GUELPH, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphons celebrated the best and brightest from a memorable 2023-24 season by holding the annual Gryphons Athletic Banquet on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Highlighting the major award winners were track and field standout Max Davies and women’s hockey goalie Martina Fedel, who were named the University of Guelph’s men’s and women’s athletes of the year.
A complete list of award winners from the 2023-24 Gryphons Athlteic Banquet can be found below.
2023-24 Major Award Winners
Men’s Athlete of the Year: Max Davies (Track & Field)
Women’s Athlete of the Year: Martina Fedel (Women’s Hockey)
W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year: Kobe Faust (Men’s Rugby)
W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year: Hannah Tait (Women’s Hockey)
President’s Trophy (Male): Harvey Marchant (Men’s Soccer)
President’s Trophy (Female): Trinity Papamandjaris (Women’s Basketball)
“Gryphie” Moment of the Year: “Return to the National Stage” (Men’s Volleyball)
Fred Ramprashad Award: Jacqueline Giles (Women’s Golf)
Don Cameron Award (3-year M.I.P.): Josh Glasbergen (Men’s Volleyball)
Shirley Peterson Award (3-year M.I.P.): Christina Gomes (Women’s Soccer)
Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year: Jacob Cabral (Men’s Soccer)
Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year: Reese Coffey (Women’s Hockey)
Dr. John T. Powell Award: Sean Furfaro
Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year: Olivia Morgan (Football)
Cathy Rowe Manager of the Year: Hallee Woodard (Rowing)
Student-Athlete Mentor Award: Nike Abiodun (Women’s Track & Field)
Strength & Conditioning “CARE” Award: Kathryn Chapman
Men’s Athlete of the Year – Max Davies (Men’s Track & Field)
Max Davies is the University of Guelph’s Men’s Athlete of the Year for 2023-24. The 20-year-old endurance runner from Toronto, set not one, but two U SPORTS records at the 2024 U SPORTS Track & Field Championships in Winnipeg in March of 2024. Davies, who was named the U SPORTS Athlete of the Meet, broke a 12-year-old U SPORTS record in the men’s 1000m (set by former Gryphon, Tommy Lecours, at the 2012 nationals). One day later, in the men’s 1500m, Davies broke a 34-year-old U SPORTS record (set in 1990 by UBC runner, Allan Klassen), to claim his second gold medal of the meet. The unforgettable week in Winnipeg by Davies was capped off in the men’s 4x800m relay, where Davies ran the anchor leg and propelled the Gryphons to yet another U SPORTS gold medal. His triple-gold medal performance helped lift the Gryphons men’s track and field team to their 10th national title in program history, the most of any U SPORTS school in track and field history. Prior to the start of the 2024 U SPORTS Track & Field Championships, Davies was also recognized as the U SPORTS (Track) Athlete of the Year, for his outstanding performance throughout the course of the 2023-24 track season, which included a memorable performance at the Penn State National Open in January where he became the 75th Canadian man to run a sub-four-minute mile, posting a University of Guelph school record time of 3:59.24. Max also competes on the Gryphons men’s cross country team and produced an impressive outdoor season in the fall of 2023, where he earned OUA First Team All-Star status at the conference championships, helping the Gryphons claim the OUA men’s cross country title. Max also earned U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian status at the 2024 U SPORTS Cross Country Championships. The management major is in just his second season as a Gryphon, after beginning his post-secondary journey south of the border in the NCAA with the Iona Gaels before transferring to the University of Guelph.
Women’s Athlete of the Year – Martina Fedel (Women’s Hockey)
Martina Fedel, a standout goalie with the Gryphons women’s hockey team, is your 2023-24 Women’s Athlete of the Year. The third-year animal science major put together one of the greatest seasons by a Gryphon goalie in program history. The 21-year-old from Trento, Italy became just the second player in program history to be named OUA Goaltender of the Year, leading U SPORTS in goals against average (1.03) while finishing 2nd in U SPORTS in save percentage (.953). Fedel recorded five shutouts during the regular season, and recorded three consecutive shutouts to begin the playoffs. In her first three seasons as a Gryphon, Fedel has now recorded more shutouts (19) than she has losses (17), and was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian this season. Fedel helped lead the Gryphons women’s hockey team to a program-record 23 wins during the regular season, with the Gryphons finishing first overall in the 2023-24 OUA regular season standings and climbing as high as No. 2 in the national rankings.
W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year – Kobe Faust (Men’s Rugby)
Kobe Faust is the recipient of the W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year Award after a sensational 2023 season with the Gryphons men’s rugby team, in which he led the Gryphons to a third consecutive OUA championship title. The sport management major from Uxbridge, Ontario led the OUA in tries and also led the Gryphons to a national bronze medal. A valuable member of the Gryphons Leadership Academy and a team captain for the men’s rugby team for multiple years, Kobe has been a key figure for the Gryphons men’s rugby program during arguably the greatest stretch in program history. Outside of his involvement in intercollegiate athletics, Kobe has also represented Canada on the international stage, including appearances with Canada’s National 7’s Team in Hong Kong in April of 2024.
W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year – Hannah Tait (Women’s Hockey)
Hannah Tait, the Captain of the Gryphons women’s hockey team, has led by example ever since stepping onto U of G campus, with the 22-year-old from Exeter, Ontario immersing herself in a number of areas outside of the hockey rink, including serving as a valuable member of the Gryphons Student-Athlete-Mentor Program and Gryphon Leadership Academy. Tait has also been actively involved as an ambassador with Hockey Gives Blood, while also achieving Academic All-Canadian status while majoring in management economics and finance. On the ice, the Captain is just as productive. Tait scored 15 goals during the 2023-24 season, ranking her 2nd among the OUA’s leading goal scorers, while averaging a point-per-game with 25 points in 25 regular season games played, helping the Gryphons set a new single-season program record with 23 wins. Tait was named an OUA First Team All-Star this season, while also receiving an OUA major award as the OUA True Sport Award recipient.
President’s Trophy – Harvey Marchant (Men’s Soccer)
In his final season with the Gryphons men’s soccer team, Harvey Marchant takes home the President’s Trophy Award. The native of Fleet, England has established himself as one of the top defenders in OUA men’s soccer, anchoring the team’s back line as a centre back while wearing the captain’s armband for the Gryphons. In the classroom, Harvey is exceptional. The human kinetics major recorded an average of 93.9% in the winter ’23 semester, followed by an average of 95% in the fall ’23 semester. This marks the second time in his Gryphon career in which he has been named the President’s Trophy winner, after also receiving the honour during the 2021-22 season. He becomes just the 5th Gryphons men’s student-athlete all-time to have won the award on multiple occasions, and first in over a decade – with former men’s basketball standout, Dan McCarthy, being the last to do so back in 2012-13.
President’s Trophy – Trinity Papamandjaris (Women’s Basketball)
Bio-medical sciences major and standout forward with the Gryphons women’s basketball team, Trinity Papamandjaris, takes home the President’s Trophy as the top overall performer in both academics and athletics. In her final season as a Gryphon, the London, Ontario native was one of the most consistent performers on the women’s basketball team, starting 14 games, finishing 10th in the OUA in offensive rebounds, and scoring a career-high 22 points on February 17 at Laurentian. Trinity was impressive on the court, and even better in the classroom, with the Bio-Medical Science major earning a 97% average during the winter ’23 semester, followed by a 96.5% average in the fall of ’23.
Fred Ramprashad Scholarship – Jacqueline Giles (Women’s Golf)
Third-year molecular biology & genetics major, Jacqueline Giles, takes home the 2023-24 Fred Ramprashad Award after an impressive season both on the course and in the classroom. On the course, Jacqueline helped lead the way for the Gryphons women’s golf team, earning OUA Second Team All-Star status after finishing T-9 at the 2023 OUA Golf Championships in Waterloo. In the classroom, Jacqueline has excelled in her molecular biology & genetics studies, earning Academic Award Winner status in each season since arriving at U of G.
Don Cameron 3-Year Most Improved – Josh Glasbergen (Men’s Volleyball)
Gryphons men’s volleyball middle blocker, Josh Glasbergen, takes home the Don Cameron 3-Year Most Improved Award for 2023-24. Glasbergen, an environmental science major at the University of Guelph, played a key role for the Gryphons men’s volleyball team all season long in what was one of the best seasons in program history. The 6-foot-6, 21-year-old from Burlington, Ontario appeared in all 20 matches for the Gryphons during the regular season, where Guelph set a program-record for wins after posting a 15-5 record. Glasbergen, who was named an OUA Second Team All-Star this season, was a constant presence in the middle for the Gryphons throughout the season, recording 22 solo blocks during the regular season, ranking him tied-for-2nd in all of U SPORTS in that category.
Shirley Peterson 3-Year Most Improved – Christina Gomes (Women’s Soccer)
Christina Gomes, a third-year forward on the Gryphons women’s soccer team, is the recipient of the 2023-24 Shirley Peterson 3-Year Most Improved Award. During the 2023 season, Christina earned U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status, becoming just the 8th different University of Guelph women’s soccer player in program history to earn the title of First Team All-Canadian. She scored 5 goals in 11 regular season games, 3 of which were game-winning goals, while leading the Gryphons to an 8-2-2 regular season record. The psychology major from Bradford, Ontario was also named OUA West MVP for the 2023 season, becoming just the third player in program history to earn MVP honours at the conference level.
Scott Yanchus Rookie of the Year – Jacob Cabral (Men’s Soccer)
Jacob Cabral, an 18-year-old rookie midfielder on the Gryphons men’s soccer team, is the 2023-24 Scott Yanchus Men’s Rookie of the Year. The arts major from Mississauga became just the second U of G men’s soccer student-athlete to earn a spot on the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer All-Rookie Team, joining Moses Kafeero who was named as a top freshman back in 2019. Cabral was one of the best midfielders in the entire OUA in 2023, appearing in 11 games for the Gryphons, displaying outstanding vision and awareness. In the 38-year history of the University of Guelph’s Scott Yanchus Rookie of the Year Award, this marks the first time it has been won by a member of the Gryphons men’s soccer team.
Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Rookie of the Year – Reese Coffey (Women’s Hockey)
Reese Coffey takes home the Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Women’s Rookie of the Year award after a standout 2023-24 season with the Gryphons women’s hockey team. The rookie blueliner became just the fourth Gryphons women’s hockey player in program history to be named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team. The molecular biology & genetics major was one of the top defenders on the team all season, with the Thunder Bay, Ontario resident suiting up in 27 of the 28 regular season games for the Gryphons while adding 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) from the blueline. At just 19-years-old, Reese played a key role in helping the Gryphons concede the fewest amount of goals (34) during the 28-game OUA regular season schedule. Coffey becomes the first Gryphon in 11 seasons to earn a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team, with Christine Grant (2012-13) being the last Gryphon freshman to garner the national recognition.
Dr. John T. Powell Award (Sean Furfaro)
Longtime emcee and public address announcer, Sean Furfaro, takes home the Dr. John T. Powell Award for outstanding contributions made to the University of Guelph Department of Athletics. For nearly two decades, Sean has served as ‘the voice of the Gryphons’ providing public address announcing for home games in Gryphon football, basketball, hockey, soccer and various other U of G varsity sporting events. Sean has also helped emcee several fundraising and alumni outreach events, while always going above and beyond in his interactions with part-time and full-time staff members to help deliver the highest quality product possible.
Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year – Olivia Morgan (Football)
Olivia has been an absolute asset to the football program, working tremendously hard to support the athletes with taping, injury management, assessment and rehab. She has become a leader in the clinic and the athlete gravitate towards her to help get them back on the field. She is a true testament to what the ‘Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year’ award stands for and a truly deserving recipient. Congrats, Olivia.
Cathy Rowe Manager of the Year – Hallee Woodard (Rowing)
Hallee is a trusted leader on and off the water, navigating a long list of responsibilities as a racing athlete, team manager and engineering student. On top of coxing a crew to an OUA bronze medal this past year, she coordinated facility bookings, team meetings and schedules. For team travel, Hallee arranged carpools to get 50 student-athletes to Guelph Lake and back to campus by 8:30am every morning, while also organizing team travel to BC for the national championships.
Team Award Winners
Badminton (W): M.V.P. – Lisa Hunyh
Badminton (M): M.V.P. – Josh Legare
Baseball: R.O.Y. – Jack Gillis
Baseball: M.V.P. – Sam Brown
Basketball (W): R.O.Y. – Keryl Ousey
Basketball (W): M.V.P. – Renee Armstrong
Basketball (M): Jack Tanner R.O.Y. – Adrian Morra
Basketball (M): Bill Dimson Memorial M.V.P. – Dezayne Mingo
Cross Country (W): R.O.Y. – Nicole Hartnell
Cross Country (W): M.V.P. (Vic Matthews Award) – Julia Agostinelli
Cross Country (M): R.O.Y. (Al Claremont Freshman Harrier Trophy) – Charlie Mills
Cross Country (M): M.V.P. (Art Hackett Trophy) – Nicholas Bannon
Curling (W): M.V.P. – Jillian Uniacke
Curling (M): M.V.P. – Jayden King
Fencing: R.O.Y. – Isabella Pence
Fencing: M.V.P. – Ben Roe
Field Hockey: R.O.Y. – Ella Rideout
Field Hockey: Laura Sharp M.V.P. – Abby Warriner
Figure Skating: M.V.P. – Kendra Knott
Football: R.O.Y. – Tristan Aboud
Football: M.V.P. (Donald Forster Trophy) – Donavin Milloy
Golf (W): Grace Glofcheskie M.V.P. – Ela Jones
Golf (M): David Fell M.V.P. – Kobe Smith
Hockey (W): R.O.Y. – Reese Coffey
Hockey (W): M.V.P. – Hannah Tait
Hockey (M): R.O.Y. (Walter Rickard Memorial Award) – Nolan Forster
Hockey (M): M.V.P. (Jack Pos Trophy) – Tanner Wickware
Lacrosse (W): R.O.Y. – Sara Silano
Lacrosse (W): M.V.P. – Megan Latoski
Lacrosse (M): R.O.Y. – Ethan Lee
Lacrosse (M): M.V.P. – Kyle Detweiler
Nordic Skiing (W): M.V.P. – Julia Shannon
Nordic Skiing (M): M.V.P. – Alec MacLean
Rowing (W): R.O.Y. – Kaylea Bray
Rowing (W): M.V.P. – Sarah Ribey
Rowing (M): R.O.Y. – Noah Shew
Rowing (M): M.V.P. – Connor Wideman
Rugby (W): R.O.Y. – Madeline Di Girolamo
Rugby (W): M.V.P. – Natalie Armatage
Rugby (M): R.O.Y. (Robin Best Award) – Quinn Foley
Rugby (M): M.V.P. (Leuan Evans Rugger Award) – Kobe Faust
Soccer (W): R.O.Y. – Sabrina Spano
Soccer (W): M.V.P. – Christina Gomes
Soccer (M). R.O.Y. – Jacob Cabral
Soccer (M): M.V.P. (Bill McAnuff Memorial) – Gray Yates
Squash (W): M.V.P. – Sunshine Troup
Squash (M): M.V.P. – Matt Armstrong
Swimming (W): R.O.Y. – Alanna Casasanta
Swimming (W): M.V.P. – Ali Bertrim
Swimming (M): R.O.Y. – Thomas Steele
Swimming (M): M.V.P. (C.M. Kinnear Memorial) – Ethan Rotsaert-Smith
Track & Field (W): R.O.Y. – Ruby Radovich
Track & Field (W): M.V.P. – Nicole McKenzie
Track & Field (M): R.O.Y. – Solomon Arase
Track & Field (M): M.V.P. (Hamilton Olympic Club Award) – Max Davies
Volleyball (W): R.O.Y. (Makala King Memorial) – Nikina Bear-Lowen
Volleyball (W): M.V.P. – Alexa Shields
Volleyball (M): R.O.Y. – Cohen Martin
Volleyball (M): M.V.P. – Johnathan Pickett
Wrestling (W): R.O.Y. – Brooklyn Glasgow
Wrestling (W): M.V.P. – Mary Adarkwa
Wrestling (M): R.O.Y. – Caius Harbridge
Wrestling (M): M.V.P. – Tristan Cako