Author: xsun2368

My name is Michael (Xiao Wen) Sun. I was born on December 6th, 1996 in Luoyang, China. I moved to Toronto, Ontario in 2001 and then to Hamilton in 2007. My family has lived there ever since. I have a younger brother who I enjoy hanging out with. My hobbies include running, writing and playing sports. I was a sea cadet from 2009 to 2014. I have played house league hockey for three years. I went to Westdale Secondary School (near McMaster University) and I am a current Bachelor of Journalism Student at Carleton University.
Volleyball

“Earned not given”: Haben Yohannes and the value of the little details 

Hamilton, ON- Haben Yohannes knows the legacy of the McMaster men’s volleyball program. He’s played under legendary former head coach Dave Preston. He’s played with former teammates Sam Cooper, Mateusz Wlodarski and Wojciech Kraj.  He understood and felt what being part of that program meant after the Marauders loss to the Windsor Lancers on Nov. 18. “A bad taste in your month,” he described it as. … Continue reading “Earned not given”: Haben Yohannes and the value of the little details 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Volleyball

Jenna Woock back competing with Marauders community 

Hamilton, ON- Jenna Woock hadn’t been injured before – at least not to this extent. So, when the McMaster Marauders fifth-year middle injured her foot this preseason, she learned about what it would require. She learned what she missed.  It was a new experience for the Richmond Hill native who – through all her years in high school, the University of Toronto and professionally in Hungary … Continue reading Jenna Woock back competing with Marauders community 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Women's Basketball

Emily Frankovic searches for balance and poise in learning experience 

Hamilton, ON- Emily Frankovic could always score. She did so with Villanova College and with her CYBL and Kia Nurse Elite teams. She’s done so in her first season with the McMaster Marauders.  Frankovic did so against the Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) Bold on Nov. 22 by driving to the rim and finishing with 11 points in a 71-68 defeat. The wing from Thornhill is averaging 11.8 … Continue reading Emily Frankovic searches for balance and poise in learning experience 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Men's Basketball

“We got to rebound”: Can McMaster find their energy and fight? 

Hamilton, ON- McMaster Marauders head coach Patrick Tatham felt it early on in their home game against the Toronto Metropolitan Bold on Nov. 22.  Things had been going well for the Marauders men’s basketball team. They had won three games in a row – including most recently against the ranked Western Mustangs. They were feeling pretty good about themselves. Then the TMU game tipped off… The … Continue reading “We got to rebound”: Can McMaster find their energy and fight? 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Women's Basketball

Jayme Foreman finds calmness and joy in return home 

Hamilton, ON- The Hamilton guard stepped to the free throw line in front of her hometown crowd with the game in her hands.  Can you hear the noise from those in the Burridge Gym crowd – those cheering for Jayme Foreman to miss? Can you hear the silence from those hoping for her to make them? Foreman’s team, the Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) Bold, were tied at … Continue reading Jayme Foreman finds calmness and joy in return home 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Men's Basketball

“We’re brothers”: How the Marauders came together in winning run

Hamilton, ON- As their game against the Windsor Lancers come down to the final minutes and then seconds, Moody Qasim sensed it. He sensed the unity and energy among him and his McMaster Marauder teammates. “Deep down, we dived in, took over the game down the stretch,” Qasim said. “Ultimately, that gave us the win.”  The Marauders men’s basketball team pulled out a close win over … Continue reading “We’re brothers”: How the Marauders came together in winning run

xsun2368Leave a comment
Women's Basketball

“Next Play”: Jenna Button’s freedom from thought in career-high night 

Hamilton, ON- Shot after shot, the points tally continued to build for Jenna Button on the scoreboard. Yet, she didn’t think about it.  The McMaster Marauders guard scored eight points in the first quarter, seven in the second, eight in the third and six in the fourth.  Yet, even as her points continued to climb up and climb, Button didn’t realize how many she had until … Continue reading “Next Play”: Jenna Button’s freedom from thought in career-high night 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Women's Basketball

“A Silent Killer”: Deanna Mataseje blends quiet personality with loud impact 

Hamilton, ON- Don’t be fooled by her quiet demeanor. Don’t be fooled by the fact teammate Ashley Guerriero calls her “the sweetest person you would ever meet.” When McMaster Marauders guard Deanna Mataseje steps onto the hardwood, something else happens. Something different than what it might appear. “I don’t think she could ever hurt a fly really,” Guerriero said. “But on that basketball court…she’s another person.” … Continue reading “A Silent Killer”: Deanna Mataseje blends quiet personality with loud impact 

xsun2368Leave a comment
Volleyball

“It felt really good”: Palanca and Heidbuurt earns opportunities with Marauders’ depth

Hamilton, ON- Aidan Palanca couldn’t help but smile. The second-year libero had worked hard all week in practice and here was his chance. He soaked it all in until the very end.  Palanca hasn’t played in many games but played more than ever in the McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team’s three set victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 10.  He alternated with libero Ben Kerkhoff, … Continue reading “It felt really good”: Palanca and Heidbuurt earns opportunities with Marauders’ depth

xsun2368Leave a comment
Men's Basketball

“Staying Solid”: Charles and Saliu show their fighting spirit up front 

Hamilton, ON- When the McMaster Marauders men’s basketball team’s home opener came down to the wire against the Toronto Varsity Blues, forward Riaz Saliu knew what to do: fight. “We’re about fighting. We’re a fighting team. We’re always going to battle you,” Saliu said. “We’re always going to be in the game if we keep giving our energy.”  Saliu and the Marauders fought until the end. … Continue reading “Staying Solid”: Charles and Saliu show their fighting spirit up front 

xsun2368Leave a comment