COVID-19 has affected virtually every aspect of life the past month, resulting in the cancelation of all public gatherings to reduce the threat of spreading the virus. The month of April, before the winter school term ends, is usually the time when the UNBC Timberwolves athletics programs salute the accomplishments on their athletes on the soccer field and the basketball court over the past season at the annual awards banquet. Unfortunately, there will be no formal ceremony to hand out those awards.
UNBC sports information officer Rich Abney has provided a list of the award winners on each of the four varsity teams (men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball) while highlighting some of the qualities that made those players stand out amongst their T-wolves' peers.
Today we feature the men's soccer and men's basketball teams:
Men's soccer
Most valuable player
Kensho Ando, midfielder
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
In his first season wearing a UNBC kit, midfielder Kensho Ando played nearly every minute of every game, becoming a fan favourite for his ability to win balls all over the pitch, and create scoring opportunities for he and his teammates.
Coach Steve Simonson: “Kenny arrived in Prince George and immediately established himself as a tremendous addition to our program on and off the pitch. He is tremendous with the ball at his feet, he looks to get his teammates involved, he plays the entire park, and he is a dangerous player. I am excited to see what he does next season, and am proud of him for earning this award from his fellow Timberwolves.”
Best defensive player:
Rob Goodey, goalkeeper
Hometown: Langley
Rob Goodey’s 2019-2020 season was one to remember, as he became the first goalkeeper in T-wolves' history to be named a Canada West All-Star. A tremendous shot-stopper, the veteran keeper was crucial in UNBC’s contention for the conference playoffs.
Coach Steve Simonson: “Rob had a stellar season with us. Receiving that recognition as a Canada West All-Star, and now defensive player of the year for the Timberwolves is a just reward for what we have seen day-in and day-out at training.”
Golden Boot Award:
Stu Rowlands, forward
Hometown: Chilliwack
Whenever he was on the pitch, Stu Rowlands was a threat to score. His five goals paced the Timberwolves, made all the more impressive by the fact that he often played limited minutes. A physical, intimidating attacker, Rowlands has moved into fourth on UNBC’s all-time goal list, despite playing just two seasons.
Coach Steve Simonson: “Stu’s impact on the offensive end of the field was huge for us this year. Due to injury concerns he had a limited role and still managed to be a major scoring threat. Once he is fully healthy, we anticipate even greater things to come.”
Green & Gold Award:
Mitch Linley, defender
Hometown: Fort St. John
This award honours the player who represents the values of the T-wolves program on and off the pitch, exemplifying teamwork, community, commitment, and academics. Mitch Linley is a multi Academic All-Canadian, a member of the Timberwolves Student Athlete Society, and a passionate, hardworking teammate, who figures to play a key role for UNBC for years to come.
Coach Steve Simonson: “Mitch is a very worthy recipient of the Green and Gold Award. We praise the values of what it means to be a Timberwolf, and Mitch epitomizes this day-in and day-out. I think it is a great honour to have your teammates recognize you for your service to the program.”
Men's basketball
Most outstanding player
Tyrell Laing, guard
Hometown: Prince George
Tyrell Laing was sensational this year, leading Canada West in scoring with 21.9 points per game, breaking the UNBC record, while also setting program marks for total points, field goals, and free throws. The Prince George Secondary School product also set a new career high for assists, rebounds, field goal percentage, and minutes.
Coach Todd Jordan: “Tyrell was outstanding this year, leading Canada West in scoring and bringing a focus and compete level to the court on a consistent basis every single game. He was leaned on to do a lot for us every night, and he did it with efficiency. He is extremely deserving of this honour.”
Zane Robison Award
Chris Ross, guard/forward
Hometown: North Vancouver
The Zane Robison Award, named after one of the founders of the UNBC men’s basketball program, is awarded annually to the player who shows the utmost dedication to the Timberwolves. Chris Ross is a deserving winner of the honour, recognizing his desire to make himself and his teammates better every day. The Academic All-Canadian saw an uptick in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, and steals this year.
Coach Todd Jordan: “Chris was extremely dedicated this season. and showed this every day with his commitment to excellence in academics, extra time put in working on his game, and a commitment to growing himself as a leader and a basketball player. We are proud of Chris for his work this year.”
Most inspirational player
Saje Gosal, guard
Hometown: Golden
Playing his fifth and final season with the Timberwolves, Saje Gosal provided tremendous poise, IQ, and leadership to a young UNBC roster. The five-time Academic All-Canadian was a steadying voice, on and off the court for his teammates, and is a fitting recipient of the Most Inspirational Player Award.
Coach Todd Jordan: “Saje inspired through his contagious positive attitude and always being there to support his team, whether that was an encouraging word, advice to a younger teammate, or helping tutor a teammate. Saje was a leader not only with our team, but also within the school.”
Rookie of the Year
Fareed Shittu, forward
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
Fareed Shittu was, fittingly, a slam-dunk for this year’s rookie of the year award. The high-flying freshman set program records for points,field goals, free throws, rebounds, minutes, blocks, and steals. The Edmonton product earned Canada West All-Rookie honours, and will be a favourite at UNBC for years to come.
Coach Todd Jordan: “Fareed had an incredible season, breaking almost every one of our rookie records and exceeding expectations. He is a special athlete, and he worked hard to improve this year. Fareed has a bright future with a lot of potential.”
Practice wins leader
Vova Pluzhnikov, guard
Hometown: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Practice is where so much of the hard work is done to prepare and improve, and UNBC men’s basketball tracks all drills and competitions in training throughout the season. Veteran guard Vova Pluzhnikov led the way, with his commitment to improvement, which led to success in games. He became the first Timberwolf to record 300 points, 100 rebounds, and 75 assists in a season.
Coach Todd Jordan: “Vova led our team by example, every day in practice, winning the most practice competitions this year. It is a reflection of his competitive attitude and preparation on a daily basis to give great effort in practice and in games.”
