Due to concerns about COVID-19 and with the goal of increasing social distancing, the Department of Athletics Club Banquet was canceled and the awards were instead announced online.
“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of the Gryphon Clubs Program. Both teams have demonstrated there is more than one pathway to success,” said Justin Toth, Gryphon Clubs Supervisor. “Both teams exceled in their respective sport and were outstanding at fostering the development of their student athletes. Their student executives have ensured both teams are financially and administratively sustainable while they represented the University of Guelph with pride and passion.”
The Circle of Excellence Award is awarded to the club who exemplifies success on and off the field of play as a shining example of excellence in administration and athlete development while consistently representing positive Gryphon virtues in the communities they interact with. This year’s recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award is the Cheerleading team.
It was a sensational season for the team that saw both the coed and all-girl teams named National Champions for the first time in the same season. The program continues to improve each year with a group of dedicated and passionate student-athletes who keep raising the bar. The team is also anchored by a group of passionate coaches that has elevated the team with guidance and mentorship developing the athletes as competitors and leaders. This year the club engaged in significant fundraising initiatives and have become leaders in risk mitigation through a rigorous concussion recognition program.
The Momentum Awarded to the club who excels in growth and leadership demonstrated through dedication, creativity and resilience. This year’s recipient of the Momentum Award is the Equestrian team.
Both the English and Western riding teams that comprise the Equestrian Club had a very strong comeback year. Not only did both teams bring in a record amount of fundraising, they also worked collaboratively to overcome common logistical issues facing them. All of the riders enjoyed success at this year’s at competitions and were supported by a great group of coaches and mentors supporting their success. As one of the few Gryphon Clubs to compete internationally, they have worked hard to represent Canada and Gryphon Athletics well on their competition circuit.
2020 Club Awards
Club - Award Title - Awarded Recipient
Ringette - Sportsmanship Award - Gillian Marrow
Ringette - Most Valuable Player - Lauren Hill
Equestrian - Western-Sportsmanship Award-Alexus Brown
Equestrian - English-Rookie of the Year - Cameron Yach
Fencing - Most Valuable Player - Ebrahim Ebrahim
Fencing - Rookie of the Year - Noah Black
Figure Skating - Dedication Award - Andrew Gerwin
Figure Skating - Sportsmanship Award - Kaitlyn Wells
Quidditch - Rookie of the Year - Dawson Deck
Quidditch - Spirit Award-Anna Golding
Water Polo - Rookie of the Year - Sierra Birthelmer
Water Polo - Most Improved Award - Samantha Hui Bon Hoa
Hip Hop - Most Improved Award - Madeleine Phantharangsy
Hip Hop – FAMCHA - Alexa Bedard
Fast Pitch - Most Dedicated Player - Justine Leake
Fast Pitch - Sportsmanship Award - Alyssa Bruinink
Dragon Boat - Rookie of the Year - Nick Stasiak
Dragon Boat - Dedication Award - Katrina Kraemer
Synchronized Swimming - Most Improved Player - Sydney Enns
Synchronized Swimming - Most Valuable Player - Cassidy Ball
Major Awards
The Momentum Award: Equestrian
The Circle of Excellence Award: Cheerleading