Michael Grobe
Kingston, Ont. (March 29, 2008) – Mike Giffin of Kingston, Ont. was named the 2008 Most Valuable Player by the Queen’s University Football Club at the football team’s annual year-end awards banquet in downtown Kingston on Saturday night
Giffin, a fourth-year running, broke major school records and became the first player in the school’s rich football history to rush for over 1,000-yards in a single season. He finished with 1,157-yards and also broke school makers in touchdowns scored, carries and points scored. Giffin was named an OUA First Team All-Star and a First Team All-Canadian while end his season with at least 100-yards gained in 10 straight regular season match-ups. He also picked up the Doug Hargreaves Trophy which is awarded to the team’s top offensive player of the year.
Kingston native Rob Bagg, also garnered attention capturing Hall McCarney Trophy as the team’s most dedicated player. Bagg, who signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Rough Riders, concluded his five-year career with the Gaels claiming a Second Team All-Canadian honour this year and put up his name in the CIS record books collecting the second most receiving yards in a game with 341 versus the University of Toronto. Last year Bagg was named the team’s most valuable player.
Defensive Player of the Year honours went to Thaine Carter of Nanaimo, B.C who led the team in solo tackles (41) as well as tackles for a loss (6). He was also named a first team OUA All-Star.
Jimmy Allin of Corbyville, Ont. earned the Special Team Player of the Year setting new team records in longest field goal return (117-yards vs. Western in the playoffs) and claiming OUA Special Team Player of the Week twice. His regular season return stats included 283 yards on 17 attempts including a 77-yard return.
The Orrin Carson Memorial Trophy which is awarded to both the Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year went to Cody Kennedy of Glenelg, N.S on the offensive line while Osie Ukwioma of Mississauga, Ont. claimed the defensive line award. Both were named second team CIS All-Canadians and Kennedy who is in his final year recently signed a free-agent contract with the CFL’s Calgary Stampedes.
Rookie of the Year honours went to defensive lineman Kyle MacDonald of Port Hawkesbury, N.S. MacDonald made nine appearances for the Gaels starting in three games and making five solo tackles. He was a key member of the special team unit receiving time on the kick cover, punt return and field goal units.
The Justin Schweig award recipient for most improved player went to Chris Smith of Toronto, a second-year linebacker who recorded 34 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, two sacks and four pass break-ups.
Paul Boshyk of Etobicoke, Ont. earned the Bill Miklas Trophy for Academics, Athletics and Citizenship. Boshyk is a two time CIS Academic All-Canadian and a team leader on special teams. He has been offered admission to Law School at the University Calgary and Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland.
The Queen’s Football Club-Berkley Brean Memorial Award for the Kingston High School Coach of the Year was awarded to Frontenac Falcons Secondary School’s Head coach Mike Doyle and Defensive coach Doug Johnston. Both Doyle and Johnston helped the Falcons win the Kingston Area Secondary School Athletic Association (KASSAA) championship over Sydenham Golden Eagles and then went on to win the OFSAA National Capital Championship Bowl game in Toronto.
The awards banquet officially concludes the 2007-08 season for the Gaels and preparation for the 2008-09 season is already underway. The Gaels open the 2008-09 campaign against the McMaster Marauders on September 1st at Richardson Stadium in Kingston.
Season Tickets for Queen's University Golden Gaels Football are now available and can be purchased by calling 613.533.2500. Single game tickets will be available on August 1, 2008.
