiday sale at the Varsity Centre dome on Tuesday, December 8th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and Wednesday, December 9th 11:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Visitors will enjoy complimentary use of the driving range, video swing analysis, tips from CPGA professionals, and the chance to try out the latest in golf club technology.  Visitors who purchase a green fee gift card will receive a 30-minute private lesson at the winter academy, and merchandise is featured at up to 60% off.

The Winter Golf Academy is a partnership between the University of Toronto and Angus Glen Golf Club, featuring a driving range open six days a week and on-site golf pros.  The academy runs from December to March (Monday-Friday 7:30am-1:00pm, Saturday 8:00-11:00am).  U of T students have free access (with student ID).

For more information, visit www.angusglen.com or www.varsitycentre.ca/golf.