KINKORA – Three student-athletes synonymous with the Kinkora Regional High School athletic program have been named athletes of the year.
Seniors Madeline Hamill and Callie Thomson were introduced as co-recipients of the 2017-18 female award, and Robert Greenan was announced as male athlete of the year. The presentations took place during the Blazer Awards Blitz in the school gymnasium recently.
“It’s an honour, and it was really nice to share it with Callie as we both love sports,” said Hamill, who, along with Liam Arsenault, received medals for top averages as part of the P.E.I. School Athletic Association (PEISAA) outstanding student-athlete awards.
Thomson, who also was presented with a certificate for the PEISAA outstanding student-athlete awards along with Hamill, Arsenault, Payton Reeves and Maggie Linkletter, admitted she was “pretty surprised” to be named co-female athlete of the year.
“I’m ecstatic about it,” added Thomson. “I’m happy Madeline and I got it together as she is a very strong athlete. We were both very excited, and did not expect it.”
Greenan, a Grade 11 student, said he was also “surprised” when athletic director Trent Ranahan announced his name.
“It shows how people recognize your dedication to the school and sports,” said Greenan.
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Hamill
Hamill’s resumé includes soccer, basketball, softball and hockey.
“She has a lot of passion for school sports,” said Ranahan. “Madeline was a driving force with our soccer program for a number of years.
“She is a very strong soccer player (at fullback). . . She was a leader with our basketball program, has lots of experience with basketball and spun it down to all our rookies to help and improve that team.
“Also, Madeline was a valuable player for the female high school hockey team, and in softball you can put her at multiple positions and she will succeed.”
Outside of school, Hamill earned most-valuable-player honours with the P.E.I. Midget AAA Female Hockey League-champion Mid-Isle Wildcats, and she plays summer soccer with the Summerside United under-18 Premier Division team. Some of her favourite memories from high school sports came on the soccer pitch with KISHORA – a combined team from Kinkora and Kensington Intermediate-Senior High School that won two silver medals and one gold the last three years.
“In soccer, we did unbelievably well,” said the daughter of SueEllen and Shane Hamill of Searletown.
Hamill said she will always remember her teammates.
“Sometimes we may not have had a championship team, but we had fun and playing with KISH I got to make a lot of new friends,” said Hamill, 17.
Hamill will study bio medical and mechanical engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa. Her long-term goal is to develop medical devices that improve the everyday lives of people.
Thomson
Like Hamill, Thomson represented the Blazers during each PEISAA season – fall, winter and spring. She participated in cross-country, basketball, volleyball, softball and badminton.
“I would describe Callie as a multi-sport athlete who excels in multiple areas,” said Ranahan. “She was heavily involved in the athletic program, and makes time for athletics here at Kinkora.
“She is always willing to put her team first, is always committed and has strong leadership roles on all the teams that she plays on.”
Thomson recently completed her Blazers’ volleyball career with a Volleyball P.E.I. championship, and was named the tournament most valuable player.
“We actually did it two years ago with the same seven girls,” explained Thomson, who plays the power position. “It was very exciting.”
Thomson, who said she will always cherish having the opportunity to wear the Blazers’ uniform, didn’t hesitate when asked about any specific memories that stand out in her mind from competing in high school sports.
“Definitely the teams,” Thomson went on to say. “We were close and tightly bonded together, and everyone had a great relationship with everyone.
“You remember the wins and losses, but you really remember the teammates.”
The 18-year-old daughter of Tracy and Trent Thomson of Shamrock will continue her education at UPEI in September. She will study sciences, and her long-term goal is to become a doctor or dentist.
Greenan
Greenan wore the Blazers’ blue and gold colours in PEISAA senior boys’ basketball and soccer. He plays post on the basketball court, and midfield in soccer.
“Robert had a successful year,” offered Ranahan. “Robert is a player year after year who always show an improvement, and he keeps progressing to a higher level.”
Ranahan went on to say a big part of Greenan’s development is a strong desire to continue getting better.
“Robert is very knowledgeable about various teams, strategies, techniques,” continued Ranahan. “He uses his ability to read the play to benefit not only himself, but the team. Also, Robert works very, very hard.
“He always gives his best and with those characteristics combined, he was the most valuable all-around player at Kinkora this year for the boys.”
A perfect example of Greenan’s dedication to his team and willingness to better his game is he was selected as most improved player in basketball, and received the coach’s choice award in soccer.
The 17-year-old son of Deanna and John Greenan of Newton pointed out the Blazers are fortunate to have dedicated coaches who put in many hours.
“We always have good volunteers (at KRHS), coaches who are always involved, and we always have a good time,” said Greenan. “Whether we won or lost, the main emphasis was on fun.”
As for his Grade 12 year, Greenan said his goals are to “just keep playing sports and stay involved.”
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Awards
Kinkora Regional High School athletic awards:
Soccer
Senior Boys
Most valuable player (MVP) – Liam Arsenault.
Rookie of the year – Ty Arsenault.
Coach’s choice – Robert Greenan.
Senior Girls
Best link from the KINK – Madeline Hamill.
Note: Kinkora and Kensington combined to form a senior A girls’ soccer team.
Volleyball
Senior Girls
MVP – Maddy Moffatt.
Players’ award – Maggie Linkletter.
Coaches choice – Payton Reeves and Callie Thomson.
Basketball
Senior Boys
MVP – Ethan Lawless.
Most improved player (MIP) – Robert Greenan.
Most dedicated player (MDP) – Zach Jones.
Senior Girls
MVP – Rebecca Green.
Rookie of the year – Mandy MacLeod.
Coaches choice – Madeline Hamill.
Rugby
Senior Girls
Best link from the KINK – Selina Lowther.
Note: Kinkora and Kensington combined to form a senior a girls’ rugby team.
Softball
Senior Girls
MVP – Callie Thomson.
MIP – Abigail Rogers.
Rookie of the year – Jessica Larsen.
PEISAA Outstanding Student-Athlete Awards
Medals – Liam Arsenault, Madeline Hamill.
Certificates – Liam Arsenault, Madeline Hamill, Maggie Linkletter, Payton Reeves, Callie Thomson.
School Spirit Awards
Female – Maggie Linkletter.
Male – Liam Arsenault.
Athletes of the Year
Female – Madeline Hamill, Callie Thomson.
Male – Robert Greenan.
