A Welcome from the WMAA President

By Patricia Kitchen

 

I am happy to introduce the Mustangs Scoop Newsletter in my new role as Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni (WMAA) President. I move humbly into this role recognizing the legacy of those who have come before. At our WMAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September, we recognized that legacy with the presentation of the Hessel-Luckman Past Presidents plaque. I look forward to working with our new Board of Directors and many committees; skilled, dedicated and passionate volunteers who bring their diverse experiences to add value to the WMAA. We welcomed new board members at the AGM including Randy McAuley (Co-Chair, Governance Committee), Sheri Kitching (Co-Chair, Hall of Fame Committee) and Sandy Perryman (Chair, John P. Metras Museum Committee).

 

The WMAA provides experiences of belonging, connecting, and contributing to our athletic alumni. We do this through events, The Scoop, and the Alumni Sports Grants program. We are also proud to provide volunteer roles and celebrate outstanding athletic alumni and our history through the Hall of Fame and the Museum. In addition, the WMAA contributes to athletics programs through advocacy and support, ensuring their growth and vitality.

 

In September, we supported our rich history of athletic excellence with the annual Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame Dinner where we inducted the 1966 and 1997 men’s rugby teams, the 1971, 1972, and 1973 women’s basketball teams, and ten individual awards recipients. Thank you to Sherri Castrilli for highlighting the special evening here. I know you will also appreciate an article about the 1997 men’s rugby team’s unique blazers.

 

As I write this, many of the Western fall athletics teams are heading to the Ontario University Athletics and USport championships, while full-year sports are kicking off their seasons. Christine Stapleton’s report will provide updates on a very successful fall season.

 

I encourage you to read the third in a series of articles about the history of cheer at Western. As well, you’ll enjoy reading Dennis Hinschberger’s Mustang Moment and I hope you will enter our sweepstakes for the chance to win a full-year membership to Goodlife Fitness!

 

Have fun reading the newsletter. I wish you a healthy and happy holiday season and look eagerly ahead to 2023!