MEDIA RELEASE
Saying so long to a Local Sports Veteran
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2009
Thunder Bay, Ontario - The Thunder Bay Chill would like to announce the retirement of team captain Tony Valente and thank him for what has been a long but empirical road to success. Valente has appeared in over 100 Chill games in his 9 year history with over 9,000 playing minutes for a franchise record.
As the Thunder Bay Chill are excited to start another season
where they will defend their PDL North American Championship
nine year veteran and team captain Tony Valente will not be
taking the field. The Chill will host their first exhibition game
on May 23rd, without Valente; however, he will be on the sidelines
as one of the assistant coaches.
"I have fond memories from my time as a Chill soccer player.
The Chill provided a platform for me to grow as a player throughout
my twenties and the opportunity to represent my community against
some of the most talented developing soccer players across North
America. Through the efforts of Chill recruiting I have played
high-level soccer with teammates originating from many parts of the world, while pursuing education and other future career possibilities in my home town. Having won a championship, I feel I can focus my attention on new challenges. I hope that future Thunder Bay born players will benefit from the success we have achieved and the respect that we have earned. I would also like to thank coach Colistro for the time he has invested in me and the team."
Valente will assume the role of conditioning specialist for the Club. This is most fitting for Valente as his own personal fitness was a huge element of his game. Not only does Tony bring his PDL playing experience, but in addition his experience as a nationally ranked track star and an Academic All-Canadian at Lakehead University is just another component of the athlete Valente is. Tony also portrays a strong academic background holding an Honours Degree in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Kinesiology. Valente also possesses a Bachelor of Education Degree and currently teaches in the Thunder Bay high school system.
“Tony was the ultimate role model for this team. His dedication, perseverance, and loyalty to this team are outstanding. The respect he demonstrates for his teammates, coaching staff, and fans of the Chill should be applauded. We are very fortunate to have him play and captain this team. All the credit should be given to Tony for his hard work and his parents who raised him as an outstanding citizen. I am extremely happy that Tony will stay with the organization he helped build as our conditioning specialist”, comments head coach Tony Colistro.
After nine seasons with the Thunder Bay Chill, Valente can hang up his cleats with much more then many miles ran, Valente can be proud to be apart of franchise history. Last year’s season was a great success winning the 2008 Heartland & Central Conference Championship and the PDL North American Championship.
Over the past 9 years, Thunder Bay has seen a local sport hero climb to great achievement. With the help of players such as Valente it would have not been possible for this club to reach such success.
For more information contact:
Tony Colistro
807.628.2553
Or
Tony Valente
807.627.2354
