Sault College held its annual athletic awards banquet Friday night at the school's Student Life Centre. Following is a list of those who received recognition at the athletic gathering. Graduating health sciences major Robbie Green won the male athlete-of-the-year award. Green led the Cougar men's basketball team to an 8-4 regular-season record and third place in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association West Region and was also named its most valuable player. First-year student Candace Kennedy took home the school's female athlete-of-the-year award. Kennedy also won the most valuable player award for the Cougar women's volleyball team, which finished fifth in the West Region with a 9-7 record. The Cougar Pride Award, which goes to the athletes who best wear the Sault College jersey with worth, in showing dedication to the program, featured three winners. Basketball player Cara Russon and volleyball team captain Jocelyn Wilkinson shared the female award, while Jeff Rennison was the male recipient. On the men's basketball team, Green was MVP, Rennison was most improved player, Chris Muncaster was most sportsmanlike player, Sean Seivwright was rookie of the year, Tim Higgins and Ron Kelly shared the coaches award, and Rob Martel took home the academic achievement award. On the women's basketball team, Erica Nethery was most improved, Lee Anne Faganely was most sportsmanlike, Megan Conway won the coaches award, and Jen Cronin took home the academic achievement award. On the women's volleyball team, Kennedy was MVP, Connie Beausejour was most improved, Desiree Simon was most sportsmanlike, Ashley Rathwell was rookie of the year and Katie Headrick took home the academic achievement award. Ray Henry won the Tom White Award for dedication and commitment to the men's basketball team. Local Referees Association awards to the athletes who best represent the game with fair play and sportsmanship were given to Seivwright in men's basketball and Headrick in women's volleyball.
Tim Walker of the men's basketball team won the G.R. Hodgson Trophy for the male athlete who best combines academic proficiency, leadership and contribution to Cougar athletics. Kennedy was the female winner. Thomas Cory of the men's basketball team took home the Cougar coach of the year award. Cougar contributor awards were also given to Williams, the outgoing athletic director, as well as Grace Cory. The Erron Williams Memorial Award was given to Tyler Mancuso, a trainer with the men's basketball team, for his countless hours of volunteer work. A number of intramural awards were also given out. Tyson Sweezey won the Ron Bridge Trophy for the male who displayed outstanding skill and sportsmanship, while Candice Brown was the female winner. Tyler Yuke was male intramural participant of the year, while Sara Broadbent was the female winner. Neil MacEwan, who coached the Sault College curling team from 1973-93, was also recognized for his induction into the OCAA Hall of Fame. And Sault This Week was recognized with an OCAA media award for outstanding coverage and support of the OCAA and Sault College.