[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/francis_howorun.jpe” caption=”Sheldon Francis and Stephanie Howorun, McMaster Athletes of the Year”]McMaster University hosted the 82nd Annual McMaster Athletic Awards Ceremony at the CIBC Banquet Centre located in the McMaster Student Centre on the McMaster University Main Campus Friday, March 24.

Student wrestlers swept this year's Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards.

Stephanie Howorun (Brampton, ON) received the Female Athlete of the Year award. Howorun captured a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Silver Medal and OUA Gold in wrestling. The previous summer, she won a Bronze Medal at the 2005 FISU World University Games. She also earned a Silver Medal at the 2005 Francophone games competing in Judo.

Sheldon Francis (Hamilton, ON) received the Ivor Wynne Trophy for Male Athlete of the Year. Francis was the 2005-2006 CIS Most Outstanding Wrestler and won a CIS Gold Medal in the 82 Kg. eight Class.

Jon Behie (Burlington, ON) was the recipient of the The Dr. Ray Johnson Award presented to a Graduating Male team member, trainer or organizer, who demonstrates leadership ability while exhibiting the “Spirt of McMaster.” Behie has played Football as a Quarter-Back and Receiver. He also played basketball for 2 seasons. He was the organizer of the Student Bus Trips to the OUA Men's Basketball Championship at York University and CIS Men's Basketball Championship in Halifax, NS in 2006.

Collen George (Guelph, ON) and Liz Moss (North Vancouver, BC) were the Co-Recipients of the Dr. Edna Guest Award presented to a Graduating Female team member, trainer or organizer, who
demonstrates leadership ability while exhibiting the “Spirit of McMaster. George was the captain of the McMaster Women's Rugby team, and Co-President of the McMaster Athletic Council. She was a member of the Athletic Awards night committee and member and volunteer of the McMaster Athletes Helping Athletes program. Moss was the President of the McMaster Field Hockey team. She was also a member of the Athletic Council and Athletic Awards Committee. She also served as the Concession Sales Co-ordinator in 2005-2006.

Ben Katz (Toronto, ON) was the winner of the Les Prince Award presented to the student-athlete who demonstrates leadership and outstanding community service. Katz is a member of the McMaster Men's Basketball team. Katz used his time recovering from a season ending ACL injury last season by authoring two Boldprint Books for reluctant readers. During the summer he ran the Concrete Hoops in his hometown of Toronto to provide an opportunity for underpriviledged children. Katz was also the first director for the Canadian Labour Congress Social Justice and
Athletics Camp focussing on Anti-Discrimination, Education and Athletics.

Candis Kokoski (Flamborough, ON)received the Bruce Cochrane Award presented to an Athletics and Recreation Part-Time Staff member, manager, trainer, assistant coach, or organizer that has shown unwaivering dedication and service to their group or team. Kokoski was instrumental in the management of the McMaster pool. Kokoski has also served as a National Lifeguard Service instructor where she has trained hundreds of lifeguards throughout the City.

The McMaster Fencing team captured the Joyce Wignall Award presented to the Marauder team that has made the most significant contribution through the McMaster Outreach program. The McMaster Fencing team. Raised $3,000.00 for Cancer Research through their participation in the Terry Fox Run. The McMaster Fencing team also helped Neighbour to Neighbour prepare for the holidays by assisting with food and Toy Drives. They also helped the Westdale Business Improvement Association with decorating the Westdale Village and collected 6 Boxes of Food for the Good Sheppard Centre. Just today, the Fencing team participated in the Relay for Life @ Mac, supporting the Canadian Cancer Society.

McMaster also presented the Team Most Valuable Players. Please visit the McMaster Marauder Athletics website for a detailed list and more information regarding the athletic awards.

Click here to read the March 25, 2006 Hamilton Spectator article.