Robinson inducted into Hall of Fame at UPEI Sport Legacy event
The second annual ‘Sport Legacy Celebration' took place Thursday at the University of Prince Edward Island honouring Panther Sport - past, present, and future. Former UPEI basketball Panther, Curtis Robinson (1991-96) was inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame while Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Academic All-Canadians from the last varsity season and named financial award winners for this year were also celebrated.
UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Ron Annear welcomed approximately 150 student-athletes, coaches, donors, sponsors, family, and friends to McMillan Hall at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre for the dinner event.
'This is an evening to honour and celebrate Panther Sport, and the legacies it creates,' said Annear. '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.' Annear also thanked the many award donors and event sponsors.
UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, 'Athletics are important to our University as it develops pride in our athletes who represent UPEI, as well as in our other students. I am so proud that we are honouring our past athletic achievements tonight, but I also congratulate our current students who are achieving success in their sport and academically. We are recognizing a record number of CIS Academic All-Canadians tonight-54-it is wonderful that so many students come to UPEI to play, have fun, and, at the same time, excel in their studies.'
In addition to the recognition of the Academic All-Canadians (student-athletes who have maintained a grade point average of 80 per cent over the previous year), and the presentation of many annual scholarships, new 'Alumni Engagement Awards' were given out. These awards were created from proceeds generated at the Alumni Golf Tournament held in July and presented to UPEI student-athletes in each varsity sport who furthered public and alumni interest in their respective teams.
Annear then described the concept for a proposed UPEI Sport Hall of Fame installation in the lobby at the CARI Complex, indicating that it would visually and interactively honour achievements of Panther athletes from the past, including this year's inductee.
Robinson was introduced and inducted into the hall by Brett Wood, a former Panther and UPEI men's basketball assistant coach, who said, 'Curtis Robinson is an honourable and generous man who would help anyone, and who still works tirelessly for UPEI men's basketball, recruiting new and supporting current players.'
Robinson then stepped to the podium to accept his honour, thanking his friends, family, and former teammates-many, including his wife and parents, who were in the audience. He made particular mention of former UPEI Athletic Director Barb Mullaly, and his mentor, former men's basketball coach George Morrison, who both served in their positions when Robinson played at UPEI and supported him throughout his standout career.
'It is always great to come back to campus to see that former Panther athletes, who played when I did, are still heavily involved in the varsity programs,' said Robinson. 'I hope that many of you here tonight stay involved after your playing days are over. I also thank the many donors and sponsors who help our athletes have the special opportunity that I did-to come here, to UPEI, to play sports.'
Robinson, who now lives in the Bahamas, captured numerous awards during his Panther career, including AUAA Most Valuable Player (twice) and UPEI Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year(twice), and was a two-time CIAU 1st Team All-Canadian. He still holds the AUS record for Most Points Scored for an Individual, Career (regular season), scoring 2,069 points in 100 games over five years.
2010-11 CIS Academic All-Canadians at UPEI
Women's Basketball
Nadine Chomyc, Julia McKenna, Kelcy McNally, Marie-Christine Parent
Men's Basketball
Nick Kaminsky
Field Hockey
Michelle Clow, Ellen Dixon, Leanne Doiron, Lydia Ellis, Kathryn Hay, Marina MacAulay, Lacey MacLauchlan, Jenna MacLellan, Erica Ross, Kristy Wu
Men's Hockey
Jared Gomes, Jordon Knox, Kris MacDonald, Graham McNabb, Jhase Sniderman, Thomas Styncl, Thomas Waugh
Women's Hockey
Amanda Armstrong, Kristy Dobson, Christina Kelly, Kristin Nash, Bailey Toupin
Rugby
Hannah Austin, Juliet Bernard, Isabelle D'Amour, Rachel Earl, Megan Larkin, Ashley Macintyre, Shannon Moore, Sumara Profit, Kaitlyn Richard
Men's Soccer
Daniel Hill, Conor McAleer, Jared Murphy, Colby O'Donnell
Women's Soccer
Andrea Archibald, Kayla Balderston, Chelsie McInnis, Carolyn McKenna, Katie O'Brien, Hannah Roche, Tessa Roche, Allyson Seviour, Sara Stewart, Kalie Symington, Lynn Symington
Swimming
Eric Beaton, Mikhala Brinklow-McKnight, Kaylynne Parkes.
UPEI Donor-supported Athletic Award and Scholarship Recipients
The Kyle and Kody Men's Hockey Award - Matt Maione
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 - Spencer Metcalfe
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 - Janet Gamble (swimming)
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 - Terrence Brown and Julia McKenna
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 Travis MacIsaac
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 - Sumara Profit (rugby)
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 - Julie McKenna and Ollen Smith
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 Keefe Family Hockey Scholarship - Jhase Sniderman
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 & MacKay Gift - Katie Moore
Presented to a full-time student on the Panther Women's Basketball team who has demonstrated strong academic standing.
The Andrews Hockey School Scholarship - Mike MacIsaac
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- Jaclyn Sanderson
Presented to a high school student entering UPEI who will be a member of the Panther Women's Field Hockey Team, and preferably entering the School of Business.
Alumni Engagement Awards -Given to UPEI student-athletes who demonstrate an interest in furthering public and alumni interest in their respective teams through an ongoing commitment to their sport and the promotion thereof to the larger community. Recipients must be entering a year of study beyond their first and be in good academic standing. Women's Soccer - Allyson Seviour; Men's Soccer - Logan Dawson; Women's Rugby - Bailey Harper; Field Hockey - Leanne Doiron; Women's Hockey - Jaimelynn Donaldson; Men's Hockey - Dylan Quaile; Women's Basketball - Julia McKenna; Men's Basketball - John Cooper; Swimming - Sydney Morley.
