CALGARY, AB – This past week Cougars Athletics and Recreation announced their year-end annual Cougar Night awards through social media as the typically in-person event could not happen due to social gathering restrictions. Over the course of the week the presentations honoured student-athletes, coaches, and staff for their excellence in the 2019-20 season.
While there were a number of incredible awards presented throughout the week, possibly the most anticipated were the prestigious athletics major awards.
The Rookie of the Year awards were given to Men's Soccer's Dane Domic and Women's Hockey goalie, Kaitlyn Ross. Domic had a phenomenal year, receiving a Canada West all-rookie and second team all-star nod, as well as Canada West Rookie of Year and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year awards. Ross also had a stand-out first year, being named to the Canada West all-rookie team for accumulating seven shutouts throughout the season and playoffs and helping lead her team to their first ever Canada West silver medal and a National Championships appearance.
Many Cougars student-athletes are leaders in our community and the Community Leadership Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond for their volunteer service in Calgary. The first was Godi Jibi from Men's Volleyball, for his incredible volunteering with the Cathlic Family Service Crew Program. The second was Women's Hockey stand-out Anna Purschke, who was recognized for her time spent with HEROES Hockey and Special Olympics Calgary.
Exceptional skill in the field of play is recognized with the Al Bohonus Athletes of the Year awards, presented by Players Bench Team Apparel and Under Armour. The female winner was Dholi Thokbuom, who led the Women's Volleyball team to a Canada West Bronze medal and the best season so far in program history (21-3 record). The star middle blocker led Canada West in hitting percentage with 0.386 and was fifth in blocks per set with 1.14. She was named to the Canada West first all-star team and the U SPORTS second all-star team. Following suit, the male winner, Moe El Gandour from Men's Soccer, also led his team to a record season, finishing with a Canada West Bronze medal. He was fifth in the Canada West in goals with seven and fourth in points with 11. El Gandour was named to the Canada West first all-star team and U SPORTS second all-star team.
Last, a pair of hockey players were honoured with the prestigious Brian Fleming awards, presented by the Calgary Booster Club. These awards recognize student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, leadership, and the community. Connor Rankin (Men's Hockey) and Daria O'Neill (Women's Hockey) received this season's honours. Both Rankin and O'Neill were leaders on their teams and influential members of the community. A fifth-year Psychology student, O'Neill's outstanding community service was highlighted with her massive contribution to HEROES Hockey and acquiring an impressive 3.92 cumulative GPA. Rankin finished his five years in the Business program majoring in Accounting with a 3.52 GPA. He also solidified his legacy as one of the top all-time leaders in the Men's Hockey team program These two outstanding student-athletes closed out the event, setting the bar high for years to come.
To see the posts and videos, visit our social channels:
- Instagram: @mrucougars
- Facebook: Mount Royal Cougars Athletics
- Twitter: @mrucougars
- YouTube: Mount Royal Cougars
A full list of award winners:
Team MVPs
Abbey Gillette (Women's Basketball)
Quinn Taylor (Men's Basketball)
Anna Purschke (Women's Hockey)
Ryley Lindgren (Men's Hockey)
Athena Fourlas (Women's Soccer)
Dane Domic (Men's Soccer)
Chantel Park (Women's Volleyball)
Trent Mounter (Men's Volleyball)
Student Athletic Therapy Awards
Field award: Yasmine Mucher (Men's Basketball)
Clinic Award: Jenna Rauch (Women's Hockey)
Work Culture Employee Awards
Allison McNeil-Taboika (Customer Service Associate)
Alex Day (Sports Information Assistant)
Outstanding Graduating Employee Awards
Michelle White (Customer Service Associate, Shift Lead, First Aid Student Program Coordinator, and Aquatics Leadership Student Program)
Hayden Johnston (Facility Attendant, Customer Service Associate, Shift Lead, Facility Usage Assistant)
Full-Time Staff Milestones
5 years: Morgan Stanton (Aquatics Supervisor), Ryan Gyaki (Men's Soccer Head Coach), and Carrie Dirk (Business Analyst)
10 years: Tino Fusco (Women's Soccer Head Coach)
15 years: Karla Karch (Cougars Athletics and Recreation Director)
Rookie of the Year
Kaitlyn Ross (Women's Hockey)
Dane Domic (Men's Soccer)
Al Bohonus, Athlete of the Year presented by Players Bench Team Apparel and Under Armour
Dholi Thokbuom (Women's Volleyball)
Moe El Gandour (Men's Soccer)
Brian Fleming Award, presented by Calgary Booster Club
Daria O'Neill (Women's Hockey)
Connor Rankin (Men's Hockey)
