With UBC TSC teams seeing competition all across the country, these two athletes stood out the most with their performances in the month of October.
TSC October Athlete of the Month: Helena Sverak, TSC Cycling
Helena Sverak, TSC Cycling.
TSC October 2022 Athlete of the Month
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Year: 2nd Year, PhD
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine
October Achievements:
-
1st Place – Coquitlam CX, Intermediate Division
-
1st Place – Junkyard CX, Intermediate Division
-
Advancement to the Women’s Elite Division
“[Helena] started the cyclocross season in late September in the lowest category, and after securing win after win, moved her way up to the intermediate category where she also dominated and won, to finally being upgraded to the elite (top) category after her most recent race.” – Kolby Mullen, TSC Cycling Club Lead
Although this is Helena’s second year with UBC Cycling SC, this Cyclocross (CX) season is her first season. For those who don’t know, CX is a type of bike race that takes place on a course that is mostly grass, but can have some gravel and pavement as well. What makes cyclocross a unique to road racing is that the course includes obstacles that are sometimes not rideable, so you have to jump off your bike and carry it while running and/or jumping over them. The season runs through the fall, so many of the races end up being muddy and slippery, and tons of fun!
View this post on Instagram
Helena started the cyclocross season in late September in the lowest category, and after securing win after win, moved her way up to the intermediate category where she also dominated and won, to finally being upgraded to the elite (top) category after her most recent race.
Even more impressive was Helena’s display of true grit at the Junkyard CX. During her recent intermediate race, Helena broke a bone in her wrist half way through the course. Helena displayed true grit as she fought through immense pain for 25 minutes to hold her lead, clinch her win and promote her to the Elite division. Tears streamed down her face as she crossed the line and proceeded to go straight to the first-aid tent.
Helena’s performances have earned the respect from her TSC peers as she has been recognized as one of TSC’s athlete of the month. Congratulations, Helena for your efforts in training and performances in competition. We wish Helena a speedy recovery as she navigates through her injury.
TSC October Athlete of the Month: Sophia Moiseyenko, TSC Sailing
Sophia Moiseyenko, TSC Sailing.
TSC October 2022 Athlete of the Month
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
Year: 1st Year Undergraduate
Faculty: Faculty of Science
October Achievements:
-
CICSA National Keelboat Team Selection
This October, Sailing SC sent 3 of their own to represent UBC at the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CICSA) National Keelboat Camp. Sailors spent the weekend learning about Match Racing, and refining their fleet racing skills for a chance to be selected for the Canadian University National Keelboat Team.
As a rookie, Sophia Moiseyenko was one of three athletes sent to represent UBC at the CICSA Training Camp in Toronto. Sophia stood out amongst the pool of athletes and was one of 4 initially selected out of a group of 30 athletes at the selection camp. Sophia’s performance at that camp had qualified her for the CICSA Keelboat national team. She, alongside other Canadian university student athletes, will be representing Canada at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Games next year.
View this post on Instagram
Congratulations on your achievement, Sophia! We look forward to you representing Canada and UBC at the FISU games and the rest of your sailing season.
TSC October 2022 Athlete of the Months Finalists
Men’s Ultimate – Justin Podnar
Justin has shown great poise at every single practice and has performed exceptionally well during their nationals championships in Toronto. Playing on both the offensive and defensive line, he was a force to reckon with in the air, coming down with every single skyball, and was not afraid to take risky and unconventional shots during high pressured situations.
Lacrosse – Peter Landine
Peter’s presence is always felt on the field despite not having the typical “bruiser” build. He is a calm and friendly engineering student but on the field he fiercely wields his long pole, whacking opponents hands and sticks. Not only is this controlled aggression welcomed in the game of lacrosse but his play style largely contributes to the overall energy and team spirit in their biweekly practices, which he never misses.
Quidditch – Drew Sanders
Drew is one of the rookies on the Quidditch SC this year and his growth as a player has been great to see. He’s consistently showed up focused at practice, and had a strong performance at Western Divisionals! There was a moment in the game for 3rd place where something clicked for him, because he started driving the hoops and scoring a bunch. He ended up as UBC’s leading scorer for the tournament with 80 points (equivalent to 8 goals).
Justin Podnar, Men’s Ultimate, making a layout bid as part of their first place finish at CWUUC.
Peter Landine is one of the starting defensemen for TSC Lacrosse.
Rookies (left to right) Alicia, Cassidy, Drew and Ali showing out for the team.
Congratulations to all of our TSC athletes who competed this month! We look forward to November’s competitions and more opportunities for our athletes to show off their skills and much more.