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Jason Dunkerley turns rain into sunshine with powerful autobiography Visions of Hope

OTTAWA – Jason Dunkerley was primarily a middle distance runner in his long national team career, which included five medals over five Paralympic Games, but his new book Visions of Hope: Running Towards my Own Truth was a marathon project. As he was on the track, the visually impaired runner was determined to reach the […]

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Jason Dunkerley turns rain into sunshine with powerful autobiography Visions of Hope

OTTAWA – Jason Dunkerley was primarily a middle distance runner in his long national team career, which included five medals over five Paralympic Games, but his new book Visions of Hope: Running Towards my Own Truth was a marathon project.

As he was on the track, the visually impaired runner was determined to reach the finish line, in this case the last line.

It was another objective reached for Dunkerley, who never let his lack of sight diminish his drive to live life to the fullest or prevent him from developing his multifaceted talent and inspiring others to achieve personal fulfillment through music and sport.

And it was well worth the wait. Dunkerley has produced a riveting account of his extraordinary life on and off the playing field.

Visions of Hope: Running Towards my Own Truth is currently available at Amazon, Indigo and Yorkland Publishing

‘’I’ve been thinking about writing a book for years really,” Dunkerley told CPC last week from Ottawa, where he resides. “I had a story that I wanted to share. Some people connected to me through running, some through music, others through work, and of course personally. I wanted to bring that together.”

In the 232-page autobiography published by Yorkland Publishing, Dunkerley delves behind the scenes in the world of high performance sport: the rigours of intensive training, the rapport between athletes, and in Dunkerley’s case his relationship with his guides. He transforms injuries, competitive heartbreaks and uncertainty into triumphs – and we are not necessarily talking medals here.

But the heartbeat of the story is Dunkerley’s life outside the playing field. Topics include immigration, marriage breakup, suicide, and ultimately a life-saving decision, and throughout Dunkerley wields his wisdom and philosophies. It ultimately leads to a universal message.

‘’It was important for me first, that my story shows younger people who are visually impaired, and their parents especially, that they could realize that blindness doesn’t put you on the sidelines, especially in regard to physical activity and education,” said Dunkerley, whose brother Jon is also a visually impaired Paralympian.

‘’With the right support and encouragement, it is possible to follow your passion like I did with running and music.”

The book is dedicated to Dunkerley’s mother Rae, who passed away in 2019: “who gave me life, love, self-belief. Your light guides me forward.”

‘’She was such a profound influence,” he said. ‘’I try to tell my story but also relate her story as well.”

Dunkerley said it took about four and half years to complete the project and just like the last few hundred metres of a 5000-metre race it took every ounce of energy to pound that final period on the keyboard.

Jason Dunkerley and (Guide) Joshua Karanja win a Bronze Medal in the Men’s 1500m T11 Final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Olympic Stadium. (Photo: Phillip MacCallum/Canadian Paralympic Committee)

As a visually impaired runner, Dunkerley competed with a guide. In the book writing process, Dr. Joannie Halas in some sort filled that role.

‘’There were some stops and starts for sure,’’ he said. ‘’Joannie was a friend from university, and she would encourage me to keep at it and she really helped me with the manuscript and always asking me when she can expect the next chapter.’’

‘’She was the voice in my head encouraging me not to give up. There were certainly moments where I was wondering whether I really did have this in me, and whether it is a story worth telling – with all those insecurities that pop up when you’re trying to be vulnerable, I’m just very grateful to her.’’

Anyone who attempts to be published in this day and age knows all too well the challenges in the business. More and more publishers pay greater attention to your level of influence on social media rather than the quality of the story.

But it was obvious Visions of Hope: Running Towards my Own Truth went beyond the regular sports story.

‘’Visions of Hope is an insightful at times poetic account of the life of a Canadian Paralympian,’’ wrote legendary Canadian Olympic runner Bruce Kidd in the foreword. ‘’Right off the top you’re caught up in the stresses and adventures of the sport and the efforts he had to make to manage the relationships and environments around him.

‘’It’s a moving and courageous story.”

Dunkerley is also a talented musician and songwriter and he sprinkles some of his poetry throughout the book.

‘’Those poems really convey a lot of deep feelings and reactions about my life,” said Dunkerley. ‘’I’m proud of them and I was happy to include them in the book. Poetry is a different way of expressing ourselves.”

Jason Dunkerley will officially launch his biography on Thursday May 1 at at Ottawa’s Red Bird (1165 Bank St.) at 8 p.m. At the launch he will also perform songs from his latest CD Out of the Blue.

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Warrior Men’s Track and Field Solidifies Roster Additions Ahead of 2025-26 Season

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Cal Volleyball Announces 2025 Promotions

The Bears’ promotional schedule includes five giveaways and two post-match autograph sessions. VB8/11/2025 1:56 PM | By: Cal Athletics Bears To Retire Carli Lloyd’s Number, Celebrate 2010 NCAA Runner-Up Squad On October 3 California volleyball has announced its promotional schedule for the upcoming fall season, with the Golden Bears […]

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Cal Volleyball Announces 2025 Promotions

The Bears’ promotional schedule includes five giveaways and two post-match autograph sessions.


Bears To Retire Carli Lloyd’s Number, Celebrate 2010 NCAA Runner-Up Squad On October 3

California volleyball has announced its promotional schedule for the upcoming fall season, with the Golden Bears set to host a celebration or giveaway in 13 of their 14 home matches. Single-game, group and season tickets are available here.

 

To celebrate the team’s alumni weekend (Oct. 3-5), Cal will have a jam-packed slate of events for fans to enjoy at Haas Pavilion. Prior to the Oct. 3 match against Louisville – which also serves as the Bears’ ACC opener – Cal will retire the number of legendary Golden Bear setter Carli Lloyd, the 2010 AVCA National Player of the Year and three-time All-American who led the program to its only two NCAA Final Four appearances in history and helped Team USA win the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Fans who arrive early will receive a commemorative Carli Lloyd t-shirt.

 

On Oct. 5, Cal will host its “Sunday Funday” event for its match against Notre Dame, which features several family-friendly activities as well as a post-match autograph session. The Bears will also sign autographs following the match against North Carolina on Nov. 9, when they will celebrate their “Championing Courage” day for those who have battled against hardship on and off the court.

 

The annual Dig Pink event will take place on Oct. 16 against Miami, which will feature a pink sport headband giveaway. The Bears are set to honor another standout alumnae during the Oct. 18 match against Florida State, when they will celebrate the achievements of 2025 Cal Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Hana Cutura, a three-time AVCA All-American and 2009 Pac-10 Player of the Year who owns the program record in career kills.

 

Fans will receive a special Big Spike-themed bandana at Cal’s Nov. 23 match against Stanford, which will also be the team’s Senior Day with a postgame ceremony to honor the players finishing their final year at Cal. For the Bears’ season finale (Nov. 30 against Boston College), fans are encouraged to bring canned food donations to Haas Pavilion for Cal’s annual “Fansgiving” food drive.

 

Other themed matches for the 2025 season include “Global Bears” night (Nov. 7 vs. Duke), Club HAAS (Nov. 14 vs. SMU) and Bears Bash (Nov. 16 vs. Pitt), the last of which will include free rally towels for fans.

 

 

2025 CAL VOLLEYBALL PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE – All Times PT

 

Aug. 28 (vs. San Diego State, 6 p.m.) – “Familia California” Hat Giveaway

Kick off the season in style! Cal students, arrive early and receive a “Familia California” hat to rep your Bears pride. Don’t miss our official home opener!

 

Aug. 31 (vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m.) – Camper Reunion/Post-Match Serving Clinic

Welcome back, all Cal and USF volleyball summer campers! Join us for a special reunion and stick around after the match for a post-match serving clinic with the team.

 

Sept. 10 (vs. Vanderbilt, 7 p.m.) – Faculty and Staff Night

Help us celebrate faculty and campus staff who serve our community and campus. A night dedicated to giving back and showing gratitude.

 

Oct. 3 (vs. Louisville, 7 p.m.) – Carli Lloyd Jersey Retirement and T-Shirt Giveaway; 2010 NCAA Runner-Up 15th Anniversary Celebration (Alumni Weekend)

Celebrate a historic night in Berkeley! We’re retiring Carli Lloyd’s jersey, honoring the 2010 NCAA Finalist team on its 15th anniversary, and welcoming back alumni. Early-arriving fans will receive a commemorative Carli Lloyd t-shirt—don’t miss this ACC opener!

 

Oct. 5 (vs. Notre Dame, 1 p.m.) – Sunday Funday; Post-Match Autographs (Alumni Weekend)

Bring the whole crew for a Sunday Funday! Enjoy family-friendly activities and stick around after the match for autographs with the team.

 

Oct. 16 (vs. Miami, 7 p.m.) – Dig Pink; Sport Headband Giveaway

Support breast cancer awareness by rocking pink in the stands! Early-arriving fans will receive a pink sport headband as we honor a meaningful cause on and off the court.

 

Oct. 18 (vs. Florida State, 4 p.m.) – A Bear Forever (Hana Cutura Celebration)

Celebrate the legendary Hana Cutura, a true Bear Forever. Join us in recognizing her contributions to Cal Volleyball history.

 

Nov. 7 (vs. Duke, 7 p.m.) – Global Bears

We’re celebrating the international spirit of our student-athletes! Join us for a night that highlights the global connections and unity Cal Volleyball brings to the court.

 

Nov. 9 (vs. North Carolina, 1 p.m.) – Championing Courage; Post-Match Autographs

Join us as we honor those who embody courage on and off the court. After the match, meet your favorite players during a post-match autograph session.

 

Nov. 14 (vs. SMU, 7 p.m.) – Club HAAS

The lights go down and the volume goes up—Club HAAS is back! Don’t miss the most electric match atmosphere of the season.

 

Nov. 16 (vs. Pitt, Noon) – Bears Bash; Rally Towel Giveaway

It’s time to turn Haas into a party! Join us for Bears Bash and grab your rally towel to wave loud and proud.

 

Nov. 23 (vs. Stanford) – Senior Day; Bandana Giveaway (Big Spike)

Rivalry. Recognition. Rallies. Celebrate Senior Day and gear up with a limited-edition Big Spike bandana as the Bears take on Stanford in a high-stakes match. Stay after the match for a special Senior Day ceremony.

 

Nov. 26 (vs. Boston College) – Fansgiving Food Drive

Give back before you give thanks! Bring a canned good or donation and help us support our local community this Fansgiving.

 

STAY POSTED

For complete coverage of Cal volleyball, please follow the Bears on X (@CalVolleyball), Instagram (@calvolleyball), Facebook (Cal Volleyball), and TikTok (@calbearsvb).





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JU Beach Volleyball Hires Veteran Coach Savannah Siegrist to Assistant Position

Jacksonville University’s Beach Volleyball Team has appointed Savannah Siegrist as the new assistant coach. Siegrist previously served as an assistant at JU during the 2024 season and has head coaching experience from her time at Webber International University. She began her volleyball career at JU, achieving notable wins against ranked teams before transferring to the […]

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Jacksonville University’s Beach Volleyball Team has appointed Savannah Siegrist as the new assistant coach. Siegrist previously served as an assistant at JU during the 2024 season and has head coaching experience from her time at Webber International University. She began her volleyball career at JU, achieving notable wins against ranked teams before transferring to the University of Oregon. Now, under head coach Dylan Hough, the team looks to leverage her extensive coaching background for the upcoming 2025 season. With the addition of Siegrist and the hiring of Dolphin legend Emily Kubicsko, the JU Beach Volleyball program is positioned for continued success.

By the Numbers

  • Siegrist recorded 29 career wins during her three seasons at the University of Oregon.
  • JU Beach Volleyball achieved 13 victories in 2023 and 12 in 2024, their most successful seasons ever.

State of Play

  • Savannah Siegrist returns to JU Beach Volleyball after a brief head coaching role.
  • The team aims to build on recent successes with a strong coaching staff and returning athletes.

What’s Next

As the season approaches, the Dolphins will focus on integrating Siegrist’s coaching strategies while continuing to develop their talented roster. Expectations are high for further victories and a competitive edge in upcoming matches.

Bottom Line

The return of Savannah Siegrist to the JU Beach Volleyball staff signifies a strategic move to heighten the program’s performance, reinforcing their recent achievements and fostering a culture of growth and success.





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Dallas high school track star dies unexpectedly – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Instead of celebrating the start to his senior year, loved ones of 17-year-old Roy Hughes Jr. are mourning his death after the high school track athlete was found unresponsive in his room on Friday morning. The track and field state champion was a student at Lincoln High School in the Dallas Independent School District. In […]

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Instead of celebrating the start to his senior year, loved ones of 17-year-old Roy Hughes Jr. are mourning his death after the high school track athlete was found unresponsive in his room on Friday morning.

The track and field state champion was a student at Lincoln High School in the Dallas Independent School District.

In a post on ‘X’, the school said, “We mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Legendary Roy Lee Hughes-a true MODEL who Defied the Odds and Defined Excellence. A respectful young man with a heart of gold, he became a state champion through discipline humility & an unshakable commitment to his team & school.”

Sunday afternoon, family, friends and coaches took a lap around the track he constantly practiced on to honor his memory. They later held a balloon release at a nearby park.

“I feel like he was there with us,” said Hughes’s older brother, Timad Cotton. “My brother was just a joy to the room.”

Hughes was the 2025 UIL 4A Track and Field State Champion during his junior year in the boys’ 300-meter hurdles.

“My little brother, he chased his dreams and he did what he wanted to do. All the stuff he accomplished, he went and did on his own, nobody forced him to do it,” said another older brother.

Hughes was one of six children, four boys and two girls, according to the siblings. The family said their brother was a star on and off the field and an all-around student athlete.

That’s what I love the most about him, he kept his grades,” said Cotton, who described his brother as hardworking, smart and determined.

According to the family, Hughes had a doctor’s visit last week. It’s unclear what for, but continued on the rest of the week as normal.

“My sister was there that night. He had just came in for practice. He came in, he ate, he went to his room, just shut the door,” explained Timmy Williams, another older brother.

He said that was on Thursday night and on Friday morning his mother found Hughes unresponsive.

“The doctor’s called, so that’s what made my mama go to the room. She would knock on the door, he won’t answer, so she had to open the door, she kicked the door,” explained Williams.

Dallas Police said around 11:55 a.m. on Aug 9, officers were called to the 1800 block of West Mockingbird Lane. Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived and pronounced Hughes dead. The cause of his death remains under investigation as the family waits for an autopsy report.

It’s unclear if he had prior medical issues.

“Now that he’s not here, I’m hurt. I’m hurt. I’m hurt because the last words I told him was, ‘I love you,’ ‘and he said, ‘ I love you back,’ and I told him I was going to see him next week. Just don’t take life for granted, you know? Cherish every morning with your family. Tell everybody you love them and every day hug your mama, every day. Don’t never let nobody tell you what you can’t do. Everything can be done and everything is possible,” expressed Cotton.

“Because that goes to show you, a kid that didn’t smoke and didn’t drink, don’t do nothing, fight or nothing, anything can happen any possible time,” said Williams. So just cherish everybody and love your family. Love your family always,” expressed Williams.

“As a big brother to a little brother, I’m very proud of him,” said Cotton as he and his other brothers wore Hughes’ track and field medals around their necks.





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Todorov takes over Lady ‘Hounds’ volleyball program

Tsvetan Todorov Former Missouri Valley College men’s head coach hopes to build winner at Sweet Springs by Hobby King/SPORTS EDITOR Just more than 10 years ago, Tsvetan… Previous Post Monroe and Beth Perkins to celebrate 70 years of marriage Link 0

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Men’s Soccer coach Jamie Davies eyes success in 2025 season

Before last week, UNF men’s soccer coach Jamie Davies thought two key players would be graduating from the team. However, those two impact players — Rentaro Miyakawa and David Perez — were granted an extra year of eligibility. To illustrate these players’ impacts, Miyakawa led the ASUN in assists last year and Perez scored the […]

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Before last week, UNF men’s soccer coach Jamie Davies thought two key players would be graduating from the team.

However, those two impact players — Rentaro Miyakawa and David Perez — were granted an extra year of eligibility. To illustrate these players’ impacts, Miyakawa led the ASUN in assists last year and Perez scored the second-most ASUN conference goals. 

“Having those two guys that have experience, that know how we play, can teach that to the new guys coming in,” Davies said. “They’ve seen all the teams that we’ve played in conference…I think it’s huge.”

With these surprise returns, Davies said UNF lost only two starters from last season’s ASUN championship squad: potent goal scorer Joaquin Acuna and defender Nick Kishchenko. 

Campus Energy

On the coaching side, Davies is entering year two as head coach and he’s already feeling the campus buzz about men’s soccer. Nonetheless, Davies is hoping for consistent student attendance all season. 

To attract more fans early on, Davies said he spoke at multiple freshman orientations this summer.  

“We’re really trying to engage a lot of those groups,” Davies said. “We’re trying to keep the same kind of crowd structure that we had behind the goals because we think that was a massive advantage.”

Roster Experience

Twenty-one of North Florida’s 33 roster members are juniors and above. UNF only chooses 11 starters, which can make lineup decisions more difficult because of all the experience. For most coaches, however, this is a good problem to have. 

Players Davies could see make that big jump and enter the starting lineup include junior Alife Mattocks, senior Pedro Amancio and redshirt senior Luc Granitur.

“[Granitur] really wanted more for himself, so he had a great summer,” Davies said. “He’s physically really fit right now. He looks really sharp. He’s kind of fitting into the way we play.”

Impact Newcomers

Overall, Davies said everyone’s healthy and ready to give it their all. As for newcomers, Davies opened up with French-exchange defender Paul Schacherer. 

“He’s a man,” Davies said. “So when it comes to that physical battle, he’ll have an immediate impact.”

Additionally, Davies touted two new strikers who created a three-way battle for the position. More specifically, Davies described these players as being “very different.” According to Davies, redshirt senior Jaxon Reinhardt, sophomore Geraldo Neto and Winthrop transfer Ricardo Ferreira are expected to battle for the number nine striker position. 

Over the spring, Davies added sophomore Kaiss Mansouri and junior Goffin Oyirwoth to the team. Davies said both attacking players are good at driving towards people. In terms of freshmen, Davies mentioned local product Omar Trto and Orlando native Kadin Sadiq.

“I think we’ve got some young guys that have a really bright future in this group and hopefully they can kind of learn from the older guys around them,” Davies said.

A Daunting Roadtrip

Last season, Davies said the Ospreys had a rollercoaster start to the season. Ultimately, Davies said the team was playing well but wasn’t winning enough games. 

“We’re hoping we can start a little bit faster,” Davies said.

The Ospreys open with a two-state road trip, visiting Wisconsin and California before returning to the southeast for the remainder of the season. Davies said if there’s anyone who could handle this roadtrip, it’s his experienced group.

“We wouldn’t have scheduled them if we didn’t have this type of group,” Davies said. “I think we’re ready for those games.”

Beyond his team’s experience, Davies said his squad takes on a “‘us against the world’” mentality. During road trips, Davies believes the team spends more time together, forging a team bond that doesn’t happen overnight. 

“Sometimes, when you’re at home, everyone’s locked away in their dorms,” Davies said. “Sometimes, on the road, you actually spend more time together.”

Most of all, Davies scheduled the best because he wants his team to play the best.

“We’re not scared of anyone,” Davies said. 

UNF will start its four-game road trip by traveling to Madison, Wisconsin. On Aug. 21 at 8:30 p.m., the Ospreys will kick off their season against the University of Wisconsin. 

___

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact editor@unfspinnaker.com.



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