Sunderland student triumphs at BUCS Championships

Sunderland University student Holly Sterling has triumphed at the British University and Colleges (BUCS) Championships for the second successive year winning two karate titles.

Having won the Senior Kumite event last year, Holly went one better this time and also won the Senior Kata event, at the Karate Championships, in Sheffield last weekend.

The 21-year old Illustration and Design student saw off competitors from Newcastle University, 5-0 in the Kata final, and Lancaster University, 5-1 in the Kumite final.

Holly, says: “I am really pleased with my win because the rules and point scoring were different to what I am use to so I had to adapt to the changes.

“But because the rules are different no-one is expecting you to win, so there was less pressure to perform.

“It was really good fun as well because I got to compete against other university’s which I do not usually do.”

Holly’s coach, John Bruce, 25, said for Holly to win two competitions was a fantastic achievement.

“So many people have approached me and said, how is it possible for her to win both.”

Sunderland born Holly has been notching up karate titles for years and earlier this month she was crowned the Great British Squad’s Grand Slam Kumite and Kata Senior Ladies Champion.

Holly’s progression has been helped by the Sunderland University’s Elite Athlete Support Scheme, which gives selected athletes support and training to maximise their potential.

She says: “It has definitely helped me as an athlete. I would not have done the courses I did if it had not been for the training it offered.”

Sunderland University was also being represented at the Karate Championships by Sports Science student, Kelly Perry, 28, who was competing for the first time in the Kata event came second.

Kelly who was competing in a separate weight category to Holly, says, “she really enjoyed the experience and was happy with her performance.”

Tees-Wear Varsity 2009 Fixtures List

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Tees-Wear Varsity 2009 - it’s here!

Sunderland University students are gearing up to go head to head with another university in the biggest sports event of the year. Read more

Crunch time for Sunderland Spartans

It’s do-or-die time for the Sunderland Spartans as they travel north this Sunday to take on the Stirling Clansmen knowing a win will book their playoff place. Read more

Spartans’ Playoff Dreams get American Boost

Christian Addison powers through the Napier defence.

After last week’s lucky break against the resilient Northumbria Mustangs the Sunderland Spartans playoff train is still rolling, albeit with new passengers.

The 8-0 victory over the Mustangs saw the Spartans push hard all game but only receive one score through Defensive Lineman Craig Wright, who also received the MVP award for the victory. Gordon Horne grinded over the line for the extra two points.

The Spartans’ playoff ambitions can only be achieved by two victories, the first of which could come this Sunday when the team entertains the Glasgow Tigers. However, after injuries to Cornerback Matthew Gibbons and Free Safety Aaron Duckmanton, the Spartans’ typically small roster is looking more vulnerable than ever.

Help has been found, however, in the form of three American students who have recently arrived from across the pond with the intention to play for the Spartans. Luckily the Americans play in the Cornerback and Free Safety positions so should slot into the Spartans defence with ease. The three Americans known to the team as TJ, T-Mac and Hunter not only add their talents to the Roster but also the knowledge and experience of the game.

However, the visiting Tigers have been on a roll themselves gaining two victories in their last three, losing narrowly to the Conference 1 favourites the Newcastle Raiders. They play an offence that focuses strongly on the passing game of QB Gregor Beattie and as a result the Spartans Defensive coach Stevie Wooton has altered the formation, opting to play five secondary players rather than the usual four. David Richardson usually the offensives wide receiver has been drafted into the defence to help prevent the passing game, following on from his brief stint on defence against the Mustangs which saw him catch a pick and run it in to gain some yards.

The Spartans meet the Tigers on Sunday, 1:00pm at the Sandhill Sports Centre. A lot is on the line as the Spartans season hangs in the balance, the changed defence and new influx of American talent could see them silence the Roar of the visiting Tigers.

Sunderland Spartans playoff push rolls on

Sunderland University’s American Football team the Sunderland Spartans late charge for the playoffs continues this week as they welcome Northumbria University to Sandhill View. Read more

City Space creates excitement across Sunderland

It is exciting times for everyone involved with Sunderland University due to the autumn opening of the new City Space building, says athletics legend Steve Cram.
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Women’s football team on a roll

Sunderland University’s women’s football team are flying high as they continue their undefeated season.
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Horsing around at Sunderland Uni

The University of Sunderland has a brand new Equestrian Club.

The Equestrian Club has been set up this year thanks to an enthusiastic student and the support of the new sports officer.

When he arrived to Sunderland  from Nottingham Uni the first thing that Richard Hudak noticed was that there was no club or society to serve equestrian loving students. Having made enquires last year into interested students and the sports office, Richard then set about looking for a riding centre for the club to train if the club should form.

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Sunderland students go climbing

Sunderland students are grouping together in the hopes of forming a climbing society within the university. Not only are the students keen to start this group, but also the staff at the Sunderland wall in Pallion.

Interest has been gathering on the internet social networking site Facebook for at least a year, and there are hopes of attracting the much needed attention of avid climbers to go to the Students’ Union with the proposed society.

if the society were to happen then students would be entitled to discounts, outdoor expeditions and teaching from the wall’s highly trained staff. Students could benefit from the society as it has huge health benefits, in that it keeps you fit and is good for all round strength.

You can do as little or much as you want and it is a fun activity to get into. As well as having these health benefits, it’s also really cheap to do. You don’t to buy all the equipment as you can hire it out for a small fee.

One student urges people to get involved: “If you join the society not only will you get fit and become stronger, but you’ll meet other students that you might never have met before, it’s a really fun activity to do!”

The Sunderland Wall has been successful for the last five years, and is getting better and better with plans for improvements, and is the tallest wall in Europe. The staff have seen the wall getting busier and busier, particularly amongst students.

The climbing walls are changed all the time, the bouldering wall once a month and the rope lead wall every three or four months. The walls range from easy to hard and aren’t difficult to get into, so anyone can go.

Another student who is really keen to put together the society said: “You don’t need to be good at climbing to join. We’re looking for people of all levels, as training is provided. The staff at the wall are highly trained and willing to get involved.”

The society really needs the support of the students to get it off the ground, if people were to join then the society would be able to take part in competitions, and get special discounts. If you want to get involved then join the Facebook group and help them become a society and you might just enjoy it.

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