Downing. Photo courtesy Freestyle photography
University of Victoria fourth-year swimmer MacKenzie Downing received top honours at the Vikes Athletics Annual Awards Banquet Monday evening at the Fairmont Empress. Downing was awarded the Female Outstanding Athlete of the Year and the President's Cup award.
Downing added the two awards to her long list of accomplishments realized during her incredible 2007-08 season, which she hopes also includes an Olympic berth. The Whitehorse native was absent from the ceremonies as the butterfly specialist is currently attending the Canadian Olympic Swimming trials in Montreal.
The President's Cup, the Vikes most prestigious award, recognizes an outstanding student-athlete in fourth or fifth year, who best combines scholastic achievement and athletics ability. Downing, also an Academic All-Canadian, was Canada's most decorated athlete at the FISU Summer Universiade before winning four medals at the Canada West and CIS Championships. At the CIS National Championships in February, Downing won gold in both the 100m and 200m fly, and took bronze in the 50m fly and 4x100 medley relay to lead the Vikes to a fourth place team finish.
The Male Outstanding Athlete of the Year was awarded to men's rugby star Nathan Hirayama. During the summer Hirayama became the youngest player ever named to a Canadian Senior National team, joining the outfit for the World Cup in France. The Richmond native was also a member of Canada's Under-19 squad, was recently named captain of the Under-20 team, and is currently representing Canada in Hong Kong at the IRB Sevens tournament.
The University Sport Awards were presented to members of the cross-country and track teams, Geoff Martinson and Ashley Hinther. The award is presented annually to the top male and female student-athletes, based on outstanding achievements in university competition only. Martinson, a native of Prince George, won for the third consecutive year after attaining double All-Canadian status. Martinson finished 12th at the cross-country Nationals, and at track Nationals won gold in the 1500m and the 4x800m relay. Hinther was a double-medalist at track Nationals, taking gold in the 1500m and bronze in the 3000m. The Saskatoon native also placed 20th at cross-country Nationals.
The Provost award, annually recognizing the student-athlete with the highest GPA in the previous academic year, went to men's rower Alec Watson of Winnipeg. The Science major scored a perfect 9.0 GPA in his first year of university studies.
The Robert T. Wallace Shield Rookie of the Year award was presented to Ryan MacKinnon, of the men's basketball team, and Kaitlyn Williams, of the women's field hockey team. Comox's MacKinnon was a CIS All-Rookie selection, while White Rock's Williams was CIS Rookie of the Year.
Mariel Solsberg, a fifth-year member of the women's soccer team, was awarded the Chancellor's Award. The West Vancouver native was recognized for her outstanding contribution to the team, both in and out of the competition venue.
Men's track senior, and varsity council president, Richard Lehman was honoured with the Martlet Athletic award. The award recognizes the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia native's outstanding contribution to the athletic program in the areas of service, participation, administration and community involvement.
The Publisher's Community Service award was presented to Vikes men's soccer alumni Jim Crawford. The award is presented to an individual within the community that has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to a varsity program.
Vikes Award Winners 2007-08
President's Cup - MacKenzie Downing, women's swimming
Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year - MacKenzie Downing, swimming
Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year - Nathan Hirayama, rugby
Women's University Sport Award - Ashley Hinther, cross-country/track
Men's University Sport Award - Geoff Martinson, cross-country/track
Robert T. Wallace Shield Female Rookie of the Year - Kaitlyn Williams, field hockey
Robert T. Wallace Shield Male Rookie of the Year - Ryan MacKinnon, basketball
Chancellor's Award - Mariel Solsberg, women's soccer
Publisher's Community Contributor Award - Jim Crawford, men's soccer alumni
Martlet Athletic Award - Richard Lehman, men's track
Provost Award for Excellence - Alec Watson, men's rowing
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