FREE! Summer 2019 Volume 7
‘GRYPHIE’ MOMENT OF THE YEAR Top Five Moments of the Year
CHAMPIONS CORNER
Highlighting Our OUA & U SPORTS Championship Teams
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Featuring Jenna Westaway & Jace Kotsopoulos
SHE’S GOT GAME
Guelph Gryphons Commitment to Women In Sport
POWER OF PLACE
The Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Wins International Award
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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5 6-8 9 10 11 12 13 15
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Message from the Director Celebrating the Best: 2018-19 Guelph Gryphons Athletics Banquet FryDay Night Lights
Guelph Gryphons Leadership Academy
Gryphon Performance Centre Student Athlete Mentorship (S.A.M.) Program & Award Winner The Launch of Canada’s First Sports Business Institute ‘Gryphie’ Moments of the Year Our Top 5 Moments of 2018-19
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16-17 18 19 20 21 22-23
Athlete Spotlight Jenna Westaway (T&F) & Jace Kotsopoulos (M SOC) ‘She’s Got Game’ Official Launch Krista DuChene Hightlights the 2019 She’s Got Game Gala
Gryphon Cup
Believe to Achieve Program
Champions Corner: OUA & U SPORTS Champions
24-25 26-27 28 29 30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-41
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2018 Gryphon Hall of Fame
Rising Stars Series: Highlighting Exceptional Rookies
Coaches of the Year
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Welcome to the New VP of Student Affairs: Carrie Chassels Gryphons Give Back: The Impact of Giving Back to the Community Getting to Know You: Student-Athletes Power of Place: Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Wins International Award On Home Soil: Major Athletic Events Hosted on Campus
U SPORTS & OUA Awards
Save the Date! Major Events Coming Up in 2019-20
graphic DESIGN
WRITERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Natassya Lu Amber Paxton
Andy Baechler David DiCenzo Michelle Pino
Guyson Kuruneri Kyle Rodriguez Karyn Stepien
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NEED MORE CONTENT? > STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
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G R Y P H F A N
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From the Desk of the Director
SCOTT M c ROBERTS Gryphon Nation, On behalf of the University of Guelph Department of Athletics, it is my privilege to say “Thank You” for all of your dedication and support as we conclude the 2018-19 Season. In so many ways, it has been a magical year for the Gryphons – certainly one of the best we’ve ever had with a number of new milestones reached. We won three U SPORTS championship titles and six medals in total, while in the province we earned four OUA banners and 23 medals. All told, the Gryphons were the most successful program in the country. Our Department’s motto is “Excellence in Athletics, Academics and Community” – and this year we were true to each facet of our focus. In the classroom, we totaled a record setting 155 Gryphons who achieved an average at or above 80%. This means that 20.4% of our studentathletes are reaching 80% or higher. In the community, our commitment intensified for serving the City of Guelph. In addition to our annual charitable activities and donations, we raised the bar with our McDonalds Believe to Achieve program as our student-athletes visited seven elementary schools and three minor sport teams in the city talking to our youth about leadership. In October we officially launched our She’s Got Game (SGG) Initiative with the mandate of increasing female scholarships and commitment to gender equity through policy, engagement and addressing culture change. Check out a more detailed update on our SGG fundraising and events later in the magazine.
On the playing field we tallied 101 Gryphon athletes who were named all-stars and 10 of our first-year competitors were named to OUA All-Rookie Teams. Twelve athletes and coaches took home major OUA honours, with seven more garnering major U SPORTS awards. And it’s incredible to think that we produced 39 All-Canadians. History was made when our women’s hockey team took home their first-ever National title in a storybook ending. And who could forget about our Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Team who completed their year-long quest of repeating a U SPORTS banner sweep. There are many more impressive statistics and countless memories, and we hope you enjoy reliving many of them in this issue of GryphFAN Connected. Thank you to all of our Gryphon supporters who have shown pride and passion for our student-athletes and teams this past year. As excited as I am to look back, I am as eager to look ahead to next season and beyond. Thank You and Go Gryphons!
Scott McRoberts Director of Athletics, University of Guelph
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The Guelph Gryphons have become synonymous with success.
The best and brightest Gryphons were honoured, including
And for all of the teams and individual athletes who proudly
the
wore the red, black and gold during the 2018-19 varsity season, Thursday, March 28 was the night for the entire athletics program
101 athletes who reached league allstar status, 10 first-year athletes named to the OUA AllRookie teams and the 13 individuals (nine athletes and four
to be recognized. The Gryphons capped an historic year with
coaches) recognized as OUA major award winners. There was an
a well-deserved celebration as a crowd of over 820 people
impressive 39 athletes who achieved the pinnacle of collegiate
gathered at the GGAC for the 2019 Athletic Banquet.
athletics, earning U SPORTS All-Canadian honours.
the most successful school in the country this past season after recording
The major awards gave a glimpse of the diverse and talented
more top-three finishes at nationals than any other U SPORTS
season. In the end, it was fifth-year track and field star Jenna
institution, including national titles in women’s hockey and both
Westaway and fourth-year striker Jace Kotsopoulos of the men’s
women’s and men’s track and field. Director of Athletics Scott
soccer team who were recognized as the Gryphon Athletes of
McRoberts was struck not only by the victories but by the people
the Year.
The Gryphons were
who achieved them.
athletes who performed so admirably for Guelph this past varsity
A complete list of award winners from the 2018-19 Gryphon
“It just shows you the type of talent we have and the people
Athletic Banquet can be found on pg 9..
that our coaches recruit, both on and off the field and in the community,” said McRoberts. “I’m so proud of what everybody has accomplished this year and we all get to celebrate in being No. 1 in
it’s not just accomplishments on the field, it’s the grades they are achieving and the difference we are making in young kids’ lives in the community.” the country. And
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G R Y P H F A N
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looking for more details?
See past winners, watch the nomination videos & view photos by going to > gryphons.ca/201819AB
Major Award Winners Male Athlete of the Year: Jace Kotsopoulos (M Soccer) // Female Athlete of the Year: Jenna Westaway (Track and Field) // “Gryphie” Moment of the Year: “Hockey History” – W Hockey // W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year: Connor Black (Cross Country / Track) // W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year: Valerie Lamenta (W Hockey) // President’s Trophy (Male): Mostafa Elkurdy (Cross Country / Track) // President’s Trophy (Female): Zoe Sherar (Track & Field // Fred Ramprashad Award: Rebecca Plouffe (Field Hockey // Don Cameron Award (3-year M.I.P.): Banky Alade (M Basketball) // Shirley Peterson Award (3-year M.I.P.): Victoria Hinchliffe (W Soccer) // Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year: Matthew MacNeill (Track & Field) // Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year: Tyra Boug (Track & Field) // Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year: Deanna Quattrociocchi & Rebecca Holland (W Soccer) // Cathy Rowe Manager of the Year: Melanie Beck (Figure Skating) // Dr. John T. Powell Award: Al Weersink (W Soccer)
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Team Award Winners BASEBALL M.V.P. Robert Wolfer
NORDIC SKIING: (M): M.V.P. Robert Simpson-Spook (W): M.V.P. Madeline Aarts
BASKETBALL (MEN): Jack Tanner M.I.P. Banky Alade Bill Dimson Memorial M.V.P. Tommy Yanchus BASKETBALL (WOMEN): M.I.P. Modupe Okeowo M.V.P. Burke Bechard CROSS COUNTRY (MEN): (M) R.O.Y. (Al Claremont Freshman Harrier Trophy) Alec Purnell (M) M.V.P. (Art Hackett Trophy) Connor Black (W) R.O.Y. Nina Whitford (W) M.V.P. (Vic Matthews Award) Danielle Jossinet
ROWING: (M): M.V.P. Caelan Weber-Martin (W): M.V.P. Carly Zanatta RUGBY (MEN): R.O.Y. (Robin Best Award) Cameron Hurst M.V.P. (Ieuan Evans Rugger Award) Marcello Wainwright RUGBY (WOMEN): R.O.Y. Emily Frasson M.V.P. Alexandra Everett SOCCER (MEN): M.I.P. Luke Rankin M.V.P. (Bill McAnuff Memorial) Jace Kotsopoulos
CURLING: (M): M.V.P. Dillon Pierce (W): M.V.P. Breanna Rozon
SOCCER (WOMEN): R.O.Y. Laura Marrelli M.V.P. Danielle Sauve
F I E L D H O C K E Y: M.I.P. Sophi Jantzi Laura Sharp M.V.P. Rudi Ballard
SWIMMING: (M): M.I.P. Kyle Zammit (M): M.V.P. (C.M. Kinnear Memorial) Samuel Kuntz (W): M.I.P. Veronica Dietrich (W): M.V.P. Samantha Anderson
F I G U R E S KAT I N G : M.V.P. Andrew McDonald FOOTBALL: R.O.Y. Brendan Murphy M.V.P. (Donald Forster Trophy) Luke Korol GOLF: (M): David Fell M.V.P. Nick Striker (W): Grace Glofcheskie M.V.P. Olivia Lee
TRACK & FIELD: (M): R.O.Y. Matthew MacNeill/Brennan Seguin (M): M.V.P. (Hamilton Olympic Club Award) Mark Bujnowski (W): R.O.Y. Tyra Boug (W): M.V.P. Zoe Sherar/Jenna Westaway
HOCKEY (MEN): R.O.Y. (Walter Rickard Memorial Award) Connor Bramwell M.V.P. (Jack Pos Trophy) Scott Simmonds HOCKEY (WOMEN): Rookie of the Year Lauren Ianni M.V.P. Claire Merrick LACROSSE: (M): M.V.P. Josh Manangan (W): M.V.P. Carly Stephens
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VOLLEYBALL (MEN): M.I.P. Gideon Dresser M.V.P. Zach Newman VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN): M.I.P. (Makala King Memorial) Cassidy Collins M.V.P. Tara Tanasijevic WRESTLING: (M): M.I.P. Job Reinhart (M): M.V.P. Alexander Chaves (W): M.I.P. Esmee Hotson (W): M.V.P. Natassya Lu
THE BEST HIGHSCHOOL FOOTBALL IN GUELPH! The lights shined bright at Alumni Stadium this past fall as local football fans took in the inaugural season of the Friday Night Lights, District 10 Football. Guelph Gryphons Sports & Entertainment entered into a partnership with District 10 Athletics to host high school football games on the University of Guelph campus during the fall of 2018 as part of the new Fryday Night Lights Series sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurant. “We are so proud to partner with the UofG Athletics Department and the amazing student athletes that participate in the Believe To Achieve program. Watching the students grow into their roles as ambassadors for the University and our community all while making such a positive impression on local kids has been very rewarding. We look forward to seeing the program grow and thrive,” said Trevor Westerhoff, McDonalds Guelph. The Fryday Night Lights Series featured weekly doubleheader matchups among six Guelph-based high schools in District 10 Athletics, including Bishop MacDonell CHS, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. James CS, Guelph CVI, Centennial CVI, and John F. Ross CVI. In addition to weekly regular season games, Alumni Stadium was the venue for the district’s two semi-final matchups and ultimately, the championship game. The first year of Fryday Night Lights kicked off with great success and highlighted the excellent community support that the city of
Guelph is known for. There was a total of ten games played at Alumni Stadium leading up the District 10 Championships. The atmosphere was electric under the lights throughout the entire season with an average of 500 patrons attending each game. All games were streamed live and archived in-house by Gryphon Athletics very own Gryphvision broadcast team. District 4/10 Athletic Convenor Teresa Duck stated that the organization is thrilled to be involved with the recent partnership between the Upper Grand District School Board, the Wellington Catholic District School Board, and the University of Guelph in presenting Fryday Night Lights. After a hard-fought season by all the schools the St James Lions were crowned D10 champions. The Lions had many District 10 championship disappointments in past years but were able to defeat the Centennial Spartans in a winner take all format by a final score of 50-16. This was the first District 10 Football Championship for St James in school history. Guelph Gryphons Sports & Entertainment would like to congratulate all teams who participated in the first ever Fryday Night Lights Series sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurant. The Gryphons are looking forward to hosting another District 10 series for a second season that will begin in October of 2019.
s: ticket$5 adults ts nder ee 6 & u
$ 2 studen
fr
For more details & the 2019 schedule, visit
gryphons.ca/D10
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Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself GUELPH GRY PHONS LE ADERSHIP AC ADEM Y Working in conjunction with the Janssen Sports Leadership Centre (the world-wide leader in sports leadership development), the Guelph Gryphons Leadership Academy is one of only three institutions in Canada offering comprehensive Leadership Development Programming to its student-athletes. In 2018-19 the Leadership Academy saw the graduation of the first Leadership 360 class, featuring a total of 27 Gryphon studentathletes. The class included profile athletes such as Connor Black, Cross Country National Champion; Women’s Hockey athletes Valerie Lamenta and Kaitlin Lowy and football All-Canadian Luke Korol. Next season an impressive total of 106 participants will be enrolled in the Academy. W h a t o u r L e a d e r s h i p G r a d u a t e s a r e s a y i n g …
VA L L A MEN TA
Emil ie Nichol l
Women’s Hockey
Women’s Rugby
“I am very grateful that I was able to be a part of the Leadership Academy for the past three years. I absolutely loved getting to know incredible leaders from all the different sport teams at Guelph. The 360 Leadership Evaluation was one of the most valuable pieces of feedback I’ve ever received. The comments were honest and they truly helped me understand what my teammates and coaches needed from me. I definitely think the program helped me grow into a better leader on and off the ice.”
“Leadership 360 has been a great experience to meet and collaborate with strong leaders on other teams. It has helped me develop friendships with great people, and get the opportunity to learn from others who go through very similar situations with their respective teams. Having open conversation and sharing opinions has helped me build so much confidence as a leader! It has been an incredibly thought-provoking experience that helps you self reflect and improve as an athlete, leader and person in general.”
AC L a ng
Ja me s C ay l or
Women’s Soccer
Men’s Rugby
“The Leadership Academy has refined and enhanced the leadership skills that my coach saw in me before I did. With the help of multiple exercises and activities over the three years I can confidently say I am a better overall leader now than I was before entering the academy.”
“Being a part of the Leadership Academy for the last 3 years has allowed me to grow my interpersonal, decision- making and vocal leadership skills. Getting to exchange ideas with other athletes, and leaders within the athletic department was invaluable and empowered me to take many different perspectives and ideas back to my own team.”
Presented by
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2018-19 Leadership Academy
Performance Centre It was just over two years ago that The Gryphon Performance Centre officially opened their doors. Since day one athletes from all walks of life have been reaping the rewards. From local youth athletes, to Gryphon varsity athletes, and even local professional athletes (includuing members of the Guelph Nighthawks from the recently launched Canadian Elite Basketball League), the list of individuals who have come through the doors of the Gryphon Performance Centre looking to take their games to the next level is a list that has continued to grow. The Gryphon Performance Centre, which opened in January 2017, is a 3,000 square foot, fully-equipped indoor training space where the focus is on long-term athlete development strategies, led by Josh Ford (head strength and condition coach at the University of Guelph) and Mac James (assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Guelph). The space boasts a generous turf area for indoor speed, agility and plyometric development as well as seven fully-outfitted half racks with rogue barbells and bumper plates. A full complement of dumbbell’s, medicine balls, jump boxes, hurdles, bands, agility ladders and testing equipment are also available. In short, the space has everything. Including certified, proven leadership from devoted team of strength and conditioning coaches. “We have people who really care here,” says coach Josh Ford. “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. We live by that every day. We ask all of our athletes, whether from the community or from our varsity teams, to have two non-negotiables when they work with us: attitude and effort. If someone brings a great attitude and a great effort, then the likelihood is there that they will be able to execute everything we ask of them at a very high level.” While several Gryphon varsity teams have benefitted from the dedicated training space, including hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball and rugby, the Gryphon Performance Centre has also attracted several local minor associations from across the Jr. Gryphon family, training under the guidance of the Gryphon Performance Centre team. Josh Ford, Head Strength & condition Coach
“We’re looking at the physical development of youth athletes to assist them not just in their sport, but in their life,” adds Ford. “We want to make sure that they are safe, so we’re always making sure that we are doing things that are developmentally appropriate for their age group. Our focus is on creating an environment where our athletes have fun, are challenged and are also engaged in the process and learning about what they’re doing and why. Parents need to know that we want the same things that they do for their kids. So that when they come through the door, we are authentically excited for them to be here.”
gryphonperformance.ca
@gryphonsperformance
POWERED BY Athlete Leaderboard
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S.A.M. PROGRAM The Student Athlete Mentorship (S.A.M.) Program was created
to be a resource for all student-athletes, aimed at improving academic performance. Each year, mentors are selected from upper-year student-athletes who are empathetic, open-minded, and knowledgeable about campus resources. Each of the mentors has received training in both learning strategies as well as the referral process – training that helps support the needs of their
Each year at the Gryphon Athletic Banquet, the Student-Athlete Mentor Award is given to a varsity athlete who demonstrates a strong
fellow student-athletes.
ability to develop meaningful relationships
Throughout the year, the S.A.M. Program also facilitates a number
attitudes of fellow student-athletes. This
of free drop-in workshops designed to help tackle issues and
award is targeted towards a mentor who is
concerns of students like ‘Bounce Back from 1st Semester’, ‘Build
a genuine leader and role-model and one
Your Resume’, ‘Scholarships & Bursaries’ and ‘Eat Like an Athlete’.
who has made a lasting contribution to the
“It’s amazing being able to talk to my mentor about any personal, academic, or athletic problems I’ve faced. I was always quote from guided and given the best advice” -student-athlete
S.A.M. program.
that nurture positive change in the academic
The S.A.M. Program also provides a supportive study space monitored by mentors for student-athletes to get their homework done and ask for help. These spaces are set up around campus, and include the library and the athletics centre.
The 2018-19 recipient of the Student-Athlete Mentor Award was two-time All-Canadian goalie with the women’s hockey program, Valerie Lamenta. The mechanical engineering major, who just completed her fifth and final
hockey, has been just as impressive in the
Twitter: @GryphonSAM
classroom as she has on the ice. In her third
Instagram: @gryphonsam
year as a S.A.M. mentor, Lamenta provided a
Facebook: @GryphonSAM
positive, inspiring and uplifting presence for
Courselink: courselink.uoguelph.ca
her fellow varsity athletes to help them reach
gryphons.ca/SAMProgram
G R Y P H F A N
Valerie Lamenta // Women’s Hockey
school’s first ever national title in women’s
mentors@uoguelph.ca
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2018-19 S.A.M. Award Recipient
season as a Gryphon by helping secure the
FOLLOW US TO FIND OUT MORE!
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Student-Athlete Mentorship Award
new heights academically.
C O N N E C T E D
U OF G HOME TO FIRST CANADIAN
SPORTS BUSINESS INSTITUTE
A global leader for advanced research in sport business and leadership
In November, the University of Guelph launched the first
“Sport is an enormous global industry looking to reach $80
Canadian sports business institute, a global centre for
billion in North America alone by 2022. It’s a huge business,”
research and teaching that will bring together scholars and
McRoberts said. “The data and information we get from the
industry leaders, including IOC member Richard Pound.
institute will help with strategic decisions. There’s not a single
The International Institute for Sports Business and Leadership (IISBL) is intended to make U of G a thought leader in the multibillion-dollar world of sports. The only one of its kind at a Canadian university, the institute will bring together faculty members and grad students as well as an advisory board of industry leaders chaired by Pound,
sport organization that doesn’t have some type of analytics unit spitting out data to make short- and long-term decisions.” The institute is also intended to champion equity, diversity and inclusion, attract graduate students, seek private and public funding, and develop research partnerships with global universities.
a member of the International Olympic Committee and a
McRoberts, an adjunct CBE faculty member, said this new
globally recognized champion of doping-free sport and fair
venture combines that college’s expertise and the University’s
play.
high-profile athletics programs.
Institute members will study aspects of the fast-growing
From championship teams, to award-winning student-athletes
sport industry, including events, facilities, professional sport,
and coaches, to more than 7,000 youngsters enrolled in the
participation sport and links to health and wellness, said
Junior Gryphons program through minor sports, he said,
Prof. Norm O’Reilly, IISBL founding director and a leading
“The Gryphon brand is one of the most recognized university
international scholar in the business of sports.
sports brands in Canada.”
“We want to be an engine for solving problems for industry,”
Sport management programs have grown worldwide,
said O’Reilly, a professor in the School of Hospitality, Food
including 17 university programs in Canada. The IISBL at U
and Tourism Management (HFTM) who joined U of G this
of G will be the only centre focused on sport business and
past summer as assistant dean of executive programs with
leadership in the country.
the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics. CBE will run the institute jointly with the Department of Athletics. Director of Athletics Scott McRoberts will serve as associate director of the institute.
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The “Gryphie Moment of the Year” award was created in 2016 as a way to acknowledge and celebrate those special moments that occur throughout the course of a season.
2018-19
There was no shortage of deserving candidates during the 2018-19 campaign, including the four finalists listed below, but in the end, it would be the women’s hockey team taking home the “Gryphie” as the latest “Moment of the Year” recipients.
#1 HOCKEY HISTORY Women’s Hockey
On Sunday, March 17, 2019, the Guelph Gryphons women’s hockey
made history by becoming the first ever women’s hockey team at the University of Guelph to be crowned national champions.
team
Fifth-year captain Kaitlin Lowy scored the game-winning goal in the gold medal game versus McGill, lifting Guelph to a 1-0 win at the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championships in P.E.I. It also marked the first time ever that the Gryphons had reached the podium at the national level, with the 2018-19 season marking the team’s 6th trip to the national championship tournament in program history.
looking for more details?
See past winners and watch the nomination videos by going to > gryphons.ca/gryphie
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#2 RUNAWAY WESTAWAY Track & Field
Over the course of three days in late February, Gryphon track and field star Jenna Westaway produced an unforgettable weekend. On Friday, February 22, Westaway joined her U of G teammates for Day 1 of the OUA Track and Field Championships at York University and ran the anchor leg on the Gryphons gold-medal-winning 4x800m relay team. On Saturday, she boarded a plane and flew to Boston to take part in the 800m at the Boston University Last Chance Meet. By Sunday, Westaway’s whirlwind weekend had officially come to an end. And the Calgary native didn’t just impress south of the border, she put her name in our country’s record books. Westaway
became the first Canadian women EVER (collegiate or pro) to break the 2-minute mark indoors in the 800m with a time of 1:59.87.
#3 COMEBACK IN THE CAPITAL Football
On Saturday, November 3, the Gryphon football team found themselves trailing 18-0 at halftime, on the road against the No. 5-ranked team in the country in the Ottawa Gee-Gees. With their season
Gryphons mounted one of the greatest postseason comebacks in program history. The Gryphons scored 17 points in the final 8:45 to escape Ottawa with a 27-22 victory and earn a spot in the 111th Yates Cup. Fourth-year quarterback Theo Landers found wide on the line, the
receiver Thomas Bresciani for a 59-yard touchdown with 48 seconds left on the clock to cap the comeback in the capital.
#4 BACK IN BLACK Cross Country
There was a noticeable absence on the Gryphons men’s roster at this year’s OUA Cross Country Championships. Connor Black, a 5th-year team captain with the Gryphons (and a former OUA individual champion), was forced to sit out the final OUA race of his career due to a season-threatening foot injury. Two weeks later, with Black still battling the effects of plantar fasciitis, the Human Kinetics major would fight through the pain to suit up for nationals in order to end his collegiate career
Connor Black would cross the line first to become just the ninth men’s cross country athlete in U of G’s decorated cross country history to claim the title of individual national champion. on his own terms. In a sprint to the tape against Laval’s Jean-Simon Desgagnés,
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Jenna Westaway Women’s Track and Field In her first and only season at the University of Guelph, star transfer Jenna Westaway put together one of the greatest single-season performances in the storied history of the Gryphon track and field program. Westaway, a 24-year-old Calgary native, completed a geology degree in her hometown at the University of Calgary before arriving at U of G in 2018 as a graduate assistant. The fifth-year star enrolled in courses to expand her physiology background with a future focus on coaching in mind, and with one year of varsity eligibility left, she joined the defending national champion Gryphon track program. It proved to be an excellent and influential decision. Westaway helped the Gryphons women’s track team sweep team titles at both the provincial and national levels. At the OUA Track and Field Championships in Toronto, she ran the anchor leg on the Gryphons gold-medal-winning 4x800m relay team. The very next day, Westaway boarded a plane and flew to Boston to take part in the 800m at the Boston University Last Chance Meet where she would put her name in our country’s record books by becoming the first Canadian women ever (collegiate or pro) to break the 2-minute mark indoors in the 800m with a time of 1:59.87. Incredibly, it marked the second time that month that Westaway had established a new senior Canadian record after she also broke the 1000m record when she ran 2:37.04 at the Boston Valentine Invitational, surpassing the previous record time of 2:38.24 formerly held by Canadian Olympian Dianne Cummins. It was a record that had stood for nearly 16 years. With an unforgettable February behind her, Westaway shifted her focus back to the collegiate ranks and once again delivered, stealing the spotlight at the U SPORTS Track and Field Championships in Winnipeg. There, Jenna took home three gold medals, topping the podium in the 1,000m (where she posted a U SPORTS record time of 2:41.36), the 1500m as well as the 4x800m where she contributed to the Gryphons gold medal-winning relay team. For her efforts, Westaway was named the U SPORTS Performer of the Meet and two weeks later was named the University of Guelph’s Female Athlete of the Year. And while the historic success on the track was personally gratifying, Westaway suggested that being part of such an amazing group that embraced her from the beginning is what will stay with her. “The connection, the camaraderie, and the competitive nature of the team was something else,” she said. “It was really unique and so uplifting. You would get into training sessions knowing you needed to bring your best for yourself and for your teammates. That creates accountability between women, between men – and that’s what I’ll remember.” For Westaway, who also served as a graduate assistant coach with the Gryphon cross country and track teams during the 2018-19 season, the ultimate goal is to represent Canada at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The record-setting runner will not have to wait long to get a taste of what it is like to wear her country’s colours, as she will represent Team Canada while competing in the 800m in Naples, Italy at the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade. She will be surrounded by some familiar faces in Italy, with Gryphon track and field head coach Dave Scott-Thomas serving as Team Canada’s head endurance coach. The opportunity to work with Scott-Thomas, as well as countless other key contributors within the Guelph track community, is what helped convince Jenna to make the move from Alberta to Ontario. According to Westaway, it is a move that has paid off far beyond just the athletics component. “There were so many reasons to make the move to Guelph. Beyond excellent coaching and training program, all of the sciences are very well taken care of, with collaboration from physiologists and biomechanics specialists. We have the best sprint coach, we have Dave (Scott-Thomas), we have Scott (MacDonald), our team manager who has been an Olympic team manager. We have state-of-the-art facilities. And while I have certainly benefitted from all of that, at the end of the day, the biggest takeaway for me was just the people. The people I was working with. Just feeling the connection with the community and other runners. To see some of my teammates break through. To be able to share a hug at the end of a race. That stuff just adds up. By the end of the season I looked back and was happily overwhelmed by all of it. It was the most meaningful year to me.”
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Jace Kotsopoulos Men’s Soccer The greatest four-year stretch by any player in the history of the Guelph Gryphons men’s soccer program belongs to Burlington native, Jace Kotsopoulos. Four seasons ago as a freshman, the talented striker burst onto the scene, scoring a team-high 11 goals, earning him OUA All-Star status as an 18-year-old. As a sophomore, Kotsopoulous poured in an OUA-best 17 goals during the regular season, the secondhighest total in the country, while helping the Gryphons claim their first OUA title in 26 years, which was followed by a national bronze medal on home soil. By his third season, the economics major achieved All-Canadian status despite missing significant time due to injury, thanks to an explosive start to the year that saw him score 10 times in his first nine matches. And by his fourth season, the star forward somehow managed to find a way to take his game to even greater heights. In 2018, for just the second time in school history, the national player of the year in men’s soccer was awarded to a Guelph Gryphon. Jace Kotsopoulos achieved his greatest individual accomplishment yet by claiming the Joe Johnson Memorial Trophy as the 2018-19 U SPORTS Player of the Year. Kotsopoulos, who joins Robbie Murphy (2011) as the only other Gryphon to take home the national honour, scored 15 goals during his All-Canadian 2018 campaign, which marked the second time in his four-year career that he had finished the regular season as the OUA’s leading scorer. In the process, Kotsopoulos also eclipsed the University of Guelph’s all-time goals record, with a school-record 56 career goals now under his belt. And the accolades didn’t stop there. Following the season, the talented 21-year-old became just the third male athlete in University of Guelph history to be named the OUA Male Athlete of the Year. Kotsopoulos was no longer just standing out on the pitch, he was rising above the competition from across every OUA-governed sport. As a result, Jace was announced as one of four national finalists for the 2018-19 U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Year as part of the 2019 Lieutenant Governor Athletic Awards. Jace’s success at the collegiate level also translated into a professional opportunity. The newly-founded Canadian Premier League (CPL), which launched in April 2019, held its first ever U SPORTS Draft in November, where Kotsopoulos was taken 3rd overall by the CPL’s Hamilton-based franchise, Forge FC. For Kotsopoulos, the storybook career has come as a result of adopting a simple, daily approach. “The biggest key for me is never getting complacent,” says Kotsopoulos, who became just the third men’s soccer player to be named University of Guelph Male Athlete of the Year, joining Robbie Murphy (2011-12) and Dave Guest (1985-86 & 87-88). “Since arriving at Guelph as a freshman, I’ve always tried to pride myself on working hard to improve my skills each day in training. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by some great teammates and have been able to learn from a great coach in Keith Mason.” Kotsopoulos is also quick to point to some of the improvements he has made away from the field the past four years, “There’s no question in my mind that competing in U SPORTS over the last four years has helped me to develop into a better player, both on and off the field. My academic obligations have taught me how to effectively balance my responsibilities away from the pitch. And in terms of the competition on the field, the OUA is a great league. There are so many talented athletes competing in men’s soccer at the university level, it has definitely helped push me to new heights.”
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/// Department of Athletics Officially Launches
She’s Got Game CLOSING IN ON $1MILLION RAISED
Initiative ///
Gryphon Athletics have celebrated female student-athletes at the She’s Got Game Gala for the last three years. This year She’s Got Game has evolved to encompass more than a single event in February – it is officially a movement. In October, the Department of Athletics launched the She’s Got Game initiative. Built on three pillars – engagement, policy and fundraising – the initiative provides the foundation for Gryphon Athletics in its quest to encourage women in sport and help them acquire the tools necessary to succeed both on and off the field of play. “The University of Guelph has a long history of offering a thriving women’s athletics program,”
“She’s Got Game is the next step in continuing and building on that legacy that was created by so many amazing women, who were influential athletes, coaches, or staff members over the decades.” said Director of Athletics Scott McRoberts.
The ultimate financial goal of She’s Got Game is to raise $2.5-million, which will be used to support the Guelph Gryphons female athletics program and the development of young athletes so that they succeed in all areas.
More than $900,000 has been raised to date. From partnerships with local businesses like Domino’s Pizza, Planet Bean and One Tooth Clothing, the initiative has brought the community together. The first ever Gryphon Domino’s Pizza Day was held on Feb. 5, with money raised going to She’s Got Game. Customers from all over the community had the opportunity to pick up a large pizza and Domino’s generously donated $4 back from every pizza sold to the She’s Got Game fund. And Guelph came up big. In the 12-hour window, Domino’s served up an incredible 625 pizzas, resulting in a total of $2,500 going to support Gryphon women’s athletic scholarships.
Visit www.shesgotgame.ca for more information on the initiative.
Thank-you to our Partners
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I’ve often said that just because it hasn’t been done, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Follow your passion, enjoy the process, and create your own story.
Krista DuChene Highlights 2019 She’s Got Game Gala Through running, Krista DuChene has seen the world. And the woman known simply as the “Marathon Mom” has produced an incredible list of accomplishments, including representing Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics, recording the second-fastest time ever by a Canadian marathoner, and perhaps most impressive, finishing third at the 2018 Boston Marathon – at the age of 41.
“I was so grateful that this stranger had sent me this message.”
DuChene told her story of trials and triumph as the keynote speaker at the University of Guelph’s annual She’s Got Game Gala in February. The fourth edition of the fundraiser was a resounding success, raising a total of $38,000 for women’s athletics at the University of Guelph.
encouragement of women to excel in sports, that many
The former varsity Gryphon hockey player, who was an OUA All-star and scoring leader when Guelph won the 1998 conference banner, certainly talked about the countless hours of work she has put in over the years. But her message was mostly one of support. DuChene was dubbed the Marathon Mom after winning the 2009 Mississauga Marathon on Mother’s Day, her first big event after the birth her second child. But the accolades she has compiled are in large part because of the many women, and a few key men like husband Jonathan, who helped her on the long and often painful journey. That support came in a variety of ways, be it from her loving mother, who passed away from cancer, or her sister, who always stayed in touch providing inspiring words.
The Marathon Mom closed the night with more moving words, calling on others to carry the torch in the future. “I truly hope that with the support of She’s Got Game, your promotion of gender equity, financial support for future academic and athletic success, and the will be able to return to this stage at this fantastic school to make sure and tell their stories of women who have been instrumental in their lives 20 years later,” DuChene said. “I’ve often said that just because it hasn’t been done, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Follow your passion, enjoy the process, and create your own story.”
DuChene also recounted a single message she received back in 2017 on social media from a stranger, while she was in an airport ready to fly across the world to train in altitude for the first time. “Leaving my family for a month was one of the hardest things I had ever done,” DuChene told the gala crowd. “At the most perfect time, I received the most perfect message from someone I had never even met. She said, ‘Always remember that your children are watching what it looks like to work hard, chase your dreams, and to sacrifice. You are teaching them all of this by going.
looking for more details?
Stay up-to-date on all She’s Got Game events & news at > shesgotgame.ca
What amazing lessons.’
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GRYPHONCUP
Inaugural competition showing success in its early stages, engaging athletes.
where athletes engage with and provide
the Gryphon Cup, Lang noted that this
services for the Guelph community.
friendly competition has had a positive
The men’s rugby team seemed poised
impact on Gryphons Athletics.
to win the inaugural Cup early on - their
“The best thing about this competition
4,500 points earned in the month of
has been the collaboration between
Gryphons Athletics introduced a new
November via their $12,500 Movember
athletes
intercollegiate competition this year,
donation gave them a 2,000 point lead.
representatives who come up with new
involving everything but playing.
However, the swimming team chipped
ideas to engage athletes…and free pizza
away each month, with consistently
isn’t such a bad thing either.” That’s right.
high attendance in the SAM program,
If there was any doubt that these are
supporting Gryphons at 23 different
student-athletes, each month’s winning
competitions, and being superstars in the
team receives free pizza.
The Gryphon Cup is an immersive program for varsity student-athletes to engage in healthy competition for a good cause: self-improvement and community-building. The Cup provides an opportunity to compete outside their sport, and help themselves and the community through segmented monthly
community. Just in time for the Athletic Banquet, they had accumulated enough points to surpass men’s rugby by 825 points.
standings for earning points through a
Highlighting the swim team’s historic
set of three challenges:
win includes completing 1,500 SAM
1 - Academic Engagement
hours, raising over $3,000 for Mental
2 - Gryphons Supporting Gryphons
Health, Big Brothers Big Sisters,
3 - Community Initiative
Cancer Research, and Eating Disorder
Academic Engagement points come
of the Month by the Lakeside Hope
from the amount of hours and meetings
House (where they spent over 200 hours
a student has worked on and attended
volunteering throughout the year). The
the Student-Athlete Mentorship Program.
Swim team has set a high bar for future
Athletes earn points toward Gryphons
Gryphon Cup Winners.
Supporting Gryphons (GSG) when they attend another team’s game. The amount they earn is contingent on the importance of the game they choose to attend. The bulk of a team’s overall points generally come from their Community Initiative,
Awareness, and being named Volunteers
“We wanted to document these things as a way to acknowledge our Gryphon efforts and successes off the field and especially in the community,” said AnnCarolyn Lang, Gryphons women’s soccer
and
the
various
team
The first year of the competition was an incredible success with Gryphon athletes attending over 284 games or competitions, and raising over $20,000 for a variety of charities. So what’s next for the inaugural Gryphon Cup? The second season of the Gryphon Cup is set to debut in September with all scores being reset. Who will be the most academically engaged, benevolent, and supportive Gryphon team in 201920? Follow @gryphonCup on Instagram to find out.
2018-19 Gryphon Cup Standings: 1 - Swimming
6 - Figure Skating
2 - Rugby (M)
7 - Field Hockey
3 - Soccer (W)
8 - Rugby (W)
4 - Hockey (W)
9 - Rowing
5 - Basketball (W)
10 - Volleyball (W)
athlete and one of the student leads for Contributions By: Rachel Weitz
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Gryphon Student-Athletes spend time at local schools, inspiring all kids to be healthy, smart, and bold. Healthy emotional and social development in early years lay the foundation for mental health and resilience throughout life. An estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness. Our youth need role models and leaders in our community to look up to, and the Gryphons have your back. Gryphon student-athletes have been setting an excellent example for Guelph’s youth through the Believe to Achieve Community Outreach Program sponsored by McDonald’s. The goal of the program, which was created in 2005 but recently was rejuvenated after a hiatus, is for Gryphons to be visible leaders in the community and become agents of positive social change. As a result, Gryphon athletes have been going into local schools and providing presentations to the youth in the school. These annual school visits aren’t just valuable for the kids – but the athletes are benefitting, as well.
Participating in Believe to Achieve has provided me an opportunity to learn from others, and share my passionsays Kaitlin Lowy, a Geography student, two-time McCaw Cup-winning, and National Champion Captain on the Gryphons’
women’s hockey team. “I learned about the difficulties that kids are facing today and how a positive voice and role model, such as the Believe to Achieve ambassadors, can have a positive impact on these students’ lives.” Believe to Achieve is structured so that Gryphon athletes grow into their roles as ambassadors, stressing the importance of the “4 Quarters,” health, academics, teamwork, and community. The Athletes team up to deliver presentations that cover the four quarters, while providing the overarching message that “success is a winding road” which was the theme of this past year’s Believe to Achieve program. Student-athletes, Victoria Di Caro (lacrosse), Charlotte Ward (cross country), Brodie Schmidt (rugby), Kaitlin Lowy (hockey), Connor Black (cross country), and Valerie Lamenta (hockey) were this year’s program participants. Each presentation provided inspiration to the young students in the audience, who were awed by the decorated Gryphons. The athletes presentations resonated with the young people across the city.
embraced the opportunity to have an impact on this community and Believe to Achieve is a great example of how that is possible. The thoughtful presentations our Gryphons have put together really allow them to connect with these kids. We want Believe to Achieve to be a national model for other universities to follow.” The bond formed between the Gryphon athletes and the local school students throughout Guelph is lasting.
Hopefully, through sharing my story, I was able to inspire at least one student to follow their passion, whatever that may be, and never let setbacks stop them from reaching their goals, says Lamenta. “Because success is a winding road.”
“Our Gryphon athletes really understand that their commitment to the University of Guelph and this city isn’t limited to what they do on the field of play,” said Director of Athletics, Scott McRoberts. “They have
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CHAMP CO women’s rugby
The Gryphons are the most successful program in OUA women’s
rugby history and the 2018 team added to that wonderful legacy. The two-time defending conference champions
TRACK & FIELD
completed a three-peat with a 39-14 victory over the Queen’s
The Gryphons began the season the same way they
Gaels in the OUA gold medal match, giving Guelph their 16th
would end it – as the No. 1 collegiate team in Canada.
OUA banner in the 25-year history of OUA women’s rugby. The
For a program with such a rich history, the 2018-19
next challenge for the team and head coach Colette McAuley
season was arguably the greatest year produced by
was conquering nationals and Guelph showed it was ready to
any collection of Guelph track and field athletes.
fight in a 54-10 quarter-final win over the Victoria Vikes.
The Gryphons dominated the competition at the
The semi-final against the defending national champion Ottawa
OUA Championships in Toronto, winning 36 medals,
Gee-Gees was a grind but an Amara Hill try in the second
including 16 golds, on their way to sweeping the
half proved to be the difference in a tight 15-12 victory. The
team titles. The good times continued at nationals
Gryphons ultimately fell just short of producing a third national
where the Gryphons maintained their dominance,
title in program history, falling 41-24 to St. FX in the U SPORTS
running away with both U SPORTS banners for the
gold medal match. The Gryphons memorable 2018 campaign
second consecutive year after the greatest final day
saw five different Gryphons earn All-Canadian status while
in program history. Incoming transfer student Jenna
head coach Colette McAuley was named OUA Coach of the
Westaway set a U SPORTS record in the 1000m event
Year for the fifth time in her 12th season as head coach.
and was named Female Performer of the Meet, while the women’s 4x200m and 4x400m relay teams, as well as the men’s 4x400m foursome, each established new U SPORTS records. The men’s championship was the team’s third straight, while the women’s win was the fourth for the decorated program.
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PIONS ORNER women’s hockey For the first time in program history, the Guelph Gryphons were crowned national champions. An unforgettable 2018-19 season saw the Gryphons capture the McCaw Cup on home ice thanks to a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues. Following the team’s third OUA title in the last four seasons, the Gryphons headed to Atlantic Canada for the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championships in Charlottetown, P.E.I. After knocking off the defending national champion Manitoba Bisons in the quarter-finals, the Gryphons would go on to post back-to-back shutouts over Montreal and McGill to claim The Golden Path Trophy as national champions. Fifth-year captain Kaitlin Lowy scored the gamewinner in the gold medal game, giving the Gryphons a 1-0 victory over the McGill Martlets.
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Welcome to the Gryphon Hall of Fame Class of 2018 adds impressive new names to notable list of honourees.
An impressive crowd of more than 220 friends,
The Gryphon Hall of Fame, which began in 1984, has
family, fellow Hall of Famers and coaches honoured
138 athletes, 42 builders and 31 teams who have
the newest class of inductees this past October to
been elected to the Hall. Plaques of the athletes
the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Hall of Fame. The
and builders bearing their pictures and highlighting
induction ceremony, taking place for the first time
their accomplishments are displayed in the Guelph
in the Events Centre of the GGAC, included six new
Gryphons Athletics Centre at the University of
faces and two championship teams.
Guelph.
Two-time All-Canadian football player Dave Irwin, two-sport athlete Brooke Hilditch, rugby star Jacey
2018 Gryphon Hall of Fame Class
(Murphy) Grusnick, cross country and track and field legend Kyle Boorsma, former athletic director Tom Kendall, volleyball player, coach and donor Larry Pearson, as well as the 2005 Gryphon women’s cross-country team, and the 1977-78 men’s volleyball team, all were enshrined in the University of Guelph’s Athletics Hall of Fame with over 200 individuals on hand for the induction ceremony. “This was another tremendous Hall of Fame class, and the great turnout at the event spoke to the rich history we have here at Gryphons Athletics,” said
Athletes: Dave Irwin Football, 1990-1993 Brooke Hilditch Rugby & Wrestling, 2000-2003 Kyle Boorsma Cross Country & Track, 2006-2011 Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick Rugby, 2007-2012
Teams: 1977-78 Men’s Volleyball 2005 Women’s Cross Country
Scott McRoberts, Director of Athletics. “It was great
Builders:
to see representation from so many different eras.
Tom Kendall
From our very first Hall of Fame class in 1984, to
Larry Pearson
members of our 1958 and 1959 football teams, you can just see how much pride our Gryphon alum have. The two teams inducted this year added to that. Most importantly, these are people who have represented the university in the right way and will be Gryphons for life.”
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looking for more details?
Find the full story, inductee write-ups, and former inductees > gryphons.ca/HallofFame2018
Athletes
Dave Irwin
Brooke Hilditch
Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick
Kyle Boorsma
Teams
Women’s Cross Country (2005-06)
Men’s Volleyball (1977-78)
Builders
Tom Kendall
Larry Pearson g r y p h o n s . c a
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RISING STARS
CONNOR BRAMWELL
Local product Emily Frasson, a graduate of John F. Ross secondary school in Guelph, was a great addition to Guelph’s OUA championship side in 2018. The applied human nutrition major not only showed a great work rate at the flanker position but was also an excellent teammate in a standout rookie season, helping her earn team rookie of the year honours.
“Emily came into camp the fittest of the Gryphons and her work rate to learn and be a part of the team never faltered, as a result, her time on the field kept
“Connor has had a phenomenal rookie season,” says Gryphons head coach Shawn Camp. “He is a player who is so hard on the puck. He wins battles in the corners and can finish around the net. He was our leading scorer during the first half of the season until he had an injury setback, but he came back in the new year and picked up right where he had left off.”
Connor Bramwell, a 21-year-old Hamilton native, was named to the OUA West All-Rookie Team after an impressive rookie season in the OUA. Playing in his first season at U of G after having spent four seasons in the QMJHL (including a pair of 20-goal campaigns with both Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and the Drummondville Voltigeurs), the economics major flourished. Despite missing 10 games due to injury, Bramwell still finished fourth on the team in scoring during the regular season with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 18 games played.
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increasing,” says Gryphon head coach Colette McAuley, who was named OUA Coach of the Year in 2018. “She was an impactful sub every time she came off the bench and consistently showcased the ability to win the ball back and make tackles.”
EMILY FRASSON
MATTHEW MACNEILL
“There is this sort of undefinable thing you call ‘it’ and Matthew’s got it,” says Gryphon head coach Dave Scott-Thomas. “You can just see the confidence with him, the skill set. He knows what he’s capable of doing and then he’s just going to do it. He’s an 18-year-old who came in and his communication and social skills are fantastic. He carries himself like a veteran in his first year. Matthew has quickly embraced the fact that he will be supported here regardless of the outcome and that’s allowed him to swing for the fences.”
The MacNeill name is a familiar one at Guelph as Matthew’s older brother, Gregory, won a U SPORTS gold medal in the 60m hurdles in 2017. But the younger MacNeill has quickly forged his own path as a Gryphon and he performed like an athlete well beyond his years throughout the 201819 season and especially at the OUA track and Field Championships. The rookie from London, ON ran the hurdles in 8.27 seconds to take the OUA silver medal. At the U SPORTS Championships, MacNeill reached the podium again, this time with a bronze in the men’s long jump.
Tyra Boug came to the Gryphons’ championship program as a heralded recruit out of Kitchener, ON and she showed her promise quickly. The rookie improved on her 60m hurdles results throughout the year before breaking out with a bronze medal at the OUA Championships with a personal best time then topping that mark at the U SPORTS meet, where she finished fifth in the country.
“What makes Tyra’s rookie season truly impressive is the fact that she arrived at U of G after almost two full years of injuries,” says Jason Kerr, associate head coach of the Gryphons track and field program. “She is one of the top rookies in U SPORTS, the No. 1-ranked junior hurdler in the country and is equally gifted in the classroom as she is on the track.”
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Coaches of the year Thank you to all our coaches for everything you do on and off the field of play.
Since arriving at the University of Guelph in 1997, Dave Scott-Thomas has established the Gryphons as perennial national powers in both track and field and cross country. During the 2018-19 season, Scott-Thomas led the Gryphons to arguably the greatest single-season in school history in track and field, with a sweep of national titles on both the men’s and women’s sides at the U SPORTS Championships in Winnipeg. In the process, Scott-Thomas earned coach of the year honours at both the OUA and U SPORTS Championships. He has now been named national coach of the year in track and field on 10 different occasions (six on the men’s side, four on the women’s).
Dave scott-thomas Tr a c k & F i e l d
Wo m e n ’s H o c ke y
Rachel Flanagan not only made school history in 2018-19 coaching the team to the first national title in women’s hockey in University of Guelph history, she also added to her already decorated coaching resumé. In her 13th season behind the U of G bench, Flanagan was named OUA Coach of the Year in women’s hockey for the fifth time in the past seven seasons. She was also recognized at the OUA’s year-end annual general meeting in May where she was named the OUA Female Coach of the Year, making her the top female coach not only in women’s hockey, but across all OUAgoverned sports. It marks the second time in the past three seasons that she has been awarded the conference-wide honour. Flanagan is just the third individual in University of Guelph history to be named OUA Female Coach of the Year (joining Angela Orton, 2004-05 women’s basketball, and Linda Melnick, 2002-03 women’s volleyball), and is now the University of Guelph’s only two-time recipient of the award.
SHAYNE CAMPBELL
In his first two seasons in charge of the women’s soccer program at U of G, Shayne Campbell has already left quite the impression. As a first-year head coach in 2017, Campbell helped guide the Gryphons to their first OUA title in program history. In 2018, he led the team to a first-place finish in the OUA West Division and as a result, has become just the fourth head coach in program history to be named OUA Coach of the Year. On the field, no team in the OUA was better defensively than Coach Campbell’s Gryphons, who conceded a league-low 3 goals in 16 games played during the regular season. Prior to taking over as head coach in the spring of 2017, Shayne spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Gryphons and is a proud U of G alum, having starred with the Gryphons men’s soccer team from 1992-1994 where he was a three-time OUA all-star.
RACHEL FLANAGAN
Wo m e n ’s S o c c e r
Following an impressive 2018 season by the Gryphons women’s rugby program, head coach Colette McAuley was named the Shiels Division Coach of the Year for the fifth time in her 12 seasons in charge of the Gryphons (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, & 2018). The Gryphons are the most successful program in OUA women’s rugby history and the 2018 team added to that wonderful legacy. McAuley’s Gryphons went undefeated during the regular season and completed a threepeat at the conference level with their third consecutive OUA title. The Gryphons have now claimed 16 OUA banners in their decorated history, with McAuley serving as head coach for eight of those.
Colette mcauley Wo m e n ’s Ru g b y
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C O N N E C T E D
WELCOME CARRIE CHASSELS
tenure took place on Canada’s west coast where she served as the associate vice-president (student affairs) at Vancouver Island University. In her current position at the University of Guelph, Chassels oversees six different departments with a portfolio that involves nearly 300 part- and full-time staff as well as 1,000 student employees. But it was the opportunity to help lead the department of athletics, specifically, that seemed to resonate with Chassels from the very beginning.
Carrie Chassels, Guelph Gryphons Athletics Banquet 2019
It did not take long for the University of Guelph’s recently hired vice-provost (student affairs) to feel embraced as one of the newest members of the Gryphon family. In fact, it happened the moment Carrie Chassels set foot in her office. “As soon as I walked into my office on the first day, I was greeted with a welcome package from (Gryphons women’s hockey head coach) Rachel Flanagan,” says Chassels, who began a fiveyear appointment as U of G’s vice-provost (student affairs) on August 27, 2018. “I still get goosebumps just recalling it. The welcome package included some great Gryphon swag, as well as an invitation asking me to perform the ceremonial puck drop at the women’s hockey team’s home opener. The excitement that I felt that first day ended up carrying on throughout the entire season as I, like so many of our Gryphon alumni and supporters, had the chance to help cheer on our women’s hockey team to their first ever national championship. As far as fond first memories go, you can’t get better than that.” When Chassels arrived at U of G in the summer of 2018, she did so with more than 25 years of experience under her belt as both an educator and academic administrator. Her most recent
“When I was first contacted about the opportunity to be considered as a candidate for this position, all of my research about Guelph and its reputation kept leading me back to Gryphon Athletics. It was one of my number one draws. In my cover letter when I introduced myself, I talked about what excited me most about the role, and my very first paragraph was all about being associated with Gryphon Athletics. I have not been on a campus where I have seen so much pride in their school identity. It is truly unique.” Perhaps nobody better embodies the sense of school pride better than Carrie herself, who is often easy to spot at Gryphon varsity games. It is not uncommon to find U of G’s vice-provost (student affairs) in the stands, clad in red, black and gold apparel with a cowbell in hand cheering on the Gryphons. The passion that Chassels exudes at Gryphon home games is something that she considers to be a key ingredient to fueling the athletics department as a whole. “Everything in Gryphon Athletics is driven by a passion for the students. Not just the student-athletes themselves, but all students. It’s about developing our students as scholars and citizens in our community, and there is a tremendous impact that can happen through sport. We are all Gryphons. Right from the moment of orientation, we embrace those Gryphon values. We all play a role in fostering that, but there is no question that our student-athletes are a big part of what drives that Gryphon Pride.”
WELCOME, carrie! g r y p h o n s . c a
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Impact of giving back at the heart of community service: Gryphon Student-Athletes Stand out in a Crowd in Community Service Gryphon student-athletes have a culture of excellence and
shorts and socks and took donations. The team didn’t stop their
success, one defined by a commitment to their team. Less
charitable efforts there and went on to raise over $12,500 for the
conspicuous, but just as impressive is an enduring commitment
Movember charity.
to their community.
On the Football field the Gryphons held their annual ‘Think
During the 2018-19 season Gryphon Athletics continued to
Pink’ game on October 13. Prior to the game the team created
make a significant impact not only on the field of play but also
a Pink Wall in the University Centre and raised money from
in the community of Guelph.
the sale of pink mittens. In total the team raised $4,500 from
One of the most popular months on the fundraising calendar
donations from the Parents of Players group, Offensive Line and
for the Gryphons is October, Cancer Awareness Month. A total of five Gryphon teams participated in a ‘Think Pink’ or ‘Shoot for the Cure’ initiative to raise money for local cancer charities
the Football Advancement team. Prior to kickoff players’ family members that have had breast cancer or have been affected by breast cancer joined the team on the field to be honoured
including Field Hockey, Football, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Rugby
during the coin toss.
and Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
A variety of initiatives continued throughout the 2018-19 season
“Regardless of who you are, your life or the life of someone
with tireless work done on large campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk,
effects,” commented fourth-year field hockey student-athlete
Gryphon student-athletes understand that success in this arena
involved in these movements because we serve as leaders
#GryphonsGiveBack
you care about has been touched by cancer’s devastating
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake, and She’s Got Game.
Rudi Ballard. “It’s important for student-athletes to be
is just as important as the result of any competition.
within the school community, and as teams we have a
platform that allows us to reach more people and I believe
we have a responsibility to use those platforms for positive change.”
The Men’s Rugby team kicked off the month of October hosting a ‘Ruck Cancer’ game where the team sported ‘Rugby vs. Cancer’
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G R Y P H F A N
C O N N E C T E D
looking for more details?
See all of our yearly initiatives and find out how you can give back > gryphons.ca/gryphonsgiveback
Jr Gryphons cheering on the women’s hockey team at the Bell Let’s Talk game
Members of the men’s rugby team shave their mustaches after raising over $12,500 for Movember
Shoot for the Cure Basketball Game to support Breast
Cancer Awareness
Annual Think Pink Football Game
Gryphon teams come together for the annual Bowl for Kids Sake event to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU...
the last show that you binge watched
Hidden Talent
Who was your first What / When was celebrity crush & your awkward phase how old were you? growing up and why? Jessica Alba in Fantastic Four when I was 14
The show was captivating and I’m definitely excited for the new episodes that should be coming soon!
Todd Winder MEN’S HOCKEY
I used to do theatre so I’m a pretty good actor.
Grade 9-10, I was barely 5 feet and 100 pounds soaking wet and to top it off I had braces.
Cooking!
Follow Nyasha’s foodie instagram page >> @nutritionbyny_
Nyasha Mombeshora WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Probably Grade 5. I just moved to Canada so I was kind of shy. Also for some reason the only thing I wore at this time was Aeropostale. Tom Brady, I was 8 years old and a huge Patriots fan
Lee Daniels Star
Still in it...
Fantastic saxophone player
Matthew MacNeill TRACK & FIELD
110% Selena Gomez when I was 11/12 years old
Peter Pan (if that counts)
Emilie Nicholl WOMEN’S RUGBY
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Parallel parking
G R Y P H F A N
C O N N E C T E D
I think I was 4 years old. Really thought he’d come around for me someday… We would get married and fly off into the sunset.
Transitioning from elementary to middle school. I wore strange colour combinations (bright blue yoga pants with an orange shirt), dangly horse earrings, and had to be told by my friends to start wearing a bra… If I recall, I was really nervous around boys and dreaded growing up.
Have you won a
Weirdest food craving
Dream career
Worst job you’ve ever had? I did landscaping one summer and it was super early mornings and long days.
Babaganoush... its a roasted eggplant dip. Look it up!
Playing Professional Hockey
Crispy kale
To be a doctor
What celebrity would sports championship Best coaching advice you like to meet at before becoming Planet Bean for a cup a gryphon & What you’ve received of coffee? team?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just love the game.
Learn to love the process and have fun! Working at an ice cream shop
Fried chicken dipped in a chocolate fountain
Coaching side by side with Coach Kerr and Coach Ferth
Delivering flyers to all the houses in my neighbourhood
Don’t be narrow minded on the short goals, Focus on the longterm goals.
We bet it was speedy!
Pickled foods
Own the most amazing summer camp for kids from all walks of life.
Cleaning student houses during turn over season (most disgusting thing I have ever had to do).
To trust my mind and body. That all the hard work will make itself known come game time.
I would love to meet Tim Tebow and chat about sports, life and faith.
Michelle Obama
I look up to her as an empowering African american woman who has so much knowledge of the world. I think she would provide me with great advice on how to overcome challenges/ adversity in life.
My team won a Jr Varsity hockey championship in Gr 10. Shoutout to Uxbridge Secondary School for the memories!
Yes in high school! Shoutout to the Grand River Renegades. We won several regional championships
In gr 9 my basketball team - Lucas Vikings won the LeBron James because London Ontario he’s the GOAT city basketball championships.
Ellen Degeneres She is such a great role model and does a lot of good things for the world.
Grade 12 City Finals 50m Breaststroke Champion as a Lawrence Park Panther
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POWER OF PLACE Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Wins International Award
The University of Guelph’s state-of-
Berg said the judges praised the
the building’s design and functionality,”
the-art Guelph Gryphons Athletics
centre’s attributes, including its use
McRoberts said. “This doesn’t happen
Centre (GGAC) received a prestigious
of interior colour to create a sense of
without them. We had full-time staff
international honour this year. The
circulation and individual movement,
and students who dedicated their heart
centre, which opened in June 2017,
and its comforting ambience within
and soul to making this building and the
was recognized with a ‘Facilities of
sophisticated floor plans and complex
programming spectacular. This award
Merit’ award by Athletic Business, a
forms and spaces.
provides external recognition to these
multimedia magazine dedicated to the sports industry.
One judge called the GGAC a wellexecuted facility at all levels, citing
The annual awards honour sporting
exceptional integration of interior and
facilities based on characteristics
exterior, as well as its branding and
including plan efficiency, interior and
vision for athletics and wellness.
exterior design, and optimal use of space.
Scott McRoberts, U of G director of athletics, said the award recognizes
“The submissions reflect the pinnacle
the dedication and hard work of an
of achievement in fitness, recreation
exceptional group of stakeholders that
and athletics architecture, with winning
included campus staff and students.
facilities ranging from a recreational centre in Lincoln, Nebraska, to a highend aquatics facility in Tokyo,” said Andy Berg, the magazine’s executive editor.
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folks.”
G R Y P H F A N
“This building was built by the students, from both a financial perspective and from the important input they had in
C O N N E C T E D
looking for more details?
Read about the Facilties of Merit Award online by visiting > gryphons.ca/GGACMerit
Building FEATURES
200M
WALKING TRACK
Walking Track
200m 3-lane Walking Track
Meeting Rooms
Large and small meeting rooms are available to rent
Active Kids
We offer a variety of summer, March Break and PD Camps year round
Social Spaces
8,000 square feet of social space including new student and VIP lounge
2,200 seat event centre
Features one of the only 4-sided video boards at a University in the entire country
3 Changerooms
Big, bright & spacious accommodating over 1,300 lockers!
22,000 sqft fitness centre
Housed on two floors and contains a full range of fitness equipment
Over 97 Fitness Classes
Everything from Zumba to TRXÂŽ
Rock Climbing Wall
40 FT ROCK WALL
Tops out at 40ft and offers 11 belay stations and dozens of routes to choose from
Virtual tour is available online at gryphons.ca/fitandrec
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Imagery Š 2019 Google Maps
on home soil The University of Guelph is home to some of the finest athletic facilities in Canada. It was another fantastic year of hosting with visitors enjoying our campus and this great City.
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G R Y P H F A N
C O N N E C T
Here are just a few examples of some of our events that took place on our home soil this past year‌. E D
CFL ARGO’S GAME
Alumni Stadium has been the home to professional football in the past. But in the summer of 2018 a preseason clash between the Toronto Argonauts and the Ottawa REDBLACKS had a unique connection to the University of Guelph and the Gryphon football program. Five former Gryphon players represented the two organizations including Cam Walker, Jeff Finley, Andrew Pickett, Alex Charette and Jake Reinhart. In front of nearly 4,000 fans the Redblacks defeated the Argos 32-17. There is a history of memorable events at Alumni Stadium. And the CFL exhibition game on a perfect, breezy June evening with the sun setting spectacularly behind the north end zone of the Gryphons’ home, was yet another. It may not have been an OUA playoff tilt or a crucial U SPORTS bowl game but the matchup between the two CFL teams provided a great opportunity for local football fans.
ofsaa track & field championships It was the largest sporting event in the city of Guelph’s history – a provincial championship to crown the best high school track and field stars in the province of Ontario. For three days from June 6-8, UofG was host to over 2,600 high school students competing for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) track and field championships at Alumni Stadium. The event saw a total of over 4,500 visitors to campus that represented 530 high schools from six Ontario regions. Our state-of-the-art facilities provided the perfect venue to showcase the exceptional skills from some of the top high school athletes in the country. The University as a host not only left a lasting impression on over 2,600 high school athletes who competed, but it also left a mark on the City and Wellington County, cementing it as a Centre of excellence for Track and Field.
oua championships
From the rugby pitch, to the wrestling mats to the Gryphon Arena, Gryphon Athletics hosted three OUA Championships this past year including the Women’s Hockey, Women’s Rugby & Wrestling Championships.
oua women’s rugby championships
oua wrestling championships
Gryphons Secure Three-Peat Win 39-14 Over Queen’s
Gryphons Host Conference Championships for the first time since 2005
Varsity Field October 20, 2018
Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre February 2, 2019
oua women’s hockey mccaw cup
Gryphons crowned OUA Champions with 4-2 win over Toronto Gryphon Arena March 9, 2019
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U SPORTS ALL-CANADIANS U SPORTS First Team All-Canadians Connor Black Danielle Jossinet Emilie Nicholl Julia Schell Jace Kotsopoulos Victoria Hinchliffe Mark Bujnowski Josh Hamilton
Cross Country Cross Country Rugby Rugby Soccer Soccer Track & Field Track & Field
Hannah Woodhouse Luke Korol Alexandra Everett Emmanuela Jada Brodie Schmidt
Cross Country Football Rugby Rugby Rugby
Daniel Harper Track & Field x 2 Kudakwashe Murasiranwa Track & Field Philip Osei Track & Field x 2 Brennan Seguin Track & Field Graeme Thompson Track & Field x 2 Morgan Byng Track & Field x 2 Sadie-Jane Hickson Track & Field x 2 Olivia Romaniw Track & Field
Shyvonne Roxborough Track & Field Zoe Sherar Track & Field x 3 Jenna Smith Track & Field x 2 Nicole Smith Track & Field Jenna Westaway Track & Field x 3 Alexander Chaves Wrestling
U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadians Mark Bujnowski Mostafa Elkurdy Levi Fretz Philip Osei Alec Purnell
Simon Quann Emma Nero Olivia Romaniw Gracelynn Doogan Natassya Lu
Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field
Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling
U SPORTS All-Canadians Katherine MacMillan Field Hockey
Rebecca Plouffe
Field Hockey
U SPORTS tournament all-stars Valérie Lamenta Claire Merrick Mallory Young
U SPORTS tournament all-stars Kaitlyn Dennis Carly Zanatta
Hockey Hockey Hockey
Rowing Rowing
U SPORTS Major Award Winners Connor Black Katherine MacMillan Jace Kotsopoulos Matthew MacNeill
Cross Country Athlete of the Year Field Hockey Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor Men’s Soccer Player of the Year Track & Field Rookie of the Year
Jenna Westaway Dave Scott-Thomas Dave Scott-Thomas
Track & Field Female Athlete of the Year Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year
U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians *Academic U SPORTS and OUA Academic Award recipients are released each September for the previous season of play NAME PROGRAM
NAME PROGRAM
NAME PROGRAM
NAME PROGRAM
Basketball
Football
Soccer
Track & Field
Jake Chaput Human Kinetics Aaron Nugent Political Science Drew Walford Human Kinetics Jonathan Wallace Criminal Justice Megan Brenkel Biomedical Science Nyasha Mombeshora Biomedical Science Ashley Wheeler Child, Youth & Family
Brandon Bolzon Justis Croasdale Derek Drouillard Orion Edwards William Swan Mitchell Thiele
Cross Country Heather Petrick
Human Health & Nutritional Sciences
Cross Country/Track & Field Mostafa Elkurdy Levi Fretz Andrew Shepherd Mitchell Ubene Caelum Wishart Mackenzie Cameron Kiana Gibson Emma Hubbard Danielle Jossinet Olivia Romaniw Charlotte Ward Sarah Wismer Hannah Woodhouse
En. Engineering Food & Ag. Business Biomedical Engineering Engineering Landscape Architecture Mathematical Science Arts & Sciences English Biomedical Engineering Food Science Environmental Science Biochemistry Biomedical Science
Field Hockey Jessica Ballard Lauren Dewar Grace Doyle Olivia Finch Katherine MacMillan Rebecca Plouffe
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En. & Resource Mngmt En. Governance Biological Science Equine Mngmt Accounting Biological Science
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Marketing Management Psychology Psychology Criminal Justice En. & Resource Mngmt Engineering
Hockey Katherine Bailey Molly Crossman Laura Crowdis Emma Forcey Kelly Gribbons Kristen Jay Valerie Lamenta Ashlee Lawrence Francis McCutcheon Claire Merrick Sophie Rodenburg Gabrielle Smyth Mackenzie Wong
Child, Youth & Family Child, Youth & Family Accounting Leadership & Org. Mngmt Engineering Systems Marketing Management Mechanical Engineering Human Kinetics Marketing Management Landscape Architecture Biomedical Science Accounting Biomedical Toxicology
Rugby Megan Acheson Kiersten Bell Taylor Durham Amara Hill Emilie Nicholl Kylie Shaughnessy April Wright
G R Y P H F A N
Animal Biology En. Engineering Human Kinetics Environmental Science Biomedical Science Biomedical Science Human Kinetics
Nicole Brown-Shaw Mia Cadieux Andrea Cimino Allison Clouse Brooke Davidson Jacqueline Goulart Willem Grant Alyssa Hodgson Sydney Holden Sydney Johnson Sayan Ladhani Ann-Carolyn Lang Danielle Sauve Megan Sullivan Christina Woloszczuk
Psy. Brain & Cognition Biomedical Science Biomedical Science Human Kinetics Human Kinetics Criminal Justice Psy. Brain & Cognition Biomedical Science Biomedical Science Microbiology International Dev. App. Human Nutrition Child, Youth & Family Biomedical Science Biological Science
Swimming Roshan Aggarwal Daniel Barros Keri-Lyn Copeland Alicia Denoon Aysu Gundogan Sasha Kennedy Lucas Liberty William Ly Andrew Misner Simon Paisley Daniel Reardon Kasey Thompson Shania Van Herk
C O N N E C T E D
Biomedical Engineering Marine & Freshwater Biology Biological Science Leadership & Org. Mngmt Computer Science Biological Science Criminal Justice Accounting Bio-Resource Mngmt Biological Science Mathematical Science Biological Science Human Kinetics
Jordan Bates Emily Bowerman Sarah Hammond Owen Hebb Hailey Hitchings Maja Naruszewicz Emma Nero Graham Pitfield Zoe Sherar Jenna Smith Nicole Smith Chloe Spear
Marketing Management Rural Planning & Development App. Human Nutrition Plant Science Biomedical Science Child, Youth & Family Studies Criminal Justice Mechanical Engineering Arts & Sciences Political Science Studio Art Public Management
Volleyball Matthew Baxter David Duhan Alexandra Curran Jessica Gormley Samuel Kloke Michaela Hellinga Jakson Paterson Alexandra Proulx Tara Tanasijevic Lisa Wedel
Mathematical Science Rural Planning & Dev. Biology Biomedical Science Environmental Geoscience & Geomatics Biomedical Science Biomedical Engineering Human Nutrition Biomedical Science Human Kinetics
Wrestling Rhiannon Digweed Daniel Humphrey Gabriel Laplante Hannah Little Natassya Lu Chelsey Sicard Elvir Uzunovic
Studio Art En. Management Human Kinetics Arts & Sciences Landscape Architecture Biomedical Toxicology Criminal Justice
OUA All-Stars OUA All-Stars Katherine MacMillan
Field Hockey
OUA First Team All-Stars Robert Wolfer Baseball Mark Patton Cross Country Danielle Jossinet Cross Country Hannah Woodhouse Cross Country Gabriel Ferraro Football Colin Jerome Football Luke Korol Football Sarah Dunning Golf Valérie Lamenta Hockey Kaitlin Lowy Hockey Mark Bujnowski Track & Field Davis Edward Track & Field Josh Hamilton Track & Field Daniel Harper Track & Field x 3 Kudakwashe Murasiranwa Track & Field Philip Osei Track & Field Graeme Thompson Track & Field x 2 Emily Bowerman Track & Field Morgan Byng Track & Field x 2 Dana Earhart Track & Field Tessa Hamilton Track & Field Sadie-Jane Hickson Track & Field Hailey Hitchings Track & Field Danielle Jossinet Track & Field Savanna Kent-Korell Track & Field Olivia Romaniw Track & Field x 2 Shyvonne Roxborough Track & Field x 2 Zoe Sherar Track & Field x 3 Jenna Smith Track & Field x 2 Nicole Smith Track & Field Jenna Westaway Track & Field
Nina Whitford Gracelynn Doogan Natassya Lu
Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling
OUA Second Team All-Stars Mason Copeland Baseball Andrew Shepherd Cross Country Dana Earhart Cross Country Emma Hubbard Cross Country Heather Petrick Cross Country Alice Holyoke Curling AJ Allan Football Brendan Murphy Football Kiondre Smith Football Eric Starczala Football Laura Crowdis Hockey Susanna Coss Lacrosse Samuel Kuntz Swimming Samantha Anderson Swimming Justice Archer Track & Field Connor Black Track & Field Mark Bujnowski Track & Field Matthew MacNeill Track & Field Kudakwashe Murasiranwa Track & Field Philip Osei Track & Field Emily Fawcett Track & Field Emma Nero Track & Field Shyvonne Roxborough Track & Field Jenna Smith Track & Field Jaivir Boal Wrestling Job Reinhart Wrestling Hannah Little Wrestling
OUA All-Stars Katherine MacMillan Rebecca Plouffe Carling Allen Natalie Savor Graham Daly Claire Benwood Emma De Wit Carly Zanatta Riley Di Nardo Andrew Douglas MacKenzie Kea Marcello Wainwright
OUA Third Team All-Star Field Hockey Field Hockey Figure Skating Figure Skating Nordic Rowing Rowing Rowing Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby
Burke Bechard Basketball OUA Shiels Division All-Stars Madison Brattan Rugby Alexandra Everett Rugby Emmanuela Jada Rugby Emilie Nicholl Rugby Julia Schell Rugby Brodie Schmidt Rugby
CUFLA Lacrosse West Division All-Stars Michael Berger Zachery Luis
OUA West Division First Team All-Stars Scott Simmonds Willem Grant Jace Kotsopoulos Ryan Vyrostko Libby Brenneman Victoria Hinchliffe Alyssa Hodgson Jenna Holtz Alex Curran Tara Tanasijevic
OUA All-Rookie Team
Hockey Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball
Jean-Paul Cimankinda Juwan Jeffrey Uriel Kalenga Brendan Murphy Tavius Robinson Kiondre Smith
Football Football Football Football Football Football
OUA West All-Rookie Team Connor Bramwell Gideon Dresser Cassidy Collins Noa Pijl
OUA West Division Second Team All-Stars Conor O’Callaghan Atchu Siva AC Lang Zachary Newman Zarko Ubiparip Michaela Hellinga
Lacrosse Lacrosse
Hockey Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball
Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball
OUA Major Awards Mark Bujnowski Shayne Campbell Rachel Flanagan Victoria Hinchliffe Jace Kotsopoulos Valerie Lamenta Katherine MacMillan
OUA Men’s Track and Field Most Valuable Performer OUA Women’s Soccer West Division Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Hockey Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Soccer West Division Most Valuable Player OUA Men’s Soccer West Division Most Valuable Player OUA Women’s Hockey Goaltender of the Year OUA Field Hockey Outstanding Contributer
Matthew MacNeill Colette McAuley Olivia Romaniw Dave Scott-Thomas Dave Scott-Thomas
OUA Men’s Track and Field Rookie of the Year OUA Women’s Rugby Shiels Division Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Track and Field Most Valuable Performer OUA Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Track and Field Coach of the Year
OUA Academic Award Recipients *Academic U SPORTS and OUA Academic Award recipients are released each September for the previous season of play NAME PROGRAM
NAME PROGRAM
NAME PROGRAM
Baseball
Golf
Rowing
Craig Vanderheyden Accounting Trevor Whiton Environmental Governance
Alexander Boland Kaitlyn Dennis Catherine Jany Madeleine Landell Carly Zanatta
Joseph Ciccia Jordon Inkol Nicholas Interisano Nathaniel Lewko Evan Ross Graham Wilmot Robert Wilson
Psychology Biomedical Science Physical Science Marketing Mgmt. Mechanical Engineering Food & Ag. Business Microbiology
Figure Skating Chae-Lynn Bailey Melanie Beck Christine Cash Rylee MacGregor Lauren Mack Jade Marrow Andrew McDonald Alexandra Recalis Natalia Savor Meaghan Walsh Isabel Zak
Kinesiology App. Human Nutrition Biomedical Science Biomedical Science Wildlife Biology Human Health & Nutritional Sciences Biomedical Science Sociology Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Human Kinetics Molecular Biology & Genetics
Lacrosse Susanna Coss Victoria Flood Nicole Gastle Carly Stephens Sarah Trilesky Derian Wallis
Neuroscience Physics Nutritional Sciences Zoology Biochemistry Ecology
Nordic Skiing Madeline Aarts Allison Caswell Graham Daly Jacob Heroux Elise Huet Nathan Johnstone David Laurie Allison Lull Katja Zbogar
Biomedical Science Wildlife Biology Biomedical Engineering Biochemistry Mechanical Engineering Biomedical Science Environmental Science Animal Biology Animal Biology
Biomedical Science Biological Science Pharmaceutical Chemistry Plant Science Food Science
Men’s Rugby Andrew Douglas Jordan Hofstra Mitchell King Gabriel Laplante Simon Laughlin
Environmental Governance Plant Science Food & Agricultural Business Human Kinetics History
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Free for U of G students & Jr Gryphons!
SAVE THE DATE You’re not going to want to miss these events!
AUG.
25 SEPT.
7
SEPT.
11
SEPT.
14
SEPT.
21 SEPT.
28 OCT.
6
OCT.
19 OCT.
24 OCT.
25-27 OCT.
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salute to service // football gm Alumni Stadium
Guelph VS McMaster — 1PM
welcome back to campus // football GM Alumni Stadium
Guelph VS York — 1PM
HOMECOMING TICKET SALE Gryphon Field House
Doors open at 9AM & tickets go on sale at 11AM
gryphon rugby day// M & W rugby Varsity Field
W VS Queens @ 1PM // M VS Western @ 3:30PM
football gm
Alumni Stadium
Guelph VS Western — 1PM
homecoming // football GM Alumni Stadium
Guelph VS Ottawa — 1PM
Adu Tickets lt n on-sal ow e!
GRYPHON SOCCER DAY Gryphon Soccer Field
Guelph VS Windsor — W @ 1PM // M @ 3PM
u sports banner raising // w hockey gm Gryphon Centre Arena
Guelph VS Waterloo — 2PM
fall face-off // w hockey gm Sleeman Centre
Guelph VS Western @ 7PM
Tickets n on-sal ow e!
OUA Field Hockey Championships Varsity Field
enchanted: masquerade fashion show Atrium, Summerlee Science Complex Tickets will be available in August 2019
Schedule is subject to change. Please see gryphons.ca for a complete ourOscheduled G R Y P H F Alist N of C N N E C games, T E D updates & for tickets.
NOV.
HOCKEY DAY IN GRYPHONVILLE // m hockey gm
2
Gryphon Centre Arena
Guelph VS Nippissing - 3PM
JAN.
3
PARENT SURVIVAL DAY // M HOCKEY GM
JAN.
JAM THE GYM // M BASKETBALL GM
Gryphon Centre Arena
Guelph VS Lakehead - 1PM
15
Guelph Gryphon Athletics Centre
Guelph VS Laurier W @ 6PM // M @ 8PM
The frosty mug // m hockey GM
JAN.
23
Sleeman Centre
Guelph VS Laurier - 7PM
Presented by Champion Mortgage
FEB.
Tickets n on-sal ow e!
2
oua wrestling championships
FEB.
oua curling championships
Guelph Gryphon Athletics Centre
13-17 FEB.
11
FEB.
15
MAR.
19
MAR.
26
Guelph Curling Club
SHE’S GOT GAME pizza day
Domino’s Pizza, 304 Stone Rd W In support of Women’s Athletics
SHE’S GOT GAME GALA
Guelph Gryphon Athletics Centre
Tickets will be available in December 2019
BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE Woodlawn Bowl
Donate at gryphons.ca/BFKS
2019-20 ATHLETIC BANQUET & AWARDS CEREMONY
Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre
CAN’T MAKE IT TO A GAME? WATCH IT LIVE AND ON-DEMAND ON:
Presented by: g r y p h o n s . c a
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Naming Right Corporate Partners
Gryphon Performance Centre
VIP Suite & Gryphon Leadership Academy Recruitment Luncheon
Gryphon Leadership Academy
Premier Partners
A DIRECT TRAVEL® COMPANY
Associate Partners
Food & Beverage Partners
Hotel & Conference Centres
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G R Y P H F A N
Fundraising Properties
C O N N E C T E D
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Scholarship Partners
Charity & Awareness Partners
Media Partners
National Advertising Partners
University Sports Publications
Jr Gryphon Partners
g r y p h o n s . c a
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THE PLACE TO SCORE ALL YOUR GRYPHFAN APPAREL!
Find us at our new location in the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Check online for hours bookstore.uoguelph.ca or Follow us on Instagram for deals and new merchandise updates > @gryphs.locker
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G R Y P H F A N
C O N N E C T E D
