A huge step forward for Quest athletics in 2010-11 was celebrated by the school at its annual athletic banquet, which took place at the university on Friday (March 25).
The men's and women's soccer and basketball teams both made strides in gaining respectability throughout the British Columbia Colleges' Athletics Association (BCCAA) but athletic director Toran Savjord said it's the remarkable students and staff that have helped the program gain respect.
"This year I really noticed a change," he said during a speech before presenting the male and female athlete of the year award. "It can be summed up in one word commitment. We have some really outstanding individuals here at Quest and it has made my year to come to the games this year and see the passion everyone carries, whether we win or lose."
Women's soccer star Mari Tarleton was named the female athlete of the year. The first year forward out of Bellingham was tied for fifth in the BCCAA in goals with six, including two clutch goals in the final game of the year against Langara to qualify the Kermodes for the playoffs. It marked the first time a Quest team had ever advanced to the postseason in any sport.
Quest basketball veteran Bryce Froberg was named the men's athlete of the year and had the crowd in stitches discussing his years of experience playing under Quest men's basketball head coach Sean Shook.
"I played in tenth grade for Shook," he said, tracing their long history. "I think he put me in about once. I've always looked up to the guy but we've butted heads, I think it's partially because he's slightly jealous of my good looks. But he's been a mentor and I've always believed in what he's taught us."
Each team also handed out three individual awards, handing out leadership, coaches and player of the year honours. Women's soccer head coach Martina Franko pointed to the Langara do-or-die win as a defining moment in the program and thanked her players for a memorable year. Defender Shannon Nordling won the coaches award, Lindsay Epp won the player of the year and graduating senior Chelsey Forsberg walked away with the leadership award.
"Our goal was to make the playoffs and I hope the girls next year can make it farther in the playoffs," Forsberg said. "Martina's dedication to this team is amazing and was evident when she popped out a kid and was still skinnier than all of us."
New men's soccer head coach Jonas Worth tipped his hat to former coach Adam Day and also to the women's program for a strong season.
"Adam set the bar so high for hairstyle and fashion," he joked. "I spent $28 on my haircut this afternoon and I'm not sure it measures up. Adam is missed as a friend and colleague and we hope to build on what he created here."
He awarded goalkeeper Lucas Menz the leadership award, midfielder Ben MacGregor the coaches award and forward Mawuena Mallett won the player of the year.
Women's basketball head coach Mike Woollard praised his squad for finishing with the most wins in the program's history and noted that they got very close to accomplishing all of their goals. Guard Rachel Poon won the coaches award, Delainee Behrns won player of the year and graduating seniors Brittany Harteveld and Allie Chalke shared the leadership award.
Chalke fought back tears as she addressed her teammates for the final time.
"This year I learned discipline hurts," Chalke said. "We had an opportunity to do something that had never been done but we couldn't do it. I learned this year that it's now or never but I want to thank the faculty and the coaches for all their support over the years."
Shook noted that seven of his 12 players averaged a 3.0 grade point average or better and thanked his four graduating players; Froberg, Tyson Compton and Tyler and David Thorau for their dedication to the program.
"To see these guys grow into men both physically and mentally was inspiring," he said. "Hopefully the men's basketball program was a part of that. I hope I've taught them some things because they've definitely taught me some."
Rookie Connor Heinrichs was awarded the coaches award, while guard John Pankratz was named player of the year and the leadership award went to Froberg.
Quest president David J. Helfand also made an appearance via Skype to congratulate the teams and also recognize the players who won academic awards. Another nice moment occurred when student Andrew Langridge was given the brand new Kermode award. Langridge has been a key member of the school's game day crew and has helped the university win praises from the BCCAA as far as game presentation goes. He received a standing ovation for his efforts. Savjord also announced at the end of the banquet that each graduating player will get to keep a home or away jersey, which will also be framed for the athlete by the school.
For more information on Quest athletics, visit www.questkermodes.ca.
