A week-long, cross-platform social media celebration has brought the Trent University community together virtually to recognize the accomplishments of Excalibur varsity student-athletes as part of the 51st annual Athletic Awards.

Featuring congratulatory video messages from Trent president Dr. Leo Groarke, Board chair Armand La Barge and director of Athletics Deborah Bright-Brundle, among others, the online celebration, which ran on the Trent Excalibur channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, showcased daily announcements of varsity student-athlete award winners.

“I’d like to congratulate Excalibur student-athletes for an impressive season,” said President Groarke in his congratulatory message to student-athletes. “Every year the Excalibur awards banquet provides an opportunity to bring together varsity student athletes and coaches to recognize and show appreciation for all of your hard work and commitment. This year will be no exception as these online awards are a way to connect and recognize your achievements.”

As a wrap-up to the week-long celebration, the Arthur Cup, Trent Athletics’ most prestigious award, was awarded to Jill Barr (Women’s Volleyball) and Emerson Prior (Men’s Rugby). The award is presented annually to graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding contribution, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership in athletic programs.

“The Arthur Cup honours our most well-rounded student-athletes. The recipients of this award excelled on the playing field, in the community, and achieved academic success,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director of Athletics and Recreation. “Both Emerson and Jill have been outstanding representatives of Trent Excalibur and embody the true spirit of the Excalibur mission to Compete as One. Cheer as One. Win as One.”

Ms. Barr (Douglas, ON) has contributed four years of hard work and leadership to the Excalibur Women's Volleyball program and has been a huge presence on and off the court as a scorer, teammate, and natural leader. In addition to her athletic achievement, Ms. Barr has been a leader in the college environment and has volunteered as a Champlain orientation week leader for two years. She was also involved with Trent Athletics’ Fast and Female event last year, acting as a champion of female involvement in sport.

Mr. Prior (Gananoque, ON) is the complete embodiment of Trent Rugby. He demonstrates a constant positive and welcoming presence on and off the sports field and he is a person who has constantly strived to be better through hard work, determination, and skill. Mr. Prior’s athletic endeavours have also been recognized outside the Trent community as a member of the Under 19, and Under 20 Canadians Men’s National Rugby Team and the Ontario Blues Senior Men’s Team. He was also named the recipient of the 2019 OUA Trillium Award and was recognized as a 2019 OUA 2nd Team All Star.

Additional awards including MVP, Coaches Choice and Rookie of the Year awards were also presented during the virtual celebration, as well as the Gary Wolff Leadership Award and the Community Betterment Award.

Varsity Men’s Rowing student-athlete Jordan Hamilton (Winnipeg, MB) was awarded the prestigious Gary Wolff Leadership Award, presented each year to a student-athlete who has demonstrated determination and leadership through balancing sport, community involvement and academic performance. Mr. Hamilton has demonstrated excellent leadership capabilities during his time with Trent Athletics, which was capped off by being named president of the Trent University Rowing Club in 2019.

Excalibur lacrosse student-athlete Elisha King (Akwesasne) was the recipient of the Community Betterment Award. Ms. King has successfully managed multiple community leadership roles in youth sport and fitness, as well as business leadership while being a full-time student and key member of the OUA Gold Medal winning Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse team. Ms. King also played a vital role as Trent hosted the 2019 Women's Lacrosse U19 World Championships. Her dedication to community betterment and advancement provides an excellent example for her classmates, teammates, and all members of the Trent community.

The following varsity student-athletes were also honoured for outstanding commitment and dedication to their respective sports:

To view posts from the 2020 Athletics Awards, visit the Trent Excalibur social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.