McMaster University Athletics

HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster celebrated the 87^th Annual Athletic Awards Ceremony at the Burridge Gymnasium on April 4. For the second consecutive year the Thérèse A. Quigley Award for Female Athlete of the Year was presented to cross-country athlete Jessica Pearo (Richmond Hill, Ont.). The Ivor Wynne Male Athlete of the Year trophy was presented to men’s volleyball standout Tyler Santoni (Kingston, Ont.).

Pearo ran her way to a perfect season, winning both the OUA and CIS Championships, defeating her field by at least 10 seconds in both events. In addition to winning the major competitions, Pearo also took the number one spot at the Western International, the Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational in Chicago and the University of Rochester Invitational. For all of her achievements, Pearo was named a CIS All Canadian, the OUA Women’s Cross Country MVP, OUA First Team All-Star, a two-time OUA Athlete of the week, and a four-time McMaster Athlete of the Week.

Victoria Coates (cross country/track), Larissa Puhach (volleyball), Sarah Taylor (swimming) and Natasha Turner (rugby) were honoured as finalists for the Thérèse A. Quigley award.

Santoni, a two-time captain of the Marauder volleyball squad powered McMaster to its third OUA championship in the past five years. In addition to being named a first-team OUA all-star for the second-time, Santoni was named the Player of the Match in the OUA Championship final, and was named the MVP of the OUA Championship tournament. The fifth year commerce major completed the 2010/11 season on top of the CIS in both kill-percentage and total blocks.

Cameron Bailey (swimming), Ryan Blake (wrestling) and Kyle Quinlan (football) were recognized as finalists for the Ivor Wynne Award.

The Dr. Ray Johnson Award, presented to the graduating male student-athlete that exemplifies the ‘Spirit of McMaster’ while showing noteworthy athletic ability, was presented to swimmer Nathan Cox (Blenheim, Ont.).

Cox finishes his career as a Marauder as swim team captain and an outstanding leader. An OUA medalist as part of the freestyle relay, the fifth year electrical engineering student also qualified for the CIS championships. Also an outstanding student he was recognized for having the highest grades of any McMaster student-athlete. Along with team outreach programs, Cox has volunteered for such events as the Relay for Life, the Good Sheppard clothing drive, the Kidney Run, and the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up.

Steve Cecchini (football) and Mike Irvine (fencing) were recognized as nominees for the Dr. Ray Johnson Award.

The Dr. Edna Guest Award, presented to the graduating female student-athlete that exemplifies the ‘Spirit of McMaster’ while showing noteworthy athletic ability, was presented to volleyball player Larissa Puhach (Burlington, Ont.) and ice hockey player Kaley Veerman (Charlton, Ont.).

Puhach has been a crucial member of the McMaster women’s volleyball team and was part of McMaster’s first OUA championship team in 2008. A two-time OUA all-star, she has been a leader and an example of determination and drive for her teammates. She has always carried herself with dignity, in both victory and defeat. The fifth year kinesiology student embodies the ideals of a McMaster student-athlete.

Kaley Veerman has been a driving force within the women’s ice hockey program. Veerman has served as team captain and club president for the past three years, and team MVP for the last two seasons. In addition to her on-ice contributions, Veerman has been the primary organizer of the program, handling all administrative tasks with boundless energy and enthusiasm. The fourth year medical sciences student has been responsible for the majority of team fundraising and alumni outreach events. The McMaster women’s ice hockey program wouldn’t be what it is today without her efforts.

Jessica Pearo (cross country) was also honoured as a nominee for the Dr. Edna Guest Award.

The Mel & Marilyn Hawkrigg Outstanding Rookie Awards, presented to the male and female student-athletes in their first year of post-secondary eligibility that demonstrate outstanding athletic performance as a varsity team member, were presented to swimmer Erin MacFadyen (Orillia, Ont.) and rugby player Andrew Ferguson (Mississauga, Ont.).

MacFadyen had a record-breaking debut season for the Marauder swim team. She captured the gold medal in the 200-metre breaststroke at the OUA championship, improving on her personal best by 13 seconds and setting a new team record in the event. She also won OUA bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke, breaking another team record. For her efforts the first year life sciences major was named an OUA first-team all-star.

Ferguson stepped directly into the Maroon line-up and helped McMaster win the 2010 OUA championship. Ferguson, a first year social science major, was named to the OUA all-star team and was recognized as the 2010 OUA Rookie of the Year. He was the top points scorer among OUA rookies with 64.

Alyshia Anderson (wrestling), Claire Lockhart (rugby), and Jocelyn Wilkins (soccer) were recognized as female finalists for the Mel & Marilyn Hawkrigg Outstanding Rookie Award while Taylor Black (basketball), Jori Mantha (volleyball) and Ben Stubbs (swimming) were recognized as male finalists.

The Les Prince Award, presented to the student-athlete that best combines leadership with community service through participation in an outreach program was presented to wrestler Kevin MacLellan (Hamilton, Ont.) and basketball player Hailey Milligan (Brantford, Ont.).

MacLellan won OUA gold and CIS silver medals in the 82-kilo weight class. Selected as team captain by his teammates, he spent two days a week as a volunteer wrestling and judo instructor for inner city youth as part of a program run by the Hamilton Separate School Board. The program allows MacLellan to mentor up to 60 kids and he serves as a role model of how sport and education can be a vehicle for self-improvement.

Hailey Milligan, suffered a season-ending injury midway through the basketball season, but continued to work at promoting the sport and university through community outreach. Her efforts included forging a relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton that brought Marauder players together with local children to serve as mentors. The third year English major also organized a visit to a varsity game to expose McMaster and promote self-development through sport.

Rich Andrews (Rugby) and Sara Thompson (swimming) were also recognized as nominees for the Les Prince Award.

The Bruce Cochrane Award, presented to the student who best demonstrates unwavering dedication and service to their team, club, or group, was presented to co-recipients Ryan Loveday (Kitchener, Ont.) and Laura Reitmuller.

After suffering a serious shoulder injury that ended his playing career, Loveday seized the opportunity to stay involved with Marauder football as the team’s film and scout team coordinator. He spent countless hours breaking down game and practice film, Loveday’s work was a vital part of the football team’s preparation and weekly game planning. In addition to these duties, he increased his workload and became more active as a coach on the field, working with Marauder quarterbacks and helping with the offensive schemes while maintaining his studies in engineering and management.

Laura Reitmuller served as an athletic therapist for both football and wrestling. She demonstrated dedication beyond the regular call of duty to ensure that all the needs of team members were taken care of. Reitmuller sacrificed a great deal of her personal time, and her personal touch has made an impact on those she has attended to.

Jeff Cernelle (swimming), Osama Naqvi (rugby) and Dan Russell (volleyball/swimming) were also honoured as finalists for the Bruce Cochrane Award.

The Joyce Wignall Award, presented to the McMaster team that best demonstrates teamwork, friendship, loyalty and community involvement, was presented to the McMaster fencing team.

In 2010-11, the McMaster fencing team mobilized its members in support of the Terry Fox Run, helping to raise almost $2,000. McMaster fencing then fundraised another $2,000 for the Ride for Refuge, a charity that supports refugee assistance programs all over the world. In April 2011, the fencing team hosted a Fence-A-Thon to raise money in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital.

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Dr. John (Jack) Kennedy Award (Male) & Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award (Female) - Top Marauder Scholars

In recognition of a female and male undergraduate student-athlete who best combines outstanding academic achievements and athletic excellence. Recipients exemplify the high ideals of Dr. Kennedy & Dr. Keyes, including the qualities of excellence, integrity, development of the whole student-athlete and community involvement. Candidates should also embody the spirit of McMaster as ambassadors within the McMaster community at large.

Ivor Wynne Award (Male Athlete of the Year) & Therese A. Quigley Award (Female Athlete of the Year)

In recognition of the athlete(s) who has distinguished him/herself to the highest level of performance while representing McMaster University in interuniversity competition in the current year. The recipient(s) should exhibit outstanding athletic ability both at the provincial and national level of competition. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent leadership qualities and give sound academic performance in the year selected. Candidates may be in any year of university and must be a full-time student competing on a McMaster team.

Dr. Ray Johnson Award (Male) & Edna Guest Award (Female)

In recognition of the graduating athlete(s) who have radiated "the spirit of McMaster" throughout their time as a Marauder. The positive attitude is reflected in their service to others, leadership and involvement in McMaster athletics activities. Other areas of involvement including volunteer work within the university and/or community Recipient(s) should exhibit noteworthy athletic ability as indicated by their performance during the current season. Candidates must be in their graduating year. 

Mel & Marilyn Hawkrigg (Male & Female) Outstanding Rookie of the Year Award

In recognition of the athlete(s) who has distinguished him/herself to the highest level of performance while representing McMaster University in their first year of post-secondary interuniversity competition in the current year. The recipient(s) should exhibit outstanding athletic ability both at the provincial and national level of competition.

Les Prince Award

In recognition of a student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service through participation in an outreach program. The recipient should display enthusiasm for giving back to sport in our community.  

Bruce Cochrane Award

In recognition of the student who best exemplifies unwavering dedication and service to the group/ team. The recipient's actions and conduct will have had a positive influence and an impact on the end results. Candidates will have held a position for the Department as one or all of the following: team manager; student-therapist; assistant coach; event management staff or administrative assistance within the athletic program.