ALGOMA UNIVERSITY 2012-13 ATHLETIC AWARDS

On Saturday evening, Algoma University and the George Leach Centre (GLC) recognised the hard work, dedication, skill, and academic achievements of their Thunderbird varsity athletes at the Annual Athletics Banquet, at the Croation Hall. The banquet honoured top performers in basketball, soccer, cross-country running, and curling.

Amongst the elite performers were Corina Bruni and Daniel Scarpino, who were deemed Female Student-Athlete of the Year and Male Student-Athlete of the Year, respectively. Bruni, who is graduating this year, was this year's Lady Thunderbirds leading scorer, named an OCAA West Region First-Team All-Star, and was also recognised by the CCAA as an All-Canadian.  Scarpino, a first-year psychology student, was a proficient scorer and captain of the men's soccer team, who conducted himself in a positive manner on and off the soccer pitch. Dan also ran on the cross country running team, placing 46th overall at provincials, the best position ever for the Thunderbirds.  

Patrick Murray was also inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame for his contributions to Thunderbirds athletics in basketball. He played for five years with the Thunderbirds from 2006-11, and made four appearances at the OCAA championship. He was also an OCAA men's basketball provincial silver medalist in 2007-08, named an OCAA First-Team All-Star in 2009-10, and OCAA Second-Team All-Star in 2008-09, and again in 2010-11. He was also the University's Male Athlete of the Year for five consecutive years. Murray is now an assistant coach of the Lady Thunderbirds team, and plays in the annual alumni basketball game during Homecoming. He has also been instrumental in organising the annual "Cancer Awareness" game.

The atmosphere was one of celebration, as the University not only commended this year's achievements in sports, but also the movement from the OCAA to the OUA in the fall. Come September, the University will be competing against other universities in Ontario. President of the OCAA and Athletic Director of Fleming College, Fred Batley, and Executive Director of the OCAA, Blair Webster, were in attendance to commend the University's contribution to the OCAA, and recognise the outstanding performances by its athletes.

Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Corina Bruni (Women's Basketball)

Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Daniel Scarpino (Cross Country Running, Men's Indoor Soccer)

Dr. Lukenda Service Award
Johanna Kroetsch (Cross Country Running)

Thunderbird Wall of Fame Induction
Patrick Murray

Women's Indoor Soccer
Rookie of the Year: Emily Waters
Best Defensive Player: Samantha Mitchell
Most Improved: Hillary Rock
Coach's Award: Elle Sare
MVP: Taylor Smith

Men's Indoor Soccer
Rookie of the Year: Sultan Alanazi
Best Defensive Player: Nick Palazzi
Most Improved: Dan Bachynsky
Coaches Award: Brandon Syms
MVP: Dan Scarpino

Women's Curling
Most Improved: Chelsea Steele
Coaches Award: Kara Colynuck

Men's Curling
Most Improved: Jessie Chiang
Coaches Award: Brandon Neil and Nick Klein
MVP: Ethan Jordbro

Cross Country
Rookie of the Year: James Pereira
Most Improved: Jan Ritchie
Coaches Award: Arianna Christenson
MVP: Anna Stilin

Women's Basketball
Rookie of the Year: Karissa Kajorinne
Best Defensive Player: Team
Most Improved: Carlie Manners
Coaches Award: Meagan Delfre
MVP: Corina Bruni

Men's Basketball
Rookie of the Year: Samy Mohammed
Best Defensive Player: Mark Wortham
Most Improved: Joseph Tubbs
Coaches Award: Joey Puddister
MVP: Jon Gordon

Graduating Student-Athletes Thunderbird Award
Ethan Campbell
Aaron Jackson
Jovain Wilson
Corina Bruni
Meagan Delfre
Brianna Mandolesi

OCAA All-Academic Awards
Yusif Abdurrahim
Corina Bruni
Ethan Campbell
Meagan Delfre
Colin Elder
Ashley Hunter
Arja Liisa-Gallo
Tina Newell
Jennifer Pearson
James Pereira
Elspeth Sare

Highest Academic Achievement for Each Sport
Corina Bruni - Women's Basketball
Ethan Campbell - Men's Basketball
James Pereira - Cross Country
Tina Newell - Women's Indoor Soccer
Colin Elder - Men's Indoor Soccer
Jennifer Pearson - Women's Curling
Brandon Neil - Men's Curling

Source: Algoma University