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Gala at the Regent honours PECI’s outstanding athletes

The grand stage of the Regent Theatre was the backdrop for Prince Edward Collegiate to honour its outstanding athletes of 2014-15.

Families, friends, peers, teachers and coaches applauded accomplishments. Athletic Director Laurie Spencer welcomed the audience and told supporters they should be proud.

“We as coaches have the pleasure of working with a group of very talented and committed young adults who learn to balance academics and athletics – a lesson that is incredibly valuable.

She noted thanks to administration and coaching staff for “their incredible commitment to the athletics program; the Athletic Council for its work… and the community and families supporting our students.”

“We had a huge years for PECI Athletics,” said Brett Abram, who emceed the event with Alex Tucker. In the year’s medal haul were six gold medals and nine silver medals at Bay of Quinte; two gold medals and four silver at COSSA and one gold at OFSAA.

Almost 50 per cent of students in grades nine and 10 are athletes; 31 per cent participate in Grade 11 and 41 per cent in Grade 12.  Forty per cent of PECI staff coach a team.
A celebration of championships saw coaches and entire teams take the stage to briefly recap accomplishments and honour players. He also thanked PECI’s Mallory Lindsay and Alumni Melissa Corbin for taking photographs.

Gymnastics-teamGYMNASTICS
Jen Canizaro and Lindsay Stakes – Most Valuable Players
This was the first year in many that PECI had a gymnastics team. What was meant to be a trial season turned out to surpass expectations with a small, but mighty team of seven athletes. The aerobic team placed third at Bay of Quinte in their first performance ever and all athletes earned a trip to COSSA where level 1 gymnasts placed second overall and a trip to OFSAA. MVP award to Jen Canizaro, who brought home a gold medal for PECI – the school’s first gold at OFSAA since 1998 – the year Canizaro was born. The second MVP was awarded to Lindsay Stakes who earned a fourth, fifth and 10th place finish at the highest level of competition.
Baseball-teamBASEBALL TEAM
Jordan Strachan – Most Valuable Player
Phil Sequin – Most Dedicated Player

The baseball team made it to OFSAA for the fourth time in five years.
Girls-hockeyGIRLS HOCKEY
Amber Miller and Cailey JonesMost Valuable Players
The girls hockey team made its first appearance at OFSAA and captured the Consolation Championship with a 4-1 win, finishing the tournament with a 4-1-1 to take fifth place.  Athletic Advisor Laurie Spencer thanked Glen Staley for taking the lead in creating medallions to be presented to the team members.
BasketballSR BOYS BASKETBALL
Brett Abram – Most Dedicated Player
Kevin Wilson – Most Valuable Player
The senior boys basketball team made it three straight COSSA silver medals. Abram, despite being on the IR for four weeks, attended every practice, travelled to away tournaments and didn’t miss a game. Our most dedicated player this year and for the past four years. The most shining moment for our Most Valuable Player Kevin Wilson, came during the COSSA semi-final where he single handedly took over the game, scored a season high 24 points and led his team to victory.
Track-and-FieldTRACK AND FIELD TEAM
Tristan Blakely – Most Improved Player.
Cody Woodward – Most Dedicated Player
Vanessa Willis earned a trip to OFSAA for shotput. Coaches Beth and Bob Bell presented her the Jeremy Vincent Award for an athlete showing excellence in Track and Field.

 

Panther-Top-Athletes-2015SENIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
CAILEY JONES – Cross Country, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer and Track and Field

Athletics Director Laurie Spencer noted Jones has represented PECI with pride and integrity over her high school career. “A multi-sport athlete, she brings intensity, drive and leadership to every practice and competition… She is a leader at school and in the community where she gives back through coaching and volunteering.”

SENIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
ANDREW DAYTON – Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Hockey and Baseball

Coach Hugh Cameron noted privilege in coaching Dayton “who has passionately worked to improve in all of his sports in his high school career… Working toward his goal was rewarded this spring when he signed a national letter of intent from Jefferson Community College where he will be playing College Baseball and pursuing kinesiology.”

JUNIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
VANESSA WILLIS – Basketball, Track and Field

Coach Rob Garden noted Willis is a fierce competitor and great teammate. “She expects greatness from herself and is more than willing to put in the effort to make it happen. … She knew she wanted to take the next step in her basketball career and play for the Kingston Impact Junior Elite team and she was disciplined, put in the work and made the team.”

JUNIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
JOHN McHUGH – Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball

“This young man is a coach’s dream,” said Andrew Holmes. “He is a quiet leader on and off the playing surface… and leads by example by being the first to practice, first to setup and first on a drill.

The Gd 9 Female Athlete of the Year was Brooke Roche – described as coachable, a listener, kind, strong, dedicated and able to be present in each moment, practice or game despite what else she had going on in a busy live off the court.
The Gd. 9 Male Athlete of the Year was Wyatt Gilbert
who was described as going above and beyond as the only five sport athlete in the school – cross country; soccer, basketball, badminton and track and field. The most impressive thing about this young man is he did all this while also being a member of the athletic council, volunteering with Panther Hoops and holding a 90 per average.

The Joe Scott Award for an athlete displaying specialized excellence in their event went to sprinter Cole Norton. He is currently ranked 9th in Canada for the 60m and third in Canada for the indoor 200m. In Grade 11 he was the provincial indoor champion for the 60 metres and qualified to run the New York City at the New Balance Nationals. He ran for Canada in Trinidad.

OPIE-AwardsThe OPIE Award, for unselfishly contributing to interschool sports, or the life of sports in the school, went to: Cole Norton, Riley Moss, Riley Bovay, Sam Marshall, Brett Abram, Alex Tucker, Blaine Swackhammer, Andrew Dayton and Brad O’Neil.

 

The following were honoured in individual sports by their coaches for Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player and Most Dedicated Player.

MOST IMPROVED AWARDS:

Cross Country
Abby Terpstra
New to the team this year, this athlete impressed her teammates with her focus during workouts and her hard work at competitions. This athlete understands the importance of physical fitness and strives to achieve her very best each and every day.

Jr. Girls Rugby
Brooke Roche
This player was new to rugby this year and took to it like a natural. She was committed and dedicated throughout the season, and put in the time and effort to become one of our most effective players, an incredible feat as a Grade 9 player new to the sport. She will be a big part of our rugby program for years to come.

Jr. Girls Basketball
Leah Matthews
As a Grade 9 player, this individual started the year very tentatively.  However, with confidence and experience she became our second leading scorer and really stepped up in the playoffs helping us earn a COSSA birth.  She was named MVP of her OBA team this past season and the sky is the limit for her.

Jr. Boys Volleyball
Braedan Kelly
This year’s Most Improved Player got better each time he stepped on the court. He worked hard on improving his game knowledge, passes, serves and net play. While not the most vocal guy on the floor, he has shown to be an excellent teammate.

Sr. Boys Volleyball
Jamie Ferguson
Choosing an athlete to receive the Most Improved Player award was a difficult choice as well.  I do strongly believe that this player stood out as a force and as he dedicated himself to practicing, became a larger part of our victories with each set that he played in.  I believe without a doubt, that with a few more years under his belt, this player would be a force to be reckoned with.

Jr. Boys Basketball
Jordan Stacey
As a first year grade 10 player, our Most Improved winner had a steep learning curve.  He started the year on the bench but as the year progressed, his intelligence and toughness earned him starting minutes.  We hope that this athlete continues to improve his game on the Brick Street courts because he will be counted upon heavily next season.

Jr. Girls Volleyball
Esther Prinzen
Stepping onto the court to represent PECI for her first time in her high school career, it was clear that this athlete was going to be a factor for our team.  Strong play at the net, and a solid and dependable first serve earned her a starting role and often she would begin each game serving for us.

Sr. Girls Volleyball
Marlee VanVlack
This year’s Most Improved Senior Girls Volleyball player, much to the coach’s surprise, did not even play volleyball last year. Right from day one, she worked hard in practice and earned herself a spot in the starting rotation. She quickly became one of the team’s best servers and defensive players, always pushing herself to play her best and asking what she could do better.

Jr. Badminton
Tessa Brant
Our Most Improved Badminton Player Award is given to an individual who played doubles last year and continued to pursue her personal interest in badminton by developing her skills in singles this year. She utilized her time well at practices and was very receptive to coaching.

Boys Rugby
Aiden Dubyk
Rugby is a very complex sport, especially for those who have never seen it played before!  Our most improved player was quick to learn his position.  His dedication to practices allowed him to acquire the skills he needed.   He took what he learned at practice he put it into play on the pitch.

MOST DEDICATED AWARD:

Cross Country
Cassandra Elliot
Committed, driven and intrinsically motivated.  These characteristics describe a talented athlete who led our team throughout the season with her dedication and drive to excel. While many people would cringe at the thought of racing 5km through the woods, our Panther managed to do just that with one shoe, after losing one in a tossle at the starting line of a big race.

Jr. Girls Rugby  
Olivia Crouse
This athlete embodies leadership and grit, two key traits of an exemplary rugby player. She missed very few practices, stayed late after most practices to hone her skills, and led her team in every game. She never shied away from contact even battling with injury.

Sr. Girls Rugby
Megan Foster and Megan Fincham
Two athletes were incredibly dedicated to our girls rugby program this year. The first (Foster) worked hard at every practice to improve her skills and knowledge of the game. She was a quiet leader on the field by setting a good example for her teammates. She was willing to play in any position and was fearless against any opponent using her speed to her advantage. The second (Fincham) was one of our most committed players throughout the season. She was always a positive leader on the pitch whether at practice or down 50 points playing against a tough team.

Jr. Boys Soccer
Kieran McKenzie
Quiet and steady but you only needed a short time watching Kieran McKenzie play to know that he  always  had his head in the game and used that focus to be in the right place at the right time.  Always a  steadying force he specialized in consistency and that contributed to the teams success  far more than the occasional star turn.

Sr. Boys Soccer
Matt Cairns
Score goals, set up plays, provide strong defence : these are a few of the things Matt Cairns could be relied upon to deliver.  But it was his steely, calm exterior that contributed to this teams success.  He was  always ready to fill a  gap and do whatever it took to get the job done even when things got a bit rough and tempers flared, Matt kept things steady and on track.

Golf
Kyle Stacey
The golf team’s Most Dedicated Player is a true sportsman. In a short season with little time for practice, he was at every practice round and meeting. Over the last four years, he has been a consistent force, never giving up even when a round didn’t go as planned. He works hard at whatever he sets his mind to and he does it with class.

Sr. Girls Volleyball
Michaela Jackson
This Most Dedicated Player did not miss a practice or a game. She never complained or slacked off. She rearranged her personal schedule to make sure she was there. She was a setter but she would happily play any position you asked her to. She worked hard and set an example for the rest of the team. She was also this season’s only returning player and team captain.

Boys Hockey
Andrew Dayton
The most dedicated player on our team wasn’t on the first line. There were some games for which he did not dress. But every shift he worked as if it was the last shift in the final game. He was the most coachable player completing assignments and roles without question. He was a leader on and off the ice and he took on all tasks with equal enthusiasm. He was part of the team, and with everything he did, he put the team first. As one person commented “I wish we could transplant this kid’s heart and will into others”.

Jr. Badminton
Cole St. Pierre
This first year badminton player attended all practices and was very coachable. It  was evident he was committed to acquiring and developing the fundamental skills and tactics as he was eager to listen and learn.

Jr. Girls Soccer
Esther Prinzen
This player was fearless – dives and rolls – whatever it took to stop that ball. New to the position, our goalie was eager to learn and driven to succeed. She was respected by her teammates and an extremely coachable player.

Sr. Girls Soccer  
Michaela Arnold
Soccer goalies can see the entire game in front of them and can communicate with their players to set up effective defensive plays. Our goalie got better and better at this with each game – from “oh my gosh get the ball” to “somebody man on #3”.  New to the position, our goalie took on this challenge with confidence and determination. She was at every practice and put in hours at home practicing as well.

Curling
Jaret Parliament
PECI’s first curling team in many years came about by the players searching for a coach. The skip was the team leader before the first end was even played – dedicated to making the team happen and also dedicated to winning each game – or at least giving it his best shot.  The skip determined the strategy for each end and executed the strategy loud and clear – hurry hard! – during each end of play.

MOST VALUABLE AWARDS:

Jr. Boys Soccer
Andrew Petrasek
From his booming kick to his calming chatter,  there was never any doubt that Andrew Petrasek was on the field.  His intelligent play and tough resilience, made Andrew a natural leader on the field who was at the genesis of many successful  plays. His boundless  energy, team spirit and respect for the game make him a role model.

Sr. Boys Soccer  
Lucas Clarke
Exuberance, massive energy and sheer joy for the game was put on display every time Lucas Clarke stepped on the field.  At times he played a shade too rough or over the edge, but his contribution to the team came from his encouraging comments to team members and  his total enthusiasm  which inspired others to pick up their game a notch. Oh, and he scored more than a few goals along the way.

Jr. Boys Volleyball
John McHugh
This year’s Most Valuable Player is an athlete that any coach would want on their team. Extremely coachable.  He leads by his actions. Speaks up when he needs to. First to show, last to leave. Set up, take down.  He was consistently our most valuable player on and off the court.

Sr. Boys Volleyball
Max Manlow
On a team filled with talented young men, this athlete was able to be the deciding factor in many of our numerous victories this past season.  Whether it was with his offensive bombs, or his relentless blocking, this dominating player was a force to be reckoned with and also the topic of conversation with opposing coaches following many matches.

Jr. Girls Basketball
Vanessa Willis
Arguably one of the best players in the entire league, our MVP was our engine.  When she went, we went. She was our leading scorer, our leading rebounder, and our hardest working player.  She was a Bay of Quinte all-star and will log heavy minutes as she moves onto senior next season.

Sr. Girls Basketball  
Danielle Wilis and Hailey Van Rossum
Toughness, tenacity and fearlessness are words that describe our co-MVP’s this season.  One player was our toughest defender and was always willing to do what needed to be done.  The other was our point guard who ran the floor and rebounded hard every game.

Golf  
Tye Eaton
This season, the golf team finished in 4th place at the Bay of Quinte. WIth a top score from this player, PECI went on to finish ahead of all the other Bay of Quinte teams at the COSSA tournament. He is the calm in the eye of the storm. He is the eagle attempt (maybe), but definitely the birdie of the team. He is a valuable player but also a valuable person to have on any team, because he’s just that kind of guy.

Jr. Boys Basketball
Johnny McHugh
A quiet leader, this athlete started the year very tentatively, but as the season progressed he started to assert himself as our best offensive player.  He was always one of the hardest working players in practice and his commitment to improve will continue to benefit him as he makes the jump to senior next season.

Jr. Girls Volleyball
Allison Hegadorn
There is often a player in team sports who, when given the ball, is able to have a definitive impact on the outcome of each point.  With her consistent control of the ball, an ever-improving armswing, and her positive push forward to and through each point, this athlete led by example.

Boys Hockey
Will Harrison
A team’s most valuable player is the person that, on any occasion – any day, can lead the team to victory. They are the spark that gets the team going, the player that comes back at the opposition once we’ve regained possession of the puck, the player that shows everyone on the ice what it means to be a proud PECI Panther. Deeds speak louder than words – and this year, the loudest, most valuable player was Will Harrison.

Curling
Kyle Stacey
The curling team’s most valuable player is calm and clever,  and can execute a guard, draw or take-out – whatever is needed of him. He reads the rocks very well and can control the sweepers.  His many years of curling experience allowed our vice to be a player we could rely on time and again.

Sr. Badminton
Andrew Dayton
These two players are the reigning Bay of Quinte Champs. They have shown what it takes to be at the top by attending all practices, working together at lunch, and working hard to fine tune their game. Their Grit and resiliency made all the difference in several tight games on their way to Bay of Quinte Gold and COSSA bronze.

Boys Rugby
Quinn Bennett
This player demonstrated strong leadership at practice and on the pitch.  This leadership was necessary as we had  a great number of first year players on the team.  He used his previous rugby experience to help players learn their positions and how the game was played.

Tennis
Brett Abram and Tye Eaton
Brett and Tye have earned this award through a combination of dedication and improvement.  After three years of play on the tennis team, these gentlemen had their senior year culminate in bay of quinte gold in men’s doubles.  Congratulations gentlemen and good luck in the future.  The team will miss you next year!

Jr. Girls Soccer
Abby Terpstra
Our most valuable player on the junior team is a true leader. Her optimism and maturity along with her quick feet and hard shots made this player a force on the soccer field. Her stamina and dedication to the team was superb.

Sr. Girls Soccer  
Meghan Fincham
Steady, reliable and powerful – that is our most valuable senior player. She communicated well with her teammates, could be relied on for a pep talk – with a good dose of humour, was a brick wall who could stop attackers  right in their tracks and then deliver the ball back up to the forwards with her huge kicks.

 

Athletic Council co-captains Mallory Lindsay and Vanessa Willis presented athletic point winners. Athletic points are earned over an athlete’s career at PECI.

The following earned 80 points and received a small medallion:
Phil Seguin
Lucas Clarke
Kyle Stacey
Ben Wilson
Josh Stechniki
John McHugh
Vanessa Willis
Ryan Kelly
Danielle Willis
Kassidie Wood

The following earned 100 points and received a large medallion:
James Pero
Gavin Ronan
Vanessa Willis
Ryab Kelly
Cailey Jones
Tyler Allison
Graysen St. Pierre
Danielle Willis
Brett Abram
Kevin Wilson
Kyle Gould
Max Manlow
Jordan Strachan
Kassidie Wood

The following earned 120 points and received a plaque:
Tye Eaton
Blaine Swackhammer
Kyle Gould
Kevin Wilson
Max Manlow
Jordan Strachan
Brett Abram
Cailey Jones

Filed Under: Featured ArticlesHastings & Prince Edward District School BoardPECI - It's a Panther ThingSports & Recreation

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