The annual Quw'utsun Secondary athletics banquet was held recently and major awards were handed out to the school's top athletes.
"On behalf of the Quw'utsun athletic program we would like to thank all athletes, coaches, parents, our school PAC, our athletic banquet committee, administration and their families for another amazing year of athletics," said athletic director Wendy Charles at the event.
This year's Eric and John Thomas (JT) Memorial Award for Outstanding Participation in Athletic Council was given to Sarah Irvine. She played on the senior girls field hockey team that went to provincials this season, as well as senior girls basketball and rugby, while also doing score-keeping and athletic leadership.
"Sincere thank you to Howie and Jenny Thomas for presenting The Eric and John Thomas (JT) Memorial Award for Outstanding Participation in Athletic Council," Charles said. "The award is named after brothers Eric and John Thomas (JT), who were both athletes and pillars in our community, instrumental in promoting sports and community involvement. They were respected figures, dedicated to making a positive impact through their contributions to sports. Their legacy lives on through the award, recognizing individuals who exemplify their passion and commitment to sport."
The Senior Male Athlete of the Year was Luke Prest.
Prest played senior boys soccer, did track and field, and was the senior boys basketball and senior boys rugby Most Valuable Player. He also captained the rugby team to a provincial berth. Over his Grade 11 and 12 years, Prest was a member of seven different school sports teams.
A member of six sports teams during her Grade 11 and 12 years, the Quw'utsun Senior Female Athlete of the Year was Rafielle Barrack.
Barrack captained the senior girls rugby team to the provincials this past season, and earned the team's Most Valuable Player award. She captained the basketball team and was that team's Most Valuable Player, as well. A member of the senior girls field hockey team, Barrack also earned the Jen Budding Memorial Heart Award.
Josh Williams and Nola Connelly were named Quw'utsun's Junior Athletes of the Year.
Williams was the Rookie of the Year on the senior boys rugby team that made the provincials. He also played basketball, earning the junior boys Basketball Leadership Award, and was active on the junior boys track and field team.
Connelly, meanwhile was the Rookie of the Year Back on the senior girls rugby team that attended provincials, as well as the junior girls basketball team's Most Valuable Player. Connelly also was picked up by the senior girls basketball team for their Island tournament.
The GD Corsan Scholar Athlete was Seth Williams with a 90-plus per cent average. Seth Williams was also a member of the school's cross country basketball, track and field, and badminton teams. He has been accepted, with a scholarship, to the University of Victoria's engineering program to continue his education.
Quw'utsun Secondary's Sportsperson of the Year Award was given to Tori Johnston.
A member of five sports teams during her Grade 11 and 12 years including senior girls volleyball, basketball, and rugby this year, Johnston was also a three-year member of the school's athletic council, did score-keeping and athletic leadership.
