News Articles

April 3rd, 2025 - We celebrate our clubs who are a vital part of Athletics and Student Life at the University of Guelph. Joining a club gives students the chance to stay connected to their athletic passions, develop leadership, and build lasting connections. Our club program brings students together from all backgrounds, offering competition, community, and school pride. Whether it’s national championships or first-time appearances, thank you for your dedication. The impact of your work reaches far beyond the field of play.

Artistic Swim

This season was an exciting one for Artistic Swim, showcasing a mix of experienced and novice athletes across various categories. They kicked off the competition season at the McGill Invitational in Montreal, Quebec, where both their experienced team and novice duet secured strong fifth-place finishes. At the Eastern Divisionals in Kingston, their athlete with disability solo delivered an outstanding performance, placing first, while the novice duet placed sixth. The season culminated with Artistic Swim’s participation at Nationals in Victoria, BC, marking a memorable and competitive year for the club.

MVP Award: Eva Pala | Rookie Award: Taisiya Dates Ermilova

Cycling

As a new addition to our club’s family, Cycling had a phenomenal first year, registering 25 cyclists and going on multiple rides throughout the fall season and exploring the beautiful trails we have here in the city. Building off a successful year, Cycling is looking to partake in competitive races across the province next season and continue to add to the strong community they have built.

Best High Vis Award: Erich MacLean | Most Enthusiastic Award: Charlie Chettleburgh

Dance Pak

Dance Pak had an outstanding year this year, participating in 4 total competitions highlighted by finishing 2nd out of 23 teams at the University Dance Challenge, Canada’s premier varsity dance event. On top of the team success, Dance Pak secured numerous top 3 finishes in a wide range of categories across the board in the BeU Varsity Dance Competition, including Best Team performance awarded by the committee’s judges. They received another Best Team Performance Award in “The Final Event” Competition in Mississauga March 21st where they finished 3rd overall. Congratulations to the team for all your hard work this year, demonstrating top class organization, pride and care in all aspects of your work.

Above & Beyond Award: Kyla Ritchie | Heart & Soul Award: Vanessa de Cassan

Dragon Boat

Dragon Boat had one of their most successful seasons in recent time, competing in numerous competitions across the GTA. Broken paddles and difficult racing structure did not disrupt their flow in races, finishing first in the 24 and Under B division in their Milton Regatta, Winning the Community Cup in Pickering, and achieving their best race time of 2:14 in their 500m race in the Hamilton Regatta. Congratulations on a great year, and we are looking forward to what you and your members can achieve building off this year!

Most Improved Award: Claire Meers | MVP Award: Jasper Chui

English Equestrian

Competing out of the IHSA, English Equestrian would go compete in Canton, New York for their competitions and experienced many successful moments, including winning reserve high point team on day 1 at their opening showcase of the season, proceeding to win High Point Team of the Day on day 2 following strong performances. Based off these strong showings, 7 of their riders were able to qualify to represent the school at the regional competition in Canton.

Rookie Award: Ava McLean | MVP Award: Madeliene Bondy

Western Equestrian

Western Equestrian also had a very successful year competing in the IHSA. Representing the Gryphons in Canton, Western Equestrian had 2 riders receive top 10 finishes in their respective showcases, whilst also having 2 riders qualify to the regional competition of their respective showcases. Overall, Western Equestrian had a very strong finish of 3rd for their regionals competition. Congratulations on a very successful year to all your members!

Sportsmanship Award: Teagan Magennis | Rookie Award: Cadence Smyth

Softball

In a historic year for the club, our women’s softball team achieved new heights that have never been seen in the club’s existence. Finishing their regular season with a strong 14-6 record, Women’s Softball was able to qualify for playoffs for the first time in their existence. As a result of the team’s hard work and success, Head Coach Phil Panchaud was named Ontario University Softball Coach of the Year by the OUS. After the conclusion of their historic season, the team did not stop there, as they continued to spread their love of the game by working alongside Guelph Minor League Softball, helping coach young players ranging from the U11-U17 divisions within the community and putting on ID clinics for local high school students as they prepare to take their games to the post-secondary level.

Rookie Award: Lauren Goodwin | Gryphons Heart Award: Laura Winters

Quadball

Our next club up in tonight’s awards is our Quadball club. Quadball had another very strong year, placing 3rd at eastern regionals and hosting the “Rumble in the Royal City” here at the university, bringing together teams from across the province to compete in preparation for their national’s trip. With the team’s success this season, they were able to go compete in the nation’s capital on March 21st, where teams across the nation battled for the National Quadball Championship. The team finished 5th at the championships and 2nd place nationally for university-based teams. Along with these successes, Quadball had their largest recruitment year since 2019. Congratulations Quadball on a great season!

MVP Award: Davia Barker | Leadership Award: Grace Davey

Ringette

Ringette had a dominant showing in their early tournaments, earning gold in the Waterloo tournament and a silver finish in their Oshawa tournament. The momentum continued into their provincial tournament, earning a strong 3rd place finish which was enough to earn them a spot at nationals. At UCC’s, the team came 6th to cap off a strong year for the club. Congratulations on a great season Ringette! We are excited to see the team continue to achieve new heights next season and look forward to seeing these milestones broken next year.

MVP Award: Emma Brown | Gryphon Award: Madison Kennedy

Run Club

In their inaugural year, the club was able to get over 120 registered members and hosted events such as The Glow Night Run and exam runs. You may have also seen them stopping and getting a post run ice cream or coffee throughout the semester! Whether it was new run ideas or brand partnerships made to improve the run experience, Run Club was always forward thinking in terms of elevating the student experience through fitness, and we’d like to congratulate its executives and all members on a great first season, and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to create this community within our clubs family!

Most Dedicated Award: Cate Marjeram | Leadership Award: Avary Watson

Tap Pak

Tap Pak competed in a total of 3 competitions this year, winning Top Tap Discipline in the University Dance Challenge as well as the BeU varsity Challenge. They wrapped up their competition season at Mohawk College in Hamilton last weekend taking away multiple podium finishes in their respective performances.

Dedication Award: Ayslyn Cassells | Radiance Award: Jessica Williams

Tennis

Tennis competed against other OUA schools in their games this year, with wins against the Laurier, Brock, TMU, Windsor and McMaster tennis programs in their matchups. Interest in the Tennis club was at an all-time high, with the club hosting the largest tryout’s they’ve experienced in their history. The Men’s and Women’s teams look forward to continuing to take down the surrounding programs, solidifying their spot as superior presence on the court.

Men’s MVP Award: Jonathan Scarrow | Women’s MVP Award: Kate Miles

Ultimate Frisbee Mens

The Men’s team experienced their highest finish to their season since 2018, earning a bid in Division 1, and placing 6th overall. The momentum carried over into their winter season where they competed at indoor nationals, placing 2nd overall.

Most Dedicated Award: Thomas Panayiotopoulos | Rookie Award: Ben Moher

Ultimate Womens

Moving onto the second half of the club, winning was a mutual feeling with these 2 rosters, as the hardworking and determined women’s roster set their sights on bringing home the Division 2 outdoor championship, which they won to cap off an outstanding outdoor season. They didn’t stop there, as they continued to bulldoze their way through their opponents, finishing second overall at nationals, leaving a national imprint on what to expect next season from this group. Both clubs would like to thank their departing seniors and wish them all the best going forward. The teams are optimistic about the future, with lots of energy and skill in this new crop of rookies that just came in.

MVP Award: May Nguyen | Rookie Award: Mitzi Parsons

Underwater Hockey

Underwater Hockey had one of their most successful seasons in some time, with the club hosting a tournament which drew in over 170 participants from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Due to an increase in club numbers, the club was able to put in 2 teams, finishing 6th and 8th out of 11 teams, improving on results from years past. Congratulations Underwater Hockey on a great year

Dedication Award: Megan Hau | Sportsmanship Award: Jasnoor Bhullar

Cheerleading

Cheerleading club was victorious in multiple competitions this year, taking home first and second place prizes in Mississauga at the PCA Canadian University Nationals, including a back-to-back 1st place finish for the Co-Ed team this competition, the first in Guelph Cheerleading history. Cheer didn’t stop there, as they travelled south of the border to take on the world’s best in Virginia Beach. Both the All Girl and Co-Ed teams came home with the first-place prizes, capping off their great seasons. Aside from their success at competitions, you would have seen the club at multiple varsity football events, keeping the energy high in the stands to help spur the team to victory. Congratulations on a great year Cheer!

Gryphon Heart Award: Sophie Lake

Atcha Crew

Atcha was able to double their size, presenting their largest roster in recent time. The roster travelled to multiple showcases, with 2 dancers winning first place in a freestyle battle, and gaining an invite to London at Western University to compete against 2 other crews. Atcha also participated in multiple fundraisers for the club, participating in a flower sale with Dance Pak in November and increasing their brand online, gaining 50 thousand views from posted performances. A great year to celebrate for our Atcha crew. Congratulations and thank you all for your hard work.

FAMCHA Award: Hope MacPherson | Most Improved Award: Bianca Harris

Gryphsteps

Gryphsteps had multiple shining moments this year, including competing at the University Dance Challenge, Canada’s premier dance competition in the university circuit. Gryphsteps also had performances at halftime of the varsity basketball games this year, displaying their talent for all fans in attendance and spreading their brand out to everyone. Gryphsteps would like to thank their members for all their dedication and determination in all practices and performances this season.

MVP Award: Sydney Eveline | Rookie Award: Gabrielle Arnold

Water polo

Water polo participated in 2 tournaments this season, travelling to Western to compete as well as playing locally here in Guelph. The club was able make some history this year, earning a 7-5 win vs McMaster in their tournament in London, the clubs first win in 2 years! Congratulations on a great year Water polo, and best of luck in all of your activities next season.

Most Improved Award: Elena Haramis | MVP Award: Erin Van Rooyen

Women’s Football

Women’s football demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill and determination throughout the year powering through their competition and showcasing their grit on both sides of the ball. The team was able to place 2nd overall at the OWIFA 5v5 outdoor tournament, reflecting the dedication and passion within this team, setting the stage for greater success in future tournaments coming up for this group. 

Resilience Award: Elise Howson | Versatility Award: Alexie Berthelette

 

Major Awards

The Momentum Award:

This award celebrates a club that exemplifies growth and leadership through unwavering dedication, creativity, and remarkable resilience. The recipient of this year’s award truly embodies these values.

Facing a significant challenge with an unexpected coaching change around this time last year, this club demonstrated extraordinary determination and strength. Through their hard work and perseverance, they finished in an impressive second place in their division, secured a well-earned playoff spot, and even added a Coach of the Year honor to their achievements.

2024-2025 Momentum Award - Women’s Softball

 

The Circle of Excellence Award:

This award is presented to the club that stands as a true embodiment of excellence, within and outside the realm of athletic performance. It celebrates outstanding achievements in administration and athlete development, while also highlighting a commitment to consistently upholding the positive Gryphon virtues in every community they engage with.

This year’s recipient has demonstrated exceptional success, not only through their impressive accomplishments in competition but also through their remarkable efforts in fundraising, team management, and administrative excellence.

2024-2025 Circle of Excellence Award – Dance Pak