Brock’s student-athletes were in the spotlight this week at an event dedicated to recognizing successes of the recent season.

More than 650 student-athletes, coaches and staff attended the Brock Badgers Awards Gala at the Americana Conference Resort Spa and Waterpark in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, March 27.

Brock University honoured the Badgers’ varsity programs, which experienced notable success throughout the 2023-24 season by securing two national championship banners and four provincial titles.

A total of 15 teams competed at various national championships, and 26 at the provincial level.

The Badgers garnered 17 major awards, including eight Coach of the Year honours, and produced 26 All-Canadians and 81 provincial all-star selections.

Sara Rohr of the women’s volleyball team and Connor Ungar of the men’s hockey team were crowned Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively.

Rohr, a Health and Physical Education Graduate Student from Milton, led her team to its third consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championship title and secured several individual accolades.

“For any student-athletes who are debating whether or not to come back for their final year of eligibility, it’s totally worth it,” said Rohr during her acceptance speech. “Congratulations to all the nominees. This award could have gone to any of us. Thank you to my teammates for making me look good. It was such an amazing year for Brock Sports.”

Meanwhile, Ungar, a first-year Social Sciences student, made a remarkable debut with men’s hockey, earning multiple awards. The Calgary native recently signed a pro contract with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

“I would like to thank Brock University and the hockey program for a first-class experience,” Ungar said. “The only thing better than accomplishing something on your own is accomplishing something with your team. We achieved so much and made so many great memories which will last a lifetime.”

Coach of the Year honours went to Dave Collie of women’s wrestling and TJ Manastersky of men’s hockey. Collie guided the women’s wrestling team to its 11th national title, while Manastersky led the men’s hockey team to a program-record 21 wins and a fourth appearance at the University Cup.

The women’s and men’s wrestling teams retained their titles as Female and Male Team of the Year. Both teams continued their dominance in their respective arenas, securing national and provincial championships.

Karen McAllister-Kenny, Director of Recreation, received the Marilou Iusi Memorial Service Award for her long-standing dedication to Brock Sports. Her illustrious career began in 1983 as the women’s volleyball coach. She has since made significant contributions to campus recreation and athletics.

2023-24 Brock Sports major and team award recipients:

• Female Athlete of the Year: Sara Rohr (women’s volleyball)
• Male Athlete of the Year: Connor Ungar (men’s hockey)
• Women’s Team Coach of the Year: Dave Collie (women’s wrestling)
• Men’s Team Coach of the Year: TJ Manastersky (men’s hockey)
• Female Team of the Year: Women’s wrestling
• Male Team of the Year: Men’s wrestling
• David S. Howes Spirit of Brock Award: Catriona Cormier (women’s hockey)
• David Atkinson Surgite Award: Grace Tawil (women’s soccer)
• R.M. Davis Surgite Award: Connor Dodds (men’s rowing)
• Joseph P. Kenny Student Therapist Award: Brianna Bruni
• BSP Student Intern of the Year: Nick Eck
• BSP Impact Award: Dustin Cordeiro
• Marilou Iusi Memorial Service Award: Karen McAllister-Kenny