In a packed Kerr Hall gym, eight players from different teams shared something in common: they were recognized for their contributions to athletics at the 61st annual interuniversity sports awards celebration on March 25.

The ceremony didn’t just honour the players for performance in their sport, but highlighted a range of achievements.

Female athlete of the year Andrea Raso, soccer

Raso made Rams history when she became the first female athlete at Ryerson to be named to an all-Canadian team.She was also last year’s female rookie of the year. However, these are just some accomplishments in her athletic career. In addition to being Ryerson athlete of the year and a first-team OUA all-star, Raso was selected a second-team CIS all-Canadian.

Male athlete of the year Boris Bakovic, basketball

Bakovic, a third-year forward with the men’s basketball team, was named a first-team OUA all-star for the first time in his career. He’s the Rams’ all-time leading scorer and also achieved both OUA and CIS honours.

Male rookie of the year Vince D’Elia, soccer

This award has put a statement on his athletic success at Ryerson thus far.

“It has raised my confidence in knowing that I have been able to accomplish my goal, which was set before the season started (both rookie of the year and OUA all-star selection),” he said.

Female rookie of the year Leah Saar, volleyball

“Winning female rookie of the year will push me to work harder and become a better player all around,” said Saar. Her goal for next season is to be nominated for female athlete of the year.

Female greatest contribution to interuniversity sport Suzanne Briggs, soccer

Briggs has set an example for other student athletes both on and off the field. A two-time recipient of the Claude Lajeunesse Award for an athlete maintaining the highest GPA, she attributes her success to her love for academics and the game. This year, Briggs graduates from the geographical analysis program.

Male greatest contribution to interuniversity sport Kevin Krasnowski, hockey

“I don’t know if the awards have changed me as an athlete, but they will definitely help me set higher goals for next season,” said Krasnowski. He plans to get in to the masters in media production program. A number of qualities have helped Krasnowski rise to his success.           

“The sports and recreation staff has also given me the opportunity to combine my education and passion for sports.  Finally, my family and friends who support me every day contribute more than they know.” Krasnowski also picked up the award for male greatest contribution to campus and community life.

Female greatest contribution to campus and community life Natalie Russell, soccer

“The soccer team and athletic community have been amazing with their encouragement and contributions to different initiatives,” Russell said. “There’s no doubt I would not have been able to do what I have done without the support I have seen at Ryerson.”

Jim Peffers Award Lisa Greig

This award is given to a non-student for his or her extraordinary contribution to interuniversity sports.Greig came to Ryerson University from Fillmore, Sask., as a freshman on the women’s basketball team in 2003.  She made herself known across campus by becoming a team captain, an academic all-Canadian, a residence adviser and winning the Greatest Contribution to Campus and Community Life Award.  Since graduation, she has held a position in the admissions department as a recruitment officer. However, her passion for sports and recreation was so strong that she soon became the obvious choice to assist with recruiting inquiries and became the department’s official admissions contact.

Team leadership award (OUA sports) Rowing

“We’ve shown everyone that we can be big fish in a little pond,” said head coach Dominic Kahn. The rowing team brought in an unprecedented amount of medals this year, including the OUA rowing championships.  But Kahn said he is more proud of the energy the team gave off this year. “I get to watch them grow up and mature, they really brought their own energy,” he said.

Rowing is in its seventh year at Ryerson, but a lot of the current crop are new to the sport, said Kahn.

Team leadership award: CIS sports Women’s basketball

This year was strong for the team, finishing fifth in the OUA and winning its first round playoff game at Laurentian by 14 points.

Five members also have a  GPA of 3.0 or higher.

2008-09 MVPs 

Women’s Badminton

Clare Cheung

Men’s Badminton

Eugene Lau

Women’s Basketball

Lacey O'Sullivan

Men’s Basketball

Boris Bakovic

Fencing

Faiz Khan

Figure Skating

Alex Dabkowski

Women’s Rowing

Allison Loosley

Men’s Hockey

Kevin Krasnowski

Men’s Rowing

Matt Buie

Women’s Soccer

Andrea Raso

Men’s Soccer

Moses Kgasa

Women’s Volleyball

Michelle Cook

Men’s Volleyball

Chris McLaughlin