2016-17 GryphFan Connected: Year in Review by guelphgryphons

FREE! Summer 2017 Volume 5

The Top Five Moments of 2016-17 Women's Cross Country Win Record 12th Straight National Title Featuring Kendrick Kerr & Carly Zanatta Gryphons Giving Back to the Community The Seven Teams Who Were Crowned OUA and/or U SPORTS Champions Exceptional First-Year Stories

Published by the University of Guelph, Gryphon Athletics GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017 1

LINE UP Athletic Director’s Message

CELEBRATING THE BEST: ATHLETIC BANQUET

GRYPHONS TEAM UP WITH bell Let's talk

CHAMPIONS CORNER

GRYPHONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

GRYPHIE MOMENT OF THE YEAR

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY HISTORIC RUN

SPOTLIGHT: Kendrick Kerr

SPOTLIGHT: Carly Zanatta

Facilities update

who we are where we came from

HOMECOMING & FROSTY MUG

RISING STARS

Sibling Rivalry

Dual-Sport Threats

GETTING TO KNOW: GRYPHON Athletes

On home soil

SHE's GOT GAME

COACHES OF THE YEAR

U SPORTS ALL-CANADIANS & ACADEMIC ALL-CANADIANS 36 OUA MAJOR AWARDS & ALL-STARS

SAVE THE DATES!

ART DIRECTOR Amber Paxton

WRITERS Andy Baechler Michelle Pino

PHOTOGRAPHERS Karyn Stepien Kyle Rodriguez Michael P. Hall

4 2

6 1

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

stay connected & FOLLOW US Community news, real-time game updates and more!

Team take-overs and behind the scenes at games, competitions + exclusive contests!

We have the largest athletics Instagram following in Canada! #GryphonPride

Watch all of our home game recaps & see exclusive video content Links to stories, game recaps & videos

1 4

From the Desk of the Director

SCOTT McROBERTS Welcome to the fifth edition of

the first time in 47 years, our Women’s

GryphFAN Connected. We are

Hockey team were crowned back–

thrilled to be once again publishing

to–back provincial champions. In all,

this magazine, which gives us the

the Gryphons produced two national

opportunity to share some of the

titles, six OUA championships, and

unforgettable moments from the

had six different student–athletes

2016 –17 season with our fans, alumni

earn the title of individual national

and community members.

champion by claiming gold in their

This season, we entered into a new era in Gryphon Athletics with the official opening of our brand new Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. Our varsity basketball and volleyball teams now have the best home courts in Canada;

respective events at the U SPORTS championships. With 23 All–Canadians and 87 league all–stars, there is no doubt that the Gryphons were once again leaders in the landscape of Canadian University athletics.

our fans now have the best gameday

To the readers of this magazine,

experience in university sports; and

thank you for your continued support

our varsity athletes now have access

of Gryphon Athletics and we cannot

to a beautiful, state–of–the–art fitness

wait to see you at our home games in

centre. It is truly an exciting time to be

2017–18. Go Gryphons!

a Gryphon! To the almost 800 varsity athletes who represent our Gryphon teams, thank you for once again competing with tremendous class and dignity while reaching new heights in 2016–17. Our

Scott McRoberts Director of Athletics, University of Guelph

Men’s Track & Field and Women’s Cross Country teams produced national championships with phenomenal performances in Edmonton and Quebec City, respectively. For the first time in 26 years, the Gryphons were crowned OUA champions in Men’s Soccer. For the first time in 18 seasons, our men’s and women’s rugby teams were both crowned OUA champions in the same year. And for

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

CELEBRATING The Best of 2016–17

With over 800 individuals in attendance at the new Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre, the University of Guelph’s Department of Athletics officially handed out the hardware on March 30th at the 2016 -17 Gryphons Athletic Banquet. The annual awards show, which for years took place in the 60–year–old W.F. Mitchell building, was held for the first time in the new $45 million Athletics Centre, with video highlights and live streaming of the event broadcast on the four-sided video board.

The Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics major produced a sensational double-gold performance at nationals, finishing atop the podium in both events while helping lead the Gryphons to a second place finish in the overall team standings.

Headlining the evening’s major award winners were Male and Female Athletes of the Year, Tommy Land and Ashley Connell, both of whom compete with the Gryphons Track & Field teams. Land, a fourth–year Mechanical Engineering student, was instrumental in helping the Men’s Track & Field team capture the team titles at both the conference and national levels. The Turkey Point native was named U SPORTS Performer of the Meet after winning gold in the men’s 600m. Land was also part of a Men’s 4x400m relay team that set a new Canadian University record with a time of 3.10.83 at the Spire Invitational meet in Geneva, Ohio.

The W.F. Mitchell Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, were given to Justin Springer (Men’s Soccer) and Cierra Carere (Women’s Wrestling). Springer put together a decorated soccer career at U of G. He finishes his varsity career as a five–time OUA All–Star and in 2016–17 was named a U SPORTS All–Canadian. He anchored a Gryphon defence this year that ranked among the best in the conference and led the team to an OUA title and U SPORTS bronze. He has also garnered attention internationally representing Canada at the FISU games and playing three times for his native country of St. Kitts and Nevis in international friendlies.

Connell, a fourth year Brockville native, was the best athlete in the country in women’s shot put and weight throw.

Cierra Carere is a four–time OUA medalist and this year capped off an incredible career with a U SPORTS silver medal

and second team All–Canadian honours. Carere spends a significant amount of time giving back to the sport of wrestling volunteering at local high schools, while also helping to run Gryphon wrestling events, including the “Canada Cup” — an international wrestling event hosted annually by the University of Guelph. The President’s Trophies were awarded to Devon Stober (Women’s Rugby) and Ethan Danielli (Men’s Soccer). Stober, a fifth–year All–Star has proved to be a leader on the team and in a leader in the classroom boasting a cumulative average of 91.4% while studying Animal Biology. The Mississauga native led her team to an OUA title while garnering U SPORTS All– Canadian honours this year. Fifth–year midfielder and Guelph native, Ethan Danielli excelled academically and boasts a cumulative average of 86.8% in his Human Kinetics studies. He was also was named a Second Team All–Star in the OUA West and played an integral role in helping the Gryphons men’s soccer team secure their first OUA title in 26 years this season.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS CATHY ROWE MANAGER OF THE YEAR Women’s Basketball — Brittany Thalen

PRESIDENT’S TROPHY – FEMALE Rugby -—Devon Stober

GUNNER OBRASCOVS TRAINER OF THE YEAR Men’s Soccer — Jessica Johnston

PRESIDENT’S TROPHY – MALE Soccer — Ethan Danielli

DR. MARY BEVERLEY-BURTON FEMALE ROOKIE Track & Field — Shyvonne Roxborough

W.F. MITCHELL SPORTSWOMAN Wrestling — Cierra Carere

SCOTT YANCHUS MALE ROOKIE Football/Track & Field — Keysean Powell

W.F. MITCHELL SPORTSMAN Soccer — Justin Springer

SHIRLEY PETERSON AWARD Field Hockey — Olivia Lane

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Track & Field — Ashley Connell

DON CAMERON AWARD Volleyball — Kendrick Kerr

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Track & Field — Tommy Land

FRED RAMPRASHAD AWARD Rugby — Devon Stober

More pictures & full story online at gryphons.ca GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

TEAM AWARD WINNERS: BASEBALL MVP: Nicholas Interisano

NORDIC SKIING: MVP (MEN): David Laurie

BASKETBALL (MEN):

MVP (WOMEN): Laryssa Kemp

JACK TANNER MIP: Tommy Yanchus

ROWING:

BILL DIMSON MEMORIAL MVP: Ahmed Haroon

MVP (MEN): Mykael Hughes–Mussio

BASKETBALL (WOMEN):

MVP (WOMEN): Carly Zanatta

MIP: Haley Belyk

ROBIN BEST ROOKIE: MacLain Wakefield

CROSS COUNTRY (MEN):

IEUAN EVANS MVP RUGGER: Eric Charest–Pekeski

AL CLAREMONT FRESHMAN HARRIER: Mitchell Ubene

RUGBY (WOMEN): ROOKIE: Amara Hill MVP: Alex King

ART HACKETT MVP: Brayden Seneca CROSS COUNTRY (WOMEN): VIC MATTHEWS MVP: Katelyn Ayers ROOKIE: Hannah Woodhouse FIELD HOCKEY MIP: Katherine MacMillan LAURA SHARP MVP: Olivia Lane FIGURE SKATING MVP: Leeann Duncan FOOTBALL: ROOKIE: Kian Schaffer–Baker PRESIDENT FORSTER MVP: Lukas Korol TED WILDMAN TROPHY: Rob Carnegie GOLF: DAVID FELL MVP (MEN): Marc–Anthony Manion GRACE GLOFCHESKIE MVP (WOMEN): Madeline Decorso HOCKEY (MEN): WALTER RICKARD MEMORIAL ROOKIE: Marc Stevens JACK POS MVP HOCKEY: Rob Lepine HOCKEY (WOMEN): ROOKIE: Sydney Davison MVP: Katherine Bailey LACROSSE: LACROSSE MVP (MEN): Brett Ulbikas LACROSSE MVP (WOMEN): Taylor Kidd

RUGBY (MEN):

MVP: Sarah Holmes

SOCCER (MEN): MIP: Mitch Lefebvre BILL McANUFF MEMORIAL MVP: Tomasz Skublak SOCCER (WOMEN): MIP: Alyssa Hodgson MVP: Allison Clouse SWIMMING: MIP (MEN): Rodrigo Rozo C.M. KINNEAR MEMORIAL MVP (MEN): Evan Van Moerkerke MIP (WOMEN): Katherine Scheuermann MVP (WOMEN): Emily Anzai TRACK & FIELD: ROOKIE (MEN): Keysean Powell HAMILTON OLYMPIC CLUB MVP (MEN): Thomas Land ROOKIE (WOMEN): Shyvonne Roxborough MVP (WOMEN): Ashley Connell VOLLEYBALL (MEN): MIP: Matt Baxter MVP: Kendrick Kerr VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN): MAKALA KING MEMORIAL MIP: Kayla McMullen MVP: Maddie Dedecker WRESTLING: MIP (MEN): Kyle Robinson MVP (MEN): Elvir Uzunovic MIP (WOMEN): Chelsey Sicard MVP (WOMEN): Gracelynn Doogan

GRYPHONS TEAM UP WITH Many post–secondary students will face

community to discuss the impact of

Frosty Mug at the Sleeman Centre. The

a mental health challenge, which can

mental illness and how to fight the stigma

first 2,500 fans at the game received

interrupt their studies, affect academic

that keeps too many from seeking help.

Bell Let’s Talk Thundersticks, temporary

performance and negatively impact

tattoos and had the opportunity to sign

their day–to–day lives. In 2017 student–

Student–athletes and coaches sported

talk bubbles and banners in support of

athletes, university sport conferences

Bell Let’s Talk toques around campus

mental health.

and Bell Let’s Talk teamed up to grow the

and posted photos and messages

mental health conversation on Canadian

to their social media platforms. Bell

campuses nationwide.

donates 5 cents to Canadian mental

On Bell Let’s Talk Day (Jan. 25), Gryphon student–athletes from across 30 varsity

health programs for each of these social #BellLetsTalk interactions on January

The Bell Let’s Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti–stigma campaign, like Bell Let’s Talk Day, alongside

25th.

significant Bell funding for community

about mental health, joining with fellow

The Gryphons also hosted a ‘Bell Let's

initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.

students and others in the university

Talk’ game in conjunction with our Annual

ca/LetsTalk.

sports helped lead the UofG conversation

care and access, research, and workplace

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

CHAMPIONS CORNER WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The women’s cross country team continued their remarkable run of team championships at both the provincial and national levels in 2016. The team dominated the race, claiming their 13th consecutive OUA title with a total of five Gryphon runners earning OUA All-Star status. At the CIS Championships the Gryphons won their 12th straight national title, setting a new CIS record for consecutive national titles (surpassing UBC’s women’s swim team who won 11 straight national titles from 199798 to 2007–08).

WOMEN’S RUGBY For a 9th straight year, the women’s rugby team went undefeated during the regular season, outscoring their opposition 503–12 while posting a perfect 5–0 record to finish first in the OUA Shiels Division. One year after seeing McMaster steal a OUA Championship victory on Guelph soil, the Gryphons would return the favour, winning 24–7 over the Marauders in Hamilton in what was a battle between the top two ranked teams in the country.

MEN’S RUGBY In 2016, the Gryphons were crowned OUA Champions in men’s rugby for the first time since 1998. After a perfect 8–0 regular season, the team faced the Queen’s Gaels for the third straight year in the OUA Finals and got the best of their long–time rivals with a dramatic 25–24 victory.

MEN’S SOCCER 2016 was a magical year for the Gryphons men’s soccer team. After setting school records for wins (12) and points (38) during the regular season, the Gryphons defeated the three–time defending champs York Lions to claim their first OUA title in men’s soccer since 1990. The Gryphons then played host to the U SPORTS/CIS Championship tournament for men’s soccer. After a heartbreaking 3–2 loss to UQAM (l’Université du Québec à Montréal) in the semi–finals, the Gryphons responded with a 3–0 win over the Cape Breton Capers to earn a Bronze medal.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY For the first time in 47 years, the women’s hockey team earned the title of back–to–back provincial champions. After finishing atop the OUA standings during the regular season with a record of 20–3–1, the Gryphons would win 6–1 over Nipissing to earn their second consecutive McCaw Cup.

MEN’S TRACK & FIELD The men’s track and field team was crowned OUA and U SPORTS Champions this season. For the fourth time in school history, the team was crowned national champions. All four national titles have come within the past 10 seasons (2007–08, 2009–10, 2012–13 & 2016–17). At Nationals the team put together one of the most dominant performances in CIS/U SPORTS history, finishing with a staggering 73 points ahead of second place.

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD It was a phenomenal 2016–2017 season for the women’s track and field team. The team was crowned OUA Champions and U SPORTS silver medalists. With both the Gryphons men’s and women’s teams winning OUA titles, it marked the first time in four years that one institution had swept both team titles at the OUA Championships (with Guelph also pulling off the feat in 2012–13)

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

GRYPHONS

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

#GryphonsGiveBack

To top off a spectacular year of Gryphon Athletics, it’s only fitting that our Gryphon teams come together to give back to the community of Guelph that has supported them so much. To do so, student–athletes participate in a number of community

Over the last eight years, in the week leading up to the Athletic Banquet, varsity teams have competed in a Food Drive Challenge benefiting our local Guelph Food Bank. This year’s numbers were once again outstanding as student–athletes collected

a total of 1545 lbs of food with the Swimming Team leading the way with 1653 total items. The Field Hockey team hosted its sixth annual Cut for the Cure event in March to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and Hospice Wellington. A total of 18 student–athletes, from 10 different sports and Men’s Lacrosse head coach Sam Kosakowski cut their hair to raise funds and awareness in the City of Guelph. Participants donated their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a company that makes real–hair wigs for cancer patients. A

total of $3,420 was raised, and in total $25,549 has been donated since the event launched six years ago. For the first time ever, Universities from across Canada teamed

service activities at the end of their seasons.

up with Bell Let’s Talk to raise awareness for mental health. The

In March our student–athletes traded in their normal sporting

all winter, coming together as a team to show their support, and

equipment for bowling shoes and a bowling ball in an effort

most notably, name our annual Winter Homecoming game, the

to raise money for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph.

Frosty Mug as our Bell Let’s Talk game.

More than 130 student–athletes, 14 coaches, and 15 administrative staff gathered at Woodlawn Bowl to

During the season our Gryphons are also not only giving their

participate in the annual Bowl for Kids Sake (BFKS) event. It was the eighth straight year our Gryphons participated and this year our teams raised $8,928. Over

the period of eight years the Gryphons have proudly donated an astonishing $90,995 to this outstanding charity.

Gryphon initiative saw athletes sporting the signature blue toques

full effort in the classroom, on the field, but in the community as well. Whether it’s when an athlete mentors a young person in need, or a team working together to buy toys for a family in need during the holidays, our student–athletes are giving back in so many ways 365 days a year.

#GryphonsCare

#GryphonsGiveBack

1,545 lbs OF FOOD DONATED!

Guelph Food Bank Hunger Hurts. Please Give.

$20K

RAISED IN 5 YRS!

$8,928 GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

017 2016 – 2

After an unforgettable 2016–17 season, there was certainly no shortage of worthwhile candidates when it came to determining this year’s winner of the “Gryphie Moment of the Year” award. A total of five nominees were put forward, ranging from an unlikely hero on the track, to a rare back– to–back OUA title run by our women’s hockey team. In the end, however, it would be Mark Perrin from the Gryphons men’s rugby team who would take home the “Gryphie” after stealing the spotlight in an epic win in the OUA championship match.

#1 PERRIN CAPS PERFECTION

Men’s Rugby

There are great games, and then there are epics. On Sunday, November 13th, 2016, the Gryphons men’s rugby team played host to the four–time defending conference champion Queen’s Gaels in a winner–take–all OUA Championship Final. In front of an electric home crowd at Varsity Field, the undefeated Gryphons went toe–to–toe with their rivals from Kingston in what was one of the most memorable rugby matches in OUA history. Regulation solved nothing. Neither did three overtime periods. That meant the game would have to be decided in a five–man dropkick shootout. Mark Perrin converted not one, but two clutch kicks to seal the Gryphs first OUA title in men’s rugby since 1998. In the process, he also sealed the 2016–17 Gryphie Moment of the Year award.

THOMPSON’S JOURNEY TO THE TOP Track & Field

Kyle Thompson is the fastest sprinter in school history. On Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the U SPORTS Championships in Edmonton, Thompson became the first Gryphon ever to win a national gold medal in the men’s 60m. In the process, Thompson defeated the defending national champion, Tevaughn Campbell, who not only competes for the University of Regina, but who also plays professional football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and who holds the record for the CFL’s fastest ever electronically recorded time in the 40–yard dash.

BACK-TO-BACK McCAW CUPS

Women’s Hockey

After losing six key players from last year’s squad and adding 10 rookies to the roster, the new–look 2016 –17 Gryphons women’s hockey team ended their season with a familiar result. On Saturday, March 11th, in front of over 1,000 fans at the Gryphon Centre, the Gryphons would roll to a 6 –1 victory over Nipissing to capture the school’s first back–to–back provincial titles in women’s hockey in 47 years.

#4 TAMING THE LIONS Men’s Soccer

26 years. That is how long it had been since a Gryphons men’s soccer team last won an OUA championship. On Sunday, November 6th, 2016 — the Gryphons put an end to that streak with a decisive 3–1 win over the 2–time defending national champion and three–time defending OUA champion York Lions.

#5 IVANA IN THE CLUTCH Women’s Basketball

On Saturday, February 11th, 2017 versus Lakehead, the Gryphons women’s basketball team found themselves trailing by 1 point with 4 seconds to go. Needing some heroics at the buzzer to remain in the playoff hunt, second year Mathematical Science major Ivana Vujadinovic had her calculations just right and banked home the game–winning shot to complete one of the most dramatic wins of the season, earning her a “Gryphie Moment of the Year” nominee.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

AN///HISTORIC RUN WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The most prestigious record in Canadian university athletics belongs to the Guelph Gryphons women’s cross country program. On Saturday, November 12, 2016 in Quebec City, the

Gryphons current 12–year streak, is quick to point out a

Gryphons officially secured their 12th straight national

striking similarity between the graduates from each of

title in women’s cross country.

the championship teams. “Almost all of the women who

No other school, from any sport or either gender, has ever produced 12 consecutive national titles. When the Gryphons

competed here continue to run after graduation, not just

remarkable streak first began, back in 2005, Twitter did not yet exist and YouTube had just launched. To help further put this historic run in perspective, here is Gryphons head coach Dave Scott–Thomas, “It makes me feel old

as a lifestyle choice, but competitively. To think that so many have continued to train and compete after all of the kilometers they covered and all of the sweat they spilled while they were here, it just speaks volumes to the phenomenal type of athletes that have come through this program,” says Scott–Thomas.

to say this, but the current rookies on our team would

For a closer look at this historic run by the Women’s Cross

have been in kindergarten when the streak first started

Country program, here are some of the statistics, images

up.” Scott–Thomas, who has been named CIS Coach of

and faces behind the greatest streak in the history of

the Year in women’s cross country 10 times during the

Canadian university athletics.

BY THE NUMBERS

During run of 12 straight national titles 2016

2016

Gryphons narrowly edge Queen's to claim record 12th straight national title

2015

First and only time that a Gryphon's XC team has won a national title on home soil

2014

Gryphons prevail despite 100km/hr winds, hail, rain and sleet in Newfoundland

2013

The women’s race changed from 5K to 6K - new distance, same result

2012

Most dominant team performance in 12 yr stretch with top five runners accounting for 21 pts

2011

All seven runners were named All-Canadians in snowy and muddy conditions in Quebec City

2010

Gryphon seniors Rachel Cliff and Courtney Laurie become the first athletes in CIS XC history to earn First Team All-Canadian honors 5 straight yrs

2009

Gryphons become the first team to win five straight XC banners, surpassing Western ('81-'84) & Victoria ('98'01) who each won four straight

2008

Lindsay Carson battles through foot injury, finishing 3rd overall to lead Gryphons to 4th straight title

2007

Four Gryphons in the top 10, highlighted by rookie Lindsay Carson's gold medal performance

2006

Gryphons finish 54 pts ahead of 2nd place McGill in finial team standings

2005

Gryphons finish 6 pts ahead of U of T to claim 2nd national title in school history - first since '97

Laval

Guelph

Memorial

2014

Western

Laval

Sherbrooke

2012

Queen's

Laval

Victoria

2010

Laval

Dalhousie

2008

Won in 5 Provinces: Ontario / Quebec / Newfoundland / Nova Scotia & British Columbia

2015

2013

2011

2009

2007

ALL-CANADIANS 24 1st Team & 25 2nd Team

WOMEN'S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR WINNERS Carise Thompson ('14), Andrea Seccafien ('12), Geneviève Lalonde ('11), Lindsay Carson ('07) * Athlete of the Year is given to gold medal winner/1st place finisher

2006

10x

Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year: Dave Scott-Thomas GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017 17

2005

AThLETE SPOTLIGHT

KENDRICK KERR What a difference a year makes. One season ago, the Gryphons men’s volleyball team finished second–last in the conference standings. One year later, they are OUA bronze medalists. The man in the middle of this remarkable turnaround, both literally and figuratively, is All–Canadian middle blocker, Kendrick Kerr. After posting a 6–14 record in 2015–16, the Gryphons bounced back in a big way in 2016– 17, going 12-5 during the regular season to finish 2nd in the OUA West standings. In the process, the Gryphons earned their first home playoff game in six years and did not disappoint the home crowd, winning in four sets over Nipissing to book their spot in the OUA Final Four. A loss to Waterloo in the semifinals left the Gryphons one win shy of their first trip to nationals in 19 years. However, the Gryphons would end their memorable 2016–17 campaign on a high note with a dramatic five–set win over Ryerson in the OUA bronze medal match, a victory which secured the school’s best finish in seven years. Although the Gryphons received several outstanding individual contributions throughout the course of the season, nobody on the roster was better than Kendrick Kerr. In fact, very few players in the entire country were as good as Kendrick Kerr. The 6’6” History major put together a phenomenal season and established himself

18 18

VOLLEYBALL

as the most efficient attacker in all of U SPORTS, leading the nation with an incredible .508 hitting percentage. Kerr’s success in that category is something he attributes specifically to his off–season training, “The biggest thing for me this past off-season was just working on my angles and trying to find a way to get my shots around blocks more consistently,” says Kerr. “I’ve been playing a lot of beach volleyball in the summer which has really helped because beach is all about angles.” Kerr did not appear to have any issues finding the correct angles this past season, finishing the season with a teamhigh 3.8 points per set. When the dust settled on the 2016–17 season, Kerr had become the first Gryphons men’s volleyball player in seven years to obtain All–Canadian status after being named a U SPORTS Second Team All–Canadian. When asked what the biggest difference was from last year’s result to this year’s bronze medal, Kerr was quick to point out a noticeable shift in the team’s mental approach, “We just seemed to have a different mindset this year. We just felt like we were never out of a match. Whenever we got pushed to five sets, there was this genuine belief in our group that we were going to find a way to get the job done.” According to Gryphons head coach Cal Wigston, Kerr not only led the team in most statistical categories, he also led the team when it came to embracing this positive mindset. “Kenny is truly a kind and positive person,” says Wigston. “He is such a force on the court, yet is such an unselfish, thoughtful individual off of it. It’s rare to find someone who combines so much talent with such tremendous character and work ethic. It’s a privilege to be able to coach him.”

“If you want to make it to an elite level in our sport, she is the example to follow.” Those were the words used by Dave Léger, head coach of the varsity rowing program at the University of Guelph, when asked to describe Carly Zanatta.

CARLY ZANATTA ROWING

At just 22–years–old, Carly Zanatta has already put together an incredible list of accomplishments during her rowing career. Growing up in Fort Erie, Ontario, Carly trained out of the St. Catharines Rowing Club and earned a full scholarship to the NCAA where she spent two years studying and competing at the University of Massachusetts. During the summer of 2016, Carly established herself as a dominant force in the international rowing world by winning gold at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines in the U–23 category of the women’s lightweight single. After spending the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons at UMass, Carly decided it was time to come back home to finish school. So how did she end up becoming a Gryphon? Needless to say, she had some options. Attending Brock would have situated her close to her hometown and would have allowed her to train in familiar surroundings at the St. Catharines Rowing Club. Attending Western would have put her smack dab in the middle of the same city that just so happens to be the site of Rowing Canada’s National Training Centre, where Carly now spends her summers as a carded member of Rowing Canada’s U–23 development program. But the University of Guelph offered something no other school could — the perfect combination of academics and athletics. “I absolutely love my degree,” says Zanatta, a Food Science major within the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College. “I’m still trying to decide what to do. I’ve considered doing my Masters, or maybe getting into product development or being a food chemist. My dream job would be working alongside nutritionists in some capacity. I guess I’m still trying to figure it all out.” While her academic and career goals may still be unclear, one thing is certain: when it comes to competing on the water, it

appears Carly Zanatta has already figured it all out. During the Fall of 2016, Carly put together the greatest individual season in the history of Gryphons rowing, reaching the podium in every regatta she entered en route to becoming the first Gryphon ever to be named OUA Female Rower of the Year. She did all of this while pulling off the rare feat of competing in both the lightweight single and heavyweight single events, a testament to her incredible fitness and conditioning according to head coach Dave Léger, “As a coach, I usually resist two entries per regatta as the individual could be racing four times with each race being 2km. Generally speaking, you’re going to get a sub–par performance in one or both of the races, but not with Carly. I knew she could lay it down in both and she did just that. Her work ethic is second–to–none and the results speak for themselves. Most impressive of all, she’s just as competitive in the classroom as she is in the boat.” While Zanatta’s 2016 rowing season with the Gryphons was a memorable one from a results standpoint, it was also a memorable year for Carly in terms of her overall enjoyment, “Everybody on the team was so welcoming. I was a bit nervous coming into my first year here as an outsider, but everyone was just amazing,” says Zanatta. “In the NCAA, there are 50 people on the team all gunning to take your spot. Here, it’s perfect because you still get that great level of internal competition and desire to push each other, but everybody genuinely wants you to do well and wants the team as a whole to do well. It’s awesome to be able to see the types of the close relationships you can form when you’re part of a close– knit team like this.” When Carly returns to Guelph for the 2017– 18 season, aside from having to juggle her academic demands with the demands of the varsity rowing schedule, she will also be asked to find time to take part in the additional training and regattas that come along with being a carded athlete with Rowing Canada. While the workload may be too exhausting for most student– athletes, don’t expect Carly Zanatta to have any difficulty navigating these waters either. As Gryphons head coach Dave Léger reminds us, Carly Zanatta is not your typical student–athlete. She is at an elite level. Following her example just happens to be easier said than done.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

Our new 4-storey rock climbing wall

22,000 sq ft fitness centre

2,200 seat events centre

200m indoor track

6 multi-purpose rooms

170,000 sq ft athletics centre

THE GUELPH GRYPHONS ATHLETICS CENTRE From a facilities standpoint, this is a time like no other in Gryphons history. In the Fall of 2016, the doors officially opened on the University of Guelph’s brand new 170,000 square foot Athletics Centre. Students and varsity athletes alike are now benefitting from the spacious facility that boasts a

22,000 square foot

fitness centre, six new multi-purpose studios, a 200m indoor track, a four–storey rock climbing wall as well as a

2,200–seat events centre which now serves as the home of the Gryphons varsity basketball and volleyball teams.

The new $45 million Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre is located in the heart of U of G’s campus and provides students, staff, faculty and community members incredible access to state–of–the–art equipment, a wide range of fitness classes, award–winning intramural programs and a varsity gameday fan experience that is second–to–none. This project was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of University of Guelph students, as well as the support of U of G alumni, friends and corporate partners. We would like to recognize the following for their major contributions to the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre: Central Student Association, Larry J. Pearson, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club, University of Guelph Alumni Association Fred C. Promoli, Robert and Kay Steckle, Bird, Elinesky, Schuett Wealth Management, Thomas H. Heslip, William D. Laidlaw, Thomas G. Dimitroff, Rogers Media Inc. 20

Digs FOOTBALL PAVILION If you go for a drive down College Ave. or attend a Gryphon football game in 2017, you will immediately notice a remarkable transformation taking place at Alumni Stadium. The long-time home of the Gryphon football program is about to become the unquestioned jewel of university football in Canada. Construction is now nearing completion on the $8.5 million project at Alumni Stadium, a project donated in full by the Angel Gabriel Foundation, a charity founded by former Gryphon football head coach Stu Lang and his wife, Kim. The new, two-storey structure is located in the north west corner of Alumni Stadium and will provide the Gryphons with one of the premiere football-specific facilities in North America. A state-of-the-art 3,300 square foot locker room, a new athletic therapy clinic featuring two hydrotherapy pools, spacious meeting rooms and coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices, as well as a roof top viewing area for alumni on gamedays are just a few of the features of the new facility that is set to open Fall 2017.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

30 SPORTS

803 ATHLETES

2016-17 WHO WE ARE. WHERE WE COME FROM.

54%

WHAT WE DID.

46%

2 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

1. HUMAN KINETICS 2. MARKETING MANAGEMENT 3. CRIMINAL JUCSTICE & PUBLIC POLICY 4. BACHELOR OF ARTS – GENERAL 5. SOCIOLOGY & BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE

WOMEN’S RUGBY MEN’S SOCCER MEN’S RUGBY WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD MEN’S TRACK & FIELD WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Top 2 Instagram Posts of the year! 1,186

#Repost @uglibrary ・・・ Campus is looking extra lovely today!

3,843

Lights

#TBT MVB Down 2-0, Gryphons comeback to defeat Queens 3-2 on Sat to extend teams win streak to 5 and move to 5-1 #GryphonPride @ouasport

Camera

gryphons.ca

1,447,162 PAGEVIEWS

Action!

2,062 9,253 7,067

11.2k 11.7k 5.6k

6.6 million

total impressions @gryphonsguelph

@guelph_gryphons

349k filter views

20,111 107 online views

games streamed

Most Watched Event: 2017 Women’s Hockey Championship

1,762 total views

Kilmacolm, Scotland

Weyhe, Germany Bursa, Turkey

Reims, France

1 1 Udine, Italy

9 USA

1 11 Doha, Qatar

Bermuda

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1

27 Melbourne, Australia

7 6

727

LLED TRAVE : M K L TOTA ALL TEAMS BY

km 9 6 8 , 3 12

4,783

Bags of Popcorn consumed

3,134

Dominos

pizza slices consumed

687

Shirts shot out of the t-shirt launcher

Overall tracked home game attendance

that’s

around the world!

Most Travelled: Women’s Volleyball

12,422 km

Between both the Men’s & Women’s basketball teams, there were a total of

3,606

12,799 Total game-day photos taken

points scored

MEN’S SOCCER

3.56 goals per game

Highest scoring team in U SPORTS in 2016-17

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

HOMECOMING: THe HOTTEST TICKETs IN TOWN

FOOTBALL HOMECOMING VS Western Saturday, Sept. 24th, 2016 #GRYPHONSHC2016 The 2016 edition of the Gryphons Homecoming football game featured yet another soldout crowd as the Gryphs played host to the Western Mustangs in what was perfect conditions with nothing but sunny skies at Alumni Stadium in late September. For the Gryphon fans who were unable to make it to the game that day, they had the opportunity to tune in from coast–to–coast as the game was televised nationally by Sportsnet and available on CITY TV. Less than two minutes into the game, the Gryphons led 7–0 thanks to a 66–yard touchdown pass from James Roberts to Colton Jones. In the end however, it would be the No. 4–ranked Western Mustangs spoiling the party with a 50–16 victory. The Gryphons will welcome another one of their rivals to Alumni Stadium for the 2017 edition of the Homecoming football game when they kickoff against the

McMaster Marauders on Saturday, Sept. 23rd, 2017.

MEN'S HOCKEY The frosty mug VS Laurier THURSDAY, jan 19th, 2017 #FROSTYMUG17 “The Frosty Mug” is annual men’s varsity hockey game hosted off–campus at the Sleeman Centre & is known as our Winter Homecoming. It’s a chance for students, alumni, families, faculty, staff and corporate partners to re-connect with the University of Guelph and enjoy some great hockey. This past year saw another record crowd in attendance. On Thursday, January 19, 2017, a total of 4,670 fans packed the Sleeman Centre as the Gryphons men’s hockey team faced Laurier in the 8th edition of The Frosty Mug. The annual Winter Homecoming celebration saw the Gryphons pick up a 2–1 win over the Golden Hawks in front of a crowd that marked the 6th largest attendance EVER recorded for a U SPORTS men’s hockey conference game. The Gryphons and Golden Hawks will renew this rivalry when they meet up again for the 9th annual Frosty Mug, which is set for Thursday, Jan. 18TH, 2018.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

RISING STARS

Victoria Hinchliffe

In 2016–17, first year forward Victoria Hinchliffe made history by becoming the first University of Guelph women’s

soccer player to be named OUA West Rookie of the Year. The Guelph native put together an outstanding

rookie season in which she scored a team–high 9 goals in 16 matches. That impressive total ranked Hinchliffe 5th among the OUA’s leading scorer’s and earned her the title of OUA West First Team All–Star.

For Gryphons head coach Shayne Campbell, it is Victoria’s unique combination of grit and talent which sets her apart, “Victoria is a fierce competitor who has the desire to be the best. She is already working on aspects of her game that she wants to improve upon in 2017. We know that defenders are going to mark her even more closely this coming season, but Victoria is ready for the challenge.”

LIAM PATTEN For the next three years, expect Liam Patten to become a household name when it comes to discussing the top defenders in Canadian University Lacrosse. As a rookie in 2016–17, Liam Patten made an immediate impact, earning a starting spot in the Gryphons lineup while anchoring the team’s defence as a longstick midfielder. The 6 –1, 200lbs History major possesses a rare combination of speed and strength and finished tied–for–2nd on the

team with 13 caused turnovers while ranking 3rd on the team with 32 recorded loose balls. Patten was also the Gryphons only to chip in offensively, scoring 2 goals while recording 4 shots.

“There was a steep learning curve for Liam this season as we threw him into the fire with a starting position as a rookie,” says Gryphons head coach Sam Kosakowski. “He responded incredibly well and will be a go–to defender for us for years to come. He is the future of our defence and will take on a leadership role for us over the course of the next few years.”

SHYVONNE ROXBOROUGH Ottawa native Shyvonne Roxborough had a sensational rookie season in 2016 –17, establishing herself as one of the top sprinters in the country. At the OUA Track & Field Championships, Shyvonne helped the women’s team capture a team title with her gold medal in the 60m where she ran a blazing fast time of 7.44 seconds. At nationals, Shyvonne continued to impress, reaching the podium with a silver medal in the 60m. In March, Roxborough was named the recipient of the Dr. Mary Beverley–Burton award as the University of Guelph’s Female Rookie of the Year.

“Shyvonne has the rare combination of superior athletic and genetic gifts, mixed with incredible discipline and commitment to excellence,” says Jason Kerr, Associate Head Coach with the Gryphons Track & Field program. “I expect Shyvonne to become a mainstay in elite Canadian Athletics and our goal is to help support her to become the best 100m sprinter in Canada.”

KIAN SCHAFFER-BAKER It did not take long for rookie receiver Kian Schaffer–Baker to announce his arrival during the 2016 OUA football season. In Week 1 versus the University of Toronto, Schaffer–Baker recorded a team–high 91 yards receiving on 3 catches, including a 35–yard reception on the Gryphons fifth offensive play of the game. Kian’s impressive start to the year was a sign of things to come as the 6’3”, 180lbs Mississauga native would go on to finish the regular season as the team leader in receiving yardage, hauling in 388 yards on 20 receptions.

Schaffer–Baker also led the team in yards–per– catch with an average of 19.4, ranking him 2nd in the OUA.

“Kian is a big–time playmaker who had an outstanding rookie season,” says Gryphons head coach Kevin MacNeill. “He has some of the best hands on the team and will continue to develop as an impact player for us for years to come.”

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

/Sibling /// Rivalry One of the best parts about being a varsity athlete at the University of Guelph is the sense of community that comes along with competing as part of the Gryphon family. For some of our student-athletes however, the Gryphon experience goes beyond just a “sense” and is truly a family affair. Here is a look at some of our Gryphon athletes who spent the 2016–17 season competing with, or against, their siblings in a little segment that we like to call Sibling Rivalry.

Kyle & Andrew Richards

Sidney & Taylor Davison

Michael, Justin & Marc Stevens

Josh & Zach McFadden

Tryg & Kiana Strand

Mack & Colton Jones

Kade & Haley Belyk

Riley & Mitchell Baines

Kyle & Graeme Thompson

Luke & Robert Stockden

Jack & Sam Caylor

Atchu & Nirun Sivananthan

Grace & Leeann Duncan

Mikayla & Taylore Vaz

Aidan & Myles Zagar

DUAL-SPORT THREATS

It takes a special kind of athlete to be able to compete at the varsity level of Canadian University athletics. But to be able to do so in multiple sports takes an exceptionally rare breed of athlete. For some of our Gryphons, one sport just isn’t enough. Here is a look at two of the University of Guelph’s most versatile athletes who have truly earned the title of dual–sport threats.

Scott Simmonds HocKeY & RuGBY The Captain of the Gryphons Men’s Hockey team also just so happens to be an OUA champion on the Men’s Rugby squad. After playing four seasons in the OHL with the Belleville Bulls, Scott Simmonds arrived at the University of Guelph in 2014 as a dual–sport threat ready to contribute both on the ice and on the rugby pitch. Through his first three hockey seasons at U of G, Simmonds has earned the title of OUA Champion, CIS bronze medalist and currently wears the ‘C’ as the Gryphons team captain. In February of 2017, Scott also reached the podium as a member of Team Canada’s Men’s Hockey team as a bronze medalist in the 2017 FISU Games in Kazakhstan. Aside from racking up an impressive list of accomplishments on the ice, Simmonds has also put together an outstanding rugby career during his three years with the Gryphons Men’s Rugby team. Starring as an outside centre, Simmonds was named an OUA All–Star in 2015 and followed that up in 2016 by helping lead the Gryphons to their first OUA title in Men’s Rugby since 1998. As a result of Scott’s contributions both on the ice and on the pitch, he was named a finalist for the University of Guelph’s Male Athlete of the Year award for the 2016–17 season.

Job Reinhart Football & Wrestling Job Reinhart has become a dominant force both on the football field and on the wrestling mat. After being named the football team’s Rookie of the Year during the 2015 season, Reinhart took yet another step forward in 2016 when he was rewarded for his outstanding special teams play by being named an OUA First Team All–Star. During the 2016 football season, Reinhart recorded 1 interception, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 16.5 tackles while providing the Gryphons coaching staff with a versatile, reliable player on both special teams and defence. When he is not making tackles on the football field, Reinhart is busy tackling opponents to the wrestling mat where he has quickly become a valuable member of the Gryphons men’s wrestling team. In 2016, Reinhart reached the podium at the OUA Wrestling Championships by earning bronze in the men’s 100kg weight class. Reinhart, who trains with both the football and wrestling teams during the offseason, possesses a rare mix of size and athleticism that makes him one of the most dynamic athletes at the University of Guelph.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

famous ‘Look a Likes’ on your team?

first-day-of-school tradition

favourite part of game-day

Curling!

School Schedule

Getting to know YOU: GRYPHON ATHLETES

MondayF Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Royce Metchie

Job Rienhart modern-day Johnny Bravo

riday

Panicking, print off my schedule, go to class, and it usually ends with a nap!

something you’re good at that might surprise people

During the game, play–by–play, looking around taking it all in

Football

HI MOM! Carter Godman & Emma Stone

Always take a picture then send it to my mom. WINNING!!

Julia Schell Rugby

Knitting... but I haven’t finished anything! I can walk on my hands and do all sorts of gymnastics tricks!

Job Rienhart... I agree with Royce!

Cierra Carere Wrestling

Jalen Noronha & Cristiano Ronaldo

Justin Springer Soccer

The first day of school is usually my birthday so typical birthday celebrations and of course wrestling practice!

Usually it involves a game or practice, so I just treat it like any other day

I like the warmup, it gets all my nerves out & when my parents show up; it gives me that added confidence & comfort - they never miss a tournament!

I love the entire day; showing up early to the team room, having our pre game talk, play pong pong with the guys,listen to your pre game music, team talk, and then the walk out to the stadium is probably the best moment for me.

I love to cook & try out new foods in the kitchen

ideal celebrity neighbor

what would you do if you were the athletic director for a day?

study tip for Rookies

I’d take anyone — as long as they’re not a Kardashian Being organized!

Full scholarships for everyone. That’s realistic right?

Favourite show growing up

Give half to my mom & take her to Fiji to celebrate

you have one wish, what do you ask for? Unlimited wishes. I'm a thinker!

I never really watched TV as a kid. I grew up in Africa so most of the time I was outside.

Royce is here

DRAKE I think he would like me as a person...

IST

Give every varsity athlete a free sweater. I love sweaters.

Give half to my mom but she would definitly spend it on me.

Make lists!

Michelle Obama because I think she is a perfect role model for young females and there would be so much to learn from her!

1st thing you do after you won the lottery

Free tuition for athletes

Take a break to de-stress! Give all student athletes the day off (I have that kind of power, right?)

Give half to my parents and then buy a ticket around the world!

Everyone in this world has empathy for each other and embraces each other’s differences

Free protein shakes & Gatorade in all team rooms for athletes after games & practices

The one and only, Denzel Washington

Plan your study time early, and focus on time management

Buy my parents their dream boat or cars as a thank-you for all the sacrifices they have done for me over my life.

I would choose to stay my age forever... If that means I could play soccer for the rest of my life I think I would be the happiest person on the planet.

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

When it comes to hosting major events, nobody does it better than the University of Guelph! Whether it was hosting OUA or U SPORTS championship events; accommodating top ranked athletes during international competitions; or opening our doors to a professional football team for training camp, there was no shortage of opportunities for the University of Guelph to showcase its world–class facilities during the 2015–16 season! Here are just a few examples of some of the major events that took place on our home soil this past year…

on home soil

MEN’S SOCCER NATIONALS November 10 –13, 2016 For just the third time in school history, and the first time since 1992, the Guelph Gryphons played host to the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championships. The top eight teams from across the country made their way to Alumni Stadium, bringing a true coast–to–coast feel to the tournament with the likes of UBC and Cape Breton in attendance competing for a national championship. The Gryphons, who entered the tournament as the top–ranked team following their victory over the defending national champion York Lions in conference play, would go on to claim bronze on home soil in what was their first appearance at a CIS Championship tournament in 24 years.

FIRST GAMES IN THE GUELPH GRYPHONS ATHLETICS CENTRE January 7 & 13, 2017 After calling the W.F. Mitchell Centre home for the past 60 years, the Gryphons volleyball and basketball teams officially began a new era of Gryphon Athletics in January of 2017 with the playing of the first ever varsity games in the new Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. On January 7th, the women’s and men’s volleyball teams officially became the first to compete on the new court as they hosted the Brock Badgers in a Saturday afternoon doubleheader. Six days later, it was time to tip off the first ever varsity basketball games in the new building as the Gryphons hosted Laurier in a Friday night doubleheader on January 13th. On Saturday, March 4th, the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre would get its first taste of playoff action as the Gryphons men’s volleyball team defeated Nipissing 3–sets–to–1 in an OUA Quarter–final.

MEN’S RUGBY OUA FINAL November 13, 2016 A capacity crowd was on hand at Varsity Field on Sunday, November 13th as the Gryphons men’s rugby team hosted the Queen’s Gaels in an OUA Final. The fans were treated to an instant classic, with the Gryphons securing their first Turner Trophy since 1998 with a dramatic victory that had to be resolved in a drop–kick shootout. The home fans stormed onto the field to join in on the celebration following Mark Perrin’s match–winning kick.

MCCAW CUP March 11, 2017 Make it three straight years that a Gryphons hockey team has won an OUA title on home ice. In March of 2015, the men’s hockey team captured a Queen’s Cup on home ice. In March of 2016, the Gryphons women’s hockey team captured a McCaw Cup on home ice. And in March of 2017, the women’s hockey team did it again.

CANADIAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE The new Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre also served as the home court for the newest professional basketball league in Canada. The Wellington Basketball Club played their homes games on U of G campus as part of the inaugural season of the Canadian Basketball League. The new league, founded by former Toronto Raptors head coach Butch Carter, featured four teams representing Wellington, Scarborough, Hamilton and Durham.

In front of over 1,000 fans at the Gryphon Centre, the women’s hockey team repeated as OUA champs with a decisive 6–1 victory over the visiting Nipissing Lakers. It marked the first time in 47 years that the University of Guelph earned the title of back–to–back provincial champions in women’s hockey.

Not only did the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre serve as the site of Wellington home games, it also was the venue for the single–game, championship final between Scarborough and Durham on March 18th, won 87–75 by Scarborough. GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

Coaches of the year

Thank you to all our coaches for everything you do on and off the field of play.

Cross Country coach Dave Scott–Thomas was named the OUA and U SPORTS Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year after leading the women’s team to a provincial and national title. The Gryphons now own the national record for most consecutive national titles, of any sport or team in the country. In Track and Field, he was named the OUA Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year after both teams captured the OUA banner. And at the National Championships Scott–Thomas was named the

Dave scott–thomas Cross Country

Men’s Coach of the Year after the Gryphons put together a dominant performance to win the title, finishing a staggering 73 points ahead of second place.

For the fourth time in the past five seasons, Rachel Flanagan has been named OUA Coach of the Year. The bench boss is currently in her 10th season at the helm of the women’s hockey program. This year she was able to lead the Gryphons to yet another first–place finish atop the OUA standings while ranking No. 2 in the country in the national rankings for the majority of the 2016–17 season and capped off the year with an OUA Championship title.

rachel flanagan Women’s Hockey

In his first season at the helm of the Gryphons Men’s Rugby team, head coach Cory Hector was named the OUA Coach of the Year. After spending the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Gryphons he officially took over Guelph’s head coaching duties in May of 2016. Hector led the team to a memorable season, as the Gryphons were crowned OUA champions for the first time since 1998 and finished

Cory Hector

the regular season with a 8–0 record.

Men’s Rugby

Women’s Soccer head coach Randy Ragan was named the OUA Coach of the Year after leading a young Gryphons squad to a 9–2–5 record and third place finish in the OUA West Division. In his ninth season as the head coach, the Gryphons owned one of the best goal differentials in the conference, scoring 22 goals while conceding just six. This marks the second time in his nine years as head coach that he has

Randy ragan

received the honour.

Women’s Soccer

Many thought it would be a re–building year for the women’s volleyball program in 2016–17, but head coach Paul Funk had another plan for his team leading them to a 12–7 regular season record, good for third in the OUA West. Funk was named the OUA West Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year for his efforts. In his 12 years as head coach, this is the second time in the past four seasons that he has received this

Paul funk

Women’s Volleyball

honour.

She’s Got Game Fundraising event raises over $10,000 for Women’s Athletics

“We were thrilled that Helen, Jackie and

who recently passed away created an

Leah were able to join us, they are all

endowment in excess of $200,00 through

leaders in their field and an inspiration to

her estate to help support several annual

our female athletes.”

women’s athletic scholarships.

The event also aims to celebrate the

Initiatives and events such as these will

accomplishments of female student-

ensure we continue to promote equity

athletes at UofG, and ignite a conversation

in sport and empowerment of female

about women in sport that will go beyond

athletes.

Gryphon supporters came together this

the university sport.

February and raised a stunning $10,000 at the second Annual She’s Got Game Ball to support Gryphon female studentathletes and female athletic programs at the University of Guelph.

A total of 12-Gryphon female studentathletes were in attendance. Fifth-year women’s rugby player Devon Stober was the first recipient of the She’s Got Game scholarship. Stober was in attendance at

“It’s phenomenal, just amazing,” said

this year’s event, commenting on how

Director of Athletics, Scott McRoberts on

rugby has taught her critical life skills

the final figure which was a significant

such as resiliency and a strong work-ethic

increase from last year’s inaugural event.

which she can carry over into her career

The first-class event hosted 156 attendees at Cutten Fields Golf Club and the evening featured a high-quality dinner,

following graduation. She continued that her scholarship allowed her to focus on being a strong student and athlete.

entertainment and live auction. Canadian

The money raised from the event will

soccer icon Helen Stoumbos and 2-time

directly fund athletic scholarships for

Paralympian Leah Robinson held a Q&A

Gryphon female student-athletes and

session while the night was MC’d by

female varsity athletics programs at the

television personality Jackie Perez. All

University of Guelph. This year’s Ball

three of these women are excellent role

raised money for several new scholarships

models in their respective careers with

next season.

numerous philanthropic efforts in their communities.

In addition, it was announced that former coordinator of women’s intercollegiate athletics from 1967-1992, Shirley Peterson GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

U SPORTS ALL-CANADIANS 2016-17 U SPORTS First Team All-Canadians Katelyn Ayers Katherine Bailey Valérie Lamenta Alex King

Cross Country Hockey Hockey Rugby

Devon Stober Tommy Land Gregory MacNeill Jared Skeath

Rugby Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field

Kyle Thompson Ashley Connell Gracelyn Doogan

Track & Field Track & Field x 2 Wrestling

U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadians Julia Schell Justin Springer Sean Cate Jackson Cheung

Rugby Soccer Track & Field Track & Field

U SPORTS All-Canadians Erin Houle Allison Chute

Field Hockey Field Hockey

Tommy Land Keysean Powell Jordan Bates Shyvonne Roxborough

Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field

Kendrick Kerr Elvir Uzunovic Cierra Carere

U SPORTS Tournament All-Stars Allison Chute Erin Houle Moon Weijens

Field Hockey Field Hockey Field Hockey

Volleyball Wrestling Wrestling

U SPORTS Major Award Winners Dave Scott-Thomas Olivia Lane Dave Léger Keysean Powell Tommy Land Dave Scott–Thomas Natassya Lu

Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Women’s Field Hockey Player of the Year Canadian University Rowing Association President’s Award Track & Field Rookie of the Year Track & Field Outstanding Athlete of the Meet Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Wrestling R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award

2015-16 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

BASKETBALL Megan Brenkel Bio–Medical Sci. Regan Duff Child Youth & Family Katherine MacTavish Bio–Medical Sci. Dana Van Balkom Human Resource Michael Friesen Molecular Biology/Genetics CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD Katrina Allison Bio–Medical Sci. Drew Anderson Engineering Katelyn Ayers Agriclutural Sci. Connor Black Human Kinetics Emily Gordon Plant Agriculture Mostafa Elkurdy Environmental Eng. & Co–op Aaron Hendrikx Environmental Governance Brandon Kirkup Landscape & Architecture Heather Petrick BioMed & Nutritional/Nutraceutical Sci. Peter Quosai Biological Eng. & Co–op Sophia Watts Agriclutural Sci. Caelum Wishart Landscape & Architecture Sarah Wismer Biochemistry FIELD HOCKEY Allison Chute Animal Biology Daniela Jelec Applied Human Nutrition Elizabeth Pritchard Psychology FOOTBALL Kyle Sinden Public Management & Co–op Robert Carnegie Marketing Managment Derek Drouillard Family & Child Studies Dylan Husty Accounting & Co–op Patrick McGrath Environmental Eng./ Business Admin.

HOCKEY Christine Grant Environmental Eng. Valerie Lamenta Mechanical Eng. Marcie Landman Human Kinetics Averi Nooren Child Youth & Family/Criminal Justice Mackenzie Wong Biomedical Toxicology Leonard Fabbri Management Economics/Finance Keith Hamilton Psychology–Criminal Justice/Pub. Policy Peter Soligo Environmental Eng.

TRACK & FIELD Samantha Allegro Human Kinetics Alison Fung BioMed/Nutritional & Nutraceutical Sci. Sarah Hammond Applied Human Nutrition Hailey Hitchings Bio–Medical Sci. Chisomo McHaina Public Health Vanessa Oliver Animal Biology Tiana Sinnatamby Accounting Mikaela Vandenheuvel Human Kinetics Shawn Beaudoin Landscape & Architecture Curtis D’Hollander Applied Human Nutrition Nicholas Earle Leadership & Organizational Man. Austin Marchese Biological/Pharmaceutical Chemistry Graham Pitfield Mechanical Eng. Charles Sutton Biological Sci. Kyle Thompson Human Health/Nutritional Sci. Mitchell Torres Human Kinetics/Marketing Managment

RUGBY Megan Acheson Animal Biology Kylie Shaughnessy Bio–Medical Sci. Devon Stober Animal Biology SOCCER Shelby Auterhoff Animal Biology Danielle Canhoto Bio–Medical Sci. Andrea Cimino Bio–Medical Sci. Hayley Ferguson Child Youth & Family Sydney Holden Bio–Medical Sci. Ann-Carolyn Lang Applied Human Nutrition Krista Lopoyda Math/Economics Samantha Taylor Animal Biology Sara Van Den Akker Adult Development Ethan Danielli Human Kinetics Josh Seguin Biomedical Eng. & Co–op SWIMMING Stephen Bak Bio Informatics Kasey Thompson Biological Sci. Julia Veidt Biology/International Development Stephen Bak Bioinformatics William Boulter Hotel & Food Administration & Co-op John Carroll Marketing Managment

*Academic U SPORTS and OUA All-Candians are released each September for the previous season of play

VOLLEYBALL Chelsea Bott Applied Human Nutrition Jessica Gormley Bio–Medical Sci. Dallas Keith Political Science Gregory Olejnik Marketing Management Kyle Richards Enviro. Governance/Marketing Man. Luke Woud Real Estate & Housing WRESTLING Rhiannon Digweed Natassya Lu Tyson Frost–Dreyer Zane Zondervan

Studio Art/Museum Studies Landscape & Architecture Sociology Wildlife Biology & Conservation

OUA All-Stars 2016-17 OUA First Team All-Stars Nick Interisano Brayden Seneca Katelyn Ayers Andrew McDonald Leeann Duncan Claire Hughes Laura Lourenco Jade Marrow Kelsey Sobkowich Job Reinhart Katherine Bailey Valérie Lamenta Evan Van Moerkerke Sean Cate Mark Emode Tommy Land Gregory MacNeill Jared Skeath Kyle Thompson Jordan Bates Ashley Connell Lauren D’Agnolo Tessa Hamilton Shyvonne Roxborough Jenna Smith Kendrick Kerr Gracelynn Doogan Natassya Lu

Baseball Cross Country Cross Country Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Football Hockey Hockey Swimming Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field x 2 Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling Wrestling

OUA Second Team All-Stars Troy Lacoste Mark Patton Benjamin Workman Katrina Allison Cheryse Mitton Heather Petrick

Baseball Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country

OUA Second Team All-Stars Cont. Sophie Watts Nick Parisotto Andrew Pickett Marc–Anthony Manion Josh Polisuk Kelly Gribbons Kaitlin Lowy Emily Anzai Tommy Land Keysean Powell Brandon Shirk Jared Skeath Benjamin Workman Emily Bowerman Ashley Connell Sarah Hammond Jenna Smith Kyle Robinson Elvir Uzunovic Cierra Carere

Cross Country Football Football Golf Golf Hockey Hockey Swimming Track & Field Track & Field x 2 Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling

OUA Shiels Division All-Stars Alex King Alyssa McDonald Julia Schell Kylie Shaughnessy Devon Stober

Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

OUA West Division First Team All-Stars Justin Springer Allison Clouse Victoria Hinchliffe Kendrick Kerr Maddie DeDecker

Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball

OUA West Division Second Team All-Stars Robert Lepine MacKenzie Nichol Ethan Danielli Jace Kotsopoulos Tomasz Skublak Libby Brenneman Andrea Cimino Samuel Kloke Libby Donevan Victoria Golebiowski

OUA All-Stars Ciara Condon Olivia Lane Carly Zanatta Ryan Brethour Eric Charest–Pekeski Jordan Hofstra Eric Howard Cody Weese-Burton Jeremy Wright

Hockey Hockey Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball

Field Hockey Field Hockey Rowing Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

CUFLA Lacrosse West All-Canadians Nathan McKenzie Brett Ulbikas

OUA All-Rookie Team Kian Schaffer–Baker Coulter Woodmansey Sydney Davison

Lacrosse Lacrosse

Football Football Hockey

OUA West All-Rookie Team Alex Curran Michaela Hellinga

Volleyball Volleyball

2016-17 OUA Major Awards Dave Scott–Thomas Olivia Lane Rachel Flanagan Brett Ulbikas Brett Ulbikas Carly Zanatta Eric Howard Cory Hector Julia Schell Kendra Blackbourn Alex Zis

Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Field Hockey Player of the Year Women’s Hockey Coach of the Year Outstanding Graduating Player — Lacrosse Outstanding Midfielder — Lacrosse Female Rower of the Year Men’s Rugby Most Valuable Player Men’s Rugby Coach of the Year Shiels Division Rugby Most Valuable Player Shiels Division Rugby Community Service Award Men’s Soccer Championship MVP

Victoria Hinchcliffe Randy Ragan Emily Anzai Evan Van Moerkerke Keysean Powell Jared Skeath Dave Scott–Thomas Dave Scott–Thomas Paul Funk Natassya Lu

West Division Soccer Rookie of the Year West Division Soccer Coach of the Year Graduating Athletic Award of Distinction — Swimming Graduating Athletic Award of Distinction — Swimming Men’s Track & Field Rookie of the Year Men’s Track & Field Most Valuable Performer — Field Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year Women’s Outstanding Wrestler

2015-16 OUA Academic Award Recipients NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

BASEBALL Alexander Chow Biological Sci Wade Sage Biomedical Eng.

GOLF Robyn Bowser Biological Sci. Madeline Decorso Leadership & Organizational Man.

FIGURE SKATING Mackenzie Wilson Biomedical Sci. Melanie Beck Human Nutrition Katelyn Graham Art History Leeann Duncan Human Kinetics Jade Morrow Human Kinetics Gabrielle Boulding Human Kinetics

NORDIC SKIING Mariah Hudec Celeste Noble Rosamond Tutton Elise Huet Ashley Huet Lucas Parsons Allison Lull Michael Solomon Ryley Hilker David Laurie Megan Smith Laryssa Kemp Madeline Aarts

ROWING Ainsleigh Hennig Music Megan Kamachi Biomedical Eng. Olivia Shotyk Landscape Arcitecture Sarah Kassenaar Biological Sci. Erika Schwass Agricultural Sci. Gregory Hanta Physical Science Zyra Edwards Microbiology Kerin Hudson Biological Sci. Katherine De Klerk Political Science Emily Walsh Adult Development Rachel Keirstead Crop, Horticulture & Turfgrass Sci.

MEN’S RUGBY Jeremy Seed Zachariah Lockhart Jonathan West Eric Charest–Pekeski Lukas Gillham

Biomedical Sci. Human Kinetics Marketing Man. Human Kinetics Water Resources Eng.

Literary Studies Biomedical Science Mechanical Eng. Mechanical Eng. Biomedical Eng. Water Resources Eng. Animal Biology Human Kinetics Environmental Eng. Undeclared Biomedical Eng. Biomedical Eng. Biomedical Sci.

LACROSSE Laurel McGillis Biomedical Sci. Hannah Golightly Veterinary Medicine Jaimie Rodriguez Management Economics/Finance Jessica Demars Public Health

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Exclusive sponsors

Premier Partners

Associate Partners

Affiliate Partners

Stone & Gordon

supplier Partners

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! JR. GRYPHONS

National Advertisers

Community charities

Guelph Food

UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

Admission Services / Orientation Committee / Student Life / Wellness Education Centre

Media Partners

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

SAVE THE DATE

You’re not going to want to miss these events! AUGUST

SUNDAY

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Ottawa — 1PM

SEPTEMBER

FOOTBALL KICK-OFF PARTY

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER

DJ, Free food, prizes & activities! Alumni Stadium 3–6PM

O-Week Football Game

SATURDAY

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Windsor — 1PM

SEPTEMBER

Homecoming Football Game

SATURDAY

OCTOBER

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER

THURSDAY

NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY

Community day: Football

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs McMaster — 1PM

THINK PINK FOOTBALL GAME

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Laurier — 1PM

In support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

AGGIES NIGHT: Men's Hockey

Gryphon Centre Arena Gryphons vs U of T — 7:30PM

JAM THE GYM - BASKETBALL

Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Gryphons vs York — 6PM & 8PM

DECEMBER

SATURDAY

JANUARY

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY

THURSDAY

MARCH

WEDNESDAY

JR. GRYPHON Hockey DAY

Sleeman Centre, Guelph

Winter Homecoming: The Frosty Mug

Sleeman Centre, Guelph Men’s Hockey Gryphons vs Laurier — 7PM

she’s GOT GAME

Cutten Fields, Guelph

Res Floods the Rink - W HOCKEY Gryphon Centre Arena Gryphons vs Brock — 7:30PM

2017-18 Athletic Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre

For a complete list of our scheduled games look for our pocket schedule around campus or check out gryphons.ca!

CAN’T MAKE IT TO A GAME? WATCH IT LIVE AND ON-DEMAND ON:

Presented by:

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017

ALL YOU † CAN EAT RIBS EVERY W E D N E S D AY

HOME OF CANADIAN BBQ 201 STONE RD. W GUELPH, ONTARIO U OF G USE YOUR FLEX FOOD DOLLARS HERE! While supplies last. Taxes Extra. Registered Trademark of Cara Operations Limited.

print CDNBBQ halfpage 0617.indd 1

2017-06-16 1:28

Includes a

Sundae!

VISIT US ONLINE! gryphons.ca/gryfanredzone

Insert sale dates

dq.ca

GryphFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2017