LOYALIST 2011-12 ATHLETIC AWARDS

BELLEVILLE, Ont. - 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, Ont., 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, Albert Cormier
Boston Pizza Fair Play Award: Brad Charlton, 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.

Source: Loyalist College