Thompson & Hollinger Earn Top Honours at Annual Athletic Banquet
The 2021 2022 Athletic Banquet was back in person for the first time since the 2018-19 season on Wednesday March 30th. Both individual and team accomplishments from throughout the season were celebrated and a total of 36 awards were handed out to deserving recipients.
The night brought the return to tradition with Lancer Alumni and Hall of Famer Erin Rose hosting. Rose, who played basketball for 2 seasons with the Lancers, opened the night with an acknowledgement of the traditional lands that Loyalist College sits on, and the duty held by all to respect, honour and sustain the lands and the natural resources contained within.
With opening remarks completed, the awards portion of the evening began with the presentation of individual team awards.
TEAM AWARDS
The Cross-Country team was first across the stage where Head Coach Kevin Beatty presented first year runner Mustafa Alali with the Coaches Award for his improvement throughout the the season. Graduating athlete Ian Linton was awarded the Leadership award for his commitment to training and ability to maintain team morale. First year runner Isaac Hollinger was named team MVP after a triumphant season that culminated in a top 20 OCAA finish and a trip to the National Championships in Calgary.
Women's Soccer Head Coach & East Division OCAA Coach of the Year Rob Terry and Assistants Emily Osmond and Tom Moran were on hand to present the awards for their team. First year player Katie Burns earned the Coaches Award while Alix Shilton was presented with the Leadership Award. Outstanding players Emily Mealing and Alice Bandel were co-recipients of the team MVP award.
Women's Rugby took the stage next with Head Coach Ken Fitzgerald and Assistant Coach Joanne Robinson presenting. Lindsay Bonnuchi received the Coaches Award followed by Hannah Bender receiving the Leadership Award. OCAA East All-Star Jasmina Dennis was named team MVP for her outstanding play and dedication.
Moving to the teams on the hard court, women's volleyball Head Coach Ryan Stoness and Assistant Coaches Jillian Hoftyzer, Josh Roberts & Matt Davidson presented their awards to 4 deserving players. The Coaches' Award went to setter Ali Brownlee while the Leadership Award went to co-recipients Natalie Hetherington and Erika Robertson. The MVP award went to OCAA East All-Rookie team member, Sierra Scott.
On the men's side, first year Lancer Josh Vreugdenhil was awarded the Coaches' Award and Colton Charbonneau earned the Leadership Award. Pedro Casellatto took home MVP honours for his high-level, all-around skill set that was a driving force behind the team.
Assistant Coach Liam Wells presented the women's basketball team with their awards. First year player Cianah Miller earned the Leadership Award for her level-headed, tough style of play and OCAA All-Star Ali Alexander was awarded Women's Basketball MVP.
The final set of team awards were presented to the men's basketball program by Head Coach Kevin McGuire and Assistant Coach Tim Boyle. In honour of Jaden White, a men's basketball alumni who was tragically killed in a car accident nearly a year ago, the Lancers unveiled the Jaden White Award. In keeping with Jaden's spirit and love of the game, this award was presented to a member of the men's basketball team who possess a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and good heart. This first ever recipient of the Jaden White award is Connor Allard-Remenda. League veteran Maleek Ekumba-Quinta was presented the team's Leadership award while the men's basketball MVP was awarded to Denay Jones-Adams.
Following the team awards, President Ann Marie Vaughan delivered a wonderfully genuine and heartfelt address, sharing her admiration for the players, coaches and athletics staff.
"It's been a long 24 months. But we are back. You are back" said President Vaughan. "I've gotten to watch you all throughout this year. What I have seen is that you excel even amongst the biggest obstacles, and it is truly amazing. Each and everyone of you lights up the gym, track and the field with your passion and determination. I am in awe to see what you have accomplished this year."
ACADEMIC AWARD WINNERS
In the 2014/15 season, the Athletics Department introduced an award to recognize a longstanding tradition of academic success among the Lancers. Since then, teams have been honoured every year with the Academic Award of Excellence that recognizes teams who have a combined average of 80% or higher.
This year, the women's soccer team was the winner with an impressive 82% average.
MAJOR AWARDS
The Bob Young Award is presented to a student athlete for Academic and Athletic Excellence. This year's winners are a pair of athletes who have succeeded in creating an astounding balance between their incredible athletic achievements and impressive academic endeavors. Both have an impressive 92% average while also being major contributors on their respective teams.
The winners of the Bob Young award are Ciannah Miller (women's basketball) and Pedro Casellatto (men's volleyball)
The Larry Cook Award is presented to student athletes who best exemplify the values of fair play, integrity, and commitment. As one of the few true veteran players on campus this year, this student carried himself with integrity in every way and always conducted himself in the most respectful manner The Larry Cook Award Winner, from the men's basketball team, is Bobby Buck.
The Dave Butler award is presented to the student athlete who through their enthusiasm and love of the game attracts others to participate. This student-athlete had an outstanding year. She's a fierce competitor on the field, became an important part of student life on campus and has gained the respect of her fellow students. She has a natural way about her that draws people in and makes them want to be part of whatever she's doing.
The Dave Butler Award winner is Emily Mealing (women's soccer)
The Peter Williams award is presented to a student athlete who has been selfless in their dedication to athletics, Loyalist College and the community. This recipient works hard day in and day out, on the field, in the classroom and in her journey to becoming a paramedic. She maintains composure no matter what comes her way and never backs down.
The winner of the Peter Williams award is, from women's soccer, Alice Bandel
The Greg Gavin award is presented to student athletes for their outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics. These award winners are wonderful ambassadors of Loyalist College. They're leaders both on their team and off and have consistently proven their dedication to the Lancers.
The Greg Gavin Award winners are Paige O'Brien (women's rugby) and Maleek Ekumba Quinta (men's basketball)
The President's Award is presented to the student athlete who demonstrates a commitment to Loyalist College, not only through an outstanding balance of academics and athletics, but also by making a positive impact on the greater college community during their time as a student.
This student-athlete is truly one of a kind. She boasts and impressive 97.14 % average, was a major contributing factor in her team's success this year and has proven herself to be wonderful role model for her first-year teammates.
The President's Award winner is Alix Shilton (women's soccer).
The Rookie of the Year awards are presented to the first-year student who has shown outstanding performance in their respective sport. For the first time ever, there are co-recipients for female rookie of the year. Both athletes made a huge impact in the OCAA from their first appearances in a Lancer jersey. From their outstanding athletic abilities to their impressive grades, both have become major contributing member of campus. One was named East-Division OCAA Rugby 7s All Star and the other was voted East Division OCAA Women's Volleyball All-Rookie team.
The female Loyalist Lancer Rookies of the Year award winner are Jasmina Dennis (women's rugby) and Sierra Scott (women's volleyball)
This year's male rookie of the year truly had a breakout season. He finished the season as his team's leading scorer in points per game and over all points and had a reputation around the league for his unorthodox style of play and ability to score the ball. He was named to the OCAA East Division All-Rookie Team.
The 2021-2022 men's Rookie of the Year is Denay Jones-Adams.
The Athlete of the Year Awards are given out to those respective student athletes who best exemplify athletic excellence at Loyalist College.
The female recipient was a dual sport athlete, excelling in both women's rugby 7s and women's basketball. She's a fierce competitor regardless of what sport she's playing and always plays with passion and grit.
The Female Athlete of the Year is Daija Thompson
The male recipient is highly motivated, disciplined, confident and coachable. He was one of the top runners in the province as a first year athlete and had atop 20 finish at the provincial championships, earning himself a spot at the CCAA National Championships in Calgary.
The Male Athlete of the Year is Isaac Hollinger.