The Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves Varsity Indoor Soccer teams wrapped up their seasons at the OCAA Regionals tournament on February 28th, 2023.
The Regionals Pool B tournament was hosted by Lakehead Orillia at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan. In the women's division, teams included Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves, the Centennial Colts, the Confederation Thunderhawks, the Durham Lords, and the Humber Hawks. While on the men's side, the event hosted the Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves, the Centennial Colts, Confederation Thunderhawks, Humber Hawks, and the Sheridan Bruins.
After the dust settled on the day, the Thunderwolves women's team finished with a record of 0-3-1, finishing the day fourth in their division, while the men's team finished the day 2-2-0 to finish third in their group. Both teams competed hard for Lakehead Orillia all season, and this tournament was no different, as all the athletes gave it their all. Unfortunately, neither team could punch their ticket to provincials this year.
In the women's division, the Humber Hawks secured 1st place, with Centennial taking 2nd and Durham finishing in 3rd; all three teams qualified for OCAA Provincials with their performance. On the men's side of things, the Humber Hawks comfortably took 1st place, while Sheridan came in 2nd place, and Lakehead Orillia finished 3rd. It was a close finish for Lakehead Orillia's men's team, with a 9th finish overall. The top eight teams from Pools A, B, and C move on to OCAA Provincials.
Based on their tournament performance, Bethany Foster and Jonathan Aronov have been recognized as athletes of the month for February. Bethany, a veteran of the Thunderwolves women's team, is in her fourth year of the Concurrent Education program at Lakehead's Orillia campus, majoring in English. "She is a leader and has excelled all season in that role. Bethany's performances are, and have been, a big reason for our team's success," stated head coach Marco Moras. Jonathan, a rookie with the Thunderwolves, is in his first year of the Global Entrepreneurship program, working towards his Honours Bachelor of Commerce. "Johnny is a rock in our backline and a key player in our team who works very hard on both defence and offence," said head coach Mark Cristante.
Lakehead Orillia is extremely proud of both our Varsity Indoor Soccer teams this season, as they have represented their respective teams and the university with dignity and class. The athletics department would like to thank all of the coaches for their hard work this season, from the women's team Marco Moras (Head Coach), Silvo Meridiani (Assistant Coach), and Joe Stafrace (Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coach), as well as the men's coaches Mark Cristante (Head Coach), Alumni Christopher Bettencourt (Assistant Coach), and Volen Parashkov (Assistant Coach).
Finally, a sincere thank you and congratulations to graduating athletes Breann Sharma (Women's Team Captain), Bruno Dias (Men's Team Captain), Grace Heywood (Women's Team), Yuvraj Bakshi (Men's Team). You have all competed hard, demonstrated impressive dedication, and represented the Thunderwolves with nothing but class. We thank you for everything you have given to the Indoor Soccer Program; Lakehead Orillia wishes you success in your future endeavours!