March 28, 2009
CARSON, BOORSMA NAMED GUELPH ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
GUELPH, Ont. - Women's track & field and cross country runner Lindsay Cason (Cambridge, Ont.) and men's track & field and cross country runner Kyle Boorsma (Guelph, Ont.) have been selected as the University of Guelph's Athletes of the Year for the 2008-2009 season. Gryphon student-athletes were honoured March 27 for their outstanding accomplishments this season at the Guelph Gryphons Annual Awards Banquet held at the W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre.
Carson, a second-year biological engineering student, helped propel the Gryphons to their fourth straight CIS championship in cross country and CIS silver in track & field. In cross country, she was an OUA silver medalist, OUA first team all-star, CIS bronze medalist and first team all-Canadian. Carson truly hit her stride on the indoor track where she won OUA gold in the 1500m and 3000m and OUA silver in the 1000m and was named OUA all-star and performer of the meet. At nationals, Carson was a triple gold medalist in the 1500m, 3000m, and 4x800m relay and was named three-time first team all-Canadian and CIS female track events athlete of the year.
Boorsma, a third-year biomedical toxicology student, showed heart and determination this year helping the cross country team to its third straight CIS championship and the track & field team to CIS bronze. Out with injury for much of the season, Boorsma returned without significant training time to capture a CIS silver medal in cross country. In track & field, he won OUA gold in the 1500m, and silver in the 3000m and 4x800m events and was both an OUA first and second team all-star and OUA MVP. At nationals, he captured gold in the 3000m and silver in the 1500m and was named first and second team all-Canadian.
GRYPHONS 2008-09 MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
MAJOR AWARD BIOS
Dr. John T. Powell: Dr. Patti Galvin, Women's Hockey
Dr. Galvin has been, and continues to be an essential contributor to the success of the women's varsity hockey program. She works tirelessly and finds time in her busy schedule to treat the athletes directly at the arena as well as travelling with the team as much as possible. Not only does Dr. G keep the athletes healthy but she continues to motivate and inspire the girls. She shares her experiences from working with Team Canada's national program. Her belief in this program pushes the girls to be better every day and she has taught them many important life lessons along the way. Dr. G's time with the program will be very limited next year as she spends more time preparing our national athletes for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
President's Trophy, Female Student-Athlete: Sarah Pierce, 3rd Yr, Track & Field
Sarah has achieved excellence as a member the women's track team and as an undergrad in arts and science. This season Sarah won OUA silver in the 60m, placed sixth at nationals and was named an OUA all-star. Sarah was also part of the 4x200m squad which was an OUA and CIS finalist. She holds the second fastest all-time Gryphons 60m record and is a member of the 4x200m relay that holds the all-time Guelph record. Academically, she has shone, achieving an 85 percent average this year on a full course load.
President's Trophy, Male Student-Athlete: Joseph Brunsting, 4th Yr, Cross Country
Joseph has displayed a passion for success in both athletics and academics. This season, Joseph was named first team OUA All-Star for the third consecutive season and helped lead the cross country team to its fourth straight OUA championship and third straight CIS championship. His academic performance has been equally impressive averaging 86 percent in his fourth year of a bachelor of science in the engineering water resource program.
W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman Award: Kris Yallin, 4th Yr, Women's Basketball
A full time starter for most of her career and team captain for the past two years, Kris has performed for the women's basketball team with consistency and character. This season, she was named a second team OUA all-star and was third in OUA three-point shooting. As captain, she led the Gryphons in points and defensive rebounds. She is well respected in the OUA for her on-court demeanour and sportsmanship and has shown dedication to sport and community throughout her time as a Gryphon. She is highly involved in the 'Believe to Achieve' program, has participated in numerous community basketball clinics and has been an integral part of the Gryphon's summer sports camps.
W.F. Mitchell Sportsman Award: Josh Roundell, 5th Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
Josh has made his mark as a distance runner for both the cross country and track & field teams. Captain of the cross country team, Josh lead his team to OUA and CIS championship title and was named an OUA second team all-star. In track he was an OUA silver medalist in the 1000m and as a member of the 4x800m relay squad and was named a two-time OUA second team all-star. His enthusiasm for promoting sport in the community is commendable. He volunteers with the youth running program 'Speed River Extreme Team' and frequently volunteers at Gryphon events.
Shirley Peterson Award (Most Improved): Courtney Laurie, 3rd Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
Beginning as the cross country team's No. 7 runner in her first year, Courtney is now the cross country team's third runner and was an OUA first team all-star and member of this year's OUA & CIS championship teams. At the OUA track & field championships, she finished fourth in the 3000m and went on to capture silver at the CIS nationals. This year, she was named second team all-Canadian and has earned the respect of coaches and athletes across the CIS.
Don Cameron Award (Most Improved): Rob Maver, 3rd Yr, Football
Rob has gone from second team all-star punter in his first year to being an OUA and CIS all-star in both punting and kicking. This season he was named OUA first team all-star punter and place kicker, first team all-Canadian punter and second team all-Canadian place kicker. Rob's punting average of 46.1 yards was the highest in the CIS this season and the second highest in CIS history.
Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year: Jessalyn Walkey, 1st Yr, Field Hockey
Jessalyn exemplifies tremendous poise every time she steps on the field. In only her first year of competition with the field hockey team, Jessalyn helped led her team to an OUA silver medal and CIS fourth-place finish. On top of being named an OUA all-star and CIS all-Canadian, Jessalyn raked in provincial and national accolades. She won both OUA and CIS rookie of the year awards and was named a CIS tournament all-star and was the CIS tournament MVP as a rookie.
Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year: Rob Jackson, 1st Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
In his first year as a Gryphon, Rob ran for both the cross country and track & field teams. In cross country he was named an OUA second team all-star, OUA rookie of the year and was a member of the OUA & CIS championship team. In track & field he was an OUA finalist in the 1000 and 1500 metres and was named an OUA all-star as a member of the 4x800m silver medal relay team. Off the track, Rob is actively involved in community work and won the OUA community service award for track & field and is recognized for his hard work and dedication as a Gryphon.
Dr. James Maclachlan Trainer of the Year Award, Alison Tabalba, Men's Rugby
Alison played a significant role in the success of the men's rugby team this season. Her efforts day-in and day out enabled the athletes to stay physically fit and injury free for the duration of the season. She was committed, prepared and punctual. Her enthusiasm was second to none and she was able to communicate effectively with all the athletes. Ali is a tremendous representative for the University of Guelph and the Department of Athletics at all her events. Her knowledge, demeanour and devotion to Gryphon Athletics showed in her dedication to her team and outstanding work ethic.
Fred Ramprashad Scholarship, Aleksandra Lauks, Women's Rugby
Aleksandra is successful both in the classroom and on the field of play. This year she was named an OUA all-star on the women's rugby OUA championship and CIS bronze medalist team. On the field she is a work-horse and plays intelligently making few errors. Her academic performance has been equally impressive, averaging 83 percent in her fourth year of bachelor of biological science with a minor in business programs.
Source: Guelph Gryphons
Carson, a second-year biological engineering student, helped propel the Gryphons to their fourth straight CIS championship in cross country and CIS silver in track & field. In cross country, she was an OUA silver medalist, OUA first team all-star, CIS bronze medalist and first team all-Canadian. Carson truly hit her stride on the indoor track where she won OUA gold in the 1500m and 3000m and OUA silver in the 1000m and was named OUA all-star and performer of the meet. At nationals, Carson was a triple gold medalist in the 1500m, 3000m, and 4x800m relay and was named three-time first team all-Canadian and CIS female track events athlete of the year.
Boorsma, a third-year biomedical toxicology student, showed heart and determination this year helping the cross country team to its third straight CIS championship and the track & field team to CIS bronze. Out with injury for much of the season, Boorsma returned without significant training time to capture a CIS silver medal in cross country. In track & field, he won OUA gold in the 1500m, and silver in the 3000m and 4x800m events and was both an OUA first and second team all-star and OUA MVP. At nationals, he captured gold in the 3000m and silver in the 1500m and was named first and second team all-Canadian.
GRYPHONS 2008-09 MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
| Award | Name | Sport | Hometown |
| Dr. John T. Powell | Dr. Patti Galvin | Women's Hockey | |
| Male Athlete of the Year | Kyle Boorsma | Track & Field / Cross Country | Guelph, Ont. |
| Female Athlete of the Year | Lindsay Carson | Track & Field / Cross Country | Cambridge, Ont. |
| President's Trophy Female | Sarah Pierce | Track & Field | Aurora, Ont. |
| President's Trophy Male | Joseph Brunsting | Cross Country | Stirling, Ont. |
| W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman | Kris Yallin | Basketball | Port Colborne, Ont. |
| W.F. Mitchell Sportsman | Josh Roundell | Track & Field / Cross Country | Ottawa, Ont. |
| Shirley Peterson Most Improved | Courtney Laurie | Track & Field / Cross Country | Toronto, Ont. |
| Don Cameron Most Improved | Rob Maver | Football | Brampton, Ont. |
| Dr. Mary Beverley Burton Female Rookie | Jessalyn Walkey | Field Hockey | Rockwood, Ont. |
| Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year | Rob Jackson | Track & Field / Cross Country | Guelph, Ont. |
| Dr. James Maclachlan Trainer of the Year Award | Alison Tabalba | Men's Rugby | |
| Fred Ramprashad Scholarship | Aleksandra Lauks | Women's Rugby |
MAJOR AWARD BIOS
Dr. John T. Powell: Dr. Patti Galvin, Women's Hockey
Dr. Galvin has been, and continues to be an essential contributor to the success of the women's varsity hockey program. She works tirelessly and finds time in her busy schedule to treat the athletes directly at the arena as well as travelling with the team as much as possible. Not only does Dr. G keep the athletes healthy but she continues to motivate and inspire the girls. She shares her experiences from working with Team Canada's national program. Her belief in this program pushes the girls to be better every day and she has taught them many important life lessons along the way. Dr. G's time with the program will be very limited next year as she spends more time preparing our national athletes for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
President's Trophy, Female Student-Athlete: Sarah Pierce, 3rd Yr, Track & Field
Sarah has achieved excellence as a member the women's track team and as an undergrad in arts and science. This season Sarah won OUA silver in the 60m, placed sixth at nationals and was named an OUA all-star. Sarah was also part of the 4x200m squad which was an OUA and CIS finalist. She holds the second fastest all-time Gryphons 60m record and is a member of the 4x200m relay that holds the all-time Guelph record. Academically, she has shone, achieving an 85 percent average this year on a full course load.
President's Trophy, Male Student-Athlete: Joseph Brunsting, 4th Yr, Cross Country
Joseph has displayed a passion for success in both athletics and academics. This season, Joseph was named first team OUA All-Star for the third consecutive season and helped lead the cross country team to its fourth straight OUA championship and third straight CIS championship. His academic performance has been equally impressive averaging 86 percent in his fourth year of a bachelor of science in the engineering water resource program.
W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman Award: Kris Yallin, 4th Yr, Women's Basketball
A full time starter for most of her career and team captain for the past two years, Kris has performed for the women's basketball team with consistency and character. This season, she was named a second team OUA all-star and was third in OUA three-point shooting. As captain, she led the Gryphons in points and defensive rebounds. She is well respected in the OUA for her on-court demeanour and sportsmanship and has shown dedication to sport and community throughout her time as a Gryphon. She is highly involved in the 'Believe to Achieve' program, has participated in numerous community basketball clinics and has been an integral part of the Gryphon's summer sports camps.
W.F. Mitchell Sportsman Award: Josh Roundell, 5th Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
Josh has made his mark as a distance runner for both the cross country and track & field teams. Captain of the cross country team, Josh lead his team to OUA and CIS championship title and was named an OUA second team all-star. In track he was an OUA silver medalist in the 1000m and as a member of the 4x800m relay squad and was named a two-time OUA second team all-star. His enthusiasm for promoting sport in the community is commendable. He volunteers with the youth running program 'Speed River Extreme Team' and frequently volunteers at Gryphon events.
Shirley Peterson Award (Most Improved): Courtney Laurie, 3rd Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
Beginning as the cross country team's No. 7 runner in her first year, Courtney is now the cross country team's third runner and was an OUA first team all-star and member of this year's OUA & CIS championship teams. At the OUA track & field championships, she finished fourth in the 3000m and went on to capture silver at the CIS nationals. This year, she was named second team all-Canadian and has earned the respect of coaches and athletes across the CIS.
Don Cameron Award (Most Improved): Rob Maver, 3rd Yr, Football
Rob has gone from second team all-star punter in his first year to being an OUA and CIS all-star in both punting and kicking. This season he was named OUA first team all-star punter and place kicker, first team all-Canadian punter and second team all-Canadian place kicker. Rob's punting average of 46.1 yards was the highest in the CIS this season and the second highest in CIS history.
Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year: Jessalyn Walkey, 1st Yr, Field Hockey
Jessalyn exemplifies tremendous poise every time she steps on the field. In only her first year of competition with the field hockey team, Jessalyn helped led her team to an OUA silver medal and CIS fourth-place finish. On top of being named an OUA all-star and CIS all-Canadian, Jessalyn raked in provincial and national accolades. She won both OUA and CIS rookie of the year awards and was named a CIS tournament all-star and was the CIS tournament MVP as a rookie.
Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year: Rob Jackson, 1st Yr, Track & Field / Cross Country
In his first year as a Gryphon, Rob ran for both the cross country and track & field teams. In cross country he was named an OUA second team all-star, OUA rookie of the year and was a member of the OUA & CIS championship team. In track & field he was an OUA finalist in the 1000 and 1500 metres and was named an OUA all-star as a member of the 4x800m silver medal relay team. Off the track, Rob is actively involved in community work and won the OUA community service award for track & field and is recognized for his hard work and dedication as a Gryphon.
Dr. James Maclachlan Trainer of the Year Award, Alison Tabalba, Men's Rugby
Alison played a significant role in the success of the men's rugby team this season. Her efforts day-in and day out enabled the athletes to stay physically fit and injury free for the duration of the season. She was committed, prepared and punctual. Her enthusiasm was second to none and she was able to communicate effectively with all the athletes. Ali is a tremendous representative for the University of Guelph and the Department of Athletics at all her events. Her knowledge, demeanour and devotion to Gryphon Athletics showed in her dedication to her team and outstanding work ethic.
Fred Ramprashad Scholarship, Aleksandra Lauks, Women's Rugby
Aleksandra is successful both in the classroom and on the field of play. This year she was named an OUA all-star on the women's rugby OUA championship and CIS bronze medalist team. On the field she is a work-horse and plays intelligently making few errors. Her academic performance has been equally impressive, averaging 83 percent in her fourth year of bachelor of biological science with a minor in business programs.
Source: Guelph Gryphons
