OCAA ATHLETES OF THE YEAR HONOURED IN TORONTO

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) honoured its 2010-11 male and female athletes of the year on Wednesday evening as part of its Hall of Fame Gala at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

Male athlete of the year Eric Smith (Ajax, Ont.) of the Durham College men’s basketball team had a season to remember. He averaged a double-double in 20 regular season games, leading the OCAA with 432 points and 206 total rebounds. He scored at least 30 points in a game three times, and surpassed the 1,000-point plateau for his career.

In addition to these stellar numbers, Smith was second in the OCAA with 94 free throws and sixth among all players with 56 assists. The law and security student was named the OCAA men’s basketball player of the year for his efforts.

“It feels great to be named OCAA male athlete of the year,” says Smith. “It is amazing to be recognized for my hard work and talent on and off the court. I looked at the list of past recipients of the award, and it is quite an honour to be recognized among such great student-athletes.”

“Hard work and being focused on completing college had an enormous impact on my success while studying at Durham,” admits Smith. “My teammate Courtney Small has been there from the first try out, and has been there for me throughout my three years at Durham College on and off the court. Also a lot of recognition has to go out to the coaching staff because they saw the talent in me, pushed me hard and allowed me to feel free on the court to do what I'm capable of doing.”

Smith earned 11 double-doubles throughout the season, including one in an 84-76 victory over then No. 1 nationally-ranked Algonquin in February. It was Algonquin’s only loss during the regular season.

In Durham’s final six games, the OCAA first-team all-star and Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) all-Canadian averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Lords won five of six games to finish with a regular season record of 15-5, good for second place in the OCAA East and their first berth into the OCAA men’s basketball championship tournament in 12 years. Durham lost to Fanshawe in the OCAA quarter-finals. Smith scored 22 points in a 79-67 loss.

"We are extremely proud of Eric and this major provincial recognition he has earned," says Ken Babcock, Durham College athletic director. "A very deserving award for an exceptional student-athlete. To be selected for this award out of student-athletes from 30 colleges and universities across Ontario is quite an honour."

Women’s volleyball student-athlete Landis Doyle of Humber College was honoured as the 2010-11 OCAA female athlete of the year. Doyle, a fifth-year player from Toronto, rewrote the OCAA record book in her final season with the Hawks. The graphic design student set the all-time OCAA points record in 2010-11 with 1,120 points, 85 more than previous record holder Megan Stacey of Nipissing. Doyle also established the new OCAA standard in career aces with 194.

Doyle finishes her OCAA career in second place in all-time kills (778) and stuff blocks (148).

During the 2010-11 season, Doyle led Humber to a fourth straight OCAA championship. The OCAA first-team and academic all-star led the OCAA with 312 points and 246 kills as the Hawks finished with a 21-1 regular season record en route to an OCAA four-peat.

"I am extremely honored to be awarded OCAA female athlete of the year,” says Doyle. “There are so many talented athletes in Ontario and to be chosen out of all of them is very flattering. I have had such an amazing fifth and final year, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I will truly miss playing volleyball for Humber College and the OCAA."

Doyle was named the OCAA women’s volleyball player of the year before earning most valuable player honours at the OCAA championship tournament. Humber went on to place fifth at the CCAA women’s volleyball championship where Doyle was named a first-team tournament all-star. Doyle was named an all-Canadian, an academic all-Canadian, the CCAA’s top women’s volleyball player and the women’s athlete of the year across all sports.

"Landis is an exceptional athlete, who has had an exceptional season", says Doug Fox, Humber College athletic director. "She has left a special mark on both Humber and the OCAA that will never be forgotten."

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 31 members sponsoring 16 league and tournament championships.

For additional information please contact:

Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com