north shore news ___ @ SPoRTS rth Shore grads Sip from Vanier Cu Andrew McCredie Sports Editor TORONTO — For Andrew Plant, it was a dream ending to his college football career. The fifth-year University _ Of British Columbia starting guard stood drenched in -sweat and victory carly Saturday evening in the mid- die of the Skydome field, the Vanier Cup held high above his head. UBC had just defeated the University of Ottawa Gec- Gees 39-23 to claim the national championship. The Thunderbirds last __ held national bragging rights in 1986, when they defeated the University of Western Ontario 25-23.. “Ie s been a long five years,” said Plant, a Carson Graham graduate. “An unbe- lievable fecling. It hasn’r hit me yet.” Just a few feet away, Plant’s fellow North Shore natives, UBC defensive backs Strachan .Hartley and Shane Sommerfeld, stood together, *. grinning from ear to ear and blinking into the harsh stadi- um fights, the black polish under their eyes streaking down their cheeks. “I think the last time I won a football championship was back in Grade 7 in the Gordon Sturtridge Football League,” Hartley said. “A lot of people weren't giving us much of a shot, say- ing our defence wasn't going to do the job,” the Handsworth graduate added. - Buta job they did as the T- Bird defence held the much- vaunted Gee-Gee offence for much of the game. The tone was set carly, as the UBC defence didn’t allow an Ortawa first down until rearly 14 minutes into the game. Despite a fourth quarter rally, Ottawa was never really in the game. “We heard a lot about their offense and their ovo potent receivers, and I think defensively we came out and did a great job,” said Harticy. “Offensively, we knew we were ‘capable of that. “We've got ai Hec Creighton winner, a_ terrific quarterback and a corps of great receivers.” “Since day one there has been a special chemistry, from training camp on.” — UBC defensive hack Strachan Hartley Sommerfeld, who attend- ed West Vancouver secondary, recovered a fumble in the waning minutes of the game to stop a late comeback attempt by Orrawa. _“What can you say? Pm speechless,” ‘the fourth-year Sommerteld said as his team- mates paraded the Vanier Cup around the field. “A great group of guys, we played our hearts out. We've been on the road for 10 days now. It’s been a long haul so we had to make it worth it.” UBC left for Halifax tvo weeks ago today to face Mount Allison in the Atlantic Bowl. UBC won 34-29. Instead of making the cross- country flight home, the T- Birds flew to Toronto for a week of practice in prepara- tion for the Vanier Cup. Asked if that helped the team come together, Hartley said the team has been close since the summer: “We're a terribly close ream. Since day one there’s been a special chemistry, from training camp Sauntidors. & Gfgar Aecessortes: PERKS Giyars, Pens, Witches & Fine. Leather Lroducts OAKRIDGE CENTER, BENTALL CENTER, LONSDALE QUAY PRESENT THIS AD & RECEIVE A FURTHER 5% DISCOUNT on.” Plant agreed, and added that the training camp held in Kamloops seemed to allow the team to gel. Other North Shore players suited up for the Vanier Cu team included Handswort! graduate Dan Elliott, Windsor’s Dan Rootes and Handsworth’s Andrew Newton. Elliott led the T-Birds in tackles and finished second in the conference. He was also named a CWUAA all-star (an honor he was awarded with last season also). All but Plant will be back next year to defend the national championship. The fifth-year guard missed the entire fourth quarter of Saturday’s game with a pinched nerve in his neck. As he held the Vanier Cup to the heavens, a nasty red welt swelled above the collar of his freshly minted national cham- pion T-shirt. Asked if he was in pain, Plant just grinned and said he couldn’t feel a thing. Forget ice bags. Victory is the best pain reliever. weve a oo Wednesday, November 26, 1997 — North Shore News — 45. * Prices subject to change without nie'.se Open Thurs. 2 Fri. tl 9:00pm! | The Salvation Army Thrift Store 241 Lonsdale, North Van 980-4413 Did you know, in the last 10 years, B.C’'s Children’s Hospital Telethon has raised more than $32 million to fund essential equipment. research and special programs? Shopping Arount Will Make It Sear CRYSTAL CLEAR. Dick Inwin Chevrolet Oldsmobile offers you absolutely THE BEST PRICE THE BEST! THE BEST LOCATION You have plenty of choices when buying a car. And we think you'll find, after stopping by our store, that no one offers you a better selection of Chevrolet & Oldsmobile vehicles. No one offers you a more informed and prafessional sales staff and service department. Why go off the North Shore when the best is at your doorstep. Come by and see that buying a new or used car can be a pleasant experience. You'll be glad you did. : Toe tarine Dr ver North Vancouver. tele pea gue ob yo a, Loo | | capreat care. wt a ue Ss Bae 5231. OUT OF TOWN CALL COLL