by Sherri Hogan

There is a new ?force? blowing across the Island, and it looks like a hurricane! Holland College students and staff were on hand at the Tourism and Culinary Centre today to take part in a press conference announcing a new sports initiative at the College.

Trevor Bailey from Summerside PEI, an International Tourism and Hospitality student, and Casey Murphy from Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland, a Business Administration student, officially unveiled the new name and logo for College sports teams -- the Holland Hurricanes. Today's event also included the announcement that the College will be entering the world of varsity sports as a member of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) and the Atlantic Colleges Athletics Association (ACAA).

Speaking on behalf of College students was Joshawa Lamkey from Moncton, New Brunswick who is currently enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program. "This is great news for all College students. Varsity, club and intramural sports give students across the whole College a chance to come together and to build pride in where we all go to school."

"Schools in the ACAA have a choice of sports in which they can participate - Men's and Women's Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball, Badminton, Golf, and Cross Country Running," stated Albert Roche, Tourism and Hospitality Programs Manager. "Over the next few months, we will be meeting with students and staff to identify those varsity sports in which we will compete. The decision will be based on student demand, budget and the ability to compete." Roche went on to say that at the Club level, the College will put teams forward in Men's and Women's Hockey and Men's and Women's Rugby.

Holland College is the first Atlantic Canadian community college to join the ACAA league. ACAA is one of 5 regional athletic conferences that are part of the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA). The CCAA is the national governing body for men's and women's college sport in Canada and is comprised of 100 members representing over 300 teams. Membership consists of a wide variety of post-secondary institutions, including Community Colleges, Universities, University-Colleges, CEGEP?s and Technical Institutes.

Participating schools in the ACAA include the Atlantic Baptist University, Mount Allison University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, St. Thomas University, Universite de Moncton, Universite Sainte-Anne, University of King?s College and the University of New Brunswick.

"This is a great initiative for College students who are interested in sport and recreation at all levels whether it be intramural, club or varsity," commented Dr. Sandy MacDonald, Director of Educational Services and Programs at the College. "In addition to significantly enhancing student life, which is a College priority, this also provides a great opportunity for other College students to be involved in all aspects of sports as players, organizers and volunteers."