The Western Mustangs have opened training camp as the team starts a new era. Former Mustangs quarterback Michael Faulds is now at the helm having taken over for retired legend Greg Marshall. “I still have my voice, which is a good sign,” said Faulds during day two of training camp Sunday. “We have a good veteran presence and have about 30 to 40 new players as well. Coaches, players, everyone flying around and loving life in training camp.” Faulds has his work cut out for him with new coaches and new starters at many positions,including at quarterback, with veteran Jerome Rancourt taking over from Evan Hillock. “I don’t mind the first week bye, it allows all our new players that are going to be starting for the first time more time and it allows us coaches more time,” said Faulds, of the unique schedule where they have week one off. “We’ll be chomping at the bit come Sept. 6 for York to come here.” While not having a bye during the season could wear them down by playoff time, there are advantages to an extra week of training camp with a new group. “It allows us to be patient,” added Faulds. “We know we don’t get another bye week, so we’re going to give the guys even a couple days off here in camp because we know it’s a long stretch. Once Sept. 6 comes, our first game, we’re hoping to play all the way to Nov. 28 without a break. That’s our challenge ahead of us, but the guys are up for it.” Western rowers reach podium at FISU World University Games Western Mustangs rowers Aidan Hembruff and Oliver Baker were part of Canada’s Men’s Four rowing team which won a bronze medal at the FISU World University Rowing Championships. The duo reached the podium when their boat finished third in the A final on Saturday on home soil at Fanshawe Lake. The two, along with teammates Simon Whittaker and Gabriel Dyer, crossed the finish line in 6:11.32, six seconds behind gold medallist Italy and second place Great Britain. “It was a very exciting race and a great week,” Hembruff told CTV News. “Coming back to London, it’s been really incredible and we are staying on Western campus. I went to Western for five years. I know London like the back of my hand at this point and coming up to Fanshawe and racing here like on a course that we’ve trained every day for five years in the mornings, 530 in the morning, it’s just a special moment to be able to cross that line and third place and bring home a medal.” They didn’t reach their goal of winning the race, but Hembruff wouldn’t say he’s disappointed. “You strive to win the race and so you’re not going to walk away feeling like you achieve your goal because everyone’s goal is to win that race,” he added. “We are proud of the race that we had and at the end of the day, we walked away with a medal. A few of these guys on the boat, it’s their first international race, so to walk away with a medal on that stage is pretty impressive.” Mustang Danielle Hart of London, Ont. was part of the Women’s Four team which took fourth place in the B final. “I’ve had such a fun time, especially on my home course,” said Hart. “I got to see my parents up in the crowd and I waved at them at the end. It was just super exciting. I mean, I probably if I ever race again on the international stage, which I hope I do, it might be in Europe, it might be in Asia, so it might be too far for them to travel, so, it’s just great to have family here supporting.” Hart only took up rowing two years ago, and is looking forward to another major event at Fanshawe Lake in a few months. “We have the Canadian University Championships coming up in the fall here, which is going to be super exciting,” added Hart. “To have a little run on the racecourse first ahead of time, which is going to be good, I’m excited for that.” The Men’s Eight featuring Mustang Kyland Mels-Williams finished fourth in the A final and the Women’s Eight with his sister Kira Mels-Wiliams also finished fourth in the A final. Hill United Chiefs win ISC Fastpitch world title The Hill United Chiefs have gone back-to-back-to-back at the International Softball Congress (ISC) World Tournament. In a tightly contested final, the Chiefs defeated the Bear Creek Gremlins at JDT Energy Veterans Memorial Field, 4-3 to claim the crown for the third consecutive year. The final was classic with two of the best pitchers in the world going head-to-head. The key moments were on the offensive side though by Lenny Villalvazo and Tony Gonzalez who each homered for the Chiefs. On the bump, Marco Diaz was brilliant going the distance to lead his team to victory. “The ISC extends its deepest and most sincere congratulations to the Hill United Chiefs organization on this remarkable achievement,” said Chris Santos, ISC President. “Winning three consecutive ISC World Tournament titles is an extraordinary testament to the dedication, talent, and unwavering grit of the players, coaches, and staff. They have set a new benchmark for excellence in men’s fastpitch softball.” The final capped off an eight-day, 143-game tournament held in Melbourne and Glencoe. The Pueblo Bandits are the 2026 ISC II Champions, while the Parksville Red Sox won the Legends division.
