Competitive Clubs at Carleton University

Women’s Rugby

2011-12 Carleton Women’s Rugby

2011-2012 Carleton Women’s Rugby Program

Back Row: Denis Blondin (Head Coach), Mel Fiala (Athletic Therapist), Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Rachel Cooke, Natalie Snell, Sophia Roth, Ranya Tantawy, Lindsay Angus, Natasha Smith, Caileen Weitz, Kim Sabourin, Sabrina Romolock, Pia Kaindl, Laura Brouwer, Aaron McDonald (Assistant Coach), Maggie Rafferty (Strength and Conditioning and Skills Coach)

Front Row: Brittannie Watson, Janine Pryce, Grace Anderson, Chelsea Heuff, Kaitlin Walker, Carleen Lawson, Jessica Harvey (Assistant Captain), Lina Hanhan (Captain), Kat Forget (Assistant Captain), Jeaninne Guerette, Lindsay Widdick, Laura Zandwyk, Christina Morrissette, Brianna Lewis, Alexis Groulx

Missing: Mandy Musse, Rebecca McKeen (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Naomi Leon-Palmer, Leslie Cowie.

About the team:

The Carleton University Women’s Rugby Program currently competes under a competitive club structure. Although we do not compete in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), our projected schedule will be limited to competitive fixtures against Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Réseau du Sport Étudiant du Québec (RSEQ), Atlantic University Sport (AUS), Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams. The 2010-2011 schedule consisted of games against: Syracuse University, Cornell University, Université Laval, McGill University, Queen’s University, Mount Allison University, the Royal Military College and St. Lawrence College.

2011-2012 Season Schedule:

Thursday, September 1st
- @ Université de Sherbrooke – 6:30 pm

Sunday, September 4th
- vs. Cornell University – 7:00 pm (Keith Harris Stadium)

Monday, September 5th
- vs. Algonquin College – 1:00 pm (Keith Harris Stadium)

Sunday, September 11th
- vs. Algonquin College – 6:00 pm (Raven Road Field)

Wednesday, September 14th
- @ McGill University – 8:00 pm

Sunday, October 2nd
- @ McGill University – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, October 12th
- vs. Concordia University – 8:00 pm (TBC)

Sunday, October 16th
- vs. Royal Military College – 3:30 pm (@ Keith Harris)

Sunday, October 23rd
- @ Royal Military College – TBD

Sunday, October 30th
- @ Université de Sherbrooke – TBD

Coaching Staff:

Denis Blondin (Head Coach)

In my third year with the Carleton University Women’s Rugby Program, second as Head Coach, my goal continues to be on building a program focused on excellence, a trait characteristic of Carleton University Ravens Athletics. I pride myself on running a program that encourages individuals to be complete Student-Athletes whereby off-field preparation, both with regards to academics and athletics, are just as highly emphasized as our on-field preparation.  I believe in creating an environment that empowers athletes to be self-sufficient and to take ownership of their learning by encouraging players to ask questions, problem solve and make decisions through their experience in games, activities and competition.
My most recent coaching experience includes working with Rugby Ontario’s National Champion U-17 and U19 Junior Women’s Programs both as an assistant and head coach (from 2006 – 2010). I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, with the focus of my research being on nutrition and performance during exercise and survival conditions, such as cold exposure.

Aaron McDonald (Assistant Coach)

I have been involved with coaching rugby for women for approximately 18 years.  Since 2004 however, my experience has been mostly with representative teams, particularly with Rugby Ontario and guest coaching experiences with the NSWT and the U-18/U-19/U-20 Junior women’s teams.  In 2004, as part of my completion for NCCP Level III qualification, I worked with HC Neil Langevin of the NSWT, as they prepared for the Canada/U.S. match in Ottawa.   Later I applied and was appointed the head coach of the Ontario U-17 junior women’s program.  I would receive this appointment as well in 2006 and in 2008.  All 3 years the program won a gold medal at the National Championships.  In 2007 and 2009, I took a year off of representative coaching due to an addition to the family and to support my wife while she worked to complete her Ph.D.In 2006, 2007 and 2009, I was invited to 3 separate U-19/U-20 National Team training camps to act as a guest coach.  In 2010, I was appointed assistant coach of the Canada U-18 program where with HC Beth Barz we worked with some of the best young athletes in the country, helping them to prepare for collegiate competition.
Currently, I am completing my level 4 qualifications through the N.C.C.P.  I hope to receive my diploma in coaching (Level IV) sometime next year
In 2008, I worked with Denis Blondin with the Ontario U-17 squad.  We have very similar styles and coaching philosophies as well as a good friendship outside of the sport.  With this in mind, I am looking forward to working with the Carleton Ravens.

Rebecca McKeen (Head Strength and Conditioning and Skills Coach)

Education:
-BA Honours Kinesioloy University of Western Ontario
-NSCA-CSCS-Can-Fit-Pro PTS
-Carleton University Womens Rugby Strength and Conditioning
-Rugby Canada Strength and Conditioning U-20 program

Athletics:
-University of Western Ontario Womens Rugby athlete
-Ontario Provincial U-19/U-23 athlete
-Ontario Provincial Powerlifting Champion
-Canadian National Powerlifting Competitor

My approach to coaching and athletics revolves around creating and maintaining a balanced, well-rounded athlete. Hard work, dedication and consistency with respect to training, attitude and commitment to sport is crucial to the success of any athlete and competitor in any sport. I aim to assist athletes in achieving their highest level of athletic ability and serve as a role model for young female athletes to reach their personal potential not only in the gym or on the field, but to build self-confidence and strength both physically and mentally.

Maggie Rafferty (Strength and Conditioning and Skills Coach)

BA Hons (Carleton University), BEd (uOttawa)
Head coach – HS Girls Rugby, 2007-2011
Certified Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor
Certifications in Advanced Exercise Nutrition and Sport Performance Nutrition
Played 3 years with Carleton Rugby, 2003-2006
National Level gold medalist powerlifting

Contact:

Denis Blondin (Head Coach) Email: denis.p.blondin@gmail.com

Thank you to Rink-Pro Sports for their generous support!