Uzodinma Ukagwu | Sports Editor
Featured Image: The Lions would have more time to train during a strike. | Courtesy of Pexels
It’s been a year since the last strike set the record for longest labour disruption on a Canadian, post-secondary institution, and some students and staff are already preparing for the next inevitable strike. Which is expected for 2020.
York athletes have been reacting to the news. Ramirez Gaucho, a Lions sprinter, said: “As much as I want to be able to attend class, I want to be on the field even more, and a strike doesn’t stop me from doing that.” Cecelia Raila, point guard of the Lions basketball team said: “I am not surprised because we are always going on strike at York, but my team will definitely utilize this time to train more and be prepared for our games.”
Other athletes expressed concern that home games will be poorly attended during the strike as York students are likely to stay away from campus until it is over. Jeanine Johnson, a hockey athlete, said: “The cheering crowds at our home games is the best part of my being a Lions athlete and I’m afraid their absence will affect our morale.” Paul McFadden, Lions’ soccer forward said: “I pray the strike doesn’t happen because the atmosphere just wouldn’t be the same.”
Some York coaches also revealed some strike contingency plans they had in place. Football coach, Lonzo Corello, said, “We have been through so many strikes during my ten-year career with York, that we have a ready-plan for the athletes on our team in the likely event that one occurs.” When asked why such a plan was necessary, he said, “Keeping our athletes constantly focused and occupied is very important, and the extra-time we have gives us more opportunity to work on our team goals.
Judas Dollar, wrestling coach, said: “If a strike happens we will probably organize a month-long training camp to prepare for the OUA tournament near the end of the semester.”
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