Jiang and Pinchin named major award winners at Queen's Varsity Clubs athletic banquet

KINGSTON, Ont. (April 4, 2017) – Lily Jiang (Edmonton, Alta.) of women's fencing and Ian Pinchin (Kingston, Ont.) of men's water polo, were named the top graduating student-athletes at the 81st annual Colour Awards Varsity Club Athletic Banquet Tuesday night at the ARC Main Gym.

Jiang was awarded the Marion Ross Trophy, which is given to the top Varsity Club female student-athlete. Jiang has been a key contributor over her four-year career with the women's fencing team. She helped lead the Gaels to two OUA Championships and two bronze medals as a team while finding individual success as well. Jiang medaled in every year as a Gael finishing with four OUA gold, two silver and two bronze while being a four-time OUA All-Star.

The Edmonton, Alberta native has been an academic all-star on two occasions and in her first year was named the varsity club Alfie Pierce winner as top rookie female club athlete. At this year's OUA championship hosted at home at Queen's, Jiang was named the Dave O'Donnell Trophy recipient which is awarded for skill, style and sportswomanship.

Pinchin, completing a Masters program at Queen's, was named the winner of the Jack Jarvis trophy which is awarded to the top Varsity Club male student-athlete.

Returning to the Gaels and serving as team captain, Pinchin helped turn the program around moving from non-contenders to the podium. This past season Queen's hosted the OUA championship where Queen's was able to medal with an OUA bronze at home. The medal was the first for the program in over a decade, and Pinchin played a significant role in their success.

An academic all-star, the Gaels captain played centre forward with the team and was the player whom the offence was based around. Pinchin acted as the linchpin between the team and coaches, talking openly with coaches and sharing their vision. Pinchin then led student-athletes toward a common goal with a shared vision that was not focused on any one player or their needs. 

On Tuesday night, the Award of Merit Trophy was presented to the Queen's sailing team who won the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CICSA) title and represented Canada winning the Student Yachting World Cup in the summer. 

A crew of Queen's sailors donned the red and white for Canada at the Student Yachting World Cup coming away with a world championship for their country and school. The Gaels saw continued success during the season taking both the keelboat and team racing championships leading the team to the CICSA title. The Gaels also put in a strong effort stateside finishing 24th in the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA).

The Alfie Pierce award recipients for the top club rookies of the year were Jenna Dhanani (North Vancouver, B.C.) from women's squash and Ryan Jonker (Brockville, Ont.) from cycling. Dhanani was a vital part of the women's squash team clinching their third consecutive OUA title this year. She finished the season undefeated and also helped the Gaels earn another Jester's championship. Jonker stepped
up for the cycling team finishing fourth overall as a rookie helping the team claim their seventh consecutive University Cup. Throughout the season Jonker was a consistent performing for the cycling team finishing with five top five results.

The Varsity Support Service Awards are presented each night to recognize the individuals who have demonstrated dedication and leadership while making a significant contribution to the success of the Queen's Varsity Sport Program in Athletic Therapy (Hal Dunlop Shield), Athlete Services, Home Events, Strength and Conditioning and Varsity Club Leadership. This year's Varsity Club Leadership winner was Victoria Restivo from Sailing.
 
Throughout the course of the evening, each Varsity Club also honoured their team award winners and this seasons champions were recognized for their successes throughout the year.
 
Tomorrow night, Queen's Athletics and Recreation will host the Colour Awards Varsity Team athletic banquet. Among the awards announced on Wednesday will be the Outstanding Performer of the Year, the Varsity Team rookies of the year as well as the Varsity Team of Year. Also handed out will be the PHE'55 Alumnae Award and the Jenkins Trophy, which will be awarded to the top fourth or fifth-year student-athletes.
 
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & RECREATION VARSITY CLUB AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2016-17
Marion Ross Trophy: Lily Jiang (Women's Fencing)
Jack Jarvis Trophy: Ian Pinchin (Men's Water Polo)
Award of Merit Trophy: Sailing
Alfie Pierce Trophy (Female): Jenna Dhanani (Women's Squash)
Alfie Pierce Trophy (Male): Ryan Jonker (Cycling)