KINGSTON, Ont. (April 24, 2020) – Mary Fay of women's curling and Scott Gittens of sailing, were named the top graduating student-athletes during the virtual version of the 84th annual Colour Awards for Varsity Clubs. Visit the Gaels YouTube page to catch all the nominees, winners and highlights from the 2019-20 Varsity Club season.

Fay was awarded the Marion Ross Trophy, which is given to the top Varsity Club female student-athlete. 

Since joining the Gaels, Fay has been a two-time Academic All-Canadian and completed her studies in life sciences with distinction.  As the team's skip, she has successfully led the Queen's women's curling squad to podium finishes in the last three years earning an OUA championship, two OUA silver medals and in 2019-20 to their first U SPORTS Championship medal – taking home the bronze. She has been an OUA All-Star each year she has competed for Queen's and has earned the U SPORTS - R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award Recipient in back-to-back years.  This former OUA and U SPORTS athlete of the week, serves as a role model and leader for her team and finishes her career as one of the most decorated curlers in school history.

Gittens was named the winner of the Jack Jarvis trophy which is awarded to the top Varsity Club male student-athlete.

Gittens led the Gaels to podium finishes in the last four years, earning two CICSA national championships, and four 1st place Can/Am place finishes.  In his rookie and senior season, the Gaels were named the CICSA Team of Year and this past season He was recognized individually with both the Male Skipper of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.   A passionate advocate and leader in his sport, Scott serves as his team's captain and VLC rep and also as the CICSA co-president and treasurer. A native of Barbados, he's competed for his country in Caribbean and World Championships while giving back to his local community volunteering to teach children to sail and coaching teens to develop their skills.  Scott is completing his degree in applied science and plans on pursuing an Olympic campaign after graduation.  

The Award of Merit Trophy was presented to the Queen's sailing team as the top performing Varsity Club. 

The Gaels were able to re-claim the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association national championship after finishing second last season. Queen's was led by consistent top-level performances at regattas throughout the season and were honoured with five CICSA major awards including the male and female skipper's of the year, female crew of the year, team of the year and volunteer of the year. Their hard work continued in the community as they participated with VLC fundraisers and Kingston Yacht Club charitable events.

The Alfie Pierce award recipients for the top club rookies of the year were Marlow Benson from women's squash and Alex Sun from men's fencing. 

The Gaels were OUA squash champions once again and rookie Marlow Benson played a big role as she was not only the OUA rookie of the year but was also named the OUA MVP and an All-Star after going undefeated all season long. At the Squash Canada University & College Championships she capped off her season with a national silver medal.

As the male rookie of the year, Sun was a key member of the Gaels fencing team competing in the men's Sabre. After picking up two gold's and a silver at team invitationals, he was able to add two OUA Silver medals at the OUA championships winning one individually and another with the Sabre team relay. For his efforts he was named an OUA All-Star and helped the team claim OUA bronze.

The Varsity Support Service Awards are presented each year to recognize the individuals who have demonstrated dedication and leadership while making a significant contribution to the success of the Queen's Varsity Sports Program in Athletic Therapy (Hal Dunlop Shield), Athlete Services, Home Events, Strength and Conditioning and Varsity Club Special Recognition. This year's Varsity Club Special Recognition Award winner was Amelia Knapp from women's squash.
 

QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & RECREATION VARSITY CLUB AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2019-20
Marion Ross Trophy: Mary Fay (Women's Curling)
Jack Jarvis Trophy: Scott Gittens (Sailing)
Award of Merit Trophy: Sailing
Alfie Pierce Trophy (Female): Marlow Benson (Women's Squash)
Alfie Pierce Trophy (Male): Alex Sun (Men's Fencing)
Varsity Clubs Support Service Award: Amelia Knapp (Women's Squash)
 

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Next week, Queen's Athletics and Recreation will virtually host Colour Awards for Varsity Teams across all @QueensGaels social media channels. Among the awards announced will be the Outstanding Performer of the Year, the Varsity Team rookies of the year as well as the Varsity Team of Year. Also handed out will be the PHE'55 Alumnae Award and the Jenkins Trophy, which will be awarded to the top fourth or fifth-year student-athletes.