UPEI Panther Sport celebrated at new event
The first ‘Sport Legacy Celebration' took place Thursday at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to honour Panther Sport - past, present, and future.
The evening combined some traditional events with new components, all to celebrate the legacies that Panther Sport creates and inspire current student-athletes.
RBC Olympian Rowan Barrett was the keynote speaker. The basketball star played internationally for 17 years (12 years at the professional level) and won a gold medal at the 1994 Commonwealth championships with Team Canada. Barrett led the Canadian national basketball team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He now is a team leader and branch manager with RBC in Toronto.
Barrett challenged the audience to identify what inspires them as well as finding what holds them back. He said, 'The only thing that stops us from achieving greatness is that seed of doubt. If you believe in yourself and combine it with what inspires you, you will realize your dreams.' He shared stories about his teammate Steve Nash and cautioned the student-athletes not to expect immediate returns. 'People like Steve, yes, have achieved awards, but have had to be patient and make sacrifices in order to do so.'
Barrett's address was then followed by an acknowledgement of the 2009-10 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Academic All-Canadians. UPEI has 56 Academic All-Canadians from six different sports, representing more than 30 per cent of the student-athlete population. These athletes competed on a CIS varsity sport team while at the same time achieving an over-80 per cent average as a full-time student.
In the past, athletic awards and scholarships were presented at a separate ceremony; this year, these athletes were recognized during this new celebration. It was also the perfect opportunity to thank the many donors and families who support these awards and introduce two new awards - The Andrews Hockey School Scholarship and a mentor/mentee fellowship program supported by Mike and Jenny Moore.
Two new inductees were entered into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame - soccer great, Glen Miller and field hockey star, Tracy McGee. These athletes were outstanding in their respective sports, earning award after award, not only in the Atlantic University Sport conference, but in the CIS as well.
Director of Athletics Ron Annear gave closing remarks, 'UPEI works hard to create an environment that allows students to be successful academically, athletically, and socially, providing memories and impacts that last a lifetime. Tonight has been an opportunity to honour these success stories.'
2009-10 CIS Academic All-Canadians at UPEI
Dual Sport Athletes
Sumara Profit, Rugby/Swimming; Tessa Roche, Soccer/Hockey.
Women's Basketball
Nadine Chomyc, Julia McKenna, Sara Moore, Victoria Walker.
Men's Basketball
Tim Butler, Nick Kaminsky.
Field Hockey
Hilary Buckley, Ellen Dixon, Kathryn Hay, Katherine Lezeu, Lacey MacLauchlan, Carolyn MacLeod, Bethany Nicholson, Erica McQuaid-Ross.
Men's Hockey
Jakub Bundil, Connor Cameron, Jared Gomes, Graham McNabb, Greg O'Brien, Jhase Sniderman, Thomas Styncl, Cory Vitarelli, Thomas Waugh.
Women's Hockey
Cathleen Loughlin, Jenelle MacKenzie, Genna Phelan, Bailey Toupin.
Rugby
Hannah Austin, Monique Bernard, Janelle Carmichael, Isabelle D'Amour, Megan Larkin, Hannah Szwarc, Jaleesa Villard.
Men's Soccer
John Chandler, Peter Connaughton, Andrew MacSwain, Nathan Snowie.
Women's Soccer
Andrea Archibald, Laura Gaudet, Rachel Graham, Carolyn McKenna, Mandy Lise McKenna, Hannah Roche, Sara Stewart, Kalie Symington.
Swimming
Maranda Brown-Grant, Stephanie Landry, Billy MacDonald, Marianne Parent, Kaylynne Parkes.
Curling
Brett Gallant, Christina Hennessey, Courtney Moore.
UPEI Donor-supported Athletic Award and Scholarship Recipients
The Kyle and Kody Men's Hockey Award - Thomas Stryncal
Presented to a student-athlete in the UPEI Men's Hockey program who displays leadership qualities and a positive attitude.
The Dennis Clough Men's Hockey Scholarship - Tyson Gimblett
Presented to a returning UPEI men's varsity hockey player who has demonstrated tremendous character and leadership qualities through his dedicated effort and positive attitude in the classroom, in the community, and on the ice.
The Neil and Lila MacLeod Memorial Scholarship - Sumara Profit
Presented to a full-time UPEI student in his/her second year who has demonstrated academic achievement and participates in a varsity athletic program.
The Urban McInnis Memorial Award - Mike Hardy and Emily MacEachern
Presented to an Island student on each of the UPEI women's and men's basketball teams, entering third year, who has made significant academic progress.
The Harry and Marjorie MacLauchlan Scholarship - Matt Boyle and Jordan Knox
Presented to two full-time students who are members of a UPEI intercollegiate hockey team, in strong academic standing, with preference given to players from PEI.
The Gerry Gillis Memorial Scholarship - Sara Stewart
Presented to a returning Academic All-Canadian athlete participating in Panther sports who contributes superior athletic sportsmanship combined with high academic achievement.
The Grant Thornton 'Harry MacLauchlan' Scholarship - Chad Locke
Presented to a student on a UPEI intercollegiate hockey team in good academic standing who has been voted by teammates and coaches as contributing most to team spirit through hard work and dedication.
The Michael and Jennifer (Johnston) Moore Mentor/Mentee Fellowship Program for UPEI Basketball - Nadine Chomyc and Aaron Robbins
Presented to two UPEI varsity basketball athletes - a mentor who has displayed strong skills in balancing academics and athletics, and a mentee who wishes to benefit from working closely with the mentor to develop similar skills that will enhance his/her athletic and academic experience.
The Ron McInnis Men's Hockey Award - Thomas Waugh
Presented to a full-time UPEI student who is a member of the UPEI hockey team and currently lives in, or is originally from, Prince Edward Island.
The Keefe Family Hockey Scholarship - Graham McNabb
Presented to a returning Academic All-Canadian athlete on the UPEI Men's Hockey team. The recipient will contribute superior athletic sportsmanship combined with high academic achievement.
Carr Stevenson and MacKay Gift - Carly LaFave
Presented to a full-time student on the Panther Women's Basketball team who has demonstrated strong academic standing.
The Andrews Hockey School Scholarship - Kris MacDonald
Presented to a full-time UPEI student who is a member of a UPEI hockey team and has completed training in an Andrews Hockey Growth Program.
The Colin F. MacDonald Scholarship- Jessica Rosenbaum
Presented to a high school student entering UPEI who will be a member of the Panther Women's Hockey Team, and preferably entering the School of Business.
