Loyalist College Celebrates the Success of Its Varsity Athletes

Belleville, Ontario, March 21, 2013 – Loyalist College proudly announced the winners of the 45th Annual Athletic Awards at a banquet on March 20, recognizing the achievements of Loyalist’s varsity athletes and their coaches.  

“Our athletes work hard year-round to be strong players in their respective sports, as well as achieving their personal best in the classroom,” said Jim Buck, Manager of Athletics and Campus Recreation. “The leadership and determination they have demonstrated amazes us year after year, which is why it’s important to formally recognize their contributions. For our graduating athletes, the banquet is a last chance to celebrate everything they’ve achieved as a Loyalist Lancer, and we’re proud to celebrate with them.”

Among various athletic highlights, the Women’s Basketball team advanced to the Ontario Championships for the second straight season. Loyalist had an additional three teams qualify for playoffs, including the Women’s Rugby team, earning their first ever playoff berth. 

“It feels amazing to be named Female Athlete of the Year,” said Customs Border Services student Samantha Goff. “Being a Loyalist Lancer has really completed my overall College experience. I came to Belleville and didn’t know anybody here, so the basketball team and the athletics department became like a second family. In the future, I hope to work in policing, so the time management and teamwork skills I have taken from varsity sports will transfer well to that field.”

“It is great to be recognized for all of my hard work these past few years,” said Male Athlete of the Year Patrick Kalala, a Community and Justice Services Worker student. “When I first came to Loyalist I really liked the College, and what made it special were the people, particularly my faculty and teammates. Being an athlete has prepared me for my career because when you play for a team it’s all about time management. Overall, this has been an experience I’ll never forget.”

The Loyalist College Athletic Award winners include:

The Bob McKendrick Award was presented to Dustin Mahoney, 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 Jared Moelker.

The Arthur McFarlane Award for graduating students, who have made an outstanding contribution to Loyalist Athletics, was presented to Damone Donaldson.

The Larry Cook Award was presented to Justin deHaan and Robyn Beauchamp, as the student athletes who best exemplify the values of fair play, integrity and commitment.

The Dave Butler Award was presented to Jenny Richardson and Shelby Lough, as the student athletes who, through their enthusiasm and love of the game, attract others to participate.

The Greg Gavin Award was presented to Josh Lappala and Jenni Thompson as student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics.

The Female Athlete of the Year was presented to Samantha Goff, as a respectful student athlete who best exemplifies athletic excellence at Loyalist College.

The Male Athlete of the Year was presented to Patrick Kalala, as a respectful student athlete who best exemplifies athletic excellence at Loyalist College.

An additional 41 student athletes were recognized as OCAA Academic Award recipients, with two of the winners also named Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All Canadian winners and 13 named OCAA All-Stars. 

Men’s Basketball player Patrick Kalala (left) and Women’s Basketball player Samantha Goff were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the Loyalist College Athletic Banquet on March 20. 

Volleyball players LeeAnne Jeffs and Jared Moelker are recognized as a CCAA Academic All-Canadians.      The Bob Young Award for academic and athletic excellence was presented to Jared Moelker (left) by Bob Young.  The Larry Cook Award was presented to Justin deHaan and Robyn Beauchamp, as the student athletes who best exemplify the values of fair play, integrity and commitment. The award was presented by Larry Cook (centre). The Greg Gavin Award was presented to Josh Lappala and Jenni Thompson as student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics.

The Bob McKendrick Award was presented to Dustin Mahoney (right), as the individual who contributed the most to campus recreation and outdoor education. The award was presented by Coordinator of Campus Recreation and Fitness Facilities Cory Mestre. The Arthur McFarlane Award for graduating students who have made an outstanding contribution to Loyalist Athletics, was presented to Damone Donaldson. The Dave Butler Award was presented to Shelby Lough (left) and Jenny Richardson, as the student athletes who, through their enthusiasm and love of the game, attract others to participate. Presented by Dave Butler (centre).

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, Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536