McMaster Chemistry Athletics

The graduate students here at McMaster have a dedication to keeping competitive - both in the lab and on the playing field. Each year, dozens of chemistry graduate students join numerous teams for frenzied intramural action or friendly inter-departmental fun. The only department-wide event is the annual golf tourney, where everyone comes together for some fun in the sun. Here are some highlights for the past few years ...

Three-pitch Softball - The Phoenix's well-run GSA league has seen two outstanding teams participate over the years - the IR Sox and the Anal Chemists. Since the early 90's the Anals fielded the 'pros' whereas the Sox were just there for the heck of it, plus the Phoenix parties afterwards. This all changed, however, on a fateful day in the Spring of 1995 when the two teams clashed. That year, the IR Sox were a 19-0 powerhouse, led by the likes of Dave 'Ironman' Valentini and Nick 'Babe' Toltl. The Anals were just as good at 18-3 and fielded a team of power hitters, such as Jamie 'Big Mac' Dunn, and excellent fielders of which Ralph 'Legs' Ruffolo was one. In the end, the underdog Sox took the departmental crown 13-6 in a hard-slugged battle. Over 42 chemists combined to make this a memorable event!

Soccer - Due to the large international community in McMaster chemistry, soccer interest has always been high for both indoor and outdoor leagues. In 1996, A.C. Chimica was founded and immediately rocketed to the outdoor Intramural championship, losing 3-0 in a hard-fought game. Star players included Frank Laronde, Klaus Himmeldirk, Nick Toltl and Bruce Cook. In that first year, the team also tried its hand at Indoor soccer, discovering that it was a totally different game. Still, the seeds have been sown for the future, and this year's incarnation of A.C. Chimica should be the best ever.

The 1997 Bronze Medal Team. Top (L to R): Mark Stradiotto, Nick Toltl,
Jamie Dunn, Nick Dunn, Denny Lin, Marcus Kim. Bottom: Pippa Lock,
Sam Bennett, Ralph Ruffolo, Stacey Brydges, Maggie Austen.

Pickup Sports - Volleyball (Lorne Fell), street hockey (Chris McCrory) and basketball (Daryl Vanbesien) are the most popular of the get-out-and-go variety of sports, and weekly scrimmages in the parking lots and tennis courts are common.