 By Staff
August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are of an artistic bent and you have something you would like to say about sports in Burlington there is a call for Expressions of Interest from artists for the creation of a series of permanent public artworks relating to the theme: ‘The Spirit of Sport.’
A series of three (3) small to medium-scale, exterior public artworks will be installed at three separate sports fields / facilities in the city of Burlington, Ont., Canada.
This competition is open to all Ontario-based, professional artists* and/or artist-led teams.
Click here to view the full Expression of Interest document (pdf)
You can submit your expression of interest on-line
 Burlington is currently spending on public art. This one is in the Alton community – there are to be three that are sports related installed and plans in place to put one mural in each ward. Burlington has a long history of sports excellence, on both and amateur and professional
level. The city boasts a wide variety of sports facilities, parks, fields and other infrastructure
that provide community-wide access to sport and active living. These opportunities range
from children’s programming to training for high performance athletes.
 Frank Hayden has a rich sports history – he represents what sport can be in a community. Burlington is also home to a number of notable sports figures including: Dr. Frank Hayden,founder of the International Special Olympics Movement; Melville Marks Robinson, founder of Commonwealth Games; Melanie Booth, Olympian-soccer; Angela Coughlan, Olympian-swimming and numerous professional and Olympic athletes and coaches.
 A masterful freestyle swimmer, Coughlan was 16 when she won an Olympic bronze medal in Mexico in 1968 as part of Canada’s 4×100-metre relay team. As such, sport is an important element of Burlington’s unique culture as it touches the lives of people young and old, of diverse cultures and geography.
Deadline:
Tuesday September 8, 2015
Budget:$100,000
CAD (maximum, all inclusive)
For more information:
Kim Selman: 905-548-0111 |
kim@cobaltconnects.ca
 By Clinton Dixon and Justin Lethbridge
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A huge comeback victory by the Burlington Bandits has given this first round series a whole new complexion. While the Majors have outscored Burlington all year, the Bandits have stuck around in most games including in Game 2. Despite losing 7-4, Burlington went toe-to-toe with London up until an eighth inning collapse.
A Bandits win on Thursday would even the series but it won’t come easily. Especially if London turns to Oscar Perez to pitch. Perez was not only their season leader in Strikeouts with 49 and 2nd on the team in wins with six, both marks good for 3rd in the league, but is 3-0 with 17 Strikeouts against Burlington this year.
 Will the Bandits be able to do the high fives Thursday night when the game is over. They have a solid chance of evening up the series. While London has outhit the Bandits so far this series, Burlington’s 12 runs in the 9th inning of game three gives them the momentum. The last two games have shown Burlington that they can hold their own and if the Bandits can get it an early lead in game four, it could give them the confidence they need to overcome the higher seeded Majors.
Two things are clear going into Thursday night’s game 4 between the London Majors and the Burlington Bandits in the Quarterfinals of the IBL Playoffs.
One is that there will be a lot of runs scored; the two teams have combined to score 40 runs in the first three games alone.
The other is that this series is a long way from over. After Tuesday night’s comeback in the ninth-inning by Burlington, the Bandits still find themselves trailing 2 games to 1, but with a revitalized team that will look to make some noise going forward.
“The Box Score doesn’t really show it, but we actually hit the ball hard all night,” said Coach Kyle MacKinnon, who admits that the team was starting to become frustrated after not being rewarded for their good approach at the plate. “Once it did happen, the floodgates kind of busted open. Hopefully we can carry that over into Thursday night.”
If the Bandits do want to make a serious run at this series on Thursday night, they’re going to have to slow down two of the leagues hottest hitters – Cody Mombourquette and Paul Lytwynec, who have a combined batting average of .538 so far this series. The man who is tasked with slowing them down is Matthew St. Kitts.
 Is it an offensive game or a defensive game: the Bandits need to get early runs and then keep the momentum – they have been 9th inning heroes in the past though St. Kitts gave up 8 hits and 6 runs before he was pulled in the middle of the fourth-inning when the two teams opened their series on July 31. Even though the numbers sound terrible, Coach MacKinnon isn’t worried. “I was talking with someone else in the league; they were saying that we’re probably in pretty good shape because they haven’t seen Matt St. Kitts have back-to-back bad starts. Now obviously you don’t want to bank on that, we’ve got to do our part as well, but it’s always good knowing that the rest of the league sees how good he is and hopefully he can bring it Thursday night.”
Giving St. Kitts that help will be Keith Kandel, Justin Gideon and Adam Odd, all three are new to the team this year. Gideon and Odd have been absolute superstars this season and this series especially. Adam Odd has hit 0.333 so far this series, while fellow IBL rookie Justin Gideon has hit an outstanding 0.571 with eight hits and three runs scored. Veteran Keith Kandel has been chipping in as well, batting 0.500 in the series so far, but it’s his leadership that’s helped the Bandits more than anything else so far.
“Keith Kandel, he’s our shortsop, he’s an import from the States. He’s played the last two years in Guelph and the year before that in Kitchener – so he knows what it’s like to be in the league and to go deep in the playoffs and make a run. He’s added a calming veteran influence to our team, which is nice.” Said Coach MacKinnon.
 This is about to become an exciting series – will the public fill the stands? All that’s left in Coack MacKinnon’s eyes is the bullpen. The Coach seems confident that the Bandits can win a close game if they take a lead into the eighth or ninth-inning, but is quick to point out that his middle-relievers need to step up and deliver on Thursday.
If they’re able to do their job, there is no reason that the Burlington Bandits couldn’t come from behind and shock the London Majors, but for now they’re going to take it one game at a time.
The game will get underway Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Nelson Park.
By Staff
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After two near death experiences the Burlington Bandits stuck it to the London Majors with a resounding 12 – 3 win in London last night.
 No one expected the Burlington Bandits to win against the London Majors in such a resounding way Tuesday evening The Bandits have struggled with the London team all season. The win last night was the first for the Bandits.
 Scott Robertson – in full array, is one of three Burlington Bandits owners. The two teams meet again in Burlington at Nelson Park for a 7:30 game. Expect to see a pumped up team.
Part owner Scott Robinson will be wearing one of his flashier pair of trousers for this game.
Schedule for the balance of the quarter finals for the Bandits and the Majors|:
(4) London Majors vs (5) Burlington Bandits
London Leads Series 2-1
Game 1: Friday, July 31 @ London – LON 12-2 – Boxscore
Game 2: Monday, August 3 @ Burlington – LON 7-4 – Boxscore
Game 3: Tuesday, August 4 @ London – BUR 12-3 – Boxscore
Game 4: Thursday, August 6 @ Burlington; 7:30pm
Game 5: Friday, August 7 @ London; 7:35pm
*Game 6: Sunday, August 9 @ Burlington; 1pm
*Game 7: Monday, August 10 @ London; 7:35pm
 By Justin Lethbridge
August 3, 2015
BURLINGTON. ON
Friday: – in London, Michael Ambrose and Brett Sabourin each homered and drove in two as the Majors beat the Burlington Bandits 12-2 in game 1 of their quarter-final series Friday night.
Both Ambrose and Sabourin finished with three hits and combined to score three runs.
London shortstop Paul Lytwynec had four hits, an RBI and run, centre-fielder Humberto Ruiz had three hits, two RBI and scored three times, first baseman Cleveland Brownlee drove in a pair, second baseman Cody Mombourquette had three hits and three runs, and Chris McQueen added two hits and two runs.
Luis Pina (1-0) went seven innings for the win, giving up two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out two.
That was the first game of the quarter finals in the InterCounty Baseball League where Burlington is battling the London Majors.
Monday: The Burlington Bandits put up a good fight but dropped game two 7-4 to the London Majors. Unlike the first game in their best-of-seven playoff, the Bandits gave London all they could handle on Monday night.
 Pitcher Rick Corrente came out in the 7th inning After going down 1-0 early, the Bandits fired back in the bottom of the first. First basemen Jim Martin hit a ball right to the back fence to bring two runners in and give Burlington their first lead of the series. Shortstop Keith Kandel would add to the lead in the 2nd inning with a home run.
While the Majors would answer with runs in the 3rd and 5th innings to tie the game, the Bandits pitcher Steven Dressler held his team in the game. Through six innings of work, he gave up six hits and three runs while striking out three batters for a 4.50 ERA. Unfortunately for the Bandits, London’s Oscar Perez was better. Through eight innings, Perez allowed only six hits and four runs while earning eight strikeouts for the win.
With the score tied at 3-3 in the 8th, Bandits pitcher Rich Corrente would allow four runs on four hits to give the Majors the 7-3 lead. The Bandits wouldn’t go down without a fight, scoring a run in the 9th while loading the bases three times in the final two innings. They just weren’t able to capitalize and now face a two game deficit in the series.
Game three is at 7:35pm, Tuesday August 4th in London before the series returns to Nelson Park for game four on Thursday at 7:30pm. For up-to-date information on all the playoff action, go to www.theibl.ca.
Portions of this report were taken from the IBL web site
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Wheelchair Basketball Parathlete, Brandon Wagner is going to be the Burlington community torchbearer for the TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games Torch Relay.
 Brandon Wagner being celebrated by Mayor Rick Goldring The torch relay will visit Burlington on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015
The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a five-day inspirational journey of more than 250 torchbearers who will share the Parapan Am spirit in 12 communities. The torch relay is one of the most exciting events as it sets the stage leading up to what
will be the largest Parapan Am Games ever held.
The aluminum torch stands 65 centimetres high and weighs 1.2 kilograms (or roughly the same weight as a baseball bat). With a burn time of 10 to 12 minutes, the flame can withstand winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and is visible in all kinds of weather conditions.
The torch relay will invite communities to celebrate and share the Parapan Am
spirit throughout its five-day journey towards Toronto, the Host City of the Games.
The torch relay starts Aug. 3, 2015, and concludes Aug. 7, 2015, with the dramatic lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto.
Burlington has many reasons to be proud of Wagner – he is a joy to watch when he is on a basketball court.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 31, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite dropping their last four games, the Burlington Bandits managed to hold onto 5th place at the end of the IBL season with a final record of 15-21.
Bandits whooping it up after a recent win – can they take that approach into the finals? The Bandits started the year off on an abysmal 1-7 start but managed to claw their way up the standings. A 7-1 run in mid July is the biggest factor in their final seeding. The run included three wins against Toronto, who also finished 15-21, which gave Burlington the tiebreaker in the standings.
Unfortunately Burlington draws the London Majors in the first round. The Bandits went 0-5 against London this season and while a single run decided two of those games, the other three were blowouts. London handed Burlington a 10-1 pounding on the first game of the season and outscored the Bandits 39-19 through five games.
There is a bit of hope, however, as in three of their five meetings Burlington had an early lead. Even with an 8-0 3rd inning lead on July 9th, the Bandits have been unable to pick up a win against the Majors.
 Justin Gideon earned 32 runs for the Bandits The Bandits must continue to get strong hitting from OF Justin Gideon whose 32 runs are the most from either team and tied for fourth in the league. London has the edge in the pitching battle as Oscar Perez and his 49 SO helped the Majors to a 3.97 ERA compared to Burlington’s 6.14 ERA.
This series marks Burlington’s return to the playoffs after missing out last year.
The best-of-seven series begins Friday, July 31st in London with game two in Burlington on Monday, August 3rd.
By Justin Lethbridge
July 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The playoff seeding for the Intercounty Baseball League hasn’t been confirmed yet; there are two games tonight that could change who would play who.
The Bandits whoop it up after a win – going into the playoffs might we see this more often?
If Toronto wins their game against London tonight then Burlington would play Brantford in the playoffs.
If Toronto loses their game then Burlington would play London.
It looks like the Playoffs will start Thursday August 6th with Burlington having their first playoff game on the 7th
The Bandits might want to pull for Toronto this evening – their record with London hasn’t been that strong.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite stretches of great play, the Bandits were handily beaten by 2nd place Kitchener 9-3 in their final home game of the season. While both teams struggled with the gusty conditions at Nelson Park, Kitchener stuck to hard, ground hits to get players on base and wear the Bandits down.
 The Bandits were swinging – they just weren’t hitting the ball. Kitchener got off to a quick start in the 1st inning thanks to four earned runs. Despite a poor first, Bandits pitcher Brandon Nemeti upped his play and allowed only three hits and one run over the next six innings to finish the game with a 9.82 ERA in seven innings of work.
 The home town crowd would have liked to see a win at the last home game of the season – it wasn’t to be. Last game of the regular season is against Toronto in Toronto The Bandits would score off a wild pitch in the 3rd inning before the teams went scoreless through the next two innings. Although Kitchener increased their lead to 5-1 in the 6th, a Justin Gideon two-run blast in bottom of the inning narrowed the lead to 5-3.
That was as close as Burlington would get as the Panthers would add two runs in the 8th and hit back-to-back home runs to the exact same spot in the 9th.
Panthers First baseman Sean Reilly was especially potent with three runs and two RBI’s in five AB’s.
Burlington’s last game of the season on Monday night at 7:30pm as they hope to break a three game losing streak in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
By Staff
July 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 The crack of the bat hitting the ball during a cool quiet evening when the game is played under lights is about as nice as it can get. Whatever wind the Burlington Bandits had in their sails that carried them through a six game winning streak seems to have gotten away from them, – they lost 6 – 1 to the Majors In London Friday night
Luis Pina threw a complete game five-hitter to shut down the Bandits in a game that saw the London lefty improve to 7-2 this season after allowing one run – striking out five and walking four.
At the plate, first baseman Cleveland Brownlee had two hits and drove in four, while shortstop Paul Lytwynec added three hits and scored a run.
Third baseman Kenta Nishii hit a solo home run.
London improved to 18-15 after its third straight victory.
Burlington shortstop Keith Kandel had two of the Bandits’ five hits, and first baseman Kevin Hussey singled and scored the Bandits’ run.
Matthew St. Kitts (1-2) went 6.2 innings in the loss, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, striking out eight and walking two.
Burlington dropped to 15-19.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On the strength of three straight wins over Toronto, the Burlington Bandits made a run up the Intercounty Baseball League standings ladder. While that six game winning streak came to an end Thursday against Hamilton, the Bandits earned a 1.5 game lead on Toronto for 5th place in league standing.
If the standings hold, Friday night’s game against the London Majors will be a preview of the first round of the playoffs.
A win would do little in the standings, the Bandits need to beat London to gain a bit of momentum and confidence ahead of the playoff series.
 Through four games this year Burlington has been unable to beat the London Majors. Even with a 8 – 0 3rd inning lead over the Majors in their last meeting, Burlington was unable to seal the deal as they lost 11-12.
Despite early leads in their last three meetings, the Bandits have been unable to hold London off the scoreboard and have been outscored 32-18.
It’s a trend that Burlington needs to snap in London Friday night.
Hamilton snaps Bandits six game winning streak.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Bandits were unable to muster much offence in a 7-1 loss against rival Hamilton Thursday night. Despite the score it was a very defensive affair for most of the game as the teams combined for only 13 hits.
 Burlington pitcher Steven Dressler was great through seven innings despite allowing six runs on seven hits to go along with five strikeouts. A couple of errors resulted in a sloppy 4th inning that allowed Hamilton to score six times on only five hits, all while the Cardinals had two outs.
Adam Odd hit a home run in 5th inning to get Burlington on the board but they were unable to solve Hamilton’s Tim Black. Through just over eight innings of work he allowed only three hits and one run while earning 4 strikeouts.
The loss snaps Burlington’s six game winning streak, a run that has seen them vault over the Toronto Maple Leaf’s for fourth in the League.
With only a few games left before the playoffs, Barrie sits in 1st followed by Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Burlington in 5th,Toronto in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On a humid Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park, the Burlington Bandits overcame the tough Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in the first game of a double-header. Both teams got off to a slow start but still managed to have an exciting seven-inning game.
 Bandit pitching was steady – but it was the batters that took the game. Toronto finally broke through the great pitching of Burlington’s Steven Dressier in the fifth, scoring the games first run. The Maple Leaf’s followed it up by bringing two more runs in with the bases loaded. Burlington would fire back in the sixth with a home run. Than, with two on base, Jim Martin stepped up and hit a ball right to the fence to bring two runners in to even the game. Immediately afterwards Toronto changed pitchers to no avail as Martin would score on the next hit to take the lead.
The Maple Leafs would tie it up at 4-4 but weren’t able to take the lead in the seventh inning allowing Burlington up to bat needing a single run to win. After a bunt and wild pitch, a deep hit brought in the winning run for the Bandits.
Burlington would go into the break with the momentum as they looked to make up more ground on Toronto in the standings.
After the first game the Bandits were 1.5 games back of the Maple Leafs for fifth in the league.
By Justin Lethbridge
July 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a great night for the Burlington Bandits: at the bottom of the 4th inning the Bandits had an 11 run lead en route to a lopsided 26-10 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals, Friday night in Hamilton.
 The Bandits kept hitting the ball – The Burlington Bandits pounded out 30 hits in a 26-10 win over the Cardinals Friday night.
Burlington centre-fielder Shaun Cooper had a home run, five RBI and three runs in the win. He added two doubles and a single.
Infielder Jim Martin had three hits, including a home run, six RBI and three runs. Jordan Boston had a home run, single, two RBI and three runs.
Kevin Hussey had five hits and drove in three and scored three times. Designated hitter Tyler Hardie went 3-for-7 with three RBI and two runs, while second baseman George Halim had five hits and three runs.
Right-fielder Justin Gideon had two hits, two RBI and three runs, and shortstop Keith Kandel had four hits and scored three runs.
The wind seemed to pick up in the 3rd inning and carry three consecutive deep hits by Burlington over the fence for runs.
Despite a Cardinal pitching change in the 3rd, the Bandits piled on the runs in a huge 4th inning that blew the game wide open. They continued to load the bases and bring runs in forced a second change in pitchers. Even than, the Bandits tacked on 4 more runs before a fly ball mercifully ended the onslaught with the score 18-4.
 – and they kept getting from base to base until they had a 26 – 10 win in their hands. While the 10 runs scored by the Cardinals would be more than enough for a victory on almost any other night, poor pitching put them in a hole. Burlington had a whooping 30 hits in a game that went well over three hours. Burlington was led by Jim Martin’s three runs and six RBI’s.
With the victory the Bandits pulled two games up on the Cardinals with only seven games left before the playoffs. Burlington’s next two games come in a double-header against Toronto at Nelson Park on Saturday July 18th.
Barrie still has a firm hold on 1st place in the league with Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
 By Staff
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Mountainside Pool, Nelson and LaSalle Wading Pools now closed for the day due to rainy conditions.
 Pools closed due to the amount of rain that has fallen. Outdoor pools will reopen Saturday July 18, 2015 weather dependant.
By Justin Lethbridge
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After a hard-fought game Thursday night in Burlington, the Bandits pulled out a close 4-3 victory over rival Hamilton Cardinals. It was a mostly defensive affair, as the two teams traded scoreless innings. There was only one home run and many innings ended with runners left on base.
 Burlington pitchers shut down the Hamilton batters – to take the game: 4-3 Hamilton got things going with two runs in the second before they showed off their defense. After keeping the Bandits off the board through two innings they got a critical double play with the bases loaded to end the third inning. Despite the defensive pressure, Burlington scored a run in each of the next four innings while allowing only one run by Hamilton.
After going up 4-3 in the seventh, it came down to Burlington’s last two pitchers. Blake Weston and Brandon Catena completely shut the Cardinals down, allowing only two hits over the last three innings.
Weston came in to close out the game in the ninth and despite an error by his left fielder he preserved the win.
The two teams face off in the second part of their home and home Friday night in Hamilton.
Barrie has a three game lead for first in the league followed by Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
 By Staff
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Outdoor Pool Schedules – Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Nelson and LaSalle Wading Pools are now closed for the day due to rainy conditions.
 They will reopen Wednesday July 15, 2015 weather dependent.
All other pools are open for scheduled swims.
 By Staff
July 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington somehow managed miss out on the Pan American games.
The opportunity to have a facility in the east end of the city was lost – mostly due to a very strong reaction from the people who didn’t want anything done to Sherwood Forest Park
 Now the biggest park the city has – and the furthest from the bulk of the population. Burlington did get an excellent soccer pitch and a much improved park on the west side of the city.
City View Park is a superb site – with lot of room to walk and roam and 3 soccer pitches that the people of Burlington won’t get to use until the games are over.
The grounds are being used as a practice location for Pan Am soccer players. The city did collect a significant fee for the use of the grounds.
The soccer fields are covered with Astro turf which are seen as expensive to maintain.
In a media release the city sent out the names of eight Burlington affiliated competing in the Games: which is a cheaters way of saying there are eight Burlington or close by athletes playing in the games. Why would the city add in the names of great athlete from Oakville, Mississauga and Hamilton ?
Mike Green, Racketball; is a Hamilton resisdent.
Melanie Hawtin, Wheelchair Basketball is an Oakville resident
Mark Oldershaw, Canoe, is a resident of Oakville
Ashley Stephenson, Baseball; is a Mississauga resident.
Hawtin and Oldershaw are well known to Burlington audiences; Hawtin in particular is one heck of a wheel chair basketball player.
The genuine Burlingtonians are
Brady Reardon, kayak
Autumn Mills, baseball
Tyler Muscat; the martial art of Taekwondo
Kate Psota, baseball
Autumn Mills,
 Since being selected to the Canadian Women’s National Team at age 16, Autumn Mills has competed in five editions of the IBAF World Cup and won three medals, including a best-ever silver in 2008. Her personal highlight has been playing on home soil in Edmonton at the 2012 World Cup where she got the save in closing out the bronze medal victory over Australia. Mills had played boys baseball throughout her childhood because she had no knowledge of any opportunity for girls in the game.
When she was 15 she was asked to try out for Team Ontario. That summer, she and her father commuted to Toronto from London every weekend for games. It was then that she finally heard about Team Canada and the chance to compete around the world, something she convinced herself she would be part of one day.
PERSONAL: Family: Parents Daniel and Nancy Mills… Getting into the Sport: Started playing t-ball at age 4… She was on par or better than the boys and had a strong arm so stuck with it… Outside Interests: Earned her Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and Bachelor of Education (primary/junior) at York University… Enjoys doing Crossfit, snowboarding, and going to Blue Jays’ games… Works as a police officer… Odds and Ends: Favourite motto: “Luck is the residue of hard work”… Admires smaller guys in MLB such as Dustin Pedroia who make big plays and hit the ball with power despite their size… Superstition: The ball must be on the ground before pitching; if someone throws it she puts it down, walks around the mound and takes a deep breath before picking it up… Has a good luck Pandora bracelet with baseball charms on her left wrist… Always travels with a lacrosse ball… Collects different Starbucks city mugs… Nickname: Millsy
Tyler Muscat
 The martial art of Taekwondo is fascinating to watch – two people in the rink, each lightly bouncing in anticipation of the other person’s hit while trying to calculate their own strike. The energy that flows between the two competitors when they dance around each other, throwing jabs and kicks when they see the opportunity, is tense and powerful.
“My first Nationals was when I was 12 years old. I ended up getting first place.”
Tyler Muscat is a confident 19-year-old Taekwondo athlete who knows the sport well; he’s practiced it for the past 13 years of his life and he doesn’t see a near end. At the age of 10 he got into the competitive part of Taekwondo and has been going to competitions and traveling the world since. “My first Nationals was when I was 12 years old. I ended up getting first place, and from then on it just got better,” says Muscat, who lives just outside Toronto in Burlington, Ont.
He is heading to Russia’s 2015 World Taekwondo Championships later this week with promising ambitions of making it to the 2016 Olympic Games – he’s currently ranked 10th in the world for his weight division.
His speciality is his speed. Muscat says that in his division, 54kg – the lowest in the senior category, many of his opponents are tall and do this move called the cut-kick. What saves him is his speed and technique, they give him an advantage that makes it easy to get around the move.
Muscat isn’t too worried about the Russian Games right now, he sees them as more of an opportunity to grab points and advance his world rank. His confidence stems from two practices a day, each an hour and a half, and from his trainer Carla Bacco. He met Carla in the beginning of his Taekwondo career at his school Kicks for Kids, and has practiced there under her guidance since.
Kicks for Kids has become his current University/College since he decided to postpone his post-secondary degree indefinitely after high school. “There’s a perfect time for everything,” says Muscat, “I’m trying to focus on the main things right now. School is always there for you.”
When he decides to return he wants to pursue a career in marketing (experience with interviews and advertising himself as an athlete is his first taste in the line of work) and complete his post-secondary education. “I don’t think I will ever stop Taekwondo, even if I was in school,” says Muscat.
A constant quirk of his that has followed him through every country and competition is his familial support; while he appreciates his family’s help and encouragement he doesn’t allow them to go to his competitions. “I get nervous,” he says, “even Nationals in Toronto, I didn’t let my family come out to support me just because I’m particular like that.”
But whether he goes alone or not, Muscat’s confidence is unwavering and his world rank can prove it – coming back home to his family to celebrate the wins makes them that much sweeter.
Kate Psota
 Kate Psota is a veteran of the women’s national team, having appeared in every IBAF World Cup since its inception in 2004. She has won four medals in six tournaments, highlighted by a silver medal in 2008. Psota was named national team MVP in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 and 2012 she was a World Cup all-star at first base. Psota played collegiate hockey for the Laurier Golden Hawks, winning five consecutive OUA championships from 2006 to 2010. In 2009 she was a CIS Academic All-Canadian.
PERSONAL: Family: Parents Ed and Monique Psota… Younger brother Mike… Getting into the Sport: Started playing t-ball at age 4/5… Nobody in her family was involved in the sport, but when she was young she was obsessed with watching the Toronto Blue Jays and wanted to play baseball just like them… Outside Interests: Graduated from Wilfred Laurier University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in geography and kinesiology… Earned her Bachelor of Arts in education from Queens’ University in 2011… Enjoys going to the family cottage, boating, fishing, swimming, and gardening… Works at a garden centre… Odds and Ends: Worked and trained in Australia during the 2012 season where she developed friendships with their national team members… Nickname: Sodey… Tries to bring home something reflective of the culture wherever she travel.
Brady Reardon
B rady Reardon is a second generation Olympian who was proud to have his father Jim on-site to watch him at Beijing 2008. Just like his dad at Munich 1972, Reardon competed in the K-4 1000m. Reardon has competed at every edition of the ICF World Championships since his debut in the K-2 1000m in 2007.
In 2012 he began racing K-1 internationally and won a silver medal in the first K-1 500m race of the World Cup season. A longtime training partner of Burloak clubmate Adam van Koeverden, the two focused on the K-2 1000m in 2013 and won a silver medal at the third World Cup stop in Poznan. In 2014 Reardon teamed with Andrew Jessop in the K-2 1000m at the world championships and recorded one of Canada’s best results of the competition with their seventh place finish.
PERSONAL: Family: Parents Jim and Danny Reardon… Older brother Tucker… Getting married in September 2015… Getting into the Sport: Grew up in the sport because both of his parents paddled… Outside Interests: Enjoys mountain biking, DIY projects, being outside with his dog Banditt… Has a degree in kinesiology from McMaster University. Volunteers with KidSport. Odds and Ends: Always drinks a Guinness before race day. Always keeps his racing numbers.
Favourite motto: “When you think you’re going as hard as you can, toughen up and go harder”…
By Justin Lethbridge
July 10, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits started off hot but were unable to hold onto a lead and lost 12-11 to the London Majors.
Burlington’s Shaun Cooper got off to a great start with a two-run blast in the bottom of the first. Cooper’s 2nd two-run shot, combined with a few errors by the Major’s in the second and third innings resulted in a huge 8-0 lead for the Bandits after 3 innings.
 Both teams look on as the Bandits try to bring a win home in the 9th – they missed Despite the huge deficit, the Major’s came out swinging in the fourth. First Cleveland Brownlee got the Major’s on the board with a home run, than two batters latter Larry Gonzalez got a two-run dinger of his own to cut the lead in half. Hits in the fifth and sixth innings would bring London to within one, than an error by Burlington allowed the Major’s to tie the game at 8-8.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Bandits would respond. First Dan Franceschetti would steal home base than Shaun Cooper would add his third two-run shot of the night to retake the lead.
Two runs in the seventh followed by two more in the eighth allowed London to take the lead and their closer Braeden Ferrington shut the Bandits down. Through three innings he had five strikeouts while only allowing two hits to give London the dramatic victory.
Burlington has a week off until they start a home and home with Hamilton, while London is back at it on Friday at home against Guelph. The loss keeps the Bandits tied with Hamilton for second last in the league at 8-17 on the season. The full standings are: Barrie in 1st, Kitchener in 2nd, Brandford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Hamilton and Burlington tied for 6th and Guelph in last place.
By Clinton Dixon
July 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On a cold summer’s day the Burlington Bandits made their way North up the 400 to once again battle with the reigning IBL Champion Barrie Baycats. Unfortunately Burlington was not able to come out on top in the game, losing in a shootout, the final score 9-8 in favour of Barrie.
The game almost never happened as Barrie experienced heavy rainfall for the majority of the day. In the end the rain let up just in time, allowing Burlington to try and redeem themselves after losing to Barrie 17-4 at home last weekend. “We’ve been better,” said Burlington’s Coach Kyle MacKinnon, “we still have to fight with the top dogs. Keep scratching out the wins we should, and beat someone we shouldn’t.”
After a 45-minute delay the field was finally ready and Colonel Doyon, Commander of Canadian Forces Base Borden, took the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Military Day at Coates Stadium.
 Luis Diaz tosses his bat after being walked. When the game finally got underway it was easy to see that the wet conditions were making it tough for both teams. In the top of the first inning Adam Odd hit a ground ball right at Barrie’s second baseman Luis Diaz; the play should have resulted in an easy out, but the conditions resulted in Diaz losing grip on the ball, throwing into his own dugout. Odd would score shortly afterwards to open the scoring for the game.
From that point on there were several lead changes that saw Burlington put up the fight their coach was asking for.
However, they weren’t able to find that killer instinct and put the game out of reach. After holding the lead several times the Bandits found themselves going into the eighth inning down 8-5. After Brandon Hillier singled to left and Adam Odd singled to right Shaun Cooper stepped to the plate and belted a home run to tie the game.
 Bandits lose to the Barrie Baycats – Close – but that doesn’t count in baseball. Sadly the win wasn’t in the cards for Burlington, in the bottom of the eighth Luis Diaz scored for Barrie on a single by Kyle DeGrace, putting the Baycats on top for good as they went on to win the game 9-8.
The loss leaves Burlington with an 8-16 record, and in sixth position in the eight team league.
The Bandits now travel to Brantford to play the Red Sox tonight, Wednesday July 8 at 8:00 p.m.
 By Justin Lethbridge
June 30, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Right up until the last hit of the game, it looked like the Burlington Bandits were going to steal a game from their rivals in Hamilton.
 Those stands weren’t exactly full were they? Hamilton took the baseball game in a close one – 2-1 for the other guys. It was two errors committed by Burlington that allowed Hamilton to bring in two runs in the bottom of the ninth for their seventh win of the season.
The game got off to quick start as Burlington’s Shaun Cooper caught a fortuitous bounce in the top of the first, when the ball hit his helmet as he rounded third and allowed him to score.
That was the games sole hit until into the third inning in what was a pitching showcase. Hamilton’s Tim Black pitched all nine innings, giving up only three hits and one run while Burlington’s Dylan Perego threw all but three pitches through nine innings giving up three hits and two runs.
The win keeps the Cardinals in sixth place with as they prepare to greet the London Majors at home.
The Bandits are now mired in a four game losing streak as they head to Guelph for a battle between the bottom two teams in the league.
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