Two Lords bring home silver medals from the Maccabiah Games

August 20, 2013

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Durham Lords Media Release

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

 

Two Lords bring home silver medals from the Maccabiah Games

 

OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham College is known for its strong fastball program, having won an OCAA high 16 provincial championships. After this summer, it’s also better known on the world stage.

 

Durham Lords’ pitcher Lydia Kalbfleisch and assistant coach Rosemary Theriault both won silver medals with Team Canada in softball at the 19^th Maccabiah Games.

 

The Maccabiah Games are held in Israel every four years and features the best Jewish and Israeli athletes in the world. Sports featured at the games include baseball, softball, basketball, futsal, volleyball, handball, ice and field hockey, water polo, rugby, cricket, netball and soccer.

 

Team Canada did well at the tournament, beating out Team Israel to make it to the gold medal game against Team USA. They would eventually lose 4-0 in the finals, but would still bring home the silver medal for their efforts.

 

Kalbfleisch and Theriault both described their feelings of attending the games and winning the silver as nothing they have experienced before in their careers.

 

“It was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever encountered, “said Kalbfleisch. “I felt so honoured to be representing Canada at these world class games.”

 

“One of the most important things that I realized is how beautiful and historical Israel is,” said Theriault. “We were able to tour and visit historical sites that we had only previously read about. The people in Israel welcomed us with open arms and we had a fantastic time.”

 

On top of winning the silver medal at the games, Kalbfleisch was also a part of the Durham Lords team that won silver medals at nationals and provincials this past season.

 

“I feel like I am so lucky to be a part of both of these teams and receive silver medals with both teams,” she said. “I feel like both the finals at nationals and at the Maccabiah Games were well played games and we had to play against tough teams.”

 

Obviously being on a world stage like the Maccabiah Games can be a nervous experience for any athlete, but Kalbfleisch was able to not only keep her composure, but also maintain a high level of compete and fight to the finish.

 

“I generally felt very calm during the games,” Kalbfleisch said. “There were times that I may have gotten a little worried with our defensive play but we never gave up and kept fighting even if we were falling behind.”

 

Even though the team didn’t win the gold medal, Kalbfleisch defining moment came in the final game when she was inserted to pitch cold with the bases loaded and the starting pitcher injured.

 

“I ended up getting out of the inning with minimal damage,” she said. “I think that I kind of surprised everybody that I did so well that inning considering I didn’t get a proper warm up.”

 

When the opportunity arose, Kalbfleisch made Durham College and the Lords proud on the world stage. Now she’ll return to Canada and the college for another season of OCAA fastball, this time with more confidence and experience.

 

“I think I’ll come back to Durham playing with a little more experience and a little more relaxed,” she said. “I think I will come back with a little more confidence and focus to excel in our season this fall.”

 

Trying to compare coaching at Durham College and at the games was a tough task for Theriault, seeing that her passion for the game is like none other.

 

“To compare the Games and Durham College is two very different venues,” she said. “Coaching at Durham College is my home base and the people involved with Fastball, from the Athletic Department to all the players, are very much like a family and very strong friendships have been developed thru my years there. With team Canada, we had a short time to prepare for the games and it was fantastic to watch these talented athletes come together and win a silver medal. Great memories were made playing this sport and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to participate at both.”

 

Theriault and Kalbfleisch will be able to make more memories when the Lords training camp opens up on August 26^th, as they search for their 17^th OCAA title.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Dennis

Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator

Durham College and UOIT Athletics

905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)

905.721.3117 (F)