2017-18 GryphFan Connected: Year-In-Review

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Summer 2018 Volume 6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Director’s Address Celebrating the Best: Guelph Gryphons 2017-18 Athletic Banquet Jr Gryphon Girls Hockey Development Program ‘Gryphie’ Moment of the Year Top 5 Moments of the Year

Leadership Academy

Guelph Gryphons Performance Centre Gryphon Football Pavilion Opens Champions Corner: OUA & U SPORTS Champions

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18-19 20 21 22 23 24-25

Athlete Spotlight Libby Brenneman (W SOC) & Gabe Ferraro (FB) She’s Got Game: Gryphon Women’s Fundraiser Gala ‘She’s Got Game’ Movement Gryphons Partner with Canadian Olympic Committee for GAME PLAN Believe to Achieve

Rising Stars: Highlighting Exceptional Rookies

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Aboriginal Sports Camp

Student Support Network

Coaches of the Year

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Brenda Whiteside Retires

Gryphons Making a Difference

Getting To Know You: Athletes

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Power of Place: Reflecting on the First Year in the New Athletics Centre On Home Soil: Major Events Hosted on Campus

U SPORTS and OUA Awards

Save the Date! Major Events Coming Up in 2018-19

graphic DESIGN

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amber Paxton

Andy Baechler David DiCenzo

Guyson Kuruneri Kyle Rodriguez Karyn Stepien

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From the Desk of the Director

SCOTT McROBERTS Another incredible season of Guelph Gryphon athletics has come to an end and we have captured it all in this sixth edition of GryphFAN Connected.

Excellence has become the standard in Gryphon Athletics. And the women and men who proudly wear the red, black and gold as members of our varsity teams reached amazing heights once again throughout the 2017/18 year.

There were the teams that achieved the ultimate goal within the conference, winning coveted OUA championship banners. Our Gryphon women’s rugby side completed an elusive repeat by taking their title on the home pitch at Varsity Field, while the men’s cross country team won gold, thanks in part to captain Connor Black, who topped the whole championship field. Our courageous women’s soccer team survived through extra time and penalty kicks in both the OUA semifinal and the championship match to secure the first banner in the program’s history. And speaking of history, the women’s and men’s track and field teams were the class of the country from the beginning of the season right until the end, sweeping both the OUA and U SPORTS championships in dominating fashion.

All told, 103 Gryphon athletes were named all-stars and 11 of our firstyear competitors were named to OUA All-Rookie Teams. Fifteen athletes and coaches took home major OUA honours, with five more garnering major U SPORTS awards. And it’s incredible to think that we produced 37 All-Canadians, up significantly from the previous season. These results

fill the Athletics staff and campus members with pride. But what our athletes and teams do outside of the sporting arena only adds to the respect and admiration we have for them. Gryphons participated in several fundraising campaigns, new programs, and community initiatives over the course of the year, making a true impact for those in need.

Our athletic infrastructure continues to evolve and in 2017, the sensational new Football Pavilion officially opened its doors. Past, present and future Gryphon football players have been treated to a facility that is the best of its kind at the collegiate level in Canada. It is the latest piece on a campus that continues to lead the way for academic institutions in this country.

The Athletics Department would like to say thank you to all of our Gryphon supporters who have shown love and passion for our athletes and teams this past year. It’s been memorable. And we are ready to do it all over again when the fall season kicks off a few months from now

Scott McRoberts Director of Athletics, University of Guelph

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Celebrating the best2017-18 After a long season of sweat, pain, and both heartbreak and elation, the University of Guelph’s athletes dressed up to receive well-deserved recognition for their efforts. On Wednesday, March 28, a crowd of over 800 descended on the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre for the 2017-18 version of the annual Gryphons Athletic Banquet, with every varsity team represented.

A total of 103 Gryphons achieved OUA All-star status, with 11 individuals making OUA All-Rookie Teams. Eleven athletes and six coaches won OUA major awards, while 37 Gryphons were named All-Canadians, up 14 from last season.

In a year in which the storied Gryphon track and field program had its best season ever, it was only appropriate that two members of the OUA and U SPORTS champions were recognized as Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Fourth-year hurdler Sarah Hammond won the women’s award, while fifth-year middle distance star Tommy Land was named the men’s winner for the second year in a row.

Hammond, a fourth-year applied human nutrition student from Sault Ste Marie, had an incredible season, sweeping the gold medals in the 60m hurdles at the OUA and U SPORTS Championships. Her 8.18-second run at the OUAs was the fastest time in Canada this season by any hurdler at the collegiate or post-collegiate level. Sarah also won OUA silver in the 60m sprint event. She then equaled a U SPORTS record time of 8.20 in the hurdles at nationals, and narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 60m event.

Land, meanwhile, became just the fourth Gryphon ever to earn Male Athlete of the Year honours in consecutive seasons. The Turkey Point, ON native and mechanical engineering student took three gold medals at this year’s OUA Championships, winning the 600m and 1000m events, while also running on the first-place 4x400m relay team. Two weeks later, he went to the U SPORTS Championships for the final two races of his Gryphon career. And he did not disappoint. Land displayed his finishing kick in both the 600m and 1000m events to overtake opponents at the tape and sweep gold again. He was named both OUA and U SPORTS Track Athlete of the Year and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest, most competitive middle-distance runners in collegiate history.

For more details & photos, go to gryphons.ca.

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Major Award Winners (Back Row Left to Right) Don Cameron Award (3-year M.I.P.): Job Reinhart (M Wrestling & Football); W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year: Scott Simmonds (M Hockey & M Rugby); Dr. John T. Powell Award: Dave Neill (W Rugby); Male Athlete of the Year: Tommy Land (T&F); Female Athlete of the Year & President’s Trophy: Sarah Hammond (T&F); Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year: Todd Winder (M Hockey); Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year: Alida Carlin (W Basketball/M Rugby); (Front Row Left to Right) President’s Trophy (M): Jeremy Seed (M Rugby); Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year: Morgan Byng (T&F); Cathy Rowe Manager of the Year: Terry Pham (M Volleyball); Fred Ramprashad Award: Andrea Cimino (W Soccer); "Gryphie" Moment of the Year: "Hinch-lifts Gryphs to Victory" Victoria Hinchliffe (W Soccer); W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year: Celeste Noble (Nordic Skiing) | Missing: Shirley Peterson Award (3-year M.I.P.): Emilie Nicholl (W Rugby)

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TEAM AWARD WINNERS: BASEBALL M.V.P. – Sam Salemi

(M): M.V.P. – Robert Simpson-Spook

BASKETBALL (MEN):

(W): M.V.P. – Celeste Noble

Jack Tanner M.I.P. – Kieran Naus Bill Dimson Memorial M.V.P. – Daniel Dooley BASKETBALL (WOMEN): M.I.P. – Sarah Holmes M.V.P. – Burke Bechard

NORDIC SKIING:

ROWING: (M): M.V.P. – Clayton White (W): M.V.P. – Kaitlyn Dennis RUGBY (MEN): R.O.Y. (Robin Best Award) – John Sheridan

CROSS COUNTRY (MEN):

M.V.P. (Ieuan Evans Rugger Award) – Marcello Wainwright

(M) R.O.Y. (Al Claremont Freshman Harrier Trophy) – Braydon Clarke

RUGBY (WOMEN):

(M) M.V.P. (Art Hackett Trophy) – Connor Black (W) R.O.Y. – Sadie-Jane Hickson (W) M.V.P. (Vic Matthews Award) – Danielle Jossinet CURLING: (W): M.V.P. – Jestyn Murphy (M): M.V.P. – David Jones FIELD HOCKEY: M.I.P. – Lauren Dewar Laura Sharp M.V.P. – Rebecca Plouffe FIGURE SKATING: M.V.P. – Jade Marrow FOOTBALL: R.O.Y. – Sandor Mod M.V.P. (Donald Forster Trophy) – Gabe Ferraro Ted Wildman Trophy – Orion Edwards

R.O.Y. – Adea Elliott M.V.P. – Julia Schell/Chloe Runge SOCCER (MEN): M.I.P. – Ian Vidovich M.V.P. (Bill McAnuff Memorial) – Jace Kotsopoulos SOCCER (WOMEN): R.O.Y. – Sayan Ladhani M.V.P. – Nicole Brown-Shaw SWIMMING: (M): M.I.P. – Peter Gras (M): M.V.P. (C.M. Kinnear Memorial) – Phil Vranic (W): M.I.P. – Angela Wilson (W): M.V.P. – Samantha Anderson TRACK & FIELD: (M): R.O.Y. – Mark Bujnowski (M): M.V.P. (Hamilton Olympic Club Award) – Tommy Land

GOLF:

(W): R.O.Y. – Morgan Byng

(M): David Fell M.V.P. - Marc-Anthony Manion

(W): M.V.P. – Sarah Hammond

(W): Grace Glofcheskie M.V.P. – Linnea Knutsson

VOLLEYBALL (MEN):

HOCKEY (MEN):

M.I.P. – Jakson Paterson

R.O.Y. (Walter Rickard Memorial Award) – Todd Winder

M.V.P. – Zach Newman

M.V.P. (Jack Pos Trophy) – Josh McFadden

VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN):

HOCKEY (WOMEN):

M.I.P. (Makala King Memorial) – Libby Donevan

Rookie of the Year – Molly Crossman

M.V.P. – Alex Curran

M.V.P. – Kaitlin Lowy

WRESTLING:

LACROSSE: (M): M.V.P. – Hayden Walsh (W): M.V.P. – Shayla Larson

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(M): M.I.P. – Job Reinhart (M): M.V.P. – Alexander Chaves (W): M.I.P. – Samantha Squires (W): M.V.P. – Gracelynn Doogan

JR GRYPHONS GIRLS HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Varsity athletes at the University of Guelph take pride in being a Gryphon. But that feeling of what it means to represent the red, black and gold has extended beyond the campus. For hundreds of young athletes in the Jr Gryphons Girls Hockey Development Program, there is a growing connection with the mythical half lion half eagle creature.

“Our girls have bought into the whole concept of being a Gryphon,” says Scott Weese, a U of G professor in the Ontario Veterinary College, who also coaches various local teams. “It’s something they have really latched on to.”

The Athletics Department has developed a relationship with the Guelph Girls Hockey Association to assist in the development of players as young as five years old up to the age of 17. There are approximately 500 girls involved in the house league program, in addition to 11 Jr Gryphon rep teams.

Players get the opportunity to participate in weekly training, be it power skating with Gryphons’ figure skating coach Janet Gibson, skills development with assistant hockey coach Katie Mora, or for some of the older participants in the program, strength training with Josh Ford in the Gryphon Performance Centre.

“It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to develop athletes that are just beginning their hockey journey,” says Mora, a former Gryphon captain before joining head coach Rachel Flanagan’s staff. “I see great potential in the Jr Gryphon organization and recognize the passion each player has for the game.”

Weese says the level of instruction is high and that the kids love working with their Gryphon coaches. The ultimate objective is to have some who grew up as Jr Gryphons make their way onto the varsity team one day.

The common thread Weese sees for all the young players is that they’re involved in something that offers more than most teams throughout the province.

“They travel across Ontario and beyond as Gryphons,” he says. “The girls take ownership. The relationship gives them a better idea of what the university actually means and they’re connected to the name.

It’s an identity.”

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The 2017-18 season produced a number of unforgettable moments, but only the best of the best were put forward as nominees for the Gryphie Moment of the Year.

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A total of five nominees range from an ailing sprinter who overcame strep throat to earn the title of national champion, to a record-breaking performance by a legendary kicker. In the end, it was the heroics of Victoria Hinchliffe, a sophomore sensation on the women’s soccer team, who took home the “Gryphie” on behalf of her team after helping lead the Gryphons to their first ever OUA title in program history!

#1

Hinch-lifts Gryphs to Victory Women’s Soccer

Never before in the history of the University of Guelph, had a Gryphons women’s soccer team been crowned OUA champions. Until now.

This past November, on a cold, rainy night in Oshawa at the OUA Final Four, the Gryphons women’s soccer team capped off the greatest season in program history with an unforgettable run to an OUA title.

Second-year striker Victoria Hinchliffe was one of the key figures in the Gryphons’ memorable run, scoring TWICE during the 2nd half of the semi-final to help send the match to extra time. A penalty shootout was required, and it was Hinchliffe who converted the winning kick to send the Gryphs through to the final against Western.

Just like the semis, the OUA gold medal game also required penalty kicks.

Once again, Victoria found herself walking to the penalty spot with the game resting on her foot.

With school history hanging in the balance, Victoria would deliver once again, earning her an OUA gold medal and the 2017-18 “Gryphie Moment of the Year” award.

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#2 Gabe the G.O.A.T Football

Gabe Ferraro….the greatest of all time.

At first glance, it may seem like a lofty title. But when you take a closer look at what the fourth year Mississauga native accomplished this season – it suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

No kicker in the history of Canadian University football has ever put together a singleseason quite like the one that Gabe Ferraro produced in 2017.

Gabe set a new U SPORTS single-season record with 33 made field goals – shattering the previous national mark of 26, previously held by his older brother and former Gryphon, Daniel Ferraro.

#3 Sick but Quick Track & Field

The week leading up to nationals, second-year Gryphon sprint sensation Shyvonne Roxborough came down with strep throat, threatening her goal of becoming the first Gryphon woman to be crowned a national champion in the 60m.

At less than 100 per cent, Shyvonne ran a shocking 7.40 to take the national gold medal. It set the tone for a dominant weekend from the Gryphon team and cemented her status as the top collegiate sprinter in the country. It was most definitely a scare, but in the end, even strep throat couldn’t run down Shyvonne Roxborough.

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#4 Fire on Ice Men’s Hockey

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The Frosty Mug. It’s the night on the schedule that every Gryphon hockey player looks forward to. It isn’t just a game — it’s an event.

The 2018 edition of the Frosty Mug proved to be an unforgettable version of the annual event. The record-crowd of 4,715 at the Sleeman Centre had plenty to cheer about after a dominant performance from the Gryphons men’s hockey team that resulted in a 5-0 win over the Laurier Golden Hawks in what was the most lopsided victory in the nine-year history of the event.

#5 Pitch Perfect Women’s Rugby

On October 21, 2017, it was gut-check time for the Gryphons women’s rugby team.

After building up a 22-5 lead over Queen’s in the OUA Championship match, the Gaels came storming back in the second half, trimming the deficit to 22-17. Would the Gryphons fold to the pressure and lose their dream of a repeat?

Or respond with a counterpunch? It would be the latter.

Fifth-year scrum half Chloe Runge led the way with two second-half trys to help the Gryphons pull away late, earning the elusive repeat as back-to-back OUA Champions, capping an undefeated 2017 season versus OUA competition.

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GUELPH GRYPHONS

leadership ACADEMY Leadership can come in many forms. It can be through energy and high volume or a quiet example of excellence for others to follow.

A large group of U of G athletes have been honing these skills the past couple years at the Gryphon Leadership Academy – and the impact on the individuals and their teams has been astounding.

aspire to. The Gryphon Leadership Academy is now providing us with a means to assist in their growth and development as studentathletes and as community members.”

For Emilie Nicholl, a third-year lock on the two-time OUA champion Gryphon women’s rugby team, being involved in the Leadership Academy has been “eye-opening.”

“I found comfort in learning more

“What a lot of people don’t realize

and more about my fellow athletes

is

and

and realizing that we all face similar

even coaches don’t have all the

challenges and successes,” says

knowledge and answers ‘right off

Nicholl, a Shiels Division All-star in

the hop,’ to effectively lead and

2017. “In meeting leaders with a

that

leaders,

communicate

captains,

their

message,”

says cross country captain Connor

familiar mindset, we strengthened Emilie Nicholl

a great sense of community among

Black, a fourth-year native of Forest,

us athletes. It enhanced our desire to support one another through

ON, who won individual gold at

our athletic endeavours.

the OUA Championships and silver

“My greatest take away from this experience thus far has been a

at nationals, leading Guelph to both team titles. “I’ve found that Connor Black

the ideals and values that we want all of our student-athletes to

my journey through the first two or three years in the Leadership

Academy has furthered my progression into a well-rounded and equipped leader.”

The Gryphon Leadership Academy started in the Fall of 2016 with the first Emerging Leaders group. The selected Gryphons, who are nominated by their various varsity coaches, are typically in their second year and have demonstrated leadership skills. They meet six times a year (three times in each semester) for 90-minute sessions in the GGAC, covering topics like Commitment, Confidence,

growth in confidence. I am now far more aware of what goes on among the members of my team, what I can do to support everyone, and lead in the appropriate ways for various situations with confidence. I now feel as though I have a valuable and impactful voice.”

Through the sessions, Black, who is also a captain on the Track and Field team, now understands that every action, word, and any kind of body language he presents will have an impact on the vibe and success of the year.

“This is something I continually work on,” he says. “Having this enthusiastic support network makes me better.

Composure, Character, Leading by Example, Vocal Leadership,

“I am thankful to be a part of this group. I recognize that I have much

Conflict Management, Team Building, Refocusing, and Leadership

to learn and refine in my role as a captain of my teams. I believe the

Development Plans. Athletes ultimately graduate to the Veteran

Leadership Academy has allowed me to practice my communication

Leaders Academy before moving on to the final step, the Veterans

skills and has made me into a lot more thoughtful person. I’ve

360 class.

realized that all of my teammates, and coaching staff, operate in

When the 2018 Fall season gets underway, there will be over 100 Gryphons participating in the Academy’s three different groups.

“As ambassadors of the Department of Athletics and the University of Guelph, the student-athlete participants in the Gryphon Leadership Academy are gaining invaluable skills to enhance their already accomplished talents,” says Intercollegiate Manager Angela Orton. “They are indeed the brightest and the best and exemplify

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different ways physically and emotionally. I need to account for that when I look to connect with them.”

Performance Centre Every U of G varsity athlete who trains in the Gryphon Performance Centre is required to do one exercise that doesn’t require physical exertion. It’s called “Hero, Highlight, Hardship,” a bonding opportunity implemented by assistant strength and conditioning coach Mac James. Gryphons gather and tell their fellow athletes who their hero is, a highlight in their life, and an obstacle they overcame.

“They might reveal something that gets them emotional,” said Josh Ford, the Gryphons’ head strength and conditioning coach. “It’s a way for them to connect.”

That connection between the athletes, Ford, and his dedicated staff has been an integral component of the Performance Centre since it officially opened on January 9, 2017. The simple red and black-themed training space, located on the second floor of the W.F. Mitchell Centre, is both a sanctuary and a workspace for 10 Gryphon varsity teams, various local sport organizations, and individual clients, as well. A steady parade of athletes walk through the front doors ready to put in a session, which might make it on to the record wall.

Ford and the staff have gotten to know every one of the almost 300 Gryphons as they work through their teams’ yearly training plans.

“The greatest resource we have is time,” he said. “We take the time to know them, we want to be aware of how their seasons are going.

We’ve created a system where we can address their needs and promote their long-term growth.”

That bonding builds trust and is the foundation of the program’s core values, which Ford acknowledges through the acronym C.A.R.E.E. – Committed, Accountable, Respect, Enthusiasm, Engaged. The ultimate goal isn’t just to develop better athletes to win games and championships but to establish standards and encourage these Gryphons to be standout citizens outside of sport.

One of the incredible impacts of the Performance Centre is the culture that has evolved. There is a greater level of awareness and respect among athletes from training with each other every day.

Players from one program will go to see another perform, resulting in a significant increase in varsity athlete attendance at events.

“Gryphons supporting Gryphons,” Ford said.

For Ford, who is fully invested in seeing them succeed, it’s been rewarding.

“We spend so much time with these athletes,” he said. “We feel all of their failures and all of their successes.

“The best part is that we get to spend every day with these dynamic, respectful, intelligent, funny, hard-working young people.”

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FOOTBALL PAVILION Stu Lang is a man of vision. The emeritus head coach of the Guelph Gryphons football team was finally able to see the completion of an idea he had years earlier – the official opening of the Pavilion at Alumni Stadium. The gorgeous gift to the program and university, from Lang’s Angel Gabriel Foundation, opened its doors on October 2, 2017, with the promise of impacting future Gryphon players for decades to come.

The state-of-the-art three-level building is like no other on a

“This building helps with our development as people on and off

Canadian university campus. The entrance at the beautifully-

the field,” said departing fifth-year linebacker Derek Drouillard.

landscaped Alumni Stadium Courtyard has a mini version of the

“We’re able to come here and study, to focus not only football,

turf field and “Home of Champions” emblazoned on the outer

but our academics, as well.

wall. The lobby is highlighted by a stunning Gryphon mosaic made of 2,300 pieces of glass.

The Dick Brown Coaches’ Bullpen is where the team’s staff gather to work, with the Tom Dimitroff Sr. Head Coach’s Office facing out onto the field through a massive window. The Red Zone and rooftop patio offer spaces for football alumni and VIPs to assemble, complete with a view of the field for game-day enjoyment.

For the current players, and those who will come to Guelph in the future, there is the amazing 3,300-square-foot locker room with customized spaces for each team member, underneath the ceiling’s back-lit Gryphon logo with high-performance LED

“You catch your breath every time you walk in. We know that the program is going in the right direction and developing young men.

“This program has always grown from the people that came before us,” Drouillard added. “This building isn’t only for us and future players but also for the ones who were here.”

Lang’s perspective on the gift is simple – it begins with him providing Gryphons all the necessary tools.

“Their part of the bargain is to perform on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” he said. “That was the agreement, no excuses.

fixtures. A high-tech therapy room, barber shop and lounge

“For the players that follow them, it’s the same thing. They’ve

where players can come to study, are all nearby.

got to perform.”

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“I’m just amazed,” said Lang, standing on the edge of the newly-named 15 Lang Way, formerly Powerhouse Lane. “You have a vision in your mind and then when you finally see it come to fruition, and it’s better than you could have imagined, it’s fantastic.”

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CHAMP CO T R A C K & F I E L D // M & W

For just the second time in school history, the Gryphons were crowned national champions in both men’s and women’s track and field after sweeping the team titles at the U SPORTS Championships in Windsor. The Gryphons finished the three-day event with 20 medals, seven of them gold, and became the first university to sweep the team titles since the Windsor Lancers did it in the 2008/09 season. The impressive performance at nationals came just two weeks after a dominating effort at the OUA Championships, where the Gryphons also swept the team banners and racked up a school-record 33 medals in the process.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

For the first time in school history, the Gryphons were crowned OUA champions in women’s soccer thanks to a pair of dramatic shootout victories at the OUA Final Four in Oshawa. In the semi-finals, the Gryphons twice battled back to tie their match against UOIT before ultimately disposing of the defending OUA champion Ridgebacks in penalty kicks. In the gold medal match, the Gryphons once again found themselves in a penalty shootout, this time versus division rivals Western. Fourth-year goalkeeper Libby Brenneman and second-year forward Victoria Hinchliffe provided the heroics for the Gryphons who won 3-0 in the shootout to secure the first OUA title in program history.

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PIONS ORNER WOMEN’S RUGBY The Gryphons women’s rugby team added to their rich history by successfully defending their OUA title in 2017. On Saturday, October 21 in front of a big crowd at Varsity Field, the Gryphons defeated the Queen’s Gaels 43-17 to secure the school’s seventh OUA title in the last 10 years. Fifth-year scrum half Chloe Runge scored a pair of tries in the second half to help spoil any hopes of a Queen’s comeback. The Gryphons have now won 15 OUA titles in women’s rugby, easily the most of any school in the conference, with Western the next closest school with four titles.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Fourth-year team captain Connor Black led the way for the Gryphons Cross Country program in 2017, lifting the Gryphs to team titles at both the OUA and U SPORTS Championships. At the OUA Championships in Windsor, Black finished first in the 93-man field to help the Gryphons pick up a narrow victory over the McMaster Marauders in the overall team standings, giving the Gryphs their 16th OUA title in the last 19 years. At the U SPORTS Championships in Victoria, Black once again impressed, finishing second overall, helping the Gryphons clinch their first national title since 2014-15.

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Athlete Spotlight the spotlight, making three consecutive saves to propel the Gryphons through to the OUA final, while also booking the program’s first trip to nationals in 18 years.

“There are obviously lots of really talented keepers in U SPORTS, but not making that final Team Canada roster just made me want to win that semi-final game so much more,” said Brenneman. “I have a lot of respect for Coach (Peyvand) Mossavat and I remember after the match, he came up to me to shake hands and he just said ‘you deserve this,’ so it was a classy gesture by him and obviously a huge win for our entire team.”

Of course, stealing the spotlight in penalties is nothing new for Brenneman. During her four years at Guelph, she has thrived on the biggest stage with a total of four post-season, penalty-shootout victories.

Libby Brenneman What motivates an athlete to be their best?

It’s a question that has been at the heart of sports psychology studies for generations, driving researchers to determine what pushes individuals to new athletic heights.

When you speak with Libby Brenneman, a two-time OUA allstar goalkeeper with the Gryphons women’s soccer team, it quickly becomes clear that you are dealing with a highly-motivated individual.

The fourth-year Criminal Justice major from Baden, ON led the Gryphons to their first OUA title in school history during the 2017 season, while also securing First Team All-star honours. Along the way, Brenneman regularly provided heroics in net, highlighted by a pair of incredible playoff performances at the OUA Final Four where she led the Gryphons to back-to-back shootout victories. Throughout Brenneman’s

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journey to becoming one of the top goalkeepers in U SPORTS, she hasn’t had to look far to find her motivation.

“I remember as a teenager being told that I would never be good enough to be a university keeper,” says Brenneman, a vocal, emotional leader, who led the country with 10 shutouts in 13 regular season matches in 2016. “That kind of stuff just drives you and makes you want to keep pushing yourself. It’s always in the back of your mind when you’re out there practicing or competing.”

In the Spring of 2017, Brenneman was informed that she would not be selected as a member of the Team Canada women’s soccer team that traveled to Taipei for the 29th Summer Universiade. The man in charge of that Team Canada selection was Peyvand Mossavat, head coach of the women’s soccer program at UOIT. Roughly six months after receiving the disappointing news, Brenneman would get her opportunity to make a statement when the Gryphons squared off against the defending conference champion Ridgebacks in the OUA semi-finals. The match went to penalty kicks and Brenneman stole

“It’s kind of a crazy stat, but I’ve actually only lost one penalty shootout my entire life (2016 OUA Quarter-finals versus Western),” she said.

“When I was in grade 11, my high school team played in a tournament here at U of G and won a game in penalties, as well. I remember Keith Mason (head coach, Gryphons men’s soccer) came up to me and suggested that I consider playing at Guelph.”

Four years later, the brash keeper, who was written off at various points of her young career, is an OUA champion. Brenneman was a key figure in a group that came together and played for each other, peaking at just the right time to make history for the program. It’s her voice that is often clearly heard on the pitch, directing traffic with emotion and an intensity that is understandable given the criticism she’s faced. The Gryphons have earned the reputation as a team that’s tough to beat and the star patrolling the Guelph net is the perfect figure to be the face of the program.

Teammates are quick to explain that having No. 26 as their last line of defence gives them both confidence and comfort. And they now own an OUA banner, thanks in part to an athlete who was motivated to prove people wrong.

“It has been the best decision of my life,” Brenneman said of coming to Guelph. “And this past season was something I’ll never forget.” •

That strength of character is what enabled Ferraro to forget the miss against Ottawa.

He began to make field goals with incredible regularity after that and by the time a week seven matchup with Laurier rolled around, Ferraro knew he had piled up makes. If he didn’t, Daniel, along with Special Forces coach Bill Brown, reminded him that he was closing in on the record.

Ferraro tied the mark against Laurier. And on the final day of the regular season, he showed just how clutch he was, making all seven of his attempts in a must-win game against Carleton in the nation’s capital.

“That was definitely my best game ever,” says Ferraro. “It was set up perfectly in the sense that I didn’t even need to worry about the record. We needed to worry about winning the game. All the kicks were important not for the record but to make the playoffs.”

Gabe Ferraro

The most prolific season by a kicker in the history of U SPORTS was fueled by a mistake. Gabe Ferraro completed 2017 with a record for the ages – 33 field goals made. The fourth-year kicker from Mississauga, ON shattered the previous national mark of 26, held by his brother and Gryphon kicking coach Daniel Ferraro.

But that memorable campaign may have never happened if not for a miscue that occurred two months earlier.

“I missed the kick that lost the game,” Ferraro says, recalling the despair he felt that day. “It brought me right back down. That’s really what set me up to remain level-headed for the rest of the year.”

The Gryphons began the summer with a successful preseason trip to the Maritimes before opening 2017 at Alumni Stadium. The players, Ferraro included, were riding high as they prepared for a week one clash with the Ottawa Gee-Gees. After a late rally from the hosts, Guelph’s star kicker nailed a 49-yarder to send the game to double overtime.

He says that as a kicker, the mentality is to always be 1-for-1 – worry about that moment, not what happened or what’s to come.

But that’s not the play Ferraro remembers. His attempt from 36 yards out (into the wind, to be fair), that would send the game to triple OT, was wide.

A miss like that could make a weaker player crumble. But Ferraro isn’t that kind of athlete.

From his early days as a high-level soccer player growing up in Mississauga, all the way through his football career at St. Marcellinus Secondary School, he has always embraced the big stage. Ferraro wanted to take the penalty kick to win a soccer match or relished the opportunity to make a field goal in the dying seconds of a game.

“I love getting into the emotions, the hype of the game,” says Ferraro, who acknowledges his Italian heritage factors into his passionate approach. “It’s all about winning. I just liked being in those high-pressure situations my whole life, maybe because I’m so emotional and so involved.”

He finished his incredible season with a school record 126 points, First Team AllCanadian honours, the Donald Forster Trophy as team MVP and set the Guelph mark with 69 field goals in a career. Ferraro’s work understandably garnered him some attention.

He’s been a loyal fan of the Toronto Argonauts (and Philadelphia Eagles) most of his life and recalls the time that one of his kicking heroes, Noel Prefontaine, paid a visit to his school. Ferraro isn’t shy about having a longtime desire to be a professional athlete – and that dream got a boost on May 3, when the Gryphon was selected 59th overall by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2018 Canadian Football League Draft.

If a pro career does get in the way of Ferraro’s fifth and final season at Guelph, he will leave the Gryphon program without regrets.

He’s enjoyed a fantastic run and will always remember his former coach Stu Lang’s emotional halftime speech at the 2015 Yates Cup in London that propelled the team to a famous victory.

“If I could go back four years, I would not change a thing,” Ferraro says. “I had an amazing experience here. Not only the fact that I got to play with my brother and have him coach me, the atmosphere here, the guys I’ve met, the coaches I’ve had, it’s been so supportive and amazing.

“Being a kicker, there’s a perception that you’re not part of the team. I’ve never felt that way. They’ve always made me feel like part of the team and an important guy. I could not have asked for a better place and a better situation.” •

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The female varsity athletes on the University of Guelph campus are renowned for their achievements. In the 2017/18 season alone, every single women’s team qualified for playoff competition. It’s a program that is the envy of many institutions across Canada – and it recently received a tremendous boost at the school’s annual women’s fundraising gala held at Cutten Fields in March.

“I would call it an historical night,” said Athletic Director Scott McRoberts. “The fact that we raised $25,000 and the announcement from the Provost, which is the first of its kind, shows we are on the right path, with the right people.”

Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, Dean of the College of Business & Economics at the University of Guelph, emceed the event and was amazed by the collection of guests and corporate sponsors, all of whom understand the power sport possesses to transform.

“As a business school dean, I am particularly proud of our female athletes, for their discipline, tenacity, teamwork and leadership,” said Dr. Christensen Hughes. “They demonstrate real grit – physical and mental toughness. These are skills that are in high demand in organizations and management careers of all kinds.”

The room at the Cutten Fields was filled with energy – and there was no shortage of inspiration. Much of that came from Olympian and keynote speaker Melissa Bishop. The decorated middle-distance star has won gold in the 800m event at the Pan American Games and represented Canada at the Rio Summer Olympics in 2016. But her story of work and sacrifice is what resonated with those in attendance.

“It was an amazing experience,” star rower Carly Zanatta said of gathering with her Gryphon sisters to recognize the university’s women’s program. “Being a female athlete, you have to overcome so many obstacles. But I think that can bring us together. And that’s what we did at She’s Got Game – we came together to show our support for each other.”

20 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

She’s Got Game will impact the Gryphon women’s varsity program for years to come. Over $25,000 was raised for scholarships and to support women’s programs that evening but beyond that, University of Guelph provost Charlotte Yates committed $225,000 over the next three years to go into the scholarship pool for current and future female Gryphons.

For the past three years, Gryphon female athletes have been celebrated at the annual She’s Got Game fundraising gala. The 2018 edition of the event last February was historical, with $25,000 raised and an additional $225,000 in funding committed to the women’s varsity program over the next three years. While the gala grows in significance with each year, there was a strong belief that more could be accomplished.

In 2018, She’s Got Game has evolved to encompass more than a single event every February – it is officially a movement. Sport is a transformative experience for female athletes. And the University of Guelph has committed to supporting women’s athletics through the three pillars of the She’s Got Game initiative: awareness and engagement, policy, fundraising. The goal is to raise $2.5 million over the next three years to recruit, develop and retain world-class scholars, world-class athletes and world-class citizens.

“We have a long tradition in Gryphon Athletics of supporting exceptional female student athletes with strong character, who succeed in the sporting world and beyond,” says Athletics Director Scott McRoberts. “That is the foundation of She’s Got Game, supporting and encouraging young athletes to reach the pinnacle in their sport, as well as in their personal and working lives.”

Sport gives female athletes, Gryphons included, skills that will be utilized their entire lives, and a foundation that develops, leadership, communication, and confidence. Varsity athletics also encourages independence, the value of team, a sense of community, and resilience.

The work ethic required to succeed on the field of play is transferable in life beyond sport.

Some of the key messages in the She’s Got Game movement centre on helping women reach their goals; encouraging women to push boundaries and inspire future generations; and creating a sense of diversity and inclusiveness.

“Through the three pillars of policy, fundraising and awareness, we want this initiative to help shape a new conversation in supporting our female athletes,” says McRoberts, noting that February 2019 will be officially recognized as She’s Got Game month. “Sport fosters lifelong skills and we’ve seen that first hand with the success of our Gryphons. She’s Got Game will provide even more of these opportunities for female athletes to succeed and create meaningful legacies.”

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health education career network & skill development

WORKING TO DEVELOP A

“GAME PLAN” “We are pleased to be a partner with the Game Plan Education Network,” says Brenda Whiteside, Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs) at the University of Guelph.

“We are proud that we have the facilities and staff that can support students who are attempting to combine high performance sport while working on their degree. This is another example of our commitment to the development of the whole student.”

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When considering exactly how, or why, the University of Guelph has become such a coveted destination for student-athletes, there are several contributing factors that come into play. In addition to offering a wide variety of academic specializations, U of G studentathletes also have access to world-class facilities and top-tier coaching. And now, there is even further motivation for prospective studentathletes to choose to become Gryphons: the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage.

Game Plan, which was jointly created by the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Sport Canada and the Canadian Sport Institute Network, focuses on five elements: health, education, career, network and skill development. The University of Guelph’s participation in the Game Plan Education Network will focus specifically on the educational component, providing Olympic and Paralympic identified athletes who elect to pursue post-secondary education the ability to do so while training to represent Canada.

In January of 2018, the University of Guelph’s Department of Athletics announced their participation in the Game Plan Education Network. Game Plan powered by Deloitte is Canada’s total athlete wellness program which supports and empowers high-performance athletes to pursue excellence during and beyond their sporting careers.

“Joining the Game Plan Education Network further cements our ongoing commitment to our student-athletes to achieve their best in the classroom and on the field of play,” says University of Guelph Director of Athletics Scott McRoberts. “We applaud the COC and the CPC for their efforts in making this a reality and look forward to further supporting our Canadian National Team athletes here at the University of Guelph.”

Jeremiah Brown, the National Manager at Game Plan, echoed those comments adding, “We are thrilled to see the University of Guelph join our Game Plan Education Network. U of G’s participation demonstrates their strong support for Canadian National Team athletes who seek excellence on and off the field of play, and builds upon Guelph’s strong existing ties with national sport federations.”

MYGAMEPLAN.CA

A young mind can be easily influenced.

And Gryphon athletes have been setting an excellent example for Guelph’s youth through the Believe to Achieve Community Outreach Program sponsored by McDonald’s. The goal of the program, which was created in 2005 but recently rejuvenated after a hiatus, is for Gryphons to be visible leaders in the community and become agents of positive social change.

These annual school visits aren’t just valuable for the kids – the athletes have benefitted, as well.

“Participating in Believe to Achieve has been an amazing and truly unique experience,” says Valerie Lamenta, a mechanical engineering student and two-time McCaw Cup-winning goaltender on the Gryphons’ women’s hockey team. “It’s really something special to connect with the youth of the Guelph community at such an impressionable age. It has definitely made me reflect about my personal journey through sport and school.”

Believe to Achieve is structured so that Gryphon athletes grow into their roles as ambassadors, stressing the importance of the “4 Quarters,” health, academics, teamwork, and community. Athletes team up to tackle various important topics that resonate with young people across the city. Jessica Gormley (volleyball), Charlotte Ward (cross country), and Julia Schell (rugby) presented Celebrate Your Strengths – Be the Best You; Kaitlin Lowy (captain of the women’s hockey team) talked about The Power of Positivity & Perseverance; and Connor Black (OUA cross country individual champion) partnered with Lamenta to discuss Success: It’s A Winding Road.

Each presentation provided inspiration to the young students, who were awed by the decorated Gryphons.

“Our Gryphon athletes really understand that their commitment to the University of Guelph and this city isn’t limited to what they do on the field of play,” says Athletics Director Scott McRoberts. “They have embraced the opportunity to have an impact on this community and Believe to Achieve is a great example of how that is possible. The thoughtful presentations our Gryphons have put together really allow them to connect with these kids.

We want Believe to Achieve to be a national model for other universities to follow.”

The bond formed between the athletes and young students throughout Guelph is lasting.

“Hopefully, through sharing my story, I was able to inspire at least one student to follow their passion, whatever that may be, and never let setbacks stop them from reaching their goals,” says Lamenta. “Because success is a winding road.”

Some of our Believe to Achieve athletes pictured left. Top to bottom: Julia Schell, Jessica Gromley, Connor Black, Val Lamenta).

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“Mark was a dominant force right away,” says Jason Kerr, associate coach of Gryphon track and field. “He’s is the type of thrower who doesn’t just get by with brute strength. He can dunk a basketball, can run like a sprinter.

Mark is super powerful and athletic, an international-level talent. He’s got the physical gifts of an Olympic athlete.”

RISING STARS

BURKE BECHARD Burke Bechard was fearless in her debut OUA season.

The versatile rookie from Dover Centre, ON gave the Gryphons a little bit of everything, ranking second on the team in both scoring (10.8 points per game) and rebounds (6.4), in addition to leading the roster in steals at 2.4 per game. A tenacious defender and scoring threat who fights on every play, Bechard was named team MVP after a memorable first year.

“Burke’s influence is huge,” says Gryphons’ head coach Mark Walton.

“She pushes the level of the team higher just because of the way she competes. Everyone knows they’re better because of it. Nothing is more important to Burke than her teammates and the game itself.”

24 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

MARK BUJNOWSKI Mark Bujnowski came to the Gryphon track program with a reputation as a naturally strong, blue-chip prospect. The first-year thrower didn’t disappoint, earning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours after establishing himself as one of the country’s best in both the shot put and weight throw. The 6-foot-3 Aggie from Mount Brydges, ON was the nation’s top-ranked shot putter for most of the season and he completed the year in style by winning OUA gold and U SPORTS bronze in the shot put.

“Todd earned his success through work and execution,” says Gryphons’ head coach Shawn Camp. “In the playoffs, he really showed the kind of player that we have here. He rises to the occasion. For a young guy in his first year, he showed that he can be a big-time player.

The best part is that he’s a grounded, humble, thoughtful person. Exceptional people do special things. This is just the beginning of a great career for him.”

MORGAN BYNG Fierce is one of the best words that describes standout Gryphon rookie Morgan Byng. The Psychology student from Alliston, ON wasn’t a highly-touted recruit after an injury-plagued high school career. But Byng is an alpha female and competitive to the core, with the capability of being an international-class athlete. She showcased all of those qualities throughout a memorable debut season in which she was named OUA Rookie of the Year. She was part of the record-setting Gryphon 4x200m relay team that swept gold at the OUAs and nationals, the U SPORTS silver-medalist 4x400m team, and she won individual OUA bronze in the 300m.

“Morgan has an incredible internal, intrinsic drive,” says Gryphon track and field associate coach Jason Kerr. “It’s her greatest gift and curse. She will never quit, she will never stop. She will break the wall down if she needs to. Morgan is a phenomenally powerful, gifted young woman with a killer instinct like we haven’t seen.”

TODD WINDER The OUA is a tough league for first-year players.

But Guelph Gryphons’ rookie Todd Winder was an exception to that rule. The Uxbridge, ON native and former member of the OJHL’s Newmarket Hurricanes came to Guelph with a well-rounded game that featured speed, lateral mobility, and a quick release.

Those skills helped Winder find the back of the net with regularity, leading the Gryphons in both goals (18) and points (34) in 27 regular season games. The talented centre continued to shine in the playoffs, racking up six goals and four assists in just five games prior to being named the OUA West Rookie of the Year.

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ABORIGINAL SPORTS CAMPS “It’s great that we are giving aboriginal youth an opportunity on such a high level this early in the game.

It will help push them to chase any dreams of postsecondary sport and not be scared because they’ve already gotten a taste of it.

It’s an opportunity I hope continues in the future and that we ultimately see more aboriginal athletes in university.”- Quincy Sickles-Jarvis, Women’s Basketball

Quincy Sickles-Jarvis has experienced the benefit of participating in a sporting event that reflects her own heritage. The fourth-year member of the Gryphons women’s basketball team from London, ON was an eager participant in the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Saskatchewan. So when Sickles-Jarvis had the opportunity to mentor youth at the inaugural Aboriginal Sport Camp on her own Gryphon turf last August, she jumped at the chance.

Sickles-Jarvis was a notable Gryphon representative when 40 aboriginal girls and boys from across Ontario came to the U of G campus to take part in a three-day mini camp that featured elite hockey training, as well as guidance on leadership, strength and conditioning, and the mental side of sport. The Gryphon athlete, who has a grandfather from the Oneida Nations of the Thames and a grandmother from Kettle and Stony Point, helped with off-ice activities and led a team-building session. She also knows how a role model can positively impact a kid, referring to American aboriginal basketball player Shoni Schimmel as an influence in her athletic career.

The camp, which was partially funded by the provincial government as part of a push to provide elite sport development opportunities for aboriginal youth through the Truth and Reconciliation Agreement, centred on hockey skills training. Rachel Flanagan and Shawn Camp – head coaches of the Gryphon women’s and men’s hockey teams – put the 40 kids through a comprehensive three-day program that included power skating, puck skills, and shooting/passing drills.

Gryphon assistant coach Katie Mora said that it was incredible to see how the young athletes responded to the opportunity. Not only did they get to train at a high level, they were also able to experience student life on campus with classes, residence, and meal cards.

“It was really cool for us,” said Mora. “A lot of them had not been exposed to this type of environment before. Taking the time and providing them with these resources was something they weren’t used to.

“We were able to educate them on what’s out there and what university can offer. They loved it.”

26 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

student support network Varsity athletes are an at-risk group for mental health issues. In

hockey team from 2013 to 2017, Hamilton experienced his own

addition to the typical academic and personal challenges facing

mental health stresses, and saw teammates go through the same

university students, athletes train multiple hours per week,

thing.

experience pressure to perform, have to maintain their physical

“We’ve had some of our athletes show the courage to seek

health, and injuries can have a detrimental effect on their state

help when struggling this past year and that’s a step in the right

of mind. The Athletics Department at the University of Guelph,

direction,” Hamilton said. “The program will be continuing next

in conjunction with the campus’s Student Support Network,

year with the hope to have better accessibility through a new

implemented a Peer to Peer pilot program in 2017 to give its

location and an increase in the number of volunteers.”

athletes an additional resource for addressing mental health and wellness.

Hamilton said that mental health is becoming a bigger issue within athletics. Student-athletes are often perceived as strong

“We spend so much time on athletic therapy, strength and

figures, which might make them hesitant to step forward for help.

conditioning, nutritionists, everything for the body,” says

And that can lead to worse outcomes.

University of Guelph Athletic Director Scott McRoberts. “Mental,

“There is still such a long way to go to properly address this,”

physical and emotional health should be the target for these

Hamilton said. “We have to continue to research what is most

athletes. This is the last piece of the puzzle of a wholesome

effective for athletes and how best to support them in the

support model for athlete services. It’s too bad that this is often

academic environment where they do face those additional

the last piece thought of, because it’s one of the most crucial.”

stresses.”

Keith Hamilton, a member of the university’s new Student Support Network for Varsity Athletes, has spearheaded the project, which had drop-in hours at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

The U of G Psychology grad and former varsity hockey player researched the Peer to Peer model and concluded that it could be valuable for Gryphon athletes. As a goalie on the Gryphons’

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

Dave Scott-Thomas is the most decorated coach in the history of Canadian university sport. He added to his already legendary career by garnering several national honours during the 2017-18 season. After leading the Gryphon track and field teams to a sweep of the national titles in Windsor, Scott-Thomas was named the U SPORTS Coach of the Year in both men’s (Bob Boucher Award) and women’s (Sue Wise Award) track and field. He was also named the U SPORTS Coach of the Year in men’s cross country after guiding the Gryphons in Victoria to their 15th national title in men’s cross country. Over the course of his Gryphon coaching career, Scott-Thomas has now been recognized at the national level as

Dave scott-thomas

coach of the year, in either cross country or track and field, a record 33 times.

Cross Country

In his 13th season as head coach of the University of Guelph women’s volleyball program, Paul Funk spearheaded one of the greatest mid-season turnarounds in program history. After winning just once in their first nine matches, the Gryphons would win eight of their final 10 matches to go from out of the playoff picture, to the No. 3-seed in the OUA West Division. The dramatic turnaround not only resulted in a playoff appearance, but also a second consecutive OUA West Coach of the Year nod for Paul Funk, who has now received the honour three times during his Gryphon coaching career (2013-14, 2016-17 & 2017-18).

Paul Funk

Women’s Volleyball

For just the second time in program history, the Gryphons

men’s lacrosse coaches were recognized with the Coaching Staff of the Year award by the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA). Head coach Sam Kosakowski, in his 31st season with

sam kosakowski Men’s Lacrosse

Colette mcauley Women’s Rugby

28 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

the U of G men’s lacrosse program, helped guide the Gryphons to an 8-4 record during the regular season, good for third in the CUFLA West Division. In the playoffs, the Gryphons defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues in a Baggataway Cup Play-In Game to earn a spot at nationals, where they would go on to edge a tough Trent squad 12-11 in double OT before falling to Brock in the semifinals. Joining Kosakowski on the Coaching Staff of the Year are Offensive Coordinator Dan Cannon and Offensive Assistant Dan McIsaac, as well as assistant coaches Spencer Fraser-Steinbach and Anthony Joaquim.

For just the fourth time in University of Guelph history, a Gryphon coach has been named the OUA Female Coach of the Year. Women’s rugby head coach Colette McAuley joins a distinguished list of Gryphon coaches, which includes last year’s recipient Rachel Flanagan, head coach of the Gryphon women’s hockey team, as well as previous winners Angela Orton (women’s basketball, 2004-05) and Linda Melnick (women’s volleyball, 2002-03). McAuley received the conference-wide recognition at the OUA’s annual Honour Awards banquet held at the league’s Annual General Meeting. During the 2017 season, Colette led the Gryphons women’s rugby team to the program’s eighth OUA championship (and second straight) and became just the second rugby coach to earn the honour in the 20-year history of the award, joining Beth Barz of Queen’s (2013-14). In 11 seasons as head coach of the U of G women’s rugby program, McAuley has been named OUA Shiels Division Coach of the Year on four separate occasions (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017).

BRENDA WHITESIDE RETIRES

lifer has herself demonstrated throughout her time at the University, where she has held various teaching, advising and administrative roles. Although the Department of Athletics is just one of six departments that Brenda oversees, as a former Gryphon varsity athlete herself (Track), she is quick to admit that Athletics

You have set the size, leadi and alignment, create few columns and fiettingou have chosen.eadinfrom but Athletics has a particular soft spot,” says Whiteside, topargin tottg from top margin tottom opn tottg from whose daughter, Courtney, played five seasons of varsity women’s top margin tottom marg You have set the size, leadi soccer with the Gryphons (2011-2015). “I’ve always felt so and alignment, create few columns and fiettingou strongly about Athletics, I think in part because I’m such have chosen.eadinfrom topargin tottg from top a competitive person myself, but it’s such a great tool in margin tottom opn tottg You have set the size, leadi terms of team building and the pursuit of excellence on and alignment, create few columns and fiettingou and off the field of play.” have chosen.eadinfrom topargin tottg from top Off the margin field, Brenda has tottg helped manage some remarkable tottom opn from top margin tottom change at the University of Guelph when it comes to the overall margnd pll them with dummy text. Fople, andfrop infrastructure within the Department of Athletics, highlighted by mmargnd pll them dummy text. Fople, andfrop marg the recent opening of the $45-million Guelph Gryphons Athletics place some text in them settou have chosen.

Centre. “You really have to give credit to our students who dummy text. Fople, andfrop mmargnd pll them came through with the referendum questions to make dummy text. Fople, andfrop marg place some textin this possible. Obviously, we have spent a lot of time, nd pll them with dummy text. Fople, andfrop place effort and resources during this recent expansion, but some text in them settou have chosen. has a special place in her heart. “I love all of my departments,

Brenda & daughter Courtney (Guelph Gryphons Soccer All-Star)

Brenda Whiteside can vividly recall the first Gryphon varsity game she attended after being named the University of Guelph’s Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs). It was a typical, cold Canadian November day. What Brenda soon realized, however, was that there was nothing typical about the student-athletes she was watching.

“One of the first games I went to after getting this job was a women’s rugby final,” says Whiteside, who after over 30 years of service at the University of Guelph, announced she would be retiring in the summer of 2018. “The game took place at the stadium and it was freezing cold. I was all bundled up with my hat and scarf and big winter coat. And the crowning moment for me was when it came time to hand out the medals. I remember it took a while to get things set up but these young women didn’t show any signs of being cold whatsoever. Nobody went to grab a coat or throw on some pants. They just stayed out there in their shorts and short-sleeve shirts and I thought to myself, ‘holy crap, this is a whole different breed.’ That was my first experience with women’s rugby and I’ve got to say, since that day, women’s rugby continues to be one of my favourite sports to watch.”

The same level of dedication and commitment which Brenda witnessed that day on the rugby pitch is something the Gryphon

I’ve always believed that it’s not the bricks and mortar that make this place special, it’s the people,” says Whiteside.

“We take great care in selecting our coaches who, in turn, focus on recruiting high-character student-athletes.

To me, that’s what makes our varsity programming successful. And while the growth of our facilities has been staggering, the spirit has always remained the same, even from when I was a student here 40 years ago. Athletics has always been about connecting communities and providing students with a broad range of opportunities.”

THANK YOu, BRENDA!

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GRYPHONS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE #GryphonsGiveBack

To be a Gryphon athlete means commitment to a team. It’s ingrained in the students that come to the U of G who participate in their chosen sport. But that understanding extends beyond the field of play and it’s a mindset that enables Gryphon athletes to make a significant impact on their surrounding community. The university’s varsity population did their part again throughout the 2017/18 season, providing their support for a number of meaningful causes.

One of the most popular days on the fundraising calendar is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph Bowl for Kids Sake event. The motto is a “change of shoes can change a life” and Gryphons from a wide variety of sports did exactly that back in March, raising

$11,000 for a fun day on the lanes at Woodlawn Bowl. This marked the ninth year that Gryphon athletes had participated with the running total of money raised surpassing the $100,000 mark.

30 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

“The money that we raise from Bowl for Kids Sake goes towards matching kids to the programs we offer,” said Jennifer Tremaine, Development Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph. “If we didn’t have a university to call upon for these amazing volunteers that step forward, we wouldn’t be able to offer these programs.

When the Gryphons raise $10,000-$15,000 per year, they are helping us maintain a match for 25 children in Guelph and the local areas.

As the varsity season wound down, the work of Gryphon athletes was far from done. In early April, the Guelph field hockey team held its annual Cut for the Cure fundraiser, a special event that not only raises money but provides hair to make wigs for cancer patients.

Former Gryphon Sam Anderson spearheaded the plan – and she had plenty of inspiration. In January of 2011, Anderson lost her good friend Megan McNeil, a singer from British Columbia, to a rare type of adrenal cancer. Like many events that have a meaningful impact, Cut for the Cure started small. But it has grown into an annual fundraiser that has

contributed $26,700 to Wellington Hospice and the Canadian Cancer Society over the last eight years.

“Cancer affects everyone in one way or another,” said Gryphon field hockey captain Rebecca Plouffe. “Cut for the Cure is important because it provides us the opportunity to help those battling cancer and others in our community by donating to these important organizations.”

Initiatives continue throughout the season with tireless work done on large campaigns like Think Pink, Shoot for the Cure, Bell Let’s Talk, International Women’s Day and the United Way. Gryphon athletes understand that success in this arena is just as important as the result of any competition.

$26.7K

RAISED IN 8 YRS!

$100,000 RAISED TO-DATE

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Most embarrassing song you know all of the words to

Favourite part of game day

something you’re good at that might surprise people

Ideal celebrity neighbour

Getting to know YOU: GRYPHON ATHLETES

Pre-game jam sessions with my team

‘Yakko’s World’ from the show Animaniacs

Any dancing video game

Matt Baxter Men’s Volleyball

‘Push It’

Salt-N-Pepa

Being in the dressing room with all my teammates listening to pregame music and of course being on the ice

Dr aw ing Florida Georgia Line - because how fun would that be?

Molly Crossman Women’s Hockey

Samantha AndersoN

I’m not sure I confidently know the words to any songs but that doesn’t stop me from singing along and messing all of them up, which is pretty embarrassing.

Women’s Swimming

When you wake up and feel your heart beating, adrenaline flowing and you smile because even though you’re nervous you know how exciting this day is going to be and how much potential it holds.

Gordon Ramsay That way I can go to his barbecues and eat all of his food

The Blake Lively/ Ryan Reynolds family

I’ve done lots of other sports and I enjoy doing art/ photography.

= family GOALS

Creating animation ‘A Thousand Miles’ Vanessa Carlton

Banky Alade Men’s Basketball

32 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

...I have seen “White Chicks” too many times

Either the pregame nap or the postgame celebration after a big win.

Mark Cuban (he has a basketball court in his house)

Study tips for rookies

First thing you buy for yourself after winning the lottery

Favourite Netflix show

Pregame music

It can range anywhere from jazz to heavy-metal.

Anything that has Bob Ross in it

Manage your time and plan your day!

Don’t leave things till last minute, plan ahead

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Stay on top of your work from the very beginning of the year. Get to know your professors because they can be a huge help and they are not as scary as they may seem.

To stay on top of it constantly and don’t allow the work to pile up on you all at once.

Have your studying time broken down during midterm and final times.

Most impressive meal you can cook

A pan-seared steak sandwich Take my family and friends on a trip around the world!

I’d buy back my old cottage.

Depends if we are talking about a billion dollars lotto max, then definitely a plane.

But if not a beach house in Florida.

Gossip Girl, This Is Us, Riverdale, Suits, The Town, Money Heist.

x

3

I’ve watched it three times all the way through already.

Drake: pretty much anything, Needed me, Desperado, Only, Barbie Tingz, Chun-Li, Colours, Gasoline, Fire, Trainwreck 1979, Childhood Dreams, More Than You Know.

Anything by Roy Woods, Chris Brown, Frank Ocean or Drake for big games, but for every other game the music choice doesn’t really matter to me.

“Stop thinking so much and just play!”

“Never stop working”

Flo Rida or anything up-beat

A cottage in Muskoka, then a boat

Best coaching advice you’ve received

Peanut butter and Jelly, I never mess that one up.

I’m definitely not a great cook at all but I’m learning and I’m starting to learn how to make spaghetti pretty well so probably that.

“There is no improvement through avoidance” - A. Swanston

“Don’t let your highs get you too high and don’t let your loss get you too low.”

Men’s Basketball HC Chris O’Rourke

I think those words are important because they help keep me focused and understand that there is a bigger goal to accomplish.

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POWER OF PLACE GUELPH GRYPHONS ATHLETICS CENTRE It can be difficult to close the doors on a building that has created so many memories. For Gryphon athletes, students, alumni, and staff, the W. F. Mitchell Athletics Centre was a place where history was made.

But the alternative has certainly softened the blow. When the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre fully opened in June of 2017, an incredible new era was ushered in at the U of G. The state-of-the-art jewel of Guelph’s athletic facilities has transformed the campus sporting and fitness culture. People are drawn in for events, workouts, intramurals, kids’ camps, or a simple rest and snack in the cozy U of G Alumni Association Student Lounge.

For the regulars in the building, the new routine has been life-altering.

“Although we miss the old Mitchell gym for its intimate atmosphere, moving into the new facility has been amazing,” says men’s basketball coach Chris O’Rourke. “It’s a great recruiting tool and our new team room is incredible to say the least. We’re getting more comfortable in the new gym and strive for it to be a tough place for our opponents to play.”

The events centre is more than just a fantastic court to compete on – Gryphon basketball and volleyball games are now must-see events, a family-friendly destination for the community. The raucous crowds have a better game experience with innovations like the Dance Cam on the interactive four-sided scoreboard or young Gryphon fans running around the upper-level track.

The GGAC has also impacted campus wellness. The added space and equipment in the fitness centre, program rooms, and the rock-climbing wall in the lobby means the facility is improving lives for U of G students and members eager for some activity.

Emily Zakrajsek is one of them. The DVM student and fitness instructor has an exhausting schedule but her time at the GGAC is often the highlight of a long day.

“Taking those couple hours to tune out of school mode and move my body, whether it’s teaching a class or just spending time in the centre on my own makes a world of difference,” says Zakrajsek, who camped out in the lounge for several consecutive days while studying for her veterinary licensing exam. “And not only for my physical health, but also my mental wellbeing.”

This is the power of place.

34 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

FEATURES

200M

WALKING TRACK

Walking Track – 200m 3-lane Walking

Track

Meeting Rooms – Large and small meeting rooms are available to rent Active Kids – We offer a variety of

summer, March Break and PD Camps year round

Social Spaces – 8000 square feet of

social space including new student and VIP lounge

2,200 seat event centre - Features one of the only 4-sided video boards at a University in the entire country 3 Changerooms – Accommodating over 1,300 more lockers!

22,000 sqft fitness centre – Housed on two floors and contains a full range of fitness equipment Over 97 Fitness Classes – Everything from Zumba to TRX®

Rock Climbing Wall – Tops out at 40ft and offers 11 belay stations and dozens of routes to choose from Active Kids – We offer a variety of

40 FT

ROCK WALL

summer, March Break and PD Camps year round

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Imagery Š 2017 Google Maps

on home soil The University of Guelph is home to some of the finest athletic facilities in Canada. It was another fantastic year of hosting on campus as visitors from every corner of the globe descended on Guelph, getting a taste of what Gryphon events are all about.

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

36 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

They were nine memorable days on the University of Guelph campus last summer. From Aug. 4 to 12, the university hosted competitors from all across the globe for the World Dwarf Games. The annual event, which began in 1993 and is held every four years, is the largest of its kind for individuals with dwarfism and open to all ages. The 420 international athletes representing 19 countries, ranging from six years old to over 65, put on a show in what was the biggest World Dwarf Games ever.

The events included archery, badminton, basketball, marksmanship, swimming, powerlifting, track and field, kurling (a form of curling), floor hockey, boccia, table tennis, soccer, and volleyball. And the university’s state-of-the-art facilities provided the perfect venue to showcase the array of skills from the girls, boys, women and men who competed.

Guelph was selected for its central location but also because of the city’s reputation as a caring, open community. Athletes were comfortably housed in campus residences, were provided with golf cart shuttles to August 4-12, 2017 arrive at events, and had access to meals in the University Centre. “The welcome from the Guelph community was overwhelming for many of the visitors and past organizers said it will be a hard Games to beat,” said Games representative Heather Anderson.

World Dwarf Games

It was the first of its kind – a national tournament to crown the best university men’s rugby team in Canada. And the University of Guelph’s status as one of the preeminent rugby schools in the country made it the perfect host. The inaugural six-team event held from Nov. 16-19 included West Coast powerhouses the UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes, both members of the B.C. Premiership, the Concordia Stingers, UPEI Panthers, and two OUA representatives in the McMaster Marauders and the 2016 conference champion Gryphons.

The sides had to brave the harsh elements on the open turf at Alumni Stadium but the tournament was a huge success. The first day showcased the power of UBC and Guelph, as the Thunderbirds defeated Concordia 46-0 and the Gryphons overwhelmed UPEI 66-0. McMaster debuted Friday with a 38-11 win over the resilient Stingers, while Victoria showed their class rolling past UPEI 95-0. Saturday provided the signature match of the event. UBC began the day beating McMaster 38-6 but the second November 16-19, 2017 match, between Victoria and the host Gryphons was a classic. Guelph’s star fly half John Sheridan booted a 32-yard penalty kick in the 35th minute to give the hosts an 11-6 lead. They would defend with all of their hearts as the Vikes pushed most of the second half, eventually scoring a try in the dying seconds to tie the match. The convert was no good and though the memorable affair ended 11-11, the Vikes advanced to the final against UBC because of point differential in pool play. The exhausted Gryphons had nothing left for the bronze medal match, losing 28-3 to McMaster, while UBC was crowned national champion following a decisive 37-12 win over their provincial rival in the gold medal game.

Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championships

The University of Guelph, with the help of Rugby Canada, was a top-notch host. Gryphons Blake Aram and Kolby Francis were named to tournament Dream team. And the inaugural event provided an additional focus for rugby schools. “We have a new goal to shoot for,” said Guelph coach Cory Hector. “It was always win the OUA final and now we have to look bigger than that. And how do we compete nationally year after year. It gives us a new standard to hit and we’ll be looking forward to that.”

The Ontario Agricultural College is a significant piece of the University of Guelph’s rich history. And the Gryphons men’s hockey team is always eager to honour the past and present students of the renowned college.

The annual Aggies Night game back on Nov. 2 had massive crowd of OAC students and alum, who were treated to a special one as the Gryphons defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 4-1 at the Gryphon Centre Arena. “We appreciate what our Aggie students bring to this university,” said head coach Shawn Camp. “And how we played symbolizes what they’re all about – where they go one, they go all.”

Immediately after OAC Dean Rene Van Acker dropped the puck at the ceremonial faceoff, the Gryphons brought it to Toronto, outskating, outhitting and ultimately, outscoring the visitors. Second-year winger Marc Stevens was the hero, registering a hat-trick in what turned out to be an emotional game for he and his brothers, teammate Michael, and Justin, a first-year assistant coach with the team. Their father Larry November 2, 2017 Stevens was in attendance but mom Pat was away at a memorial service for their grandfather Desio Lucente, who had passed away in the summer. So the Aggies weren’t the only ones who got a tribute on a special night. “It was great to be able to score a few goals for him,” said Stevens. “I know he was watching.”

Aggies Night

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U SPORTS ALL-CANADIANS 2017-18 U SPORTS First Team All-Canadians Connor Black Gabe Ferraro Andrew Pickett Julia Schell Mostafa Elkurdy

Levi Fretz Josh Kellier Tommy Land Andrew Leblanc Morgan Byng

Cross Country Football Football Rugby Track & Field

Tessa Hamilton Track & Field Sarah Hammond Track & Field Maja Naruszewicz Track & Field Shyvonne Roxborough Track & Field x 2 Jenna Smith Track & Field

Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field x2 Track & Field Track & Field

U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadians Mark Patton Danielle Jossinet Jacob Scarfone Kylie Shaughnessy Jace Kotsopoulos Sean Cate Mark Emode

Thomas Nedow Jordan Bates Morgan Byng Lauren D’Agnolo Dana Earhart Tessa Hamilton Sadie-Jane Hickson

Cross Country Cross Country Football Rugby Soccer Track & Field Track & Field

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

Kendra Leger Olivia Romaniw Zoe Sherar Jenna Smith Charlotte Ward Alexander Chaves Gracelynn Doogan

Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling

U SPORTS All-Canadians Rebecca Plouffe

Field Hockey

U SPORTS Major Award Winners Dave Scott-Thomas Colette McAuley Mark Bujnowski Dave Scott-Thomas Tommy Land

Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Women’s Rugby Coach of the Year Men’s Track & Field Rookie of the Year Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Men’s Track Outstanding Athlete of the Year

Tommy Land Dave Scott-Thomas Dave Scott-Thomas

Men’s Track & Field Outstanding Athlete of the Meet Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year

U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians 2016-17 NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

Basketball Haley Belyk Megan Brenkel Jake Chaput Abbey Clark Aaron Nugent Samantha Renshaw Johnathan Wallace

BCOM.MKMN BSCH.BIOM BSCH.HK BSCH.HK BCOM.MKMN BSCH.MFB BAH.CJPP-POLS

Wrestling Colin Dempsey Rhiannon Digweed James Hunter Gabriel Laplante Natassya Lu Heather Petrick Chelsey Sicard Mitchell Ubene

BSCH.BIOM

BASC.CYF BCOM.ACCT:C BENG.BME BAH.PSYC-CJPP BENG.MECH BLA BSCH.BIOM BENG.BIOL BENG.ENVE BSCH.BIOS BAG.ARTS BSCH.BTOX

Soccer cont.

Samantha Taylor BSCH.ABIO Sara Van den akker BASC.ADEV Christina Woloszczuk BSCH.BIOS

Cross Country Sophia Herrera

Hockey Katherine Bailey Laura Crowdis Bryn Ferris Keith Hamilton Valerie Lamenta Claire Merrick Kassondra Pedenko Cyan Roepcke Peter Soligo Brittany St. James Michael Stevens MacKenzie Wong Rugby Megan Acheson Ashton Barton Taylor Durham Elizabeth George Amara Hill Mikhaila Irving Stephanie Lapointe Emilie Nicholl Samantha Roy Kylie Shaughnessy

BSCH.ABIO BSAG.AGRS BSCH.HK BSCH.EGG-ECOL BSES.UND:C BAH.SART-SOC BLA BSCH.BIOS BSCH.PBC-NEUR BSCH.BIOM

Soccer Nicole’R Brown-Shaw Danielle Canhoto Andrea Cimino Allison Clouse Sydney Holden Ann-Carolyn Lang Sarah Magalhaes Monica Morgan Danielle Sauve Josh Seguin Kristina Strojin Megan Sullivan

BSCH.PBC-NEUR BSCH.BIOM BSCH.BIOM BSCH.HK BSCH.BIOM BASC.AHN BSCH.HK MA.PI BASC.CYF BENG.BME:C BSCH.BIOS BSCH.BIOM

Cross Country/Track & Field Katelyn Ayers BSAG.AGRS Connor Black BSCH.HK Mostafa Elkurdy BENG.ENVE:C Cheryse Mitton BSCH.HK Kelsey Serviss BSES.ERM:C Andrew Shepherd BENG.BIOL Liam Stiles BSCH.HK Charlotte Ward BSES.ENVS Sophia Watts BSAG.AGRS Caelum Wishart BLA Field Hockey Jessica Ballard Lauren Dewar Nicole Paola Rebecca Plouffe Elizabeth Pritchard Melissa Vogl

BSES.ERM BAG.ARTS BAH.CJPP BSCH.BIOS BAH.PSYC BENG.WRE

Football Justis Croasdale Derek Drouillard Orion Edwards Corey Flude Daniel Urbshas

BAH.PSYC BAH.PSYC-FCS BAH.CJPP-FCS MSC.PA BAH.CJPP

38 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

Swimming Emily Anzai Daniel Barros Sasha Boulton Mikhail Dereviankin Aysu Gundogan Andrew Misner Evan Van moerkerke Julia Veidt Myles Zagar

BASC.ADEV BSCH.MFB BENG.BME BSCH.BPCH BCH.CS BBRM.EM BSAG.CHAT ND.AS BENG.MECH

Track & Field Jordan Bates Shawn Beaudoin Emily Bowerman Nicholas Earle Alison Fung Sarah Hammond Hailey Hitchings Austin Marchese Chisomo McHaina Maja Naruszewicz Vanessa Oliver Graham Pitfield Clare Thompson Graeme Thompson

BCOM.MKMN BLA BLA BCOM.LOM MBIOT.BIOT:L BASC.AHN BSCH.BIOM BSCH.BPCH MPH.PHLT:L BASC.CYF BSCH.ABIO BENG.MECH BSCH.BIOS GSTU

Volleyball Chelsea Bott David Duhan Jessica Gormley Samuel Kloke Leslie Ogilvie Gregory Olejnik Jakson Paterson

BASC.AHN MPLAN.RPD:L BSCH.BIOM BSCH.EGG BSCH.HK BCOM.MKMN:C BENG.BIOE

BASC.ADEV BAH.SART-MS BENG.UND BSCH.HK BLA BSCH.BIOM-NANS BSCH.BTOX BENG.UND

*Academic U SPORTS and OUA Academic Award recipients are released each September for the previous season of play

OUA All-Stars 2017-18 OUA All-Stars Rebecca Plouffe Julia Cenedese Lauren Mack Jade Marrow Andrew McDonald Robert Simpson-Spook Elise Huet Kaitlyn Dennis Carly Zanatta Jordan Hofstra Kyle Lagasca Erich Milne John Sheridan Marcello Wainwright

Field Hockey Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Nordic Nordic Rowing Rowing Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

OUA First Team All-Stars Connor Black Josh Kellier Gabe Ferraro Nick Parisotto Andrew Pickett Jacob Scarfone Mark Bujnowski Sean Cate Mark Emode Levi Fretz Josh Kellier Tommy Land Andrew Leblanc James Muharrem Mark Patton Graeme Thompson Morgan Byng Lauren D-Agnolo Marissa DuBois

Cross Country Cross Country Football Football Football Football Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field x 3 Track & Field x 2 Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field

Sarah Hammond Maja Naruszewicz Shyvonne Roxborough Zoe Sherar Jenna Smith Job Reinhart Gracelynn Doogan

Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling

OUA Second Team All-Stars Mark Patton Andrew Shepherd Mitchell Ubene Danielle Jossinet Sarah Wismer Hannah Woodhouse Eric Starczala Marc-Anthony Manion Nicholas Striker Matthew Vihant Linnea Knutsson Kelly Gribbons Kaitlin Lowy Phil Vranic Jackson Cheung Mostafa Elkurdy Mark Emode Thomas Nedow Mitchell Torres Arabella Alton Jordan Bates Morgan Byng Dana Earhart Tessa Hamilton Sarah Hammond Sadie-Jane Hickson Danielle Jossinet

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

Kendra Leger Olivia Romaniw Shyvonne Roxborough Jenna Smith Charlotte Ward Alexander Chaves Daniel Humphrey Elvir Uzunovic Chelsey Sicard

Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling

OUA West Division First Team All-Stars Josh McFadden Scott Simmonds Cody Thompson Jace Kotsopoulos Youssef Zaghloul Libby Brenneman Nicole Brown-Shaw Alex Curran Michaela Hellinga

Hockey Hockey Hockey Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball

OUA West Division Second Team All-Stars Zachary Rushe Ian Vidovich Andrea Cimino Kendrick Kerr Zachary Newman Libby Donevan

Soccer Soccer Soccer Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball

OUA Shiels Division All-Stars Madison Brattan Emilie Nicholl Chloe Runge Julia Schell Kylie Shaughnessy

Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby

CUFLA Lacrosse West Division All-Canadians Mike Berger Justin Martin Liam Patten

Lacrosse Lacrosse Lacrosse

OUA All-Rookie Team Burke Bechard Jared Beeksma Ryan Isenor Sandor Mod Kosi Onyeka

Basketball Football Football Football Football

OUA West All-Rookie Team Mathieu Henderson Andrew Masters Todd Winder Zarko Ubiparip Tara Tanasijevic

Hockey Hockey Hockey Volleyball Volleyball

OUA Major Awards 2017-18 Dave Scott-Thomas Dave Scott-Thomas Dave Scott-Thomas Connor Black Rebecca Plouffe Claire Merrick Todd Winder Sam Kosakowski + staff Hayden Walsh

OUA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year OUA Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year OUA Men’s Cross Country MVP OUA Women’s Field Hockey MVP OUA Women’s Hockey Most Sportsmanlike Award OUA Men’s Hockey West Division Rookie of the Year CUFLA Coaching Staff of the Year – Men’s Lacrosse CUFLA Most Valuable Goalkeeper – Men’s Lacrosse

Colette McAuley Sara Van Den Akker Mark Bujnowski Mark Emode Tommy Land Morgan Byng Paul Funk Job Reinhart

OUA Women’s Rugby Shiels Division Coach of the Year OUA Women’s Soccer Community Service Award OUA Men’s Track & Field Rookie of the Year OUA Men’s Track & Field Community Service Award OUA Men’s Track & Field Overall Most Valuable Performer OUA Women’s Track & Field Rookie of the Year OUA Women’s Volleyball West Division Coach of the Year OUA Men’s Wrestling Most Outstanding Wrestler

OUA Academic Award Recipients 2016-17 NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

NAME PROGRAM

Baseball Jordon Inkol BSCH.BIOM Kyle Carey BCOM.ACCT

Golf Lindsay Crawford Madeline Decorso Breanna Shannon Jon Nguyen-Galbraith

MSC.ABSC:L BCOM.LOM BAH.PSYC BAH.ECON

Lacrosse Shayla Larson Charly Guatto Nicole Gastle Victoria Flood Carly Stephens Megan Payler Olivia Kaminski

MSC.MCB BSCH.BIOS BSCH.BIOM BSCH.BIOS BSCH.ZOO BAH.POLS BSES.ENVS

Nordic Skiing Mariah Hudec PHD.LSTS Celeste Noble BSCH.BIOM Madeline Aarts BSCH.BIOM Elise Huet BENG.MECH:C Laryssa Kemp BENG.BME Allison Lull BSCH. ABIO Ashley Huet BENG.BME:C Raylan Stroud BSCH.MFB Megan Smith BENG.BME:C Kai Bruce BSES.EEP Lucas Parsons BENG.WRE:C Michael Solomon BSCH.HK Robert Simpson-Spook BCOM.MEF David Laurie BSES.ENVS

Rowing Kerin Hudson Olivia Shotyk Megan Kamachi Carly Zanatta Siobhan Mellors Kaitlyn Dennis Harriet Minc Alexander Boland

BSCH.BIOS BLA BENG.BME:C BSCH.FOOD BSCH.ABIO BSCH.BIOS BAH.GEOG BSCH.BIOM

Men’s Rugby Adam Maahs Jeremy Seed Christopher Gray Zachariah Lockhart Scott Sopel Benjamin Wust Devin King

PHD.CHEM BSCH.BIOM BSCH.BIOM BSCH.HK BCOM.MEF:C BCOM.MEF BENG.MECH

Figure Skating Victoria Ambrose Katelyn Graham MacKenzie Wilson Jade Marrow Melanie Beck Leeann Duncan Rylee MacGregor Isabel Zak Andrew McDonald Kelsey Sobkowich Lauren Mack Gavin Hossack

BAS BAH.SART BSCH.BIOM BSCH.HK BASC.AHN BSCH.HK BSCH.BIOS BSCH.BIOM BSCH.BIOM BASC.AHN BSCH.BIOS BSCH.ZOO

*Academic U SPORTS and OUA Academic Award recipients are released each September for the previous season of play

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

SEPTEMBER

MONDAY

3

SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY

13

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY

21

SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY

22

THURSDAY

27

O-WEEK GAME - FOOTBALL GM

Alumni Stadium

Gryphons vs York — 1PM

homecoming ticket sale Gryphon Field House

Doors open at 9AM Tickets go on-sale 11AM

30th gryphon hall of fame

Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre Events Centre — 6-10:30PM

homecoming - football GM Alumni Stadium

Gryphons vs Queen’s — 1PM

ridgetown showdown East-Kent Memorial Arena Gryphons vs U of T — 7PM

Please note, this is an off-campus, pre-season game.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

SATURDAY

13

OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY

17

OCTOBER

SATURDAY

20 40 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

think pink - football GM Alumni Stadium

Gryphons vs Toronto — 1PM

In support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Enchanted: masquerade fashion show Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Charity event in support of She’s Got Game fundraiser

COMMUNITY DAY - FOOTBALL GM Alumni Stadium

Gryphons vs Waterloo — 1PM

TBD JANUARY

FRIDAY

11

JANUARY

THURSDAY

24

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

9

FEBRUARY

SUNDAY

10

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

16

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

16

MARCH

WEDNESDAY

28

AGGIES NIGHT- m hockey GM Gryphon Centre Arena

jam the gym - m&W basketball GM Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Gryphons vs McMaster — W 6PM / M 8PM

The Frosty Mug - m hockey GM Sleeman Centre, Guelph

Gryphons vs Laurier — 7PM

she’s got game - m&W basketball GM Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Gryphons vs Waterloo — W 6PM / M 8PM In support of women’s athletics.

she’s got game - m&W VOLLEYBALL GM Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Gryphons vs Waterloo — W 6PM / M 8PM In support of women’s athletics.

she’s got game - W HOCKEY GM Gryphon Centre Arena

Gryphons vs Toronto — 2PM

Charity event in support of women’s athletics

she’s got game gala Creelman Hall, U of G

Charity event in support of women’s athletics

2018-19 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:

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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Naming Right Corporate Partners

Gryphon Performance Centre

VIP Suite Recruitment Luncheon

Gryphon Leadership Academy

Premier Partners

car insurance

A DIRECT TRAVEL® COMPANY

Associate Partners

Food & Beverage Partners

Hotel & Conference Centres

42 2017-18 GRyphFan connected

Fundraising Properties

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS! Scholarship Partners

Media Partners

Charity & Awareness Partners

Advertising Partners

National Advertising Partners

University Sports Publications

Jr Gryphon Partners

gryphons.ca

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44 2017-18 GRyphFan connected