Guindon and O’Brien Top Panther Award Winners

Pictured left to right, Andre Guindon (Athlete of the Year), Linda Turcotte (Canadore Athletic Director), and Julie O'Brien (Club Player of the Year). Photo submitted.

Canadore College Athletics held its 37th Annual Awards Banquet April 19th at the Best Western. Award winners were honoured for their achievements and dedication to Panther Athletics in the 2005/06 school year.

Athlete of the Year honours went to Panther varsity volleyball player André Guindon. Originally from Arnprior, Guindon came to Canadore to study Ecotourism. In combination with his athletic skills, the outstanding leadership he showed this season made him most deserving of this award. He helped improve the Panthers record from 0-13 (4 sets won, 39 sets lost) in the 2004-2005 season to 3-10 (11 sets won, 31 sets lost) in the 2005-2006 season. On the court he accumulated 65 kills, 2 service aces, and 7 stuff blocks. He led the team with a 2.03 kills per game average, and he was third in total scoring with a 2.31 points per game average. As one of the team’s captains, Guindon’s contribution was far greater than just numbers. When Andre was sidelined with a knee injury, his presence was still felt. He attended every practice to help out the coaching staff, and was a loud supporter from the bench in each game. When he returned from his injury, there was a noticeable improvement in the team chemistry. “Every time André speaks, the whole team listens. He is a fair and effective leader who keeps each team member accountable for their actions. He has been a great liaison between the team, the volleyball coaching staff, and the athletics department,” stated Canadore Athletics manager Linda Turcotte.

"He is a great representative of our core values within Canadore Panther Athletics."

André Guindon also received the Coaches Award for Dedication and Leadership for the Men’s Volleyball team, was a Canadore Panther scholarship recipient, received an OCAA All Academic Award, and was named to the Panther “4.0 Club”.

The Club Player of the Year honours went to Panther Women’s Indoor Soccer Player Julie O’Brien. O’Brien is originally from Waubaushene and is in her second year in the Marketing Program at Canadore. O’Brien has a ton of experience in the world of soccer; she has been playing since she was 4 years old. She has competed at the provincial level on the Mississauga Dixie Hearts team; a team that actually participated in some international tournaments. O’Brien led the Panther team’s offense in city league competition and was 14th overall in the league this year. Traditionally a member of the team’s defense, O’Brien excelled when asked to fill in as goaltender for an injured teammate, recording a shut-out. “Julie is such a strong overall player, she works hard and contributes to the team in so many ways” stated Panther soccer coach Raeannen McAdam. The soccer team’s most noticeable performance was at the Conestoga Condors tournament in February. The Panthers were undefeated all tournament, eventually beating Fanshawe 2-1 in the Gold medal match.

O’Brien also won the Women’s Indoor Soccer team MVP award, and was named to the “4.0 Club” for academic excellence.

Submitted to BayToday.ca