Several performances of the University Players production Blood Relations sold out over its opening weekend, reports marketing coordinator Anna Galka. The show, which dramatizes the gripping story of accused axe murderer Lizzie Borden, continues for two more weeks in the Hatch Studio Theatre, Jackman Dramatic Art Centre.

“It’s a good time of year for this play,” Galka says. “With Hallowe’en approaching, people are in the mood for something mysterious and chilling.”

The play’s director, drama professor Brian Taylor, calls its treatment of uncertainty in the case—Borden was acquitted of killing her parents, but no other suspects were ever identified—compelling.

“It’s an excellent thriller, and it’s one of our theatrical classics,” he says.

The production’s run continues October 29, 30, 31 and November 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Performances Wednesday through Saturday are at 8 p.m.; matinees Saturday and Sunday are at 2 p.m. Order tickets online at www.UniversityPlayers.com or by calling 519-253-3000, ext. 2808.

A new series of seminars kicking off later this month will share the impact that Seeds4Hope grants have had on improvement of cancer care in Windsor-Essex.

The annual grant awards program, established by the Windsor Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation, provides funding for local-based new and innovative cancer research.

The Seeds4Hope Community Seminar Series will highlight how the projects have brought local scientists and physicians together in finding better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat cancer.

“Seeds4Hope is making a difference in the local cancer research culture,” said Michael Dufresne, Seeds4Hope administrator. “Manuscripts and conference proceedings are being published, new sources of ongoing funding are being obtained, new local, national, and international collaborations are being formed, and emerging opportunities for new cancer care research foci through better cancer research infrastructure are being developed.”

The first seminar will commence on October 29 at 6 p.m. at Willistead Manor with presentations from the three 2009 grant recipients. UWindsor professors Dora Cavallo-Medved, Lisa Porter, and Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale will discuss their research projects focused on breast cancer, and brachytherapy treatment and its effects on post-treatment sexuality and quality of life for women.

Organizers encourage members of the audience to ask questions, and a meet-and-greet session will follow the presentations with appetizers and refreshments. Admission is free, however space is limited. Register early at: http://donate.windsorcancerfoundation.org/S4H_seminar.

—by Darko Milenkovic

The Lancer men’s cross country team claimed a silver medal at the Ontario University Athletics championship meet Saturday in Kingston.

All-star honours went to Windsor runners Corey Bellemore and Matt Travaglini, who finished eighth and 11th, respectively, as well as Stefanie Smith, 10th overall in the women’s competition.

The men qualified for the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championships, November 8 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Read “Men’s cross country captures silver medal at OUA championships.”

Lancer football to open playoffs at home Saturday

Despite losing to the Western Mustangs 43-21 to close the regular season Saturday, the Lancer football team will play its first playoff game at home since 2006, November 1.

In the loss, Windsor quarterback Austin Kennedy completed three touchdown passes, giving him 79 on his career to the OUA record set by Josh Sacobie of the University of Ottawa. The Gee Gees will be the Lancers’ opponent Saturday; game time is at 1 p.m. Admission is $15, $12 for youths and seniors. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.  at www.goLancers.ca and at the St. Denis Centre front desk.

Read “Kennedy ties OUA record, Lancers to host playoff game.”

In other varsity action:

The Lancer men’s hockey team extended its winning streak to seven games with a pair of come-from-behind wins over the Lakehead Thunderwolves, 5-4 Friday and 7-6 Saturday in overtime.

The women’s hockey squad defeated the Laurentian Voyageurs 3-2 in a shootout Saturday in Sudbury, and followed that up with a 3-1 victory over the Nipissing Lakers on Sunday.

The men’s volleyball team swept its weekend series in Kingston, beating the Queen’s Gaels 3-2 (25-22, 26-24, 18-25, 25-27, 15-10) in a five-set thriller on Friday, and notching a 3-1 win (25-18 25-17, 22-25, 25-14) Saturday over Royal Military College.

The women’s team dropped its contest to Queen’s 3-0 (20-25, 24-26, 17-25), but rebounded for a 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-17) victory over the Paladins.

Both Lancer basketball teams went unbeaten in pre-season tournaments. The women beat Laval 74-57, Alberta 71-67 and Western 57-39 in Quebec City, and the men defeated McGill 80-74, Regina 84-56 and Fraser Valley 95-51 in St. Catharines.

Lancer women’s hockey players Jenny MacKnight and Bree Polci will trade in their blue and gold for red and white in February to represent Canada at the FISU Winter Games in Spain.

The 27th biennial Games will run February 4 to 14, with the women’s hockey final set for February 13. The Windsor duo will join their Lancer head coach Jim Hunter, who will serve as an assistant coach for the Universiade squad.

MacKnight was named an all-Canadian last season after leading the Ontario University Athletics in scoring with 40 points: 15 goals and 25 assists. Polci also enjoyed an outstanding year in 2013-14, as her 31 points placed her seventh in Canada.

Read the full story at goLancers.ca.

Familiar face promoted to associate athletics director

Eric Vandenbroucke says he is “thrilled” with a promotion to associate director of Athletics and Recreational Services. Currently marketing manager, he takes up the new appointment November 3.

“It’s been a privilege to work in this athletic department for the past 13 years and I look forward to continuing to work alongside a terrific group of dedicated coaches, student-athletes and colleagues,” said the UWindsor alumnus (BComm 2000, MBA 2001).

Athletics director Mike Havey said he is pleased with Vandenbroucke’s appointment.

“Eric has been a key driving force in the elevation and promotion of the Lancers brand for over a decade,” he said. “His close working relationships with many of our coaches and teams has been a positive force in supporting the aspirations of our coaches for constant program improvement.”

Read the full story at goLancers.ca.