Bison Sports hands out year-end awards

Romer Bautista, Staff

Photo courtesy of Bison Sports

Bison Sports put a stamp on the end of their 2007-08 year by handing out their year-end awards at the annual Brown and Gold Awards Banquet on March 31.

All facets of the Bison Sports program in were represented at the banquet — from athletic director Coleen Dufresne to the football team to the golf team. Also in attendance were distinguished guests from the university: president of the U of M, Emöke Szathmáry and David Morphy, the vice-provost of student affairs.

The banquet recognized all that the Bison Sports program has accomplished over the course of the year. Three teams in particular were singled out for their championship successes this past year. The Bison men’s track and field team was honoured for their first place showing at the Canada West track and field championships, the Bison cheer team was honoured for its first-place victory at the Sea to Sky International Cheerleading Competition, and the Bison football team was honoured for its Vanier Cup victory.

After minor awards and the team MVP awards were handed out, the banquet’s major awards were presented.

First was the recognition of student-athlete leadership and community development awards, given to one female and one male Bison athlete. The winners this year were Jana Cassidy of the women’s track and field team and Rob Smith of the men’s hockey team. Cassidy earned her award this year by co-chairing the U of M Athletes’ Council (UMAC), helping co-ordinate the Bisons Against Bullying program, volunteering at local track and field meets, volunteering at the Siloam Mission, and being a member of the Asper School of Business Student Council. Smith was also very deserving of the award. This year he was a UMAC representative, helped co-ordinate the Siloam Mission visit, participated in the I Love to Read Week at local public schools, was a group leader of the Bisons Against Bullying program, and was head coach of the Junior Bison program.

The second of the major awards was the Bison coach of the year award, which was awarded to Bison football head coach Brian Dobie. In his 12th season as head coach, Dobie helped lead his team to its first national championship in 37 years. The Bisons finished first in the Canada West conference with a perfect 8-0 record — the second consecutive season that the team had accomplished such a feat. The Bison football team then went on a sparkling run through the post-season, dominating their opponents by an average score of 38-11 en route to the Vanier Cup.

The last of the major awards was also the most prestigious: the Bison athlete of the year awards, given to one female athlete and one male athlete.

The female athlete of the year was awarded to Amy Matthews of the Bison women’s volleyball team. Matthews had an outstanding season in her final year with the program. She helped lead the team to a number-one ranking throughout the entire season. She was also named a Canada West first-team all-star and a CIS second-team all-star, and named team MVP as well.

Matthews was gracious in winning her award but was quick to mention her team as a major factor in her winning. “Individual awards are a reflection of an entire team’s efforts, especially in a sport like volleyball where one player is really no more important than the next,” she said. “It’s definitely an honour to be recognized among so many great Bison athletes, but it’s really an award that I accept on behalf of my team.”

The male athlete of the year was awarded to Bob Reist of the Bison football team. In addition to leading the Bisons to a Vanier Cup title, Reist led the CIS in interceptions and was twice named Canada West defensive player of the week. He was also named the football team MVP.

“It came as a bit of a surprise,” said Reist. “It’s a great honour. A lot of great athletes have won [male athlete of the year] before. I’m just proud that I could play a part on such a great team. It’s been an amazing experience the whole way.”

As the banquet came to a conclusion, Reist left those in attendance with some inspirational words from Gary Homon, a close friend of the Bison football team: “Winners win, and baby girl.”

2007-08 Team MVPs

Golf
Female: Angela Klindtworth
Male: Eric Johnson

Soccer
Ashley Forbes

Football
Bob Reist

Cross-Country
Female: Georgette Mink
Male: Kristjan Hunter

Track and Field
Female: Jana Cassidy
Male: Quin Ferguson

Swimming
Female: Kerri-Ann Bochen
Male: Braeden Taylor

Basketball
Female: Kait Flett
Male: Isaac Ansah

Volleyball
Female: Amy Matthews
Male: Drew Venables

Hockey
Female: Stacey Corfield
Male: Chris Falloon