On March 19, Loyalist College held its 40th Annual Athletic Banquet to recognize the excellence of its athletes, coaches and trainers. Kara Muhlhausen, varsity basketball player, was named Female Athlete of the Year and Jamal Fletcher, a member of the men’s varsity basketball team, was presented with the Male Athlete of the Year award.
“I was very excited and surprised to receive this honour,” commented Kara Muhlhausen, a second-year Biotechnology student. “I gained so much by playing with this year’s team. We worked so well together and the highlight of the year was definitely being part of the first Loyalist Women’s Basketball Team to make it to the provincial championships. The teamwork, determination and work ethic that I have developed on the court are skills that I am able to apply to all areas of my life, and playing has added so much to my college experience.”
Jamal Fletcher, a second-year Corporate and Commercial Security student, felt that he would leave Loyalist having grown as an individual in many ways. “I feel that I have matured as a person, as a player and academically. My leadership role with the team gave me the initiative to lead by example. I made sure that work came first and that I remained focused. I think that others on the team were influenced by that in a positive way.”
“The Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All-Canadian Awards go to a distinguished few whose academic excellence is proven through earning recognition on the Dean’s List and who are also named as a Provincial All-Star in their sport,” said George Burton, Vice-President, Enrolment Management and Student Services. “Tonight we recognized our student athletes who demonstrate excellence on the field of play, in the classroom and in the community. We are very proud that six of these athletes have received national recognition by being named as Academic All-Canadian Athletes. Congratulations to Kerri Leitch and Lillian Czindl from our Women’s Soccer Team, Kara Muhlhausen and Erin Rose from our Women’s Basketball Team, Jamal Fletcher, a Men’s Basketball player and Andrew Doucette from our Men’s Volleyball.”
The Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) All-Academic Awards are presented to varsity athletes who are on their college’s Dean’s List. This year, 42 Loyalist athletes were recognized with OCAA All-Academic Awards.
The Loyalist Award of Excellence is presented to an athlete for their outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics. This year’s recipient is varsity basketball player Jaamal Carter.
“Tonight the Award of Excellence has been named the Greg Gavin Award of Excellence. We are pleased to pay tribute to an individual who has played a significant role in shaping and strengthening the College’s athletic programs for over 30 years,” added Jim Buck Assistant Director of Athletics. “As Director of Athletics, Greg’s guidance has resulted in substantial program building and he was a driving force in the development of the Men’s Volleyball Team, coaching the team to Division I and II Championships. Greg’s efforts and initiatives have helped Loyalist’s athletic programs gain respect and recognition throughout the college system.”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca, or Jim Buck, Assistant Director of Athletics, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2245