VICTORIA - The University of Victoria handed out its major athletic awards at the Vikes Celebration of Champions Wednesday night, and women's soccer player Sarah Cameron came away the big winner as recipient of the prestigious President's Cup.
Cameron, a two-time All-Star and Academic All-Canadian, received the President's Cup as the outstanding senior athlete who best combines scholastic achievement and athletic ability. Meanwhile, Athlete of the Year awards were presented to CIS double gold medalist Geoff Martinson of the men's cross-country/track team and women's basketball CIS player of the year Kayla Dykstra.
Complete award winners listed below.
The Vikes used the evening to celebrate one of the most successful seasons in recent years. Six Vikes teams won championships, including national titles by women's golf and women's field hockey, six individuals won national titles, there were 28 Canada West All-Stars, 15 CIS All-Canadians and 29 athletes were named to National team rosters.
Prior to the athletic awards banquet, the Vikes also held the induction ceremony for the UVic Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2009. Those being inducted included four-time CIAU men's basketball champion Kelly Dukeshire, two-time All-Canadian and Olympic runner Carey Nelson and the 1983 Men's Rowing team varsity eight that sent eight members to the Olympic Games.
PRESIDENT'S CUP - Sarah Cameron
Cameron has led the women's soccer team to four straight appearances at the CIS Championships. The Victoria native has twice been named Canada West All-Star in recognition of her outstanding play on a defence that continually ranks amongst the league's best. The Recreation and Health Education major is also a two-time Academic All-Canadian and is an active member of numerous team fundraisers and community initiatives.
The other nominees were Logan Burke of the men's track team and 2007-08 recipient MacKenzie Downing of the swim team.
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Geoff Martinson
Martinson was recognized with his fourth consecutive Athlete of the Year award after leading the 4x800 relay team to a CIS four-peat at the track championships. The Prince George native also successfully defended his national title in the 1500m, to end his varsity career with six gold medals. Earlier in the year, Martinson placed seventh at the CIS Cross-Country championships.
The other nominees were striker Cole McFarlane of the men's soccer team and men's lightweight single rower Terry McKall.
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - Kayla Dykstra
Dykstra's dominating season with the women's basketball team saw her become the first Vikes player in over two decades to win the Nan Copp award as CIS MVP. The Calgary native was also Canada West MVP after leading the conference in points (18.6 p/g), rebounds (11.2 p/g) and shooting percentage (61.4%). In the final two weekends of the regular season, Kayla earned back-to-back honours as Canada West Athlete of the Week.
The other finalists were Marilyn Arsenault of women's cross-country/track, women's golfer Anne Balser, butterfly swimmer MacKenzie Downing and women's soccer defender Holly Fiddick.
MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Brett Beaukeboom
Beaukeboom was a rare exception as he was able to contribute to the men's varsity rugby team right out of high school. The Lindsay, Ont. native impressed the coaching staff and suited up for the varsity team as an 18-year old. The no. 8 displayed maturity and skill beyond his years and was named to Canada's Under-20 team.
The other finalist was men's swimmer Derek Doerksen.
FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Stephanie Parker
Parker was thrust into the starting role of the women's soccer team and would play an instrumental role in the Vikes post-season success. The Chemainus native posted three playoff shutouts and two shootout victories as the Vikes won the Canada West championship and made their fourth straight Nationals appearances. Parker was a Canada West All-Star and had a 0.68 goals against average.
The other finalists were women's field hockey midfielder Danielle Hennig and Julia Tschanz of the women's cross-country team.
CHANCELLOR'S AWARD - Ali Lee
Lee ended her five-year varsity career with the women's field hockey team as a CIS National Champion, but the legacy she leaves behind runs much deeper. The Victoria native was a four-time All-Canadian, team captain and also served as Varsity Council President. Lee has also been committed to growing the game through coaching, clinics and volunteer opportunities.
The other nominees were Mitch Gudgeon of the men's basketball team, Darren Mazzei of men's cross-country/track and women's soccer player Jackie Snell.
PROVOST AWARD - Tom Watson
Watson, of the men's rowing team, won the Provost Award after posting the highest academic average of returning student-athletes. The Winnipeg native had a grade-point average of 8.40 during the 2007-08 academic year, his second in UVic's Sciene program.
PUBLISHER'S AWARDS
There were three recipients of this year's Publisher's award, which recognizes those individuals within the community who have made an outstanding volunteer contribution to the Vikes varsity program. Moyra Brackley and Margaret Penning were recognized for their long-time support of the swim program and managing this year's Canada West Championship. Brenda Rushton received the award for her service to the women's field hockey team, and her role as technical coordinator for the UVic-hosted CIS Championships. Jim Goddard also received the award after serving as the RCGA Championships tournament chair and his work with the launching of the Vikes Junior Golf Tour.
