Lakehead Athletics held its annual varsity awards banquet at the Victoria Inn Friday night and among the major award winners were Stephen Hart of Nordic skiing, Katie Patroch of womens wrestling, Dan Speer of mens hockey, and Shannon Vellinga of womens basketball. Hart was named Male Athlete of the Year, Patroch Female Athlete of the Year, and Speer and Vellinga Freshman Athletes of the Year.
Another notable winner was hockey Captain Joel Scherban who was awarded the Hank Akervall Award as the student who best combines athletics, community service, and academics.
Hart, from Peterborough, Ont., had an incredible season; going undefeated in his OUA qualifying races and then again went undefeated at the OUA Championships where he was named Championships MVP and an OUA All Star for the second straight year as his team won its second consecutive OUA championship title. He then led his team to its second consecutive CIS-CCUNC national title and was again named an All Canadian.
Patroch, from London, Ont, had a very strong season winning bouts during the regular season meets and then taking silver at the OUA Championships. She was named an OUA Second Team All Star. She then did very well at the CIS national championships; taking a bronze medal.
Speer, from Thunder Bay, Ont., had a very strong regular season; notching 4 goals and 5 assists but then exploded in the playoffs for 3 goals and 6 assists and was a key part of Lakehead hockeys Queen Cup championship and CIS silver medal finish.
Vellinga, from Thunder Bay, Ont., was a highly touted recruit but surpassed her coachs expectations and had an incredible second half of the regular season and finished the season with 7.6 ppg and shot 48% from the field; 5th best in the OUA. Vellinga was named to the OUA West All Rookie Team for her stellar play.
Scherban ends his Lakehead hockey career as the all-time leading scorer in Lakehead hockey history as well as probably the most decorated athlete in Lakehead varsity history in terms of school, OUA conference, and CIS national awards.
Lakehead Athletics 2005-06 Award Winners:
Male Athlete of the Year: Stephen Hart
Female Athlete of the Year: Katie Patroch
Female Freshman Athlete of the Year: Shannon Vellinga
Male Freshman Athlete of the Year: Dan Speer
Hank Akervall Award: Joel Scherban
Argus Award: Erin Weir (Womens Volleyball)
Varsity Team Awards:
Mens Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Hackner
Most Improved Player: Kieran O'Rourke
Best Defensive Player: Chris Richards
Most Valuable Player: Scott Seeley
Womens Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Shannon Vellinga
Most Improved Player: Kathryn Verboom
Best Defensive Player: Debra Sandberg
Most Valuable Player: Tara Boyce
Most Valuable Player: Debra Sandberg
Mens Hockey:
Rookie of the Year: Matt Jacques
Most Improved Player: Mike Wehrestdt
Best Work Ethic Award: Drew Kivell
Best Defensive Player: Mike Jacobsen
Most Valuable Player: Joel Scherban
Womens Volleyball:
Rookie of the Year: Ashley Baer
Most Improved: Chantelle: Zanette
Corrine Kollman Award: Amanda Henderson
Coaches Award: Lindsey Johnson
Most Valuable Player: Erin Weir
Womens Wrestling:
Rookie of they Year: Leah Dougherty
Most Improved Player: Michelle Gorrie
Most Valuable Player: Katie Patroch
Mens Wrestling:
Rookie of the Year: Martin Sterlin
Most Improved Player: Andrew Elliot
Most Valuable Player: Chris Camarata
Frank Schaller Memorial Award: Andrew Elliot
Womens Cross Country:
MVP: Sarah Swan
Mens Cross Country:
MVP: Jon Balabuck
Womens Indoor Track:
MVP - Loriana Constan