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iControversy ingers over whether n'1vQr~ qitMilton football team The Milton Marauders' season is over, but controversy surrounding the expansion football franchise continues. At issue is a recent Champion sports col- umn by Murray Townsend that centered around five players quitting the team at the tail-end of the year. Townsend's dlaim that the players quit fails short of telling the whole story, or even an accurate one, say two of the play- ers involved. Fullback Alex Pyle- who missed the entire season with a recurring knee prob- lem - took particular exception to the col- uînn, stating that three of the five players had legitimate injuries and didn't walk out on the teain. Meanwhile, co-owner and player Andrew Todd feels differently and claimed that Pyle, brother Martin Pyle and quarter- back Gary Baetsen 'quit on the field." About the only thing for certain - seem- ingly at least is that the rift was sparked during the game in Sault Ste. Marie, during which coach Alan Colîver went with third- string quarterback Matt MePhail after a comeback was pretty much out of the question. Baetsen, who had an injured hand but had played one week carlier, was clearly upset by the move and left the gaine. He described the coach's decision as the straw that broke the camels back referring to what he called " 12 weeks of nonsense." He added, "It (running of team) was a complete and utter disgrace." But Coulver said Baetsen got plenty of time at pivot earlier in the year and that -you can't keep everyone happy." As for criticism about his coaching, the Marauders skipper said he expected a tough first season- and the 0-9 record that went with it - but that things might have been better with more players and coaching assistance. Baetsen's departure in the Soo according to Todd - prompted the Pyle brothers to cut their season short as well. Said Todd, "These guys were hurt this year, but 1 ind it strange that his (Alex's> buddy leaves and ail of a sudden he's nowhere to, be found. If thats not quitting. 1 don't know what is. " However, Alex said a second knee sur- gery just a tew days after the Sault Ste. Marie gaine was what kept him away for the remander of the season. He said broth- er Martin aggravated a similar knee injury against Sault Ste. Marie and was unable to finish the year. Alex alto explained that his injury occurred when he stepped in a cow hole during an early season practice at the Milton Fair Grounds. The site should neyer have been used as a practice facility, he said in frustration. "Because of a lack of Town support, we kept getting bumped off every field," he explained. As for the other two players who 'quit', Todd saîi Adam McPhail had a back injury while Damien Hannaford had been playing for two teams and opted to concentrate solely on his playofi chances with the Halton Invictas for the last two weeks of the year. Todd said he bears non ii will toward Baetsen or the Py le brothers, but staed that they had been causing problems "ail sea- son long" and that "if that was going to be their attitude, it's better that they left." He did however say he hasn't ruled out the possibility of the trio retumning for nexi season- an opinion echoed by Alex. I definitely could be back, but some things would have to change," said Alex. I did have tome problems with the way the team was mun, jets just leave it t that." Under-iS Magic score straight victories Miltons Under- 15 girls soccer squad squared ils regular-season record at 4-4-2 with recent victories over Sait Fleet (3-1) and Oakville (3-2). Taînny Memrtt tallieri twîce againsi Sali Fleet - bringing ber season scorîng account up to seven - while also denting the twine was Lindsey Furik. Versus Oakville, the Magic domînateri second-hall play and cementeri the win with a late goal by Tanya Miaduri. Her game-winnîng dep(isit was one nI about a dozen shots fired at the opposing cage. Netminder Cassandra Berghammcr marie a nifty diving save just before haîf- lime to keep the score deadlocked ai 2-2. Mlton's frsi-haIt goals came trom Alayna Bymcs-Frizzcll andi Elaine Robinson. fKrainstz 9tcadem Whare From Your ChiId's School To Our School We Provide: *Martial Arts Training e Development of Leadership Skills *Tutoring for Homework e Healthy Snacks 0 Crafts & Gainu HoI ofI h aio Ioda I * rda Skls W-l Having Fu For Information and Registration (905) 632-8475 (905) 878-1 074 The Canadian Champion, Friday, August 9, 2002-19 Ple16-ase fax your sports reports to Steve LeBlanc at (905) 878-4943.. LOCATION Milton Jiu-jitsu 310 main Street li