Legacy on the Court: One Student's Journey to Igniting Spirit and Pride
Drew Schnekenburger ‘24 first started visualizing success for the Senior Boys’ Basketball team last summer. Excited to finish his final year of high school on a high note, especially after missing out on full season experiences during the first two years of COVID, he also wants to leave his mark on CDS athletics as a three-term athlete.
He and teammate Ty Bigourdan began designing a warm-up suit for their basketball team at the start of the school year. Around the same time, they heard about the new Maker Space opening where they would have access to a heat press machine to directly print the CDS logo, team name and player numbers onto their team jacket and pants.
According to their Coach Peter Milonas, the boys were persistent in taking the proper channels in seeking approval, including the submission of a printed portfolio outlining the team’s warm-up suit design, timeline and costs involved. At their soccer tournament last fall, they saw other teams adorned in kits, which only intensified their desire to have something in place for the CAIS Basketball tournament in Montreal in November.
First, Drew and his 14 teammates had to get 100% buy-in on the product. “Either everyone was in or we weren’t going through with it,” he recalls. They worked together during their spares and lunches with Ms. Weening in the Maker Space using a vinyl cutter to cut out the designs, then weeded them (the process of removing vinyl between letters and fine details in the crest), before pressing them onto the team suits using a heat press.
“Once they put on their suits – they are thinking about the task at hand,” explained Coach Milonas. “It gives them a distinct advantage and they feel a sense of ownership.” “It is also nice to see the bonding going on with all of us in the same warm-up suit,” added Drew.
Whether it is the suits, the camaraderie or the skill level of this year’s team – the Cyclones are having a good season so far, having recently defeated St. Andrew’s 53-43 at CDS.
As team captain, Drew set about generating a big crowd for the rivalry game, seeking permission from the school administration for the Grade 11s and 12s to be excused from class 45 minutes early to watch, and speaking with the Facilities department to ensure additional bleachers were brought in to accommodate fans.
The team was thrilled with the outcome and momentum that continues to build throughout the season. They now have their sights set on a Homecoming Game on Wednesday, February 7th against Trinity College School. There is also a Senior Girls’ Volleyball game scheduled that same afternoon so students can support both the girls and boys teams. The athletic leaders are ordering thunder sticks and towels with proceeds supporting Jump Start and the Social Justice Club is organizing a bake sale in support of a charity.
"I strive to be one of the best athletes at CDS, whether that be on or off the court,” said Drew. “I want to be able to leave my mark on the school and be remembered as not just a student-athlete, but a student who made change in the athletics community of CDS."
Drew looks forward to playing another sport in his final term this spring and feels confident he has contributed to the legacy of spirit and pride in CDS sports.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
