Austin Smeenk
DOB: February 1997
Sport: Sledge Hockey, Track
Please list accomplishments / highlights (including placing, location, dates, titles, awards, etc.):
In sledge hockey, I played goalie against a pretty good team and I saved a goal that was a breakaway shot…the whole crowd stood up and cheered and my team piled around me, it was very exciting.
In Track: see chart below
What do you like best about competing or playing sports?
I like playing hockey because it’s fun to be part of a team. I especially like it when I play in net because the whole team piles on the goalie at the end of the game whether we win or not.
The part that is really cool about track is that I get to push hard to win a race and it doesn’t always matter who I’m racing with, it’s about personal best and I feel good about my accomplishments.
What sport do you play and how did you decide to do this sport?
I play sledge hockey and also compete in track on a special racing chair. When I was visiting Erin Oak one time, my physiotherapist asked me if I like sports and I said “of course”. I was introduced to The Cruisers Sports for the Physically Disabled and the first person we met was Ken Hall. He was so fun, he told my mom to leave everything up to me and that I would do great…when I got on the ice, it was so fun to be able to move across the ice and be part of a team for the first time in my life…well, I was only 6 years old then. Then I met Ken Thom and he invited me to try track and I really, really liked it. If I ever have to choose either sport, it will be hard because I like both a lot. I also snow board and love sailing and fishing.
Who are your role models and why?
The people that help me learn a new skill, like being a goalie. Coach Alex and Kalvin and the players on the senior cruisers sledge hockey team that give me tips.
What are your goals for the future?
I’d like to compete in the paralymics in track and maybe with Team Canada, but it will be hard because I’ll have to choose one sport or the other.
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
Riding my bike with friends, building things out of wood…one time I built a raft out of scrap wood and Ken Hall even came to my house to check it out.
What advice would you have for someone just starting in the sport that you are in?
Just have fun and try your best.
What is your favorite saying?
You can do it!
What are your hobbies and interests besides sports?
I also like camping, fishing and swimming.
Other thoughts or comments:
It’s really cool to be part of a team with kids that are older than me. I like hearing the funny things some of the older guys say and when we’re on the ice, we all help each other out.
Track Times:
| Date | Location | 100 m 00.32.00 |
200 m 00:56:00 |
400 m 1:44:00 |
800 m 3:26:00 |
1500 m 6:20:00 |
| 6/5/2006 | Oshawa | 00.21.85 | 00.48.85 | 1.32.10 | 3.06.77 | 6.21.20 |
| 27/05/06 | York Un | 00.23.81 | 1.30.45 | 3.06.00 | 5.49.66 |
