Reds rejoin senior football loop

By Bernie Puchalski - September 15, 2021

bpsports niagara 09152021 In 2019, then Denis Morris principal Dan DiLorenzo made the agonizing decision to cancel the school’s senior football program and rebuild from the junior ranks.

At the time, it was a no brainer with only 14 to 15 athletes attending practice on a daily basis in a sport where attrition is a fact of life.

Fast forward after one season lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 campaign will see the Reds reborn at the senior ranks with a varsity football team.

“We had a good year with the junior team and a lot of those kids were turned on to football. A lot of them are coming out because they have been off for a couple of years,” head coach Andy Cecchini said. “And then we have a good group of (Grade) 9s and 10s that want to play. They have also been off and are excited about playing.”

Since practice started last week, the mix of attendees is about 20 junior-aged players and 30 seniors.

“I wouldn’t say we are the most experienced team. That’s for sure,” Cecchini said.

He feels it was an easy choice for the Reds to cancel its junior program and go with a varsity squad.

“It is the struggle with numbers. With 20 juniors, can you make that team work?” Cecchini said. “Now with 50 kids we have no worries about injuries. We have three at every position, we have no worries about fielding a team and that’s the big thing.”

There is a perception Denis Morris has a huge population to pick a football team from but that is no longer the case.

“I don’t think a lot of people know it, but we are a school of 800 kids. They still think it is DM of the 1980s when there were 1,500 or 1,600 students at this school. We are half of that now,” he said. “We are not that big, humongous school any more and to field one team makes sense. Hopefully we can’t be competitive and give the kids a great experience. That is what we are here for.”

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Attention DM Golfers:

Hey Reds! If you are interested in joining the Denis Morris Golf Team, make sure to come by room 210 on Monday, September 13 for a brief after-school meeting! For any further questions, please see Mr. Venneri!

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August 3, 2021 - Board update: Return to School

ncdsb covid updates image 1 Good afternoon:

As you may have heard today, the Ontario Government has announced plans for a safe return to school for September. Many things will remain in place from last year as we reopen on September 7, such as the need to wear masks indoors for all students in Grades 1-12. Other things will change, such as allowing students to play outdoors without masks and in mixed cohorts during lunches and recess.

Secondary students will attend school all-day, Monday to Friday (no cohorts). Plans are being discussed how to safely implement a return to extracurricular activities like sports, band, choir and other clubs for both elementary and secondary students. You will learn more about that in coming weeks, as information is made available.

Virtual learning is permitted again in 2021-2022. Secondary families have already submitted plans for student attendance next year. Elementary families will be contacted about their final choice next week. We look forward to welcoming the majority of our students back to school for in-person learning.

The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Niagara Region Public Health continue to promote vaccinations for students aged 12-17 and staff, but they are not required to return to school or work in September.

The Ministry of Education has allowed local public health units to provide insight and to place their own recommended measures on schools in their communities. We will work closely with Niagara Region Public Health to balance the need to begin returning to a more normal school year with the need for continued vigilance as the Delta variant remains strong in Ontario. We expect to have more detailed information for you next week, after we meet with Public Health.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards a safe and happy 2021-2022 school year for everyone.

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Congratulations Mr. Di Lorenzo!

DDilorenzo 06292021 Congratulations to Mr. Di Lorenzo who retired today after 36 yrs in Catholic Education. You have continued & built upon the fine tradition of DM. Your commitment to students, to family & faith has been your hallmark. May God Bless you

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Cait Whittard earns CanAmMex selection

By Bernie Puchalski - June 23, 2021

Cait Whittard continues to enhance her scholarship rowing resume.

The Grade 11 student at Denis Morris was recently named to Canada’s squad for the CanAmMex regatta, a developmental regatta featuring athletes from Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“I was really happy with that but sadly there is no regatta this year,” the 16-year-old St. Catharines native said. “Just to be named to the team is an accomplishment.”

If not for COVID, the event would have been held this July at Lake Fanshawe in London, Ont.

“Although there will be no CAM in 2021, Rowing Canada Aviron feels it is still important to announce a CAM squad,” a press release stated. “This squad represents those athletes who would have been invited to the CAM selection event. Additionally, if we are able to run regional programming or camps over the summer, this is the group that would be invited to participate.”

Athletes were notified by email but Whittard found out when she was informed by her coaches at the Ontario Next-Gen Performance Centre in Welland.

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Reds rejoin senior football loop

Attention DM Golfers:

August 3, 2021 - Board update: Return to School

Congratulations Mr. Di Lorenzo!

Cait Whittard earns CanAmMex selection

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