2015-16 GryFan Connected

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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LINE UP Athletic Director’s Message

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CELEBRATING THE BEST: ATHLETIC BANQUET

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TOM KENDALL RETIRES

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CHAMPIONS CORNER

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GRYPHONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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GRYPHIE MOMENT OF THE YEAR

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EVAN VAN MOERKERKE OLYMPIC BOUND

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SPOTLIGHT: JOHN RUSH

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SPOTLIGHT: VALERIE LAMENTA

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BUILDING POTENTIAL

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WHO WE ARE WHERE WE CAME FROM

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HOMECOMING & FROSTY MUG

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RISING STARS

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GETTING TO KNOW: GRYPHON STAFF MEMBERS

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ON HOME SOIL

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COACHES OF THE YEAR

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WE GOT GAME

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GRACE GLOFCHESKIE REMEMBERED

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CIS ALL CANADIANS & ACADEMIC ALL CANADIANS

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OUA MAJOR AWARDS & ALL STARS

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SAVE THE DATES!

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ART DIRECTOR Amber Paxton

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WRITERS Andy Baechler Michelle Pino David DiCenzo

PHOTOGRAPHERS Karyn Stepien Kyle Rodriguez Michael P. Hall Mido Melembari Gar FitzGerald

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GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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Info and Graphics on Varsity Rings

#EveryRingHasAStory Go Beyond baronrings.com

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From the Desk of

SCOTT McROBERTS Welcome to the fourth edition of

forward to sharing some of the most

September. The new building features

the Director of Athletics. During my

year with you.

gymnasium, as well as brand new

GryFAN Connected, and my first as first few months here I’ve already experienced

this

University

memorable moments from this past

and

On both the provincial and national

first-hand and I’m very proud to dawn

extend their championship totals. At

community’s welcoming environment the Gryphon logo.

My family and I are excited to join the Gryphon family and ready to embrace

the rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence that defines the University of Guelph. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work

with our talented student-athletes, coaches,

staff,

community,

and

alumni as together; we advance our intercollegiate athletics program.

a state-of-the-art events centre and fitness and recreation facilities, a rock climbing wall and social space for

stage, the Gryphons continued to

students. This complex will be located in the heart of U of G’s campus and

the conclusion of another remarkable

will serve our students, our city and

year, the Gryphons final tally read one

CIS

championship

and

the greater community. This space will

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improve the experience for student-

OUA Championship titles. From an

athletes coming to Guelph to study

individual standpoint the season was

and compete. It will also allow us to

just as successful tallying 28 CIS All-

remain competitive with our peers.

Canadians, 101 OUA All-Stars, 86 Academic Honour Roll recipients and

Anticipation is growing, and the finish

seven Coach of the Year Awards.

line is within sight. We are especially proud to be a vital part of the University

As you can see, our program is on the

of Guelph community.

rise and with 2015-16 wrapped up, we look ahead to the 2016-17 season.

This is a very exciting era for Gryphon

everyone on an outstanding 2015-16

The $45 million expansion to the

continued support.

for Gryphon Athletics and we look

on track and set to open its doors this

First, I would like to congratulate

season. It was an unforgettable year

Athletics and we thank you for all your

Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre is

PROUD TO BE A GRYPHON!

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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CELEBRATING THE BEST OF 2015-16

There has never been a better time to be a student-athlete at the University of Guelph.

Not only do today’s Gryphon varsity

athletes receive incredible academic

support, they also have access to world-

class facilities, coaches and trainers.

And now, Gryphon Athletics has added yet another perk to the growing list of

reasons why it is great to be a varsity athlete at U of G: we have the best yearend awards banquet in the country!

On Thursday, March 31 over 700 varsity athletes gathered in the W.F. Mitchell

Athletics Centre to celebrate the 201516 season. For this year’s version of

the athletic banquet, the Gryphons

teamed with Show Pro Event Design

and produced an event that featured two large monitors (16’x9’) with 1080p

high definition projectors, LED uplight columns, upgraded sound and lighting

and a pair of star-drop backdrops. In

short, the athletic banquet looked and sounded better than ever before.

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Aside from the increase in the overall

to be named the CIS Player of the Year

the

to their first OUA title since 1998. A

production

value

evening’s

of

the

programming

event, also

incorporated some new and improved elements. The banquet was bookended

with a pair of exhilarating video features, produced in-house by the GryphVision broadcast team. Also, for the first time, a

brand new award was announced as the inaugural Gryphie Moment of the Year trophy was handed out to Taylor Boers of the men’s basketball team.

Headlining the award winners on the night were the male and female athletes

of the year in John Rush (football) and

Valerie Lamenta (women’s hockey). Both athletes made school history by being

named the recipients of major individual awards at the national level. John Rush

led the Gryphons to their first Yates Cup

title since 1996 and became the first football player in U of G history to take home the CIS President’s Trophy as the

top stand-up defensive player in the country. Lamenta meanwhile became the first Gryphons women’s hockey player

after leading the No. 1-ranked Gryphons

complete list of the award winners from the evening can be found on the next page.

The 2016 edition of the Gryphon athletic banquet may have also very well served

as the final time that the athletic banquet

would be held in the now nearly 60-year-

old W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre. In

the fall of 2016, the Gryphons will open the doors on a brand new $45 million athletics centre which will feature a 2,200

seat events centre – a likely venue to host future athletic banquets.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS:

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR John Rush - Football FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Valerie Lamenta - Women’s Hockey “GRYPHIE” MOMENT OF THE YEAR “Boers at the Buzzer” - Taylor Boers - Men’s Basketball MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (SCOTT YANCHUS AWARD) Benjamin Workman - Cross Country FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (DR. MARY BEVERLEY-BURTON AWARD) Danielle Jossinet - Cross Country & Track W.F. MITCHELL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Evan Van Moerkerke - Swimming W.F. MITCHELL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Allison Chute - Field Hockey THE FRED RAMPRASHAD SCHOLARSHIP Katrina Allison - Cross Country & Track PRESIDENT’S TROPHY - MALE Charles Sutton – Track & Field PRESIDENT’S TROPHY - FEMALE Katelyn Ayers - Cross Country & Track DON CAMERON AWARD (3 YR MIP) Johnny Augustine – Football SHIRLEY PETERSON AWARD (3 YR MIP) Kelly Gribbons – Women’s Hockey STUDENT TRAINER OF THE YEAR (GUNNER OBRASCOVS AWARD) Josh Smith - Men’s Basketball & Women’s Rugby STUDENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR (CATHY ROWE AWARD) Michelle St. Pierre – Rowing DR. JOHN T. POWELL AWARD Larry Pearson - Men’s Volleyball

Pictured L/R T/B: Group photo of winners present, John Rush, Valerie Lamenta, Benjamin Workman, Danielle Jossinet, Larry Pearson, Evan Van Moerkerke & Allison Chute, Josh Smith,

Katrina Allison, Charles Sutton, Johnny Augustine, Michelle St. Pierre, Kelly Gribbons, Katelyn Ayers

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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TEAM AWARD WINNERS: (IN ORDER PRESENTED)

BASEBALL MVP: Matthew Forer BASKETBALL (M) Bill Dimson Memorial MVP: Jonathan Wallace Jack Tanner MIP: Drew Walford BASKETBALL (W) MVP: Bridget Atkinson MIP: Dana Van Balkom CROSS COUNTRY (M) MVP (Art Hackett Trophy): Aaron Hendrikx Rookie of the Year (Al Claremont Freshman Harrier Trophy): Benjamin Workman

HOCKEY (M) MVP (Jack Pos Trophy): Andrew D’Agostini Rookie of the Year (Walter Rickard Memorial Award): Cody Thompson HOCKEY (W) MVP: Valerie Lamenta & Jessica Pinkerton Rookie of the Year: Claire Merrick

SWIMMING (M) MVP (C.M. Kinnear Memorial): Evan Van Moerkerke MIP: Jacob Dosen

LACROSSE (M) MVP: Michael Lalani

SWIMMING (W) MVP: Emily Anzai MIP: Emma Jackson

LACROSSE (W) MVP: Jessica DeMars NORDIC SKIING (M) MVP: Lucas Parsons

CROSS COUNTRY (W) MVP (Vic Matthews Award): Katrina Allison Rookie of the Year: Danielle Jossinet

NORDIC SKIING (W) MVP: Celeste Noble

FIELD HOCKEY MVP:Allison Chute MIP: Morgan Kelley

ROWING (M) MVP: Gregory Hanta

FIGURE SKATING MVP: Kelsey Sobkowich

ROWING (W) MVP: Ainsleigh Hennig

FOOTBALL MVP: (President Forster Award): John Rush Ted Wildman Trophy: Patrick McGrath Rookie of the Year: Job Reinhart

RUGBY (M) MVP (Ieuan Evans Rugger Award): Eric Howard Rookie of the Year (Robin Best Award):Riley Di Nardo

GOLF (M) MVP: Scott Banks

RUGBY (W) MVP: Daria Keane Rookie of the Year: Julia Schell

GOLF (W) MVP (Grace Glofcheskie Award): Breanna Shannon

SOCCER (M) MVP (Bill McAnuff Memorial): Ethan Danielli MIP: Jalen Noronha

More pictures & full story online on gryphons.ca 8

SOCCER (W) MVP: Holly Miller MIP: Meredith Langston

TRACK & FIELD (M) MVP (Hamilton Olympic Club Award): Sean Cate & Jared Skeath Rookie Award: Eric Chatten TRACK & FIELD (W) MVP: Katelyn Ayers Rookie Award: Hailey Hitchings VOLLEYBALL (M) MVP: Kendrick Kerr MIP: Samuel Kloke VOLLEYBALL (W) MVP: Becky Breau MIP (Makala King Memorial Award): Cayte Wilson WRESTLING (M) MVP: Oren Furmanov MIP: Alexander Chaves WRESTLING (M) MVP: Alison Carrow MIP: Chelsey Sicard

TOM KENDALL RETIRES Written by David DiCenzo

Tom Kendall admits that he’s an intense man.

The former University of Guelph Athletic Director is a Type A personality, the kind of guy that gets angry if he lost a card game.

That ferocious competitiveness permeated the Gryphon athletic department for almost 12 years, a tenure that ended when the 69-year-old Kendall recently retired.

There was a running joke around Athletics that best described the Lancashire, England native.

“If your team lost on the weekend, you know not to come near me on Monday morning,” Kendall says. “That was pretty much true.”

It was about setting a standard of excellence.

When Kendall came to Guelph, the facilities and the brand were poor. Armed with expertise in sports management and a coaching resume that few can match, Kendall set out to implement change.

“The primary value of our programming, everything we did, it was based on excellence,” said Kendall. “Whatever we do, we’re going to be the best at it. I don’t care if that’s client services, fitness, intramurals, varsity teams, fundraising, marketing, we were going to be good at it.”

His training started decades ago in England.

Like every English kid, he played soccer and was a rabid Wolverhampton Wolves supporter. After graduating from teacher’s college, he took a gig in the small town of Luseland, Saskatchewan where the school had just won a single A basketball title.

“The first question asked of me was, ‘Do you know basketball?’ and I said, ‘Oh, absolutely,’ which was a complete and utter lie,” Kendall says. “I arrived at the end of August so I had a couple of months to learn enough to coach it.”

So an unlikely coach ultimately lead the

University of Winnipeg women’s basketball team to an historic 88-game win streak, multiple national championships and a Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame induction.

The aspiring academic always fell into coaching and it gave Kendall credibility. He coached at Pennsylvania-based California University, where he thrived on the pressure of American athletics. Kendall took the AD role at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish before moving to Ontario to put Gryphon Athletics on the map.

Task one was to expand the brand. Kendall says there were about 20 versions of the Gryphon logo and they opted to trademark the original for its authenticity. The Gryphon became more visible in the community and Kendall knew they were making progress when returning home after a trip to England.

“One of the flight attendants looked at me and said, ‘Oh you’re with the University of Guelph,’” he says. “She pointed to the logo.

And I thought, ‘there you go.’”

But it’s the dynamic athletic infrastructure on the campus that best reflects Kendall’s time here. The turf at Varsity Field and the Gryphon Soccer Complex replaced grass that was inevitably a mess by the Fall. The Gryphon Field house replaced the Gryphon Dome; a track was put in at Alumni Stadium; there were improvements at the twin-pad Gryphon Centre. The new Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will replace the W.F. Mitchell Centre in September, will have the biggest impact.

“By the end this year, the University of Guelph will probably have the best athletic and recreation fitness facility in the province,” says Kendall. “I feel an unbelievable gratitude to students because they have made this happen.”

The plan was always to involve the community.

Be it through Gryphon Summer Camps or regular programming, the facilities essentially belong to Guelph. And a new generation of Junior Gryphon football and hockey players are strengthening that brand. But the changes in Kendall’s tenure have also helped buoy the athletes that call these fields, courts and rinks home. The varsity teams have experienced a rebirth and the championships have come, highlighted by a 2015 Yates Cup win.

“The academic average is high here so you have to operate like an Ivy League school,” Kendall says of Guelph’s coast-to-coast recruitment. “The quality of the athlete got better and the quality of the student has maintained itself. That’s win-win.”

Kendall believes Guelph is now the envy of many and the Gryphon brand, physically represented by the bronze sculpture at the corner of Gordon and Stone Road, is everywhere. He leaves the job content, and ready to travel with his wife Gail, who has been instrumental in his career. He will consult and spend more time with his children Chris, Becky and Jason, and grandkids. And he will relax in the Muskoka chairs on his deck, fondly sipping the odd Gryphon Gold beer.

Kendall will miss one thing, however.

“The people,” he says. “It’s the relationships.

That was always the way for me. The relationships in the job have been the most important for me.

“I spent 40 years being paid for something I would’ve done for nothing.”

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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CHAMPIONS CORNER

WOMEN’s Hockey

For the first time since 1998 the Women’s Hockey Team was crowned OUA Champions thanks to a decisive 5-1 win over Western in front of a sold-out Gryphon Centre. The team posted a 21-2-1 record during the regular season, and their dominance earned them the No. 1 position in the CIS national rankings from Mid-November on. While it was a historic year for the program the team’s individual accolades were equally impressive. Second year goalie Valerie Lamenta became the first Gryphon ever to be named the recipient of the prestigious Brodrick Trophy as the CIS Player of the Year, finishing first in the country in GAA (0.99), save percentage (.957) and winning percentage (.889). Both Leigh Shilton and Averi Nooren were named CIS Second Team All-Canadians.

WOMEN’s & MEN’s CROSS COUNTRY

The Women’s Cross Country team continued their dynasty tying a CIS record by winning their 11th straight CIS title, and now share the national record for most consecutive national titles with the UBC women’s swimming team. Hosted by Guelph the race took place at the Arboretum and saw two Gryphons finish top ten including Katrina Allison in sixth and Katelyn Ayers in eighth.

On the men’s side, for the 11th straight year the team was crowned OUA Champions. At the national championships, for the first time since 2005, somebody other than Guelph won the team title. The Victoria Vikes ended the Gryphons streak of nine straight CIS titles. Despite the fact they did not come out on top of the team standings, the first athlete across the finish line was Guelph’s Aaron Hendrikx, ending his university career by being named CIS Male Athlete of the Year.

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FOOTBALL The Football team captured their first

Edwin Tam2016

Edwin Tam2016

Edwin Tam2016

women’s track & field

At the OUA Championships it was a convincing victory for the Women’s Track and Field Team who finished 47 points ahead of second place Toronto. The title is Guelph’s third in the last four years.

Gryphon gold medalists at the meet were Katrina Allison (3000m) and Leah Robinson (Ambulatory 60m) who were also named first-team all-stars. Katelyn Ayers earned multiple medals with silver in the 600 and 1000m events while also claiming a bronze in the 1500m.

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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CHAMPIONS CORNER

Yates Cup title since 1996 with a come-from-behind 23-17 victory over the Western Mustangs at TD Stadium in the 108th Yates Cup. After trailing through the first three quarters, the Gryphons would outscore Western 13-0 in the fourth and hang on for the victory. Several regular season records were set during the year. Ryan Nieuwesteeg led the country with 846 punt return yards which set a new single-season school record. He also became the team’s all-time leader for punt return yards in a career at 1,592. QB James Roberts set a new team record with 18 TD passes, while RB Johnny Augustine set a single-season school record with 12 rushing TDs. Middle linebacker John Rush had a remarkable season being named the Yates Cup MVP, First Team All-Star nods at both the OUA and CIS level and then received the CIS President’s Trophy as the top stand-up defensive player in the country. He became the first Gryphon football player to ever receive the national honour.

GRYPHONS

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

#GryphonsGiveBack

The impact Gryphon student-athletes have on our campus and in the City of Guelph can be measured in many ways including stat sheets, headlines and highlight videos. Many of these examples are obvious; however there are some that go unseen and that make the biggest impact of them all.

On a daily basis these examples are occurring on campus and around our City as our Gryphons strive to make a difference through a number of different charitable initiatives.

For the last seven years, in the week leading up to the Athletic Banquet, varsity teams have competed in a Food Drive Challenge. This challenge provides a unique opportunity for the entire athletic community to make a substantial contribution to the Guelph Food Bank and fight hunger in the City of Guelph. This year’s numbers were once again outstanding as student-athletes collected a total of 1,019 lbs of food. Donating 430 total items, the rowing team led all donations.

The Field Hockey team hosted its fifth annual Cut for the Cure event in March to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and Hospice Wellington. Each year our student-athletes come together to donate their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a company that makes real-hair wigs for cancer patients. A total of 12 Gryphons participated from field hockey, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s rugby and the golf team.

The group raised over $2,000 highlighted by men’s rugby player James McLeod donating over $1000. In total this event has raised $22,129 since its inception five years ago.

For a second straight year men’s hockey goalie Andrew D’Agostini has raised $1,000 for Cystic Fibrosis research. In partnership with Frank & Steins of Guelph, D’Agostini launched a program prior to the 2014-15 season called “Saves for C.F.” in which every save made by a Gryphon goalie during the season would be matched by a $1 donation from the local business to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. The program has raised a total of $2,000 during D’Agostini’s two years at UofG and he does not have to look far to see where that money is being put to use as research on Cystic Fibrosis is currently being done right on campus at the Pathobiology building.

One of the largest charitable efforts during the season was once again with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph. A total of 25 teams comprised of varsity athletes and department of athletics staff participated in the annual Bowl for Kids Sake (BFKS) event. It was the seventh straight year our Gryphons participated and this year our teams raised $8,400.

Gryphon student-athletes give their full effort both in the classroom, on the field and out in our community. Get involved today!

“We as athletes all have a story to tell. We learn from losses, experience the reward of hard work and we are resilient in the face of adversity…these are the stories that can inspire kids to believe in themselves. We just need to be there to tell it. If you have the opportunity, please consider volunteering for Big brothers big sisters.”

Peter Ricciardi, Baseball

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1,019 lbs

OF FOOD DONATED!

Guelph Food Bank Hunger Hurts. Please Give.

“

“I’m just thankful for the support I’ve received from Frank & Steins and the Department of Athletics which has allowed me to continue on with the Saves for CF program.

It’s great knowing that the money is being put to use right here on our own campus.”

Andrew D’Agostini, Men’s Hockey

$20K

RAISED IN 5 YRS!

“

“By participating and donating to great events such as this we can hope to one day eliminate cancer entirely. Having lost two grandparents to cancer, I’ve seen first-hand the toll it takes on both the individual and their families.”

James McLeod, Men’s Rugby

Andrew D’Agostini(R) with Anthony Romanelli who inspired the charity

$1,000 RAISED!

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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The Gryphie Moment of the Year award was created to acknowledge those special moments that occur throughout the course of a season and become etched in our memories. The goal of this award is not necessarily to acknowledge the teams that won championships or athletes who took home the most prestigious individual awards (although, inevitably, both may qualify), instead, the Gryphie was created to honour the types of moments that created a certain kind of buzz that resonated throughout the playing field and beyond. Moments that define seasons and careers. Moments that will never be forgotten.

In 2015-16, the four nominees for the Gryphie Moment of the Year award were all worthy of the trophy. In the end, it would be Taylor Boers from the men’s basketball team who took home the Gryphie thanks to a once in a lifetime shot.

BOERS AT THE BUZZER According to the calendar it was still January. It just felt like March Madness had arrived early.

On January 15, 2016 at the W.F. Mitchell Centre, the Gryphons men’s basketball team found themselves trailing

the Windsor Lancers by one point with 1.5 seconds remaining in regulation. While there wasn’t much time left, there was still enough time to get off one…last…shot.

Off the inbounds play, third year guard Taylor Boers came open late and got off a shot that would be good if it goes. With a large crowd on hand taking in the game, time seemed to stand still momentarily as the long jump shot from Boers made its way through the air and towards the basket.

While those in the gym held their collective breath, players and fans alike would soon be thrown into a state of frenzy as the shot from Boers would go in, giving the Gryphons a one-point victory at the buzzer.

The crowd stormed the court and Taylor eventually took home the honour as the first ever recipient of the Gryphie Moment of the Year award.

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RETURN OF THE YATES November 14, 2015. The Gryphon football team sat just a few seconds away from clinching the school’s first OUA title in 20 years. But the Western Mustangs were on the move.

Down six with no time left on the clock, the Mustangs needed a touchdown for the win and had already worked their way deep into Guelph territory.

On the game’s final play, the Gryphon defence would come up with a stop to secure U of G’s first OUA title since 1996. While winning a Yates Cup is always a special moment, doing it in London on the Mustangs’ home field makes it even more special.

BRING HOME THE McCAW Cup In sports, you don’t always get a second chance.

But after falling short to the Western Mustangs in last year’s OUA Championship game, our Gryphons women’s hockey team found themselves in a McCaw Cup re-match with their fiercest rivals as the two teams met up for OUA supremacy on Saturday, March 12.

But the Gryphons were playing for much more than just revenge.

The Gryphons sat 60 minutes away from bringing home the school’s first OUA title in women’s hockey since 1998!

Unlike last season, this time the game would be played on the Gryphons’ home ice.

Unlike last season, this time it would be the Gryphons who found themselves on top of the OUA hockey world with a dominant 5-1 victory.

HERoeS ON HOME SOIL Over the past decade, our Gryphons cross country teams have established themselves as not only the premier program in the country in their own sport --- but also, as one of the great dynasties in any sport in CIS history.

This past November, our women’s cross country team accomplished something that no other U of G cross country team has before: they claimed a national title ON HOME SOIL. With close to a thousand spectators on hand at the arboretum on a cold, windy November day, the Gryphons women’s cross country team took home their record 11th straight CIS team title.

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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EVAN VAN MOERKERKE

OLYMPIC BOUND Van Moerkerke has accomplished plenty in the pool. But one of his biggest achievements didn’t produce hardware – it was a performance that resulted in an invitation.

The 22-year-old, University of Guelph swimmer placed fourth in the 100M freestyle at the Olympic and Para-swimming Trials in April. That finish earned Van Moerkerke a coveted spot on Team Canada’s 4x100M relay squad at the Rio Olympics. When Van Moerkerke realized where he had finished, he immediately knew what it meant.

“It was a little overwhelming,” says the decorated Gryphon. “I didn’t really believe it at first. (Qualifying) was always that thing I could possibly do but it was never in my head that ‘I’m going to do this.’

“When I saw it at first, I thought, ‘is this true?’”

While the soft-spoken Van Moerkerke is ecstatic about earning a trip to Rio, it was never a childhood dream. By his own admission, he wasn’t even that great of a swimmer in his early days at Southwestern Aquatics, formerly known as the Tillsonburg Aquatic Torpedoes. He tried football and hockey (his older brother Luke played in the Ontario Hockey League) but he worked the hardest at swimming, putting in the necessary hours to shave off precious seconds.

“I enjoyed it the most,” says Van Moerkerke.

“My social life was the team and they were the people I spent the most time with. Going to swim practice, for me, was hanging out with friends more than it was working.”

Van Moerkerke never shied away from the grind of swimming, in part because he and his siblings were familiar with hard work. The family owns a cash crop farm in Tillsonburg, which Van Moerkerke will eventually run.

He says that growing up, hard work was a given. There was no option to slack off – if there

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was work to be done, it had to be finished that day, staying up as late as necessary.

“There would be years through the summer months that we would always have to hand hoe the green beans,” says Van Moerkerke. “That was usually our job. They were long days in the sun. If you can walk through a field hoeing out weeds eight hours a day, swimming in the pool for two hours doesn’t seem too bad.”

The farm used to be the only thing on Van Moerkerke’s radar. He planned on going to school but “had blinders on,” concerned with the best route for his family. In 2011, his focus shifted. He made Canada’s World Junior team and suddenly realized that life was more than farming.

Guelph was the perfect destination to blend his passion and future career.

“I needed to go to university to keep swimming and Guelph was the only school that had agricultural programming,” says Van Moerkerke, a Crop, Horticulture and Turfgrass Management student.

His experience at the school has been amazing on both the academic and athletic fronts. He has become part of a close, supportive community where he’s gained invaluable knowledge for running the farm. Van Moerkerke has built lasting relationships through his program and he was touched to get messages from various professors after qualifying for Rio. While swimming is an individual pursuit, the Gryphon team dynamic has been appealing.

Van Moerkerke knew head coach Don Burton before he came to Guelph and he says that it’s rewarding to see the program evolve.

“We started small and have grown in size, continuing to get better, placing better and sending more swimmers to the CIS championships,” says Van Moerkerke. “People can see that Guelph is a contender at the higher levels.

“And to be a part of that is great.”

Van Moerkerke will spend one more year as Gryphon. With the Short Course World Championships scheduled for December in Windsor, he will train into 2017 so he can represent Guelph at the OUA and CIS championships.

But Van Moerkerke has Rio to worry about first.

He will join Canada’s 4x100M relay team relay team of Santo Condorelli, Yuri Kisil and Markus Thormeyer. And while Van Moerkerke admits the Olympics was never a “bucket list” item, now that the Games are almost here, he cannot wait to perform for his country.

“It touches home a bit more being able to represent Guelph and my hometown of Tillsonburg,” Van Moerkerke says. “It’s more about being from a small town and a smaller university.

“That’s what really drives me.”

Written by David DiCenzo

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GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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well earned. The leader of the Gryphon defence had an historic year from the all-important middle linebacker position.

After missing the first game of the OUA season with a hamstring injury, Rush went on to record 32 solo tackles, 56 assisted tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in seven regular season appearances.

JOHN RUSH FOOTBALL - LB

Any fan of Guelph Gryphons football knows all about John Rush. He’s the man wearing No. 5, patrolling the middle of the defence, with the flowing locks, wrapping up opposing runners or delivering vicious hits with a rare blend of speed and power. Rush is a fixture in Guelph. And after his standout senior season in 2015 in which he helped the Gryphons climb to number five in the nation and win the Yates Cup for the fourth time in school history, Rush is now known across Canada, as well.

SPOTLIGHT

On Thursday, November 26 at the Vanier Cup banquet in Quebec City, Rush took home one of the most prestigious awards ever won by a University of Guelph football player.

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Rush, a native of Niagara Falls, ON and a fifth-year Marketing Management student, earned the Presidents’ Trophy as Canadian Interuniversity Sport Standup Defensive Player of the Year, marking the first time ever that a Guelph football player has come away with that national honour.

“Just knowing the history of this award and being able to look at all of the names of the players who won it before me, it’s truly an amazing feeling,” said Rush.

“I honestly can’t take too much of the credit for this award because my coaches and teammates are why I’m here.”

Rush also won the OUA Standup Defensive Player of the Year like Guelph alum Mike O’Shea (1992) and Sam Benincasa (back-to-back in 1982 and 1983) but neither of those two went on to capture the national award. His was

But it was during Guelph’s magical postseason run that Rush did some of his best work. Before adding another 10 tackles in Guelph’s Mitchell Bowl loss to the defending Vanier Cup champion Montreal Carabins, he racked up 18 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked punt in the Gryphons two wins over Carleton and Western. Rush was simply a monster against the Mustangs, recording 12 of those 18 tackles and three of the sacks to lift Guelph to an emotional 23-17 Yates Cup victory.

“John has set the bar extremely high for the next generation of Gryphon football players who will try to follow in his footsteps,” said Kevin MacNeill, the Gryphons former defensive coordinator and now interim head coach. “Not only is he a talented player, he is also a strong leader who should be proud of the career he put together at the University of Guelph.”

It hasn’t been an easy road for Rush.

During a practice in his third year at Guelph, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. It was a non-contact injury and discouraging news. He had surgery in Toronto about three weeks after the injury and went to San Diego for eight months to see a rehab specialist, where he took five distance education courses before returning to Guelph for his fourth year.

Rush only admits now that he maybe came back too soon, resuming play after just seven months when most athletes need at least a full year. The proud player told people that he was 100 per cent healthy but that obviously wasn’t the case.

“People see the success that John has had on the field this season but many are unaware of the incredible amount of adversity he has overcome off of the field,” former Guelph head coach Stu Lang said of the freak injury that temporary derailed Rush’s career. “He worked incredibly hard during recovery to make it back onto the football field and there is not a more deserving guy to receive this prestigious award.”

VALERIe LAMENTA

HOCKEY - GOALIE Talented. Confident. Hard working.

If you ask teammates or coaches to describe Valerie Lamenta, the star goalie of the Gryphons top-ranked women’s hockey team, these are the types of adjectives you will often hear thrown around. Of course, this should come as no surprise. In order for any athlete to ascend to the top of his or her own sport, it seems to go without saying that they must possess a high level of confidence and a strong work ethic to go along with impressive natural ability. While this is certainly true of Lamenta, there is also another defining quality that she owns which seems to separate her from the rest of the pack. It is a characteristic that many high profile athletes often lack: humility. When the individual awards and team accomplishments started to pile up for Lamenta and the Gryphons during the 2015-16 season, the mechanical engineering student never wavered from her humble approach. It is an approach and a mindset that was formed in large part thanks to the unlikely path she took to CIS stardom.

She was not a highly recruited prospect.

In fact, it was more self-promotion than it was being actively recruited.

After finishing high school, Lamenta, a Montreal native who grew up in Rivieredes-Prairies, would cross the St. Lawrence River to continue her education at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit in Longueuil. After failing to attract any offers from local universities like McGill or l’Université de Montréal, Val started looking at options outside of her home province to potentially allow her to continue playing hockey at the CIS level. The University of Guelph came on her radar because of a very specific combination: a great engineering program and a strong women’s hockey team. During the recruitment process, U of G coaches were very honest with Val: if you decide to come here, there is a good chance you won’t see much playing time as the Gryphons already had solid depth on their roster in net. Val decided to come anyways and after spending her rookie year on the bench as the team’s backup, an injury to her good friend and senior goalie Stephanie Nearing early on in Val’s second

year gave her an opportunity to show what she could do as the team’s number one option. The rest, they say, is history.

During the 2015-16 season, Lamenta led the CIS in goals against average (0.99) and save percentage (.957) while posting a regular season record of 16-2-0. With Lamenta leading the way in net, the Gryphons climbed all the way to the top of the CIS rankings, marking the first time that a U of G squad was ranked No. 1 in women’s hockey. During the conference playoffs, they secured the school’s first OUA title since 1998 with a victory over the defending national champion Western Mustangs on home ice. And at nationals in Calgary, the Gryphons equalled their highest ever finish by placing fourth at the CIS Championships.

What is even more impressive is that Lamenta was able to achieve all of her on-ice success while balancing the demanding academic workload that comes along with studying in mechanical engineering. “Val spends more time on the ice than anyone on our team and yet she still finds a way to excel in the classroom, I don’t know how she does it,” says teammate and co-captain Leigh Shilton. “She is an incredible goalie, a terrific student and an even better person.”

On Wednesday, March 9, Lamenta became just the second Gryphon to be named OUA Player of the Year in women’s hockey. One week later, she would become the first player in school history to be named the CIS Player of the Year. While the spotlight seemed to be fixed on Lamenta for most of the season, she was regularly the first one to make sure that the spotlight was placed right back on her teammates, “Any of the individual success I was able to have this year was thanks to my teammates.

Whether blocking shots, scoring big goals at the other end or just pushing each other in practice, I know that I could not have accomplished anything without the effort and dedication of the players around me.”

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In September of 2016, the doors will officially open on the New Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

Whether you’re a current student, a varsity athlete or a member of the greater Guelph community, listed below are just a few of the many features that will benefit you when you return to U of G campus in the fall!

CURRENT U OF G STUDENTS The New Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre would not have been made possible without the generous support from University of Guelph students.

And now, U of G students can see exactly how their investment has paid off! $1.5 million of brand new exercise equipment will be awaiting you as you enter into our 22,000 square foot fitness centre. After your workout, cool off in one of our spacious new change rooms which come equipped with nearly two times the amount of lockers as the existing AC. Access to our recreational and intramural sports has never been better as the increase in space has allowed us to increase our programming as well! While all U of G students have access to recreational and intramural programming, you can also get access to the fitness centre and our fitness classes for just $45 per semester! It’s a great time to be a Gryphon!

GRYPHON VARSITY ATHLETES

After saying goodbye to “the barn” and farewell to the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre, the Gryphons varsity volleyball and basketball teams will say hello to a new home for the 2016-17 season as they move into the New Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. The new digs will feature an overhanging video scoreboard and all four teams will also have access to brand new team locker rooms in time for the new season to begin.

And basketball and volleyball players aren’t the only ones benefitting from the new AC. Several other varsity teams will also have dedicated team locker rooms in the new AC. The Gryphons wrestling teams, which regularly rank in the top 10 in the country, will also now be training and competing in the new wrestling room located on the third floor of the AC.

GUELPH COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Our facilities are now second to none, and our pricing has improved as well. It’s a win-win.

If you’re a member of the Guelph community and are looking to be active, look no further than the New Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

For $55.42 per month, not only will you be able to enjoy our brand new fitness centre and a wide range of classes, you will also have access to our world-class facilities across campus! Squash, basketball, skating. We could go on and on. Nowhere in the city can you get this much in your membership!

For more details visit buildingpotential.ca 20

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HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN 24

HOMECOMING VS McMASTER frosty mug VS western Saturday, Sept 17th, 2015 Saturday, jan 14th, 2016 #GRYPHONSHC2015 Even a torrential downpour could not dampen Gryphon spirits at the 2015 edition of the Homecoming football game.

In a battle of the No. 5 and No. 6 ranked teams in the country, the Gryphons won 33-23 over the McMaster Marauders in what was a re-match of the 2014 Yates Cup. Warm, muggy conditions were cooled off midway through the game when the sold-out, enthusiastic crowd suddenly found themselves soaked as heavy rains moved quickly into the area and drenched Alumni Stadium. Despite the challenging conditions, Gryphons quarterback James Roberts accounted for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) while the Gryphon defence held the potent Marauder offence to a regular season low in points.

The Gryphons have now been victorious in their Homecoming football game four straight years and will look to make it five when they welcome the

#FROSTYMUG16 In January of 2016, the Gryphons celebrated their Winter Homecoming with the 7th edition of The Frosty Mug. The Gryphons men’s hockey team took the ice at the Sleeman Centre in front of a Frosty Mug record crowd of 4,374 and provided a thrilling contest against the rival Mustangs.

Although Western came out on top with a 3-2 victory, the Gryphons gave the crowd plenty to cheer about, twice coming from behind to tie the game.

The 4,374 fans in the arena that night marked the 5th largest attendance EVER for a CIS men’s hockey conference game, further proof that The Frosty Mug has grown bigger and better each and every year.

the 2017 Winter Homecoming is Thursday, January. 19th!

Western Mustangs to campus on Saturday, September 24th for the 2016 edition.

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RISING STARS

Cody Thompson Julia Schell Making an impact right away as a rookie is a difficult thing to do. It is even more difficult when you are forced to miss the opening portion of the season. But that is exactly what women’s rugby rookie Julia Schell did in her first year in the red, black and gold.

As a member of the Team Canada squad at the Youth Commonwealth Games, Julia Schell joined the Gryphons women’s rugby team late in what was her rookie season at U of G. Once arriving however, Julia made an instant impact with her tremendous technical skills in both passing and kicking.

“Julia has a unique ability to see attacking opportunities,” says head coach Colette McAuley. “She definitely has the potential to move to fly half or full back for us in future years, but as a rookie, she was a great teammate and a big part of our team.”

Schell’s impressive play on the wing earned her one of the OUA’s major awards as the recipient of the Shiels Division Rookie of the Year award. The first year Psychology major scored a pair of tries and looks to be a fixture in the Gryphon lineup for years to come.

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Of the top six leading scorers on the Gryphons men’s hockey team during the 2015-16 season, half were rookies. Leading the way was first year forward Cody Thompson who racked up 21 points (9 G, 12 A) in 26 games played. Cody’s impressive freshman campaign culminated with him receiving the Walter Rickard Memorial Award as the team’s Rookie of the Year.

For head coach Shawn Camp, the success Thompson enjoyed during his rookie year was the direct result of one particular characteristic…a tremendous work ethic.

“Cody works as hard as anybody on our team. To see all of that effort pay off with the type of production he had was gratifying not only for Cody, but also for all of his coaches and teammates. He is an outstanding team player and was a huge part of our success this past year.”

Thompson, who played in the OHL with the Mississauga Steelheads, also proved to be one of the most clutch players on the team in 2015-16. The left winger finished the season by leading the Gryphons with a total of three game-winning goals.

Hailey Hitchings Jace Kotsopoulos “I believe that he has the potential to become one of the top Gryphon soccer players of all-time.”

Those were the words of Gryphons men’s soccer head coach Keith Mason when asked about his team’s rookie standout Jace Kotsopoulos. It is certainly high praise from the veteran coach, who has spent the last 16 years in charge of the Gryphons men’s soccer program, but take one look at the sensational season produced

by Kostopoulos and you can understand why Coach Mason believes the sky is the limit for his talented rookie forward.

In his first year of OUA soccer, Jace Kotsopoulos established himself as one of the premier strikers in the entire country. The Burlington native finished second in the OUA and fourth among CIS scoring leaders with a team-high 11 goals in 15 matches. With the Gryphons set to host the 2016 CIS Men’s Soccer Championships, the entire country will get a first-hand look at U of G’s phenomenal, young talent who will look to build upon one of the greatest rookie seasons in program history.

Hailey Hitchings and her three fellow rookie teammates, Katie Sieling, Tiana Sinnatamby and Nicole Smith, stole the spotlight at the 2015-16 CIS Track & Field Championships.

Hitchings and the rest of the all-rookie quartet combined to set a new school record in the women’s 4x200m relay with a time of 1:39.10. That result also earned the four freshmen a bronze medal at nationals, providing the Gryphons with valuable points en route to finishing second overall in the team standings at the three day event.

While Hailey’s performance at nationals surprised many onlookers, the result was less surprising for those who are around her on a daily basis. “Hailey has an incredible drive and focus,” says head coach Dave Scott-Thomas.

“She meets each and every challenge head on and has an incredible level of determination to go along with her natural abilities. It’s the perfect combo.”

Hailey, a native of Edmonton, also represents the Gryphons recent shift in recruiting which now has a country-wide element to it with standout track and field athletes from coast-to-coast leaving their home provinces to attend U of G and compete for the Gryphons. Aside from her success in the 4x200m, Hitchings also posted the second fastest time in the country amongst rookies in the 60m hurdles while also finishing in the top 15 in the 60m sprint.

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Getting to know: Gryphon STAFF MEMBERS

Favourite Canadian

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JOSH FORD

Easy answer is Terry Fox.

fav Olympic Sport TO Watch

Track & Field Events for Summer Figure Skating for Winter

Strength & Conditioning Coach

SARAH MAU

Assistant Director of Athletics

I admire Canadians, local and otherwise, who contribute to our leisure and recreation time through sports and music, especially those who use their fame and resources to make the world a better place -- Jann Arden, Wayne Gretzky, Chantal Kreviazuk

Favourite cartoon or animated movie

Lion King is the greatest Disney movie ever

Something no one knows about you

Still hold the Atom 100M record at Englehart Public School

I’m pretty much an open book.

Winter – Biathlon Summer - Diving Zootopia

First night at ‘REV’ Lion King? Space Jam? Up? Wall-E? Ugh, too many. Next question please.

dhanung ‘D’ bulsara

Steve Nash

Video Co-ordinator

But, what about Beauty and the Beast?!

Pictured Here in 1992

Auditioned for season one of ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada’

Something no one knows about me is...I’m a mystic

Jenny Trout, who is the 1st woman to became a medical Doctor :)

judy lynch

Assistant Athletic Therapist

Calvin and Hobbs

Mystic: is a person who practices mysticism, or a reference to a mystery, mystic craft.

Stereotype yourself i.e. Urban Farmer, Goofball, Sport Fanatic, Soccer Mom

@jdford85

I’m definitely a foodie.

Enjoy experimenting with different types of cuisine at home.

TYPE

A

YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY

TV Marathon you could watch all day

Work on my garden, go for a hike with the dog and fiancee and then make a great dinner from scratch enjoying a glass of Norman Hardie County Chardonnay.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Favourite song to dance to alone at home?

Losing You - Jan Terri Professional Wrestler

Your first ever email account?

MadTum16@hotmail.com Don’t ask.

NOT a mix-up!

Having it totally free to do some exercise, laundry, cleaning, chop fruit and veggies for the week, go for a walk, requisite kids’ activities, make a Sunday dinner and watch 60 Minutes (hopefully Anderson Cooper is on!) after the kids go to bed.

Peter Trueman (news anchor on Global News)

Lose Yourself - Eminem His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy

Would have been a U of G account as a student when the internet was first introduced – sometime around 1991 or so!

Throwback:

Class Clown

Shoot some hoops > Pizza > Movies > Ice cream with some good company!

Current: lil_dang_bang15@ hotmail.com

NBA Player

“Gasoline” by Airborne Toxic Event Stereotype...I don’t believe in stereotypes

My Perfect Sunday... write poetry all day

I would rather watch TED talks all day

What I wanted to be growing up is to have a job where I could wear running shoes all day, and I found that job :)

My first email account is the one I have now, mjlynch@ uoguelph.ca

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on home soil

When it comes to hosting major events, nobody does it better than the University of Guelph!

Whether it was hosting OUA or CIS 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 201516 season!

Here are just a few examples of some of the major events that took place on our home soil this past year…

Women’s & Men’s OUA Rugby Championships OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 15, 2015

While it wasn’t the desired results they were looking for, both the Gryphons women’s and men’s rugby teams earned the right to host OUA Championship matches on their own campus this past year, with the women welcoming McMaster and the men battling Queen’s. Although the two OUA finals took place a few weeks apart, both championships enjoyed huge crowds and picture perfect weather which helped create a pair of incredible atmospheres at Varsity Field.

CIS Cross Country Championships NOVEMBER 14, 2015

For the first time since 2004, the Gryphons played host to the CIS Cross Country Championships with the event taking place on campus at the Arboretum. Close to 1,000 enthusiastic fans were given plenty to cheer about as the Gryphons women’s team tied a CIS record by capturing their 11th straight national team title. The Gryphon men meanwhile also produced a terrific effort, finishing second in the team standings while boasting the CIS Male Athlete of the Year in Aaron Hendrikx who took home the individual title in what was his final race as a Gryphon. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another 11 years for this fantastic event to once again return to U of G soil!

Mitchell Bowl

NOVEMBER 21, 2015

For the first time in 31 years, the Gryphon football team hosted a national bowl game on U of G campus. After winning the Yates Cup in London, the Gryphons returned home to host the defending national champion Montreal Carabins on a frigid day in late November with a trip to the Vanier Cup on the line. Although the Gryphons season would come to an end with a loss to Montreal, over 5,000 fans braved the conditions to witness one of the biggest games ever played on U of G campus. The only other time the Gryphons have hosted a game of this magnitude on campus was in 1984 when they defeated the Calgary Dinos 12-7 in the Central Bowl to book a spot in the Vanier Cup. 30

2016 oua men’s & women’s Curling championship FEBRUARY 11 - 15, 2016

From February 11 to 15 the top men’s and women’s university curlers from across the province gathered at the Guelph Curling Club as the Gryphons played host to the 2016 OUA Curling Championships. The Gryphons certainly impressed on home ice during the five day event with men’s coach Matt Wilkinson being named OUA Coach of the Year. On the women’s side, the Gryphons defeated Western 7-4 to capture the bronze medal. In doing so, the Gryphons booked their spot at the CIS Championships in Kelowna, B.C. The Gryphons would go on to also claim a bronze at the CIS Championships, marking the first time they have ever reached the podium at the national stage.

Final Basketball Games at the W.F. Mitchell Centre FEBRUARY 27, 2016

The W.F. Mitchell Centre has served as the home of Gryphon varsity basketball dating back to 1957. But on a Saturday in late February, the women’s and men’s basketball teams played their final doubleheader in the old building as the New Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre is set to open in the fall of 2016. In front of a packed house full of alumni, the Gryphons bid an emotional farewell to the W.F. Mitchell Centre with a pair of inspired efforts versus Brock. Former players and coaches were honoured at halftime and video tributes were shown to the crowd as Gryph-nation said one last formal goodbye to a building full of Gryphon history.

McCaw Cup – OUA Women’s Hockey Championship Game MARCH 12, 2016

One year after the Gryphons men’s hockey team won an OUA championship on home ice, the women’s team would follow suit with a conference banner of their own! In front of an electric home crowd, the Gryphons dominated the defending national champion Western Mustangs to win their first McCaw Cup since 1998! The McCaw Cup was a first-class event from top to bottom, but don’t take our word for it, take the OUA’s! In May at the OUA’s Awards Ceremony, the Gryphons execution in hosting the McCaw Cup earned them the right to take home the award for “Best Market-Driven Championship.”

Toronto Argonauts 2016 Training Camp MAY 25 - JUNE 18, 2016

From late May to mid-June the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts called U of G’s Alumni Stadium home as they held their 2016 Training Camp at the home of the Gryphons.

A total of eight Gryphon football players were wearing double blue during training camp (six players, one front office member and one assistant coach) as the Argos had a distinctly Gryphon feel to them as they opened their 2016 season. Although it had been a while, the announcement signalled a homecoming of sorts for the Argos who trained on-and-off at U of G during the 1980’s & 90’s.

Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Spring Games MAY 26 - 28, 2016

With over 900 athletes, coaches and team delegates and over 600 volunteers, the 2016 version of the Special Olympics Provincial Games was one of the largest ever held in Ontario. Despite some hot and humid conditions in late May, the athletes and volunteers combined to produce a fantastic three-day event!

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Coaches of the year

Coaches train and inspire athletes to achieve outstanding results. Their dedication to athletics at UofG enriches our university environment and has shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. During the 2015-16 season our Gryphon coaches received an impressive seven Coach of the Year Awards. Thank you to all our coaches for everything you do on and off the field of play.

Matt Griffin

Michelle turley

Baseball coach Matt Griffin was named the OUA Coach of the Year. Griffin led the Gryphons to a 12-6 regular season record and an appearance in the OUA Championship tournament.

This is Griffin’s third time being named OUA Coach of the Year. He was also given the honour in 2013 and 2010.

Field Hockey head coach Michelle Turley was named the OUA Coach of the Year after leading the Gryphons to a first place finish following the close of the regular season with an 11-1 record. The Gryphons finished with an OUA silver and CIS bronze. This is Turley’s second time being named OUA Coach of the Year. She was also given the honour in 2004.

Dave scott-thomas

Rachel Flanagan

Cross Country coach Dave ScottThomas was named the OUA Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Scott-Thomas led the women’s team to an OUA and CIS national title.

Rachel Flanagan was named the OUA Women’s Hockey Coach of the Year after leading her team to a 212-1 regular season record, the OUA McCaw Cup Championship title and an appearance at the national championships. This is Flanagan’s third time receiving the award. She has also been named OUA Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013.

Baseball

Cross Country

The Gryphons now share the national record for most consecutive national titles. In Track and Field, he was named the OUA Women’s Coach of the Year after leading his team to an OUA title and CIS silver medal. This is his 29th OUA and/or CIS Women’s Coach of the Year Award.

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Field Hockey

Women’s Hockey

darrelL devine Men’s Rugby

Men’s Rugby head coach Darrell Devine was named the OUA Coach of the Year. Devine led the Gryphons to a school record 7-1 regular season record and an OUA silver medal.

The silver marked the Gryphons fifth straight season in which they have earned an OUA medal. This is Devine’s third time being named OUA Coach of the Year. He was also awarded the honour in 2008 and 2011.

colette mcauley Women’s Rugby

Colette McAuley was named the OUA Shiels and CIS Coach of the Year after the Gryphons went undefeated (5-0) in the regular season and earned an OUA silver medal. Guelph dominated the competition, scoring a conferencehigh 439 points while only allowing 10 against in their five games. This is McAuley’s third time being named OUA Coach of the Year, receiving the honour in 2008, 2011 and 2013.

SHE’s GOT GAME

First Annual Gryphon Women’s Fundraising Gala a Success

The 1st Annual ‘She’s Got Game’ gala took place on Feb. 20 at Cutten Fields Golf Course in Guelph. More than 150 alumni, family, friends and supporters of the Gryphons were attendance, including 16 current female student-athletes.

This event was started to celebrate the strength, talent and determination of women’s athletics on the campus.

In total the gala raised $8,000 all of which will go towards women’s scholarships at UofG. The date for the 2017 Gala has yet to be determined but stay tuned to gryphons.ca for more information.

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It is with heavy hearts that Gryphon golf mourned the passing of a member of the Gryphon Family this year.

A fierce competitor on the course. A warm and generous person off of it. Grace competed for five seasons with the varsity golf team (2010-2014) and this past Fall came back on a part-time basis to serve as an assistant coach and help out with the current student-athletes on the women’s team.

When describing Grace’s impact on the Gryphons varsity golf program, there are several analogies that seem to fit perfectly. In basketball terms, she was the point guard of the team. An extension of the coaching staff both on the course and at the range; someone who worked hard on her own game, yet always found the time to offer help to teammates as well.

Grace’s impact on and off the golf course will never be forgotten by all of those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her. Since her passing there has been a tremendous outpouring of thoughts and memories from former teammates and coaches, which are included below.

“Outside of the ropes, I’m not sure I ever saw her without a smile on her face. Coaches and players alike will always remember her infectious smile and her long blonde ponytail.

She was the ultimate competitor, always working as hard as she could to help the team be their best. No one would ever outwork Grace... nobody! To use a family analogy, she was the mother of the team. The one who was caring and welcoming to both rookies and veterans alike. The person who constantly put others before herself.”

Brandon McLeod, Gryphon Golf Head Coach

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“I had a relatively short few years being around Grace. Little did I know that I would be amazed as to how well rounded she was at such an early age. Her maturity, smile and ease with people led to a natural affinity for a leadership role in all her undertakings. Whatever was required for the golf team, Grace was the first to volunteer – “I’ll do that!” I learned this willingness to help translated to all of Grace’s endeavours. I hope Grace’s example of how to live life is remembered by all of us. I feel a void now without Grace but I have lots of memories that make me smile.”

Bob Wanzel, Former Gryphon Golf Head Coach “As a captain Grace led by example with her dedication to academics, golf and school/community involvement. No matter how busy Grace was she always made time to plan gettogethers, extra practices and ensure that she had a variety of baked goods prepared for the team. Grace encouraged everyone to be the best that they could be on and off the course. Grace is greatly missed by the golf team but her work ethic, selflessness and passion for golf will always be remembered, motivating us as a team on and off the golf course.”

Breanna Shannon, 3rd Year, Women’s Gryphon Golf Team “Grace had many unique and special qualities, one of which was her ability to put others before herself. Both the men and women’s team looked up to Grace and strived to emulate her demeanour and work ethic both on the course as well as in the classroom. The Gryphons golf team will forever be grateful to have crossed paths with such a strong, confident and influential individual.”

Scott Banks, 4th Year, Men’s Gryphon Golf Team

“Grace didn’t miss a beat, rain or shine she was there with a big smile and baked goods in hand. Her support throughout my years on the team meant so much to me. She would always be there on the first tee with each of us and regardless of the shot you could always look back for a nod and thumbs up on her behalf. She left a mark on me that will be impossible to forget and will continue to serve as a role model in my life for years to come. Grace accomplished more in her 24 years than most will accomplish in a lifetime. She will be deeply missed.”

Robyn Bowser, 4th Year, Women’s Gryphon Golf Team “She was the nicest person you could ever meet, with a smile that would immediately make you smile regardless of what kind of day you were having. Grace was also very competitive. She would always treat competitors with respect and acknowledge a good shot, but she was the first to put on her ‘game face’ and put in every effort to win for her own satisfaction but more importantly, she was always there to win as a team. I miss Grace, but am happy that we went out on a winning note. We most recently played in a tournament together in August 2015 and, as the only female team, won the tournament. She even had a natural eagle on one of the final holes! Grace was an amazing girl and an outstanding teammate. I feel honoured to have had her in my life as an important friend and confidant, and will continue to keep Grace in my thoughts and heart.”

Vanessa Dupuis, Women’s Golf Team Alumnus

Grace’s loving family has created a Grace Olivia Glofcheskie Memorial Fund to honour the memory of their daughter and sister. For more information on the Memorial Fund visit:

tinyurl.com/GraceUofG

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CIS ALL-CANADIANS 2015-16 CIS First Team All-Canadians Katrina Allison Aaron Hendrikx John Rush Valerie Lamenta

Cross Country Cross Country Football Hockey

Evan Van Moerkerke Daria Keane Alexandra King Jared Skeath

Swimming Rugby Rugby Track & Field

Sean Cate Alison Carrow Oren Furmanov Tyson Frost

Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling

Ashley Connell Katelyn Ayers Jade Papke Gracelynn Doogan

Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling

CIS Second Team All-Canadians Katelyn Ayers Tristan Woodfine Jacob Scarfone Nicholas Parisotto Gabriel Ferraro

Cross Country Cross Country Football Football Football

CIS All-Canadians Erin Houle Allison Chute

Field Hockey Field Hockey

Averi Nooren Leigh Shilton Brittany Kassil Evan Van Moerkerke Sarah Hammond

Hockey Hockey Rugby Swimming Track & Field

CIS Tournament All-Stars Allison Chute Erin Houle Moon Weijens

Field Hockey Field Hockey Field Hockey

2014-15 CIS ACADEMIC ALL-CANADIANS

CIS Major Award Winners Aaron Hendrikx John Rush Valerie Lamenta Colette McAuley

Male Athlete of the Year President’s Trophy Defensive Player of the Year Women’s Hockey Player of the Year Women’s Rugby Coach of the Year

*Academic All-Candians are released each September for the previous season of play

NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

BASKETBALL Megan Brenkel Dana Van Balkom Katherine MacTavish Regan Duff Sarah MacRae

SOCCER Andrea Cimino Biomedical Science Sydney Holden Biomedical Science Krista Lopoyda Mathematics Alexandra Lundhild Zoology Breanna Hall Zoology Derek Peters Biomedical Science Ethan Danielli Human Kinetics

Biomedical Science Human Resource Management Biomedical Science Child, Youth and Family Psychology

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD Heather Petrick Biomedical Science Katrina Allison Biomedical Science Katelyn Ayers Agricultural Science Emily Gordon Environmental Biology Sarah Wismer Biochemistry Alannah MacDonald Biochemistry Sophia Watts Undeclared Olivia Romaniw Applied Human Nutrition Peter Quosai Undeclared Drew Anderson Biomedical Engineering Christopher Dulhanty Biomedical Engineering Connor Black Human Kinetics Mostafa Elkurdy Environmental Engineering FIELD HOCKEY Shannon Killip Human Kinetics Elizabeth Pritchard Psychology FOOTBALL Patrick McGrath Environmental Engineering Dylan Husty Accounting Robert Carnegie Marketing Management

SWIMMING Erica Pate Agricultural Science Julia Veidt Biology/International Development John Carroll Marketing Management Stephen Bak Biological Science TRACK & FIELD Vivian Stavrakos Microbiology Alison Fung Biomedical Science Sarah Hammond Applied Human Nutrition Samantha Allegro Human Kinetics Emily Bowerman Landscape Architecture Maja Naruszewicz Child, Youth and Family Heather Rayner Environmental Governance Charles Sutton Nutritional & Nutraceutical Science Austin Marchese Biological & Pharmaceutical Chemistry Graham Pitfield Undeclared Mitchell Torres Human Kinetics Paul Worndl Mechanical Engineering

VOLLEYBALL Katelyn Larson Human Kinetics HOCKEY Chelsea Bott Applied Human Nutrition Valerie Lamenta Mechanical Engineering Jessica Gormley Biomedical Science Marcie Landman Human Kinetics Patrick Strzalkowski Biological Science Gina Murray Animal Biology WRESTLING Averi Nooren Child, Youth and Family Natassya Lu International Development Kelly Gribbons Engineering Systems & Computing Rhiannon Digweed Studio Art Keith Hamilton Psychology Pierre-AndreBarbeau Human Kinetics RUGBY Devon Stober Animal Biology Daria Keane Sociology

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oua all-stars 2015-16 OUA First Team All-Stars Matthew Forer Denver Carter Katelyn Ayers Katrina Allison Sophie Watts Aaron Hendrikx Tristan Woodfine Jacob Scarfone Matthew Toppan John Rush Nick Parisotto Gabriel Ferraro Scott Banks Averi Nooren Leigh Shilton Valerie Lamenta Evan Van Moerkerke Eric Trevisan Katrina Allison Jackson Cheung Jared Skeath Sean Cate Christian Gravel Leah Robinson Oren Furnamov Tyson Frost

Baseball Baseball Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Football Football Football Football Football Golf Hockey Hockey Hockey Swimming Swimming Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling

OUA Second Team All-Stars Bridget Atkinson Kate MacTavish Jacob Gerovac Peter Ricciardi Danielle Jossinet Cheryse Mitton Sarah Wismer Christian Gravel Benjamin Workman

Basketball Basketball Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country Cross Country

OUA Second Team All-Stars cont.

Matthew Nesbitt Andrew Pickett Donnie Egerter Curtis Newton Tristan Doughlin Ryan Nieuwesteeg Jessica Pinkerton Jessica Demars Emily Anzai Katelyn Ayers Sophia Watts Mark Emode Jordan Bates Maja Naruszewicz Kyle Thompson Sarah Dougherty Gordon Watkins Jade Papke Alison Carrow Gracelynn Doogan Ashley Connell Marc Wilson Benjamin Bradford Gracelynn Doogan

OUA All-Stars Allison Chute Erin Houle Moon Weijens Ashley Huot Eric Howard Jeremy Wright Jonathan West Byron Boville Scott Simmonds Lucas Gillham

Football Football Football Football Football Football Hockey Lacrosse Swimming Track & Field (2 events) Track & Field (2 events) Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling Wrestling Field Hockey Field Hockey Field Hockey Nordic Skiing Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

OUA West Division First Team All-Stars Nick Trecapelli Andrew D’Agostini Justin Springer Maddie Dedecker Kristen Almhjell

Hockey Hockey Soccer Volleyball Volleyball

OUA West Division Second Team All-Stars Stephanie Moore Andrea Cimino Ethan Danielli Jace Kotsopoulos Becky Breau

Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball

OUA Shiels Division All-Stars Daria Keane Bronwyn McCrone Brittany Kassil Devon Stober Alexandra King

Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

CUFLA Lacrosse West All-Canadians Brett Ulbikaas Adam Kirchmayer Justin Martin Nathan McKenzie Michael Lalani

Lacrosse Lacrosse Lacrosse Lacrosse Lacrosse

OUA All-Rookie Team Abbey Clark Job Reinhart Elijah Walker

Basketball Football Football

OUA West All-Rookie Team Meghan Morelli

Volleyball

2015-16 OUA MAjor awards Matt Griffin Danielle Jossinet Dave Scott-Thomas Benjamin Workman Drew Anderson Michelle Turley John Rush Valerie Lamenta Rachel Flanagan

Baseball Coach of the Year Cross Country Women’s Rookie of the Year Cross Country Women’s Coach of the Year Cross Country Men’s Rookie of the Year Cross Country Men’s Community Service Award Field Hockey Women’s Coach of the Year Football President’s Trophy Defensive Player of the Year Women’s Hockey Player of the Year Women’s Hockey Coach of the Year

Andrew D’Agostini Darrell Devine Daria Keane Julia Schell Colette McAuley Bianca Ferlisi Mitchell Torres Dave Scott-Thomas

Men’s Hockey West Division Goalie of the Year Men’s Rugby Coach of the Year Women’s Rugby Most Valuable Player Women’s Rugby Rookie of the Year Women’s Rugby Coach of the Year Women’s Soccer Community Service Award Men’s Track & Field Student-Athlete Community Service Award Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year

2014-15 OUA ACADEMIC AWARD RECIPIENTS NAME PROGRAM BASEBALL Wesley Romak Mechanical Engineering FIGURE SKATING Kelsey Shropshire Biological Science Gabrielle Boulding Human Kinetics Katleyn Graham Studio Art Leeann Duncan Human Kinetics Francis Adamo Earth and Atmospheric Science Mackenzie Wilson Biomedical Science GOLF Robyn Bowser Biological Science Trevor Whiton Undeclared Scott Banks Marketing Management

NAME PROGRAM LACROSSE Danielle Boudreau Applied Human Nutrition Hannah Golightly Animal Biology Laurel McGillis Biomedical Science NORDIC SKIING Laryssa Kemp Biomedical Engineering Ashley Huet Biomedical Engineering Raylan Stroud Marine & Freshwater Biology Catherine Mallinger Biological Science Celeste Noble Biomedical Science Elise Huet Mechanical Engineering Christopher Blakeney Chemical Engineering Connor Paul-Paddock Mathematics Lucas Parsons Water Resources Engineering Michael Solomon Human Kinetics Kai Bruce Environmental Economics & Policy

*Academic All-Candians are released each September for the previous season of play

NAME PROGRAM ROWING Megan Kamachi Biomedical Engineering Olivia Shotyk Landscape Architecture Jasmine Carter Biomedical Science Nicole Abernathy Landscape Architecture Angela Strong Biomedical Science Ainsleigh Hennig Music & Theatre Studies MEN’S RUGBY Scott Sopel Eric Charest-Pekeski Cameron Elgie Alexander Boland

Management Economics & Finance Human Kinetics Biomedical Science Biomedical Science

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

37

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Exclusive sponsors

Premier Partners

Associate Partners

Affiliate Partners

Stone & Gordon

supplier Partners

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

National Advertisers

Community charities

Guelph Food Bank

UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

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

Media Partners

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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SAVE THE DATE You’re not going to want to miss these events!

AUGUST

SUNDAY

28 SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY

10

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY

23 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY

24

OCTOBER

FRIDAY

22 NOVEMBER

THURS. - SUN.

10-13

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UNITED Way GAME

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Toronto – 1PM

O-Week Football Game

Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Queen’s – 1PM

GRYPHON HALL OF FAME CEREMONY Creelman Hall

By Invitation

Homecoming Football Game Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs Western – 1PM

THINK PINK FOOTBALL GAME Alumni Stadium Gryphons vs York – 1PM

In support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

CIS men’s soccer Championships

DECEMBER

SATURDAY

3

JANUARY

THURSDAY

JR. GRYPHON DAY

Sleeman Centre, Guelph 12:00pm- 7:00PM

AGGIE Night

12

Gryphon Centre Arena Men’s Hockey - 7:30pm

JANUARY

Winter Homecoming: The Frosty Mug

THURSDAY

19

Sleeman Centre, Guelph Men’s Hockey Gryphons vs Laurier – 7:00pm

FEBRUARY

GOT GAME 2017 she’s Details TBD MARCH

THURSDAY

30

2016-17 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:

GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

41

PLAY HARD. EAT A STEAK!

7oz STEAK

TWEET

@MONTANASBBQ USING #STEAKEVERYDAY BY JUNE 17 AND TELL US WHY YOU DESERVE A STEAK. YOU COULD WIN A STEAK DINNER.

201 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON

*Taxes extra. Contest ends June 17, 12 midnight. 4 - $25 Montana’s gift cards will be a warded by Montana’s Guelph – 201 Stone Road West. ™Trademark Cara Operations Limited.

VISIT US ONLINE OR IN PERSON AT THE AC

gryphons.ca/gryfanredzone

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GryFAN CONNECTED //// SUMMER 2016

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