Athlete Profile - David Willsie, Co-Captain, Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Team

DAVID WILLSIE

Co-Captain, Canadian National
Wheelchair Rugby Team

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Born:	London, ON	Classification:	"2.0"
Residence:	Belmont, ON	Started playing in:	1997
Birth Date:	March 23, 1968	Team member since:	1998
Height:	1.75m / 5'9"	Clubs:	London Annihilators, Ontario Thunder
Weight:	66 kg / 145 lbs	Coaches:	H. deBoer, B. Labrecque
Languages:	English	Occupation:	Estimator, Lind Lumber
Three word self description:	Loves having fun!	Hobbies:	Public speaking, singing
Three word self description:	Loves having fun!	Nickname:	"Bush"

PROFILE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Dave is a rugby mastermind! He's as much a coach on the court as he is a player. With his great instinct and razor sharp intelligence, nothing escapes his attention. He is always prepared when he goes on court and it is reflected in the quality of his game. He knows the opposition by heart; both the strengths and weaknesses of every player on the floor. His knowledge and opinions are highly valued by the coaching staff in game preparation.
A fiery competitor, Dave's aggressiveness has earned him a reputation. He plays rugby with intensity and, occasionally, recklessness. He wants to win and he's proved himself a winner. He plays the #2 role with flair and an almost Zen-like understanding of the game. On offence he's a brilliant passer, he possesses superb court vision and uses his picks like no other, showing great patience. On defense, let's just say Dave is not so patient!
Dave loves to "give hugs" to the opposition in the form of muggings! He takes the ball, wallets or whatever is there for the taking and, yes, sometimes he gets called for a foul.
Known to talk a little trash on the court with a dry, insightful sense of humour, he's an opposition players' nightmare; they wake up in a cold sweat only to realize that the nightmare is real and that our Dave is on the court beside them, waiting, with a smile.
A co-captain of the National Team, along with Garett Hickling, these two are a formidable pair and an inspiration to their team mates. They have proven to be great leaders by their selection as captains, by their team mates, year after year. In a team sport, there is no greater compliment.
David was injured in 1995 during a recreational tournament hockey game. Always an athlete, David was an avid competitor prior to his injury, playing semi-pro baseball, winning city championships in cross country running, and playing with his school hockey team in the OFSSA. David loves the game of wheelchair rugby, as its intense competition is reminiscent of his hockey days.

COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHTS:

YEAR:	COMPETITION:	LOCATION:	RESULTS / AWARDS:
2005	Canadian National Championships	Saskatoon, SK	1st, Best 2.0
2005	Demolition Derby	Birmingham, AL, USA	1st
2004	Paralympic Games	Athens, GRE	2nd
2004	Demolition Derby	Birmingham, AL, USA	2nd
2004	Coloplast International	Tampa, FL, USA	3rd
2003	World Wheelchair Games	Christchurch, NZL	2nd
2003	New Zealand Nationals	Christchurch, NZL	3rd
2003	USQRA Division I Nationals	Phoenix, AZ, USA	2nd
2003	USQRA Atlantic Sectionals	Sarasota, FL, USA	1st, Best 2.0
2003	Demolition Derby	Birmingham, AL, USA	3rd
2003	Coloplast International	Tampa, FL, USA	3rd
2002	World Championships	Gothenburg, SWE	1st
2002	Canadian National Championships	London, ON	1st, MVP
2002	Vancouver Invitational	Vancouver, BC	2nd
2002	Demolition Derby	Birmingham, AL, USA	3rd, Best 2.0
2002	Mini-International Tournament	Montgomery, AL, USA	2nd
2002	World Rugby Challenge	Warm Springs, GA, USA	3rd
2001	Columbus Collision	Columbus, OH	1st, Best 2.0–2.5
2001	Canadian National Championships	Saskatoon, SK	2nd, Best 2.0
2001-02	Sarasota Smash	Sarasota, FL	MVP
2001	Vancouver Invitational	Vancouver, BC	5th, Best 2.0
2000	Paralympic Games	Sydney, AUS	4th
2000	Canadian National Championships	Montréal, QC	2nd, Overall MVP
2000	Vancouver Invitational	Vancouver, BC	2nd
2000	Québec Provincial Championships	Montréal, QC	1st
2000	Columbus Collision	Columbus, OH, USA	2nd, Overall MVP
2000	Sarasota Smash	Sarasota, FL, USA	3rd, Best 2.0
1999	Wright State Open	Dayton, OH, USA	1st, Best 2.0, MVP
1999	Québec Provincial Championships	Montréal, QC	1st
1999	Canadian National Championships	Saskatoon, SK	3rd
1998	World Championships	Toronto, ON	3rd

Article on Dave Willsie - July 2000 - London Free Press

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