Dignitaries from the University joined coaches, sports therapists and more than 500 athletes from York’s 29 teams to honour York’s sports stars at the 35th Annual Interuniversity Sport Awards Banquet last week.
Here are some of the key award winners:
Male Athlete of the Year – John Zubyck (Track and Field)
Zubuck had an outstanding season with the Yeomen track and field team. The fourth-year kinesiology and health science student captured the gold medal in the pole vault at both the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships. A CIS All-Canadian and an OUA All-Star, he was undefeated against CIS competition this season. Ranked number one in the CIS in the pole vault, Zubyck is one of just two vaulters in Canada to break the five-metre mark this year.
Female Athlete of the Year – Tasha Monroe (Track and Field)
Monroe had a tremendous year with the York track and field team. The third-year kinesiology and health science student won silver in the long jump and bronze in the high jump at the CIS National Championships. A CIS All-Canadian and an OUA All-Star, she won gold in the long jump, silver in the 4×200 metre relay, and bronze in the high jump and the 60 metres at the OUA Championships.
Male Rookie of the Year – Dan Eves (Basketball)
A first-year kinesiology and health science major, Eves started every game for the Yeomen basketball team this year and averaged almost 28 minutes per game. Second on the team in scoring with an average of 12 points per game, he was named both the OUA and CIS Rookie of the Year.
Female Rookie of the Year – Sophie Jutras (Badminton)
A graduate student in international studies, Sophie recorded an 11-1 singles record in league play and a 17-1 record overall with the York badminton team this season. York’s top ranked player, she was undefeated in both singles and doubles play at the OUA Championship.
Most Improved Team – Yeomen football
The team is this year’s most improved team. Last year, the team finished eighth in the OUA with a record of three wins and five losses. This year, the team improved its record to five wins and three losses finishing fourth in the OUA, the team’s highest finish since 1997. The Yeomen hosted the first home playoff game in team history and also recorded their first ever playoff victory. The York defence, which led the CIS in sacks and interceptions, was ranked number one in Ontario and was among the top five in Canada. Head coach Tom Gretes was named OUA Coach of the Year and Jeet Rana was selected as OUA Linemen of the Year.
For further information check the School of Kinesiology & Health Science Web site at http://www.yorku.ca/sprtyork/indexn.asp.