Dan Boutwell capped off his career in style and the accolades continued to roll in for Donata Huebert as Brandon University doled out its year-end hardware on Tuesday night.
Boutwell was recognized as male athlete of year in his senior season while serving as captain of the men’s volleyball team.
"A little bit of a surprise, but this is what you want in your fifth year to end on a good note and leave with good memories," Boutwell told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston, "It was a special night to solidify everything throughout the five years. Being a Bobcat is something really special. You kind of take it for granted as you go along; you put in hard work and kind of forget what a great honor it is to be in that role. I really appreciate it."
The standout middle was named a Canada West second-team all-star and finished fourth in the conference in hitting percentage and tied for third in total blocks.
Huebert was named most outstanding female athlete after being named the top libero in the country and a first-team all-Canadian with the women’s volleyball team this past season.
"I didn’t even know that award was given out so I’m positively surprised. I’m really happy and just enjoyed this night very much," said Huebert. "I saw on the trophy that Teagan Hunter got it and Jaryn Reuther and just being next to those girls, who I played with too is just amazing. I know how they played the sport and how they behaved on and off the court. They are great role models and they are I hope idols for every young athlete in Canada and it’s great to be on the same trophy as them."
The German star finished fifth in Canada West in digs per-set and helped lead the Lady ‘Cats to their best season in the programs nine-year history.
James Elias of the men’s basketball team was among the other major award winners and joined some impressive company in the process.
The Morden product earned the Jim Casey Memorial Award for sportsmanship to become just the third athlete to win the honour for a second time since it was first handed out in 1953.
"I was brought up that you give 110 percent all the time, every time. I think at least for me and obviously for other people that you can tell somebody to do something, but when you do it yourself I think it resonates with people and it stays with them," said Elias. "That’s what has been passed on to me and I just try to give it to everybody else as well."
Elias joins current men’s basketball coach Gil Cheung, who was recognized in consecutive seasons as a player in 2002 and 2003 along with Jim Minions in the 1950’s.
Below is a complete rundown of all the award winners:
Women’s Basketball
Rookie of the Year
Keegan Robinson
Leadership Award
Stephanie Haynes
Tracy McLeod Inspirational Award
Aleah Bridges
Most Valuable Player
Cassie Cooke
Men’s Basketball
Rookie of the Year
Mikee Dosado
Leadership Award
Jordan Reaves
James O. Dollings Inspirational Award
Emerick Ravier
Jerry Hemmings Most Valuable Player
Kenonte Ramsey
Men’s Volleyball
Rookie of the Year
Ty Moorman
Bill Gadd Inspirational Award
Frank Jones
Leadership Award
Brendan White
Most Valuable Player
Dan Boutwell
Women’s Volleyball
Rookie of the Year
Vaovai Aiono
Daryle McCannell Inspirational Award
Alexis Loewen
Leadership Award
Kellie Baker
Most Valuable Player
Donata Huebert
Doug Crandle Award Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete Achievement
Ilarion Bonhomme
Student Union Service Award
Jaynell Gillett
Kaela Cranston
Stephanie Haynes
Ilarion Bonhomme
Isaiah James
Ali-Mounir Benabdelhak
Alexis Loewen
Shanlee McLennan
Brianna Walsh
Sam Tuivai
David Stasica
DJ McCharles
H. Stewart Perdue Memorial Award Sportsmanship
Stephanie Haynes
Jim Casey Memorial Award Sportsmanship
James Elias
Nancy Stanley Award Outstanding Female Athlete
Donata Huebert
R.J. McCarthy Award Outstanding Male Athlete
Dan Boutwell
