| (SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – April 15, 2021): Today, Algoma University and the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program recognized the hard work, dedication, skill, and academic achievements of their student-athletes at their first-ever virtual Varsity Athletics Awards. Although there was not an OUA competitive season this past year, student-athletes were able to train virtually with their coaches. Several sports trained in person following COVID-19 guidelines approved by Algoma Public Health, focussing on strength and agility training. To commemorate their outstanding efforts during these unusual times, a short virtual ceremony was held to celebrate their accomplishments. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for our athletes, coaches, and Athletic’s support staff. Maintaining motivation and training without competition has been difficult on all involved. For our graduating athletes, they have unfortunately missed out on their final season as Thunderbirds. But throughout this period, I have been struck by the resilience and leadership that everyone involved in our Thunderbird Athletics program has displayed,” shared Dave Trudelle, Director of Student Life and Ancillary Services.” We commend our Thunderbirds for their dedication and commitment despite the impacts of the pandemic. Congratulations to all of our award winners for the leadership they have displayed. For the graduating athletes, we wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We look forward to next year when we hopefully will be able to return to competition and get to cheer on our Thunderbird athletes again!” Guest speakers included President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina, Director of Student Life and Ancillary Services Dave Trudelle, Thunderbird Award Winners Bryce Davis and Karly Fracalanza, Dr. Lukenda Service Award Winner Nick Keenan, as well as a special cameo message from TSN sportscaster Jack Armstrong! A full recording of today’s event has been shared on the Algoma University YouTube channel. Congratulations to all award recipients! For further information on the Algoma University Thunderbirds Athletics Department, please visit www.algomathunderbirds.ca. The following awards were handed out: Team Awards Men’s Basketball Most Improved Player Maxime Bellony Leadership Award Vincent Falardeau Cross Country Running Most Improved Avery Lidke Most Dedicated Nick Keenan Women’s Curling Rookie of the Year Paige Simon MVP Nicole Costello Men’s Curling Rookie of the Year Josh Hales MVP Kevin Macmichael Men’s Soccer Most Improved Harish Cassie Most Dedicated Tim Van Weerden Leadership Award Rafael Valentini-Rodriguez Nordic Skiing Rookie of the Year Maisie Robere-McGugan Most Dedicated Nicolas Korsunski Leadership Award Rebekah Gwynn Thunderbird Award (Graduating Student-Athletes) Brody Collison Wrestling Bryce Davis Wrestling Skyler Perron Wrestling Karly Fracalanza Women’s Basketball Rebecca Wylie Women’s Basketball Anna Glasgow Women’s Soccer Elisa South Women’s Soccer Makenna Wiebe Women’s Soccer Tekie (Benhur) Isac Men’s Soccer Michael Tatenda Dhliwayo Men’s Soccer Rafael Valentini- Rodriguez Men’s Soccer Allie Lucente Women’s Curling Dr. Lukenda Service Award Nick Keenan Cross-Country running U Sports Academic All-Canadians 2019-20 Simon Bobok Brayden Cullen Rafael Valentini Tim Van Weerden Tanner Wilden Claudia Aguas Megan Chandler Sydney Conrad Maria De Melo Faith Holmes Cierra Meredith Katie Nippard Leigha Nippard Alexis Trigiani-Kirkwood Makenna Wiebe Milan Acimovic Colp Victoria Sawyer Fischer Karly Fracalanza Keyra Gallo Aimee Garland Dionne Martin Chloe Martynuck Mercedes Ryan Rebecca Wylie Taylor Dewling Avery Litke Bryce Davis Stephen Kreyenbuhl David Serra Skyler Perron Erik Weise Anik Graves Breanna Hamilton Allie Lucente |
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