Belleville, Ontario, March 29, 2012 – Loyalist College announced the winners of its 44th Annual Athletic Awards, which recognize the contributions of varsity athletes and their coaches in building the College’s reputation for athletic excellence.
“We are very proud of our athletes, who give so much of themselves on the court and on the field, as well as through a commitment to academics in the classroom,” said Maureen Piercy, President of Loyalist College. “Our eight varsity teams are extensions of the overall education program at the College, and our coaches are an integral part of that experience. They are dedicated to providing our students with a positive athletics experience, which highlights respect, responsibility, integrity and discipline.”
Among various athletic highlights, the Men’s Rugby team was undefeated for the third straight year as Provincial Champions. Loyalist had an additional three teams qualify for playoffs, including the Women’s Basketball team, which won and advanced to the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championships. Every member of the varsity teams has donated their time, energy and financial support for community fundraisers and events.
“The leadership and time management skills that I’ve acquired as Captain of the Women’s Basketball team in the last three years will enhance my ability to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of a career in nursing,” said Female Athlete of the Year, Dianne Bouder, in her final year of the Nursing program at Loyalist College. “It will also help in securing a job, although I am going to miss the team, which has become like a family.”
Matt Woods, Male Athlete of the Year, concurred, “As a small, family-oriented College, Loyalist has afforded me opportunities to develop and excel as a volleyball player, which I may not have received elsewhere.” Originally from Pickering, Ontario, Matt learned about the Loyalist Lancers from his high school coach. “He recommended the Recreation and Leisure Services program at Loyalist, which I completed, followed by the Business Sales and Marketing program, and now the Public Relations program. It will be hard to leave after five years, but this award is a great way to cap off my studies.”
The Loyalist College Athletic Award winners include:
The Bob McKendrick Award was presented to Matt Kerr, as the individual who contributed the most to campus recreation and outdoor education.
The Bob Young Award for academic and athletic excellence was presented to Josh Lappala and Lindsey Buck.
The Arthur McFarlane Award for graduating students, who have made an outstanding contribution to Loyalist Athletics, was presented to Cody Howie and Kyle Donnan.
The Larry Cook Award was presented to Emily Davidson, as the student athlete who best exemplifies the values of fair play, integrity and commitment.
The Dave Butler Award was presented to Jesse Gunter, as the student athlete who, through their enthusiasm and love of the game, attracts others to participate.
The Greg Gavin Award was presented to Samantha Goff and Luke Shillington as student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics.
| Women’s Basketball: | |
| MVP | Jenni Thompson |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Haley Sisler, Amber Burton |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Martine Gauvin |
| Men’s Basketball: | |
| MVP Bruce Collins Award | Matt Miller, Damone Donaldson |
| Daryle Broughton Award | Patrick Kalala |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Calvin Chevannes |
| Cross Country: | |
| MVP | Kevin Solano |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Lacey Broughton |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Melodie Mathews |
| Women’s Rugby: | |
| MVP | Kellee Young |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Sierra Clement |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Kathryn Whitehurst |
| Men’s Rugby: | |
| MVP | Connor McCann |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Cole Plume and Albert Cormier |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Brad Charlton and Darrian Reid |
| Women’s Soccer: | |
| MVP | Carly Simons |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Shelby Lough |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Lindsey Buck, Nancy Castillo |
| Women’s Volleyball: | |
| MVP | Jenny Richardson, LeeAnne Jeffs |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Kristen Curtis |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Linette Melick |
| Men’s Volleyball: | |
| MVP | Matt Woods |
| Coaches’ Encouragement Award | Ian Hortop |
| Boston Pizza Fair Play Award | Jared Moelker |
The Female Athlete of the Year was presented to Dianne Bouder, as a respectful student athlete who best exemplifies athletic excellence at Loyalist College.
The Male Athlete of the Year was presented to Matt Woods, as a respectful student athlete who best exemplifies athletic excellence at Loyalist College.
An additional 46 student athletes will be recognized as OCAA Academic Award recipients, with three of the winners also named Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All Canadian winners.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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Media Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Media Relations Specialist, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536