WATERLOO REGION (September 23, 2013) – In just over a month’s time, Ontario’s top secondary school student-athletes will invade the Kitchener-Waterloo area in search of a provincial championship as the region will host the 2013 OFSSA Field Hockey championship.

The championship, held October 31 to November 2, will be organized collaboratively between Resurrection Catholic Secondary School and District 8 Athletic Association. Venues include: RIM Park, University of Waterloo and St. David Catholic Secondary School utilizing artificial turf field’s at all three venues.

“This is an exciting announcement for the Kitchener-Waterloo area,” said Chris Woodcroft, President of District 8 Athletic Association and Principal at Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School. “Having been a firsthand witness to several of the previous championships, I know the region will be treated to a high level of field hockey.”

The organizing committee will be co-chaired by Woodcroft and long-time Resurrection field hockey coach Yvonne Taylor. Taylor is entering her 30th and final year of coaching with the Phoenix.

“We have assembled a tremendous and dedicated organizing committee with a great wealth of experience,” said Woodcroft. “Our main focus is to provide a player focused event for competing student-athletes. This is the highest level that these athletes can attain competing for their high schools; we want them to soak in and enjoy every minute of it.”

Sponsorship and “in-kind” service will be one of the ways the organizing committee will be looking to provide that experience.

“Sponsors will play a key role in delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for these student-athletes, parents and fans,” said Woodcroft. “Our committee has put together a fantastic package to offer potential community partners and we’re hoping that our partners will help in attaining our goals.”

This is the sixth time since 1979 that region has hosted this event with the last coming in 2009. The region also hosted in 2005 (Kitchener-Waterloo), 2004 (Breslau), 1999 (Breslau) and 1988 (Waterloo).

In addition, this will be the first time in District 8 Athletic Association’s 23-year history that the district or a school within its association has hosted an OFSAA level event.

“Our entire association is thrilled to be involved at this level,” said Woodcroft. “District 8 has made great strides over the last two seasons in improving its overall product. We still have many objectives to achieve, but hosting an OFSAA championship jointly with Resurrection is a milestone we are certainly proud of.”

Resurrection is the three-time defending OFSAA champions and are aiming to advance to their fifth straight OFSAA appearance. The Phoenix are already 2-0 in District 8 league play and are hopeful of returning to CWOSSA for the right to qualify for OFSAA. Resurrection is just one of the top teams in the area vying for the right to play in the championship; Sir John A. MacDonald (WCSSAA) in Waterloo and St. Johns Kilmarnock (CISAA) in Breslau are also annual contenders.

Teams from the Waterloo Region have won the last seven OFSAA field hockey titles with Resurrection having won the last three; while St. John’s Kilmarnock won four prior to the Phoenix’s reign.

For more information about the 2013 OFSAA Field Hockey Championship visit http://www.ofsaa.on.ca/field-hockey

OFSAA Field Hockey Championship key contacts:
Media inquiries contact: Michael Grobe (michael.grobe@wcdsb.ca)
Sponsorship inquiries contact: Chris Woodcroft (chris.woodcroft@wcdsb.ca)