From the Annapolis Valley to Antigonish
By Corey LeBlanc
Janet and David Ross have plenty to cheer for at this time of year.
That's not surprising considering the couple are proud parents of a pair of STFX student-athletes who are in the middle of successful seasons with the White and Blue.
Maddy, a second-year scrum half, and her X-Women rugby team will start their push for the program's record-setting seventh U SPORTS championship on Wednesday when they kick off in a quarterfinal match against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in Kingston, Ontario.
A couple days later – on home turf at STFX Stadium on Saturday afternoon – Connor, a fourth-year fullback, and his X-Men football team will host the Acadia Axemen in an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) semifinal game.
"I am so proud of our team," Maddy offers, noting that it has been an "all over the place" type of season for the perennial national power.
After posting an uncharacteristic regular-season record of 3-3, the X-Women cranked it up in the conference playoffs, which culminated in a road victory over the rival Acadia Axewomen in the AUS championship match.
She notes that she has "full faith" that they will carry that momentum, and continue their strong play, on the national championship stage.
Noting the maturation of the X-Men, Connor says everyone – coaches and players – are determined to continue making this season a "memorable one," which, at this point, includes a first-place finish in the regular season with a perfect 6-0 record.
"We are focused on winning an AUS championship," the 22-year-old offers, noting that playing for a national championship is in the X-Men's sights.
'Fell in love'
The siblings played a variety of sports growing up in the Annapolis Valley.
"I signed up for everything," Maddy remembers.
For several years, the now 20-year-old focused on basketball, including stints playing for Basketball Nova Scotia. Her plan was to show skills on the hardwood at the university level.
That changed, in Grade 11, when she took the pitch for the first time.
And, although she dislocated a shoulder in her second match, Maddy was undeterred.
"It sealed the deal," she remembers of a trip to Ireland – one of the international hotbeds for rugby – helping cement her passion for the sport.
Connor explains that – "ever since his first breath" – he was bigger than many of his peers, so he gravitated towards competing against bigger and older kids, whether it was on the basketball court or baseball field.
"I really fell in love," he recalls of his decision to focus on the gridiron in Grade 12 as a member of his hometown Central Kings Gators.
Connor jokingly offered a reason for Maddy turning her attention to rugby.
"She watched me hit people on the football field for so long that she decided that she wanted to do it, too."
They both laugh at that idea.
'Everyone is welcome'
The siblings note that the similarities between the sports extend beyond the obvious physicality, particularly their team-first focus.
"It is about something bigger than yourself," Connor offers, explaining that – if one person makes a mistake on the football field – it affects the whole team.
He says the X-Men cheer for each other's success.
Maddy describes rugby as "the ultimate team sport," while noting football is much the same.
She explains that the teammate next to you means so much to having success.
They also talked about how – as Connor describes – both sports are for "all body types."
"Everyone is welcome," Maddy offers of rugby.
Both agree that, although it may sound cliché, their teams are truly families.
"We support each other," Connor says.
That approach, he explains, has been key to the X-Men's success so far this season, one where everyone "puts others first," as part of a team culture that is "so strong."
Attributes that can also be applied to the X-Women. "We are always there for each other," Maddy says.
Becoming a Xaverian
As they approached high school graduation, the siblings – like so many young people at that time of their lives – had a decision to make, when it comes to their post-secondary education.
They were in the backyard of Acadia University, which is only a little more than 20 kilometres from their childhood community of Coldbrook.
"We were there every other day," Connor remembers of time spent on the Wolfville campus, often playing sports of watching the Axemen and Axewomen teams in varsity competition.
The connection to Acadia involved more than geographical proximity; their mother works at the school.
Connor, the first Ross sibling to have to make a choice, remembers that he was looking for a "change of pace."
During the traditional student-athlete recruiting visit, he says he felt an "instant connection" with the Antigonish campus.
"It is truly a family – everyone is always there for you," Connor offers. He praises STFX – and its athletic department – for focusing on everyone as a student and a person, not as an athlete.
"I am not going there [STFX]," Maddy recalls thinking as she started the university selection process. She didn't want to follow in her brother's path, but that changed as soon as she arrived at STFX.
"It was monumental," Maddy says of her recruiting visit, one that left an indelible mark.
She fondly recalls everyone involved with X-Women rugby welcoming her with open arms. "They say they are a family, and they mean it," Maddy says.
'So, so supportive'
Even though they have a deep connection with Acadia, Connor says that his mother "didn't care one bit," when he shared his decision to attend STFX. Rather than seeing him every day, he recalls her noting that she and his father would have to settle for weekend visits.
"They just want us to be happy," he adds.
When asked about the support that they receive from their parents, Maddy says, "I am going to tear up."
"More than anything," she says of what that means to her and her brother.
The first thing that Maddy does when she scores a try is look for her parents in the stands. "It is super nice," she says of "seeing their faces" in the crowd.
Connor adds, "They are so, so supportive."
Maddy laughs as she points out their parents were "so thankful" that there were no conflicts in their game schedules this season.
They have put plenty of miles on their vehicle in the past few years, including drives not only to Antigonish, but also other campuses across the Maritimes.
Connor notes his parents have "gone the extra mile" – literally and figuratively – not only for them, but also their teammates.
"Care packages arrive with nothing for me," he says, with a laugh.
And, because his mother informs each recipient of their pending arrival, pilfering any goodies is impossible. "I can't even steal a cookie."
'So, so lucky'
On the academic side, both siblings are completing human kinetics degrees.
"Seventeen different paths," Connor quips, in describing career choices he has considered.
Most recently, he has narrowed his focus to occupational and recreational therapy, or maybe master's degree studies.
While quickly noting her brother's modesty – Maddy says professional football should also be on his radar.
For her, occupational therapy tops her career aspiration list. "It opened doors for me," Maddy says of her summer working with children dealing with challenges.
As for sharing the Xaverian experience with each other, she describes it as "amazing."
"It has been an absolute blessing to see her [Maddy] grow," Connor says – not only as an athlete, but also a student and woman.
He adds, "It has been a gift that I would never want to return."
Maddy explains that it is great to be able to share their problems, while also having "someone to humble you."
"It has been pretty cool," she says.
Maddy notes the myriad benefits includes things as simple as a wave from across campus or a text of encouragement.
"We are pretty proud of each other," she adds.
Maddy explains that the siblings are "so, so lucky" to be a STFX, a place that helps prepare you for the future. Everyone – from the custodial staff to the university president – cares for each student.
And, of course, the lifelong friendships formed – both on and off the field.
"You are a better person when you leave [STFX]," Connor says.
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