SPORTS Making “Dem” Look First Douglas College pitcher to throw a no-hitter Brian McLennon, OP Sports Editor In only their third year since joining the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) conference, the Royals Baseball team is starting to turn heads around the league. At the end of the third week, the Royals sit in fifth position with a league record of 7—5 in the North division. The Douglas College baseball program made history three years ago when they were the first Canadian col- lege/university to compete in the sport of baseball in an American-based conference. Well, on Saturday, April 15, Royals pitcher Dirk Dembroski made history again as he was the first Douglas College pitcher to throw a no-hitter during NWAACC league play. In an impressive 14—0 victory over Shoreline Community College, Dembroski proved that his off-season training regiment was well worth the work. “T was very determined in the off-season and did a lot of weight training to build up my strength to prepare for this year,’ said Dembroski. “Last year, as a rookie, I had to pay my dues and all the opportunities weren’t there for me to show what I can do. Now, in my second year, I have been given a huge opportunity to show what I can bring.” When asked about his history-making performance, he credits a lot of the praise to his teammates, especially the infielders. “The infielders did an excellent job. I was able to force a lot of grounders, which they converted into outs. I’m happy about the team’s performance, but it doesn’t change our objective.” In only his second year, the “finesse” pitcher from South Delta Secondary has made the most of his opportu- nities. With the Royals ace pitcher Scot Rhynold from Prince George ruled as ineligible due a technicality, Dembroski has moved into the spotlight and has shone brightly. This past summer, he was offered a chance to travel with Thompson River University (TRU) to the U21 Nationals, and he seized the opportunity. Under the bright lights of the Nationals, Dembroski was able to catch the attention of some NCAA Division II schools in Florida, namely University of Central Florida and the University of Northern Florida. “T have family in Florida, so it would be nice to be able to play down there.” Regardless of the individual attention, Dembroski remains grounded and focused on this season. He attributes the attitude and dedication of all the play- ers in making a huge difference in the team’s turn around. | “Everyone is setting the tone, whether it’s stretching out before practice and games or staying late to get some extra batting practice, every player is focused on what it is that we have to do.” With the only five returning players, the chemistry amongst the players is very good. “We have a lot of fun on the road, but once it is game time...it’s all business,” Dembroski said. “A lot of it has to do with new Assistant Coach, Greg Merritt. He has brought a lot of intensity and [a] hard work ethic to practice.” Even though the future seems bright for Dembroski, he hasn’t loss a sense of where he is from. “T grew up in a small town and played ‘small ball’ for many years. Coming to Douglas has given me an oppor- tunity to play in a competitive league like NWAAC with and against some great players.” Despite the possibilities of future travels and scholar- ship offers, Dembroski finds the time to give back to com- ~ munity. “There have been a lot of kids coming out to watch our games. One in particular is a 12-year-old pitcher who is playing small ball like I did. So, ’m speaking with him and his parents and given them pointers. Hopefully he too can develop his game and get into a competitive league.” mclennonb@douglas.be.ca Despite a disappointing loss against Olympic on April 22, the Royals are still focused on placing in the top three of the North Division, which would offer them an oppor- tunity in compete in post-season play. “Our goal is to make [the] top three. Everything else is just something that happens along the way.” Royals’ Athletes Shine Douglas College celebrates with annual Athletic Banquet Brian McLennon, OP Sports Editor The 2006 Annual Douglas College Athletic Awards Banquet was held Thursday, March 30 at the Executive Inn Plaza in Coquitlam. The special night recognizes the hard work and dedication that is invested into Douglas College sporting programs by student-athletes, coaches, and Douglas College staff throughout the year. This year’s Master of Ceremony was former Douglas College Rugby player and coach, Michael Collins and the guest speaker for the evening was former Douglas College Assistant Coach for Rugby, Pam Hadikin. The awards ceremony began with a special presentation to 2005 CCAA National Soccer Champions, the Men’s Soccer team. On hand to present the awards were Susan Witter (President of Douglas College), and Blaine Jensen (VP of Educational Services). Other teams recognized for their outstanding achieve- ments in the 2005—2006 season were the Badminton team who captured three CCAA National titles (Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles) and the Women’s Volleyball team, who were the recipients of the Douglas College Academic Team of the Year. Notable Awards Academic Team of the Year: Women’s Volleyball Male Athlete of the Year: Cameron Wilson (Men’s Soccer) Female Athlete of the Year: Lyndsay Thomson (Badminton) Coach of the Year: Al Mawani (Badminton) Andy and Helen Andrews Academic Athletes of the Year: Jodi Blasco (Women’s Volleyball) and James Anderson (Men’s Basketball) Chris Johnson Award: Blake Douglas (Men’s Soccer) Peter Kerr Award: Mohammed Ali (Men’s Soccer) Jesse Penner Award: Matt McKay (Baseball) Little League Award: Daniel Boudreau and David Dick (Baseball) Gord Ellis Award: Dirk Dembroski and Scott Tulloch (Baseball)