By Bernie Puchalski - November 15, 2021
Two weekends ago, St. Catharines Rowing Club member Giancarlo DiPompeo made a triumphant return to the local rowing scene.
Competing for the University of Victoria at the South Niagara Rowing Club in Welland, the 18-year-old Thorold native won double gold at the Canadian University Rowing Championships to help the UVic men’s squad capture the team title.
The Denis Morris grad combined with Matthew Thompson to win the lightweight men’s double and then teamed with Thompson, Riley Raso, Patrick Keane and Jordan MacDougall to cross the finish line first in the lightweight men’s coxed four.
“It was definitely a surprise but I didn’t think it was out of reach,” DiPompeo said of his double gold performance. “Once we got there, we felt pretty good but we didn’t know anything. We didn’t know how we would do but we knew we had put in the work to be there.”
In Saturday’s time trials in the double, DiPompeo and his partner finished a few seconds behind Brock in second place and that gave them a boost of confidence heading into Sunday’s finals
“We knew we had a good four and had a really good shot of winning but after how we did in the double, it locked down that confidence and belief in the four,” he said. “It sparked a big belief and we knew we the opportunity presented itself for us to go on the next day and perform.”
DiPompeo and his crewmates did just that and they were multiple champions when the regatta ended Sunday.
“It was quite a lot to take in all at once,” he said. “I was feeling overwhelmed with happiness and joy. It was one of the biggest things that I had ever accomplished in sport thus far.
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By Bernie Puchalski - November 10, 2021
It was decision time this week for Denis Morris rower Cait Whittard.
The 17-year-old St. Catharines resident had four NCAA Division 1 rowing scholarships to choose from and Wednesday she announced that Tennessee was her final destination.
“I really like the team, I think they have a really bright future and that’s where I figured I could see myself for the next four years,” the Grade 12 student said.
The member of the 2021 Canadian squad for the CanAmMex regatta was able to visit Tennessee during the Thanksgiving weekend and she came away impressed with the school.
“I felt really supported by the school itself and the coaches,” the St. Catharines Rowing Club member said. “Going away from home it is still going to feel like I am at home because of the great group of people around me.”
She can’t wait to get started on her next adventure.
“I am excited about getting to row with a big group of girls and a team,” she said. “I have been rowing the single for awhile now so it will be nice to get into some crew boats and enjoy my university experience down there.”
The racing will also be fun.
“I am looking forward to racing against international athletes and getting to know girls from other parts of the world will be an interesting experience,” he said. “It will be nice to support other athletes who are there and, of course get an education.”
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By Bill Potrecz - November 1, 2021
The Thorold Blackhawks proved to be a perfect fit for Cooper Lobsinger.
The 20-year-old St. Catharines native played the last two seasons with the French River Rapids of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and was bracing himself for the possibility of not suiting up for his last season of junior eligibility.
“I was prepared to give it up and then I realized it keeps me in shape and I love playing for Barnsy (Thorold coach Scott Barnes),” he said. “My option was either giving the game up, because I joined a trade as an HVAC technician, or play for Barnes.
“I’m doing both now. I’m working for Enercare and still playing hockey.”
Lobsinger said it became apparent he was going to have to think about life beyond hockey when he was in French River.
“I was just confused and a little frustrated too because I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said. “Not too many scouts had reached out and you start thinking, when is enough, enough?”
Enter Barnes, who was familiar with Lobsinger from summer skates.
“I had him on the ice from his minor hockey days in bantam and midget and I talked to him in the summer and he was quitting hockey,” Barnes said.
Barnes then workout a deal with the Rapids for Lobsinger’s rights. The arrangement has proven to be beneficial for both parties.
“He brings great leadership and a great work ethic, Barnes said. “He’s a guy that the younger guys can look up to and see how hard he’s working, just the effort he puts into everything, on ice off ice, whatever we’re doing.”
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By Bill Potrecz - November 2, 2021
Thomas and Luke Gualtieri both man the blueline for the Fort Erie Meteors, but that is where the similarities end for the St. Catharines-born brothers.
Thomas is a 19-year-old, stay-at-home rearguard who plays it safe while the 17-year-old Luke is possessed with offensive skills he gladly and often puts to good use.
The differences are not lost on Meteors assistant coach Anthony Passero.
“Thomas is smart, calm and does everything right,” Passero said. “You don’t notice him out there which is probably the biggest compliment you can give a defenceman. He’s good offensively —not probably as good as Luke — but he does everything right. Whatever you need him to do, he does.
“He’s very quiet kid where the other one is a little louder.”
Meanwhile, Passero feels Luke has all the tools to be an impact player.
“He is the full package,” Passero said. “He brings speed, skill, strength. His care for the game is above anybody’s, it rivals anyone in the league, and he wants go to the next level.”
Passero’s assessment is proven correct statistically — Luke has three goals and nine points in 11 games while Thomas, who is content to take care of his own end, has picked up a pair of assists.
Thomas agreed with Passero’s appraisal of their talents.
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Christian Rotundo got a late start on the links.