McMaster Marauders quarterback Kyle Quinlan and Guelph Gryphons rugby star Jacey Murphy were named Ontario University Athletics’ (OUA) Athletes of the Year on Thursday night.
Quinlan, of South Woodslee, Ont., led McMaster to its first-ever Vanier Cup win when they defeated the Laval Rouge et Or in what is considered by many to be the greatest CIS football game ever played.
The fourth-year economics student only appeared in five regular season outings, but he was still named to the second all-Canadian team after he averaged a CIS-best 342 passing yards per game.
The 23-year-old went undrafted in last week’s annual Canadian Football League draft, but signed a contract with the Montreal Alouettes on Tuesday.
Murphy, of Alliston, Ont., led her conference with 12 tries in five games, as the Gryphons outscored their opponents by a 453-8 margin in a dominant season, taking home its fourth consecutive OUA championship banner.
During the regular season, Murphy, who earned all-Canadian status, was recognized by OUA and CIS coaches as the Most Valuable Player.
The awards ceremony was held on Thursday evening at Grandview Golf Course in Huntsville, Ont. Here is the complete list of winners:
OUA Female Athlete of the Year — Jacey Murphy, Guelph Gryphons Rugby
OUA Male Athlete of the Year — Kyle Quinlan, McMaster Marauders Football
OUA Team of the Year — McMaster Marauders Football
Fox 40 OUA Female Coach of the Year — Vicki Croley, Western Mustangs Track and Field
Fox 40 OUA Male Coach of the Year — Dave McDowell, Queen’s Gaels Women’s Soccer
John McManus Award — Bob Bain, York Lions Men’s Basketball
Media Member Award of Distinction — Mike Koreen, Ottawa Sun