MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: MEN’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Varsityblues.ca will highlight the nominees of U of T’s major awards – men’s and women’s rookies of the year, Dr. Clara Benson honour award, George M. Biggs trophy, as well as the men’s and women’s Frank Pindar and T-Holders’ athletes of the year – to be announced at the Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Saturday, April 6.

The following Varsity Blues athletes were nominated by their coaches and chosen through the awards selection process as finalists for the men’s rookie of the year award, presented to an athlete in his first year of competition, who exhibits the highest degree of athletic excellence (in alphabetical order):
 
Joshua Chapman – Men’s Volleyball
A notable performer in his debut season with the U of T volleyball team as an outside hitter, Joshua Chapman helped the Blues reach the OUA quarter-finals after finishing seventh in the regular season with a 13-7 record. For his contributions, Chapman was named a member of the OUA all-rookie team and displayed impressive statistics throughout the season. In 14 regular season matches and 41 sets played, he recorded 41 total kills, averaging 1.81 kills per set, along with 16 total blocks (5 solo, 11 assisted), four service aces, and 83.5 total points. He also contributed defensively with 59 total digs, averaging 1.44 digs per set. His performance ranked him third on the Blues in total kills and fourth in both kills per set and points per set.
 
Bill Dongfang – Swimming
Bill Dongfang’s remarkable success during his first season helped the Varsity Blues men’s swimming team clinch both the OUA and U SPORTS championship titles. Individually, his accolades included earning U SPORTS first team all-Canadian and OUA first team all-star laurels, while also being named the OUA rookie of the year. He showcased his talent by securing national gold medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly events, setting a record in the latter. Additionally, he claimed silver medals in the 200m freestyle, 400m medley relay, and 800m freestyle relay. At the OUA championship, Dongfang won gold in the 400m freestyle relay, silver in the 200m freestyle, and bronze in the 200m butterfly.
 
Elia Lini – Football
Elia Lini, a linebacker on the Varsity Blues football team, earned provincial recognition in his debut season. Appearing in seven regular season games, he was named a member of the OUA all-rookie team, showcasing his defensive talent with 19.5 total tackles (9 solo, 21 assisted) and one fumble recovery. His performance ranked him fifth on the Blues in total tackles and second in assisted tackles, demonstrating his impact on the field.
 
Michael Maslanka – Soccer
In a standout season for the U of T striker, Michael Maslanka’s scoring ability helped lift the Blues to a 6-3-3 regular season record, finishing fifth in the OUA East division, before a run to the OUA quarter-finals. Maslanka’s impressive stats include seven goals and one assist in 11 regular season matches, ranking him Top 10 in the OUA and Top 15 in U SPORTS for goals scored. In the postseason, he continued his strong performance, contributing with an additional two goals and one assist in two games. Maslanka garnered significant attention for his efforts, being named a member of the U SPORTS all-rookie team and earning the title of OUA rookie of the year, in addition to being selected as an OUA first team all-star. Additionally, he was drafted sixth overall by Pacific FC in the 2024 CPL–U SPORTS Draft.
 
Omer Sayli – Water Polo
An OUA champion in his first season with the Blues, Omer Sayli delivered exceptional performance after exceptional performance for the U of T water polo team as an attacker. His team registered an impressive overall record of 14-6, including victories over four different NCAA schools, and went a perfect 10-0 record against OUA opponents en route to the OUA championship title. Sayli made a significant impact in his debut season, especially at the OUA championship, scoring a total of seven goals over two games, including two goals in the gold-medal game.
 
Clayton Winteler – Baseball
Clayto Winteler stepped up as a pitcher on the Varsity Blues baseball team, playing a role in the team’s remarkable success. The Blues baseball team won the OUA championship title with an impressive season record of 11-2, a flawless 4-0 regional record, and a 2-0 run at the OUA championship. Individually, Winteler earned recognition as the OUA rookie of the year with noteworthy pitching statistics; 29 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA in 35.0 innings pitched over eight games, ranking him second on the team in both categories. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility by contributing as a hitter, with five hits, three walks, four runs, one RBI, and a .333 batting average in 15 at-bats over seven games played. In the postseason, Winteler excelled even more, recording four strikeouts and allowing only one earned run in 4.2 innings of relief during the OUA championship final.