The Department of Athletics and the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation held its annual presentation of awards April 5 and honoured some of its finest student-athletes. Five of Memorial’s graduating players were inducted into the Athletic Honour Society, which recognizes graduating student-athletes that have made an outstanding contribution to the athletic program at Memorial University.

Election to membership in the Athletic Honour Society is the highest athletic award that can be conferred on a student at Memorial University. This year’s inductees were Justin Ezekiel, volleyball, Jonathon Kelly, soccer, Justin Halleran, basketball, Krista Singleton, basketball, and Jessica Wade, soccer.

The Edward P. Browne Trophy is presented annually to the outstanding male and female inter-university basketball players. This year’s female recipient of the trophy was Katherine Quackenbush, while the male winner was Sean Thistle. During the 2006-07 season, Ms. Quackenbush led the Sea-Hawks in scoring efforts and was named an AUS first team all-star and the AUS most valuable player. In addition, she was named a CIS first team all-Canadian and helped her team capture a bronze medal in the CIS championships, the highest ever finish for a Memorial women’s basketball team. Sean Thistle played well all year to achieve first place in conference scoring this season. Mr. Thistle was also the only male basketball Sea-Hawk this season to be voted to the AUS second team all-star team.

Ms. Quackenbush was also presented with the Graham Snow Memorial Award, presented annually to the student who, in any year combines prowess in varsity athletics with high academic achievement. She was named to the director’s list and been named an academic all-Canadian in her time in the Kinesiology program at Memorial. In the community Ms. Quackenbush has participated in with youth groups and as a member of the Athletes Council at Memorial.

The Harold Squires Scholarship is presented annually to a student combining outstanding achievement in athletics and academics. This year’s recipient is Katherine Quackenbush. While excelling in basketball, Ms. Quackenbush is completing a bachelor of kinesiology and has a spot on the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation Director’s List.
The Jubilee Cup is awarded annually for the most outstanding performance in distance running. This year’s recipient is Kate Vaughan. She was the highest-placing Sea-Hawk this season placing in the top 10 at the AUS championships and earning a place on the AUS all-star team and a place at the CIS championships. At the CIS championships, she placed 32nd with a time of 19:15.

The John Drinkwater Memorial Award is presented annually to the most outstanding male or female varsity swimmer. This year’s recipient is second year swimmer Tim Rusted. Coming off an excellent rookie season he was poised to have another great year. At the AUS championships, Mr. Rusted captured a gold medal in the 1500 metre freestyle, a bronze medal in the 400 metre freestyle and a bronze medal in the 400 metre individual medley. He was also part of the relay teams that captured a bronze medal in the 4x100 metre freestyle, a silver medal in the 4x200 metre freestyle, and a bronze medal in the 4x100 metre medley. To cap off the year, Mr. Rusted also qualified for the CIS championships. He embraced the experience to the fullest and swam three of four personal bests at the meet, a sure sign of good things to come.

Wrestler of the Year is awarded to the top male or female wrestler. This year’s recipient was again Kerri-Ann Evely. In her final year of eligibility, she had numerous positive results this season. Next year she will continue to work on her master’s degree and assist the wrestling program in a coaching capacity.

Soccer MVP awards were given to Jon Kelly and Laura Breen who both had stellar seasons again this year. Ms. Breen was once again named an AUS first team all-star and was also named a CIS second team all-Canadian. Mr. Kelly was once again a strong defensive force on the field and was named an AUS first team all-star. Mr. Kelly will certainly be missed next season as he has completed his five years of eligibility.

Volleyball MVP awards were given to Justin Ezekiel and Megan Conroy. Mr. Ezekiel has been a leader for the Sea-Hawks throughout his five years at Memorial and this year was named an AUS second team all-star. Ms. Conroy emerged as the women's leader gradually throughout the year. Within the top three in team scoring she provided drive to her team and was a major contributor to the team's chemistry in a season in which the Sea-Hawks had highs and lows.

A new award was established this year to honour a student-athlete that lost his life in January 2007. Michael Smith was a third-year wrestler who touched everyone in his life and also in his passing. The Michael “Beecher” Smith Heart Award was established with the assistance of the Athlete’s Council as a way of acknowledging the student-athlete that goes above and beyond the call of duty in his or her sport. The award will be presented annually to an athlete that best exemplifies the characteristics that are best remembered about Mike. In future years, nominees for this award will be forwarded based on the recommendation of the teams, however, this year it was thought appropriate that the recipient be a wrestler and a team mate of Mike’s. This year’s recipient of the Michael “Beecher” Smith Heart Award is first year athlete Peter Petipas. As a first year athlete, Mr. Petipas has embraced everything that it means to be a Sea-Hawk. His effort at practice, his involvement with the team, and his participation in student-athlete initiatives is rarely found in a “rookie.” Athletically, he also had a great start taking home a gold medal in the 76 kilogram division at the UNB open.

Another new award established this year was the Student Trainer of the Year Award. This year was the first full season the Sea-Hawks have had the assistance of a full time athletic therapist. The volunteer Student Trainer program was established to ensure the therapy requirements of each team were fulfilled. The award is presented to the student trainer who demonstrates outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to their team. The recipient exhibits a positive attitude, a strong motivation to learn and is respected by coaches and athletes. Shaina Bennett is this year’s recipient.