DCVI holds Virtual Awards Ceremony to honour its athletes, coaches
By Pat Payton
A total of 21 Major Athletic Award winners were announced on the night of June 18 as St. Marys DCVI held a Virtual Awards Ceremony to honour its athletes and coaches.
The on-line ceremony was organized by teacher/coach Annette Wrigley.
The following are the awards (sportsmanship and most valuable players) that were presented to the top Grade 7-8 and Grade 9 student-athletes for the 2019-20 season.
MAJOR ATHLETIC AWARD WINNERS FOR 2019-20
Grade 7-8 Female
Grade 7-8 Female – Charlotte Clinton, sportsmanship; Avery Jones, MVP.
The sportsmanship award was presented by teacher/coach Ian Morton.
“The person winning this award is extremely deserving,” Morton said in his address. “Charlotte goes about her business in a very quiet way. She displays exceptional leadership, but leads by example. She works hard consistently and shows respect for everyone — teammates, opponents, coaches and officials. And she supports all of her teammates.”
Teacher/coach Kristin DeBrabandere presented the MVP award.
“Don’t let the smile of this year’s Intermediate MVP fool you, she’s as fierce a competitor as they come,” DeBrabandere said. “This athlete shows up for practice and games ready to soak up any coaching she can get. She just wants to improve her skills so she can be the best she can — for herself and her teammates.
“Thank you Avery Jones for never leaving practice without a thank you.”
Other Intermediate girls nominees were: Anna Ropp, Lila Corby, Kiara McGregor, Paige Barr, Eden Sinnett and Madison Leslie.
Grade 7-8 Male
Grade 7-8 Male – Griffin McGregor, sportsmanship; Ryan Hodkinson, MVP.
Teacher/coach Candy McEwan made the presentation of the sportsmanship award.
“He always demonstrated dedication and commitment to all teams he was a part of,” McEwan said. “He was one of the biggest cheerleaders for his teams, whether he was on or off the playing field. He was always willing to take coaches’ instructions and ideas, and he always seemed to understand the importance of team. Congratulations Griffin.”
The MVP award was presented by teacher/coach Graham Rae.
“Ryan participated in all the sports we were able to get in this year,” Rae said. “He was a leader on every team. He always puts forth a 100 percent effort and it shows in his outstanding talent. Ryan always wants to do well, and demonstrates exceptional commitment to his team.”
Other Intermediate boys nominees were: Peyton Lobb and Nate Schiedel.
Grade 9 Female
Grade 9 Female – Gwen Taylor, sportsmanship; Anne Griffith-Jones and Ellen Thorup, co-MVPs.
Teacher/coach Jessica Chateauvert made the presentation of the sportsmanship award.
“Without a doubt, Gwen came to every practice and game with a big smile on her face, ready to tackle new challenges and learn new things,” Chateauvert said. “Every coach I asked replied with similar descriptions. Gwen always came with a positive attitude, encouraging her teammates, and was always willing to learn new things, while at the same time having a tremendous amount of fun.
“She was a positive influence, on and off the playing field, and was often seen interacting with the officials. Gwen could be counted on to give 100 percent, no matter what was asked. She was an absolute pleasure to coach.”
The presentation to the co-MVPs was made by teacher/coach Ellen Bettger.
“Tonight, we recognize two very deserving Salukis, co-winners of this year’s Midget girls MVP award,” Bettger said. “Comments from coaches about these two athletes include observations such as: she does a great job at balancing fierce competitiveness with her love for the game; she had to work hard to learn, but once she caught on she excelled quickly; she always gave 100 percent at every practice and game–a major factor in our successful season; her vision and decision-making on the court were exceptional.
“These two young women were dedicated, supportive teammates who continued to strive for improvements and excellence. Congratulations to Anne Griffith-Jones and Ellen Thorup.”
Other Grade 9 girls nominees were: Bella Aarts, Ava Ansley, Zoe Fadelle, Neave Goris, Eve Greig, Marissa Hawkins, Natalie Johnston, Alia Linton, Matt Luyten, Erin Massie, Anna Standeaven, Jillian Sterkenberg and Becky Walsh.
Grade 9 Male
Grade 9 Male – Jack Switzer, sportsmanship; Ezra Bender and Rourke McEwan, co-MVPs.
Graham Rae made the presentation of the sportsmanship award.
“This year’s recipient is an athlete who attended all practices, worked hard, encouraged his teammates and was always positive, no matter if he won or lost,” Rae said. “Congratulations, Jack Switzer.”
Teacher/coach Annette Wrigley made the MVP presentation to Bender.
“Ezra is a timid Grade 9 athlete, a solid runner who attends and smiles at every practice, but doesn’t say boo,” Wrigley said. “It was his running that spoke volumes as he turned it on at WOSSAA to become the last qualifying runner from our region to advance. At OFSAA, he finished 27th and was the second regional runner to cross the line. A very dedicated and impressive athlete, I have no doubt he would have done the same thing at OFSAA track and field.”
Teacher/coach Brian Chalupka made the MVP presentation to McEwan.
“Rourke, it’s a really nice recognition by all your coaches,” Chalupka said. “I know in basketball, you had a great year. Not too many Grade 9s make the starting line-up, and the reason you did was because you have all the skills to become an outstanding basketball player.
“Next year, I look forward to some leadership from you to help out the other Grade 9s on the team.”
Other Grade 9 boys nominees were: Michael Boonstra, Ian Boyd, Owen Boyd, Arthur Douglas, Emmett Doupe, Jake Grant, RJ Martin, Jimmy Schiedel and Alex Slade.
Sportsmanship Award Traits – respect for officials, teammates, fans, coaches and opposition – positive influence towards the team, on and off the court – encourage teammates to demonstrate positive behaviour and leads by example – displays a strong work ethic and sense of pride in practices and games – accepts both winning and losing with class.
MVP Award Traits – demonstrates outstanding skill or talent – has a tenacious desire to do well – exhibits strong leadership during the games and practices – makes major contributions to the team – shows a commitment to the team and sport through attendance, effort and play – always puts forth a 100 percent effort.
