Thompson Rivers University Athletic Department hosted its 35th annual Athletic Awards Banquet this evening, honouring outstanding student-athletes for their accomplishments.

Some of the awards this evening include fourth year presentations for those athletes who have played their four years of eligibility. TRU’s fourth year athletes include Becky Au and Katie Tucker of the badminton team, Shannon Enns from women’s soccer and Dave Martin of men’s soccer, and Will Devick, Brandon Hunter and Matt Kuroyama from the TRU baseball team.

TRU also announced its athletes of the year this evening.

TRU’s Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year award is based on a student-athlete’s academic and physical performance, as well as takes into account an athlete’s community involvement and volunteering. The Sports Task Force Athletes of the Year for TRU are Kristi Spelay from the women’s basketball team, and Travis Duncan from the men’s soccer team.

TRU’s Scholar Athlete of the Year award is based on a student-athlete’s demonstration of prowess on the playing field and also a high level of academic excellence. This year’s Scholar Athletes of the Year for TRU are Brian Smith from men’s basketball, and a tie between Laura Plouffe of women’s volleyball and Kali Ellis of women’s basketball.

TRU’s Athlete of the Year award is based solely on the student-athlete’s performance on the field or court. This year’s Athletes of the Year for TRU are Dan Cecchini of men’s soccer, and Shannon Enns of women’s soccer.

Earlier today, TRU also hosted its TRU Sports Task Force Scholarship ceremony in which the TRU Sports Task Force provided $28,450 worth in scholarships. The TRU Sports Task Force is a group of about 10 community members, many of them Cariboo College and UCC alumni, who’s mandate it is to raise funds for the granting of scholarships to student athletes at TRU. Including the $28,450 awarded this evening, the Sports Task Force now annually donates up to $100,000 per year in scholarships.

Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year from Men’s Soccer – Travis Duncan A starting defender for the TRU soccer team, Travis is a great role model for future student-athletes in regards to time management, work ethic and volunteering. Travis has volunteered his time this year as co-coach of the Westsyde senior boy’s basketball team with Ryan Porter, assistant coaching Westsyde’s senior girls soccer team with Eric Schweizer, and running for a position on this year’s TRU student union. Travis was also somehow able to manage four part-time jobs and five courses in the fall semester, and two part-time jobs this semester while completing six courses to finish his degree.

Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year from Women’s Basketball – Kristi Spelay Kristi, while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.33, Kristi has participated in community functions, including STARS Basketball, and has given up many weekends doing Steve Nash Basketball. Kristi is always willing to help out with clinics, and is often recognized in games, by the elementary school kids in the stands. Kristi is also a key player for the WolfPack, and is athletically very gifted. With increased experience and court time, Kristi will play a huge role in Women’s Basketball Programs success.

Scholar Athlete of the Year from Men’s Basketball – Brian Smith Averaging 8.15 points per game, 3 rebounds, 49% field goal percentage and 75 per cent free throw percentage as a starter for the WolfPack basketball team, Brian was also able to pull down a 3.7 GPA in the fall semester while taking 2nd and 3rd year business courses.

Scholar Athlete of the Year from Women’s Basketball – Kali Ellis Kali had a tremendous first year in CIS play. Not only did she lead us in rebounding, but was always counted upon to guard the opposing team’s best player. Kali also found time during the basketball season to maintain a perfect GPA of 4.0. Kali has not only a bright basketball future, but a bright academic future as well.

Scholar Athlete of the Year from Women’s Volleyball – Laura Plouffe As a 2nd year college transfer Laura brought her competitive nature and outstanding work ethic to our volleyball program. She led the TRU WolfPack women’s volleyball team in digs with 188 and an average of 2.81 per game. Laura is truly a student athlete. With a GPA of 4.0 and our team’s defensive leader, Laura is the perfect candidate for the Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.

Athlete of the Year from Men’s Soccer – Dan Cecchini Dan’s a 3rd year player and team captain who at 6’3″ has been quite a presence in the center of the field for our team this year. His size has allowed him extra room to maneuver into good scoring positions and has lead the team with 8 goals this year; good enough for 3rd in the league. For a big man, his ability to play the ball on the ground has been a valuable asset to his team, as well as his leaping ability allows him to win a lot of head balls in the midfield. Attaining first team all-star status and placing 3rd in All-Canadian votes, Dan accomplished all of this while playing with a bad knee.

Athlete of the Year from Women’s Soccer – Shannon Enns Shannon has been a mainstay of the UCC/TRU Woman’s team for the past 4 seasons. In the past two years she has been co captain of the team and in both of those years she was voted onto the first team of provincial all stars. Shannon’s solid defensive play and leadership helped the team qualify for the national championship 3 of the 4 years she played for us. This year, Shannon was 2nd in the league in all-star and All-Canadian voting.

Bronwen Scott
Media & Sports Information Coordinator
Phone: 250-371-5739