KINGSTON, Ont. (May 18, 2022) - As part of the 86th annual Colour Awards, Queen's Athletics & Recreation recognizes leadership, contribution and dedication to the success of Gaels Varsity Sports with the Support Service Awards.

The Varsity Support Service Awards are presented annually to recognize the individuals who have demonstrated dedication and leadership while making a significant contribution to the success of the Queen's Varsity Sport Program.

The Support Service Award recipients for the 2021-22 season are Noah Polesky (Hal Dunlop Shield - Athletic Therapy), Lauryn Colpitts (Athlete Services), Will Shorthouse and Amanda Pelletier (Home Events), Gabriel Bourgeau (Strength & Conditioning), Rachel McLaughlin (Q Services), and Tristan Burr (Q Facilities).

Noah Polesky – Hal Dunlop Shield Recipient (Athletic Therapy)

Noah began his Level 1 year of academic and clinical education in September 2019. After completing his Level 1 year he was placed with the Varsity Men's Hockey Team where he spent a year as a Junior Student Trainer followed by a year as a Senior Student Trainer. During his placement years he was responsible for the pre, during, and post-activity medical care of the Men's Hockey players. In addition to his academics, the many hours caring for the hockey players and shadowing/assisting with Athletic Therapy treatments in the clinic, he was also a valuable member of the Queen's Baseball Team. He will extend his time in baseball and in the Sport Science domain next year as he pursues his MSC in biomechanics at Brock University.
 
"Noah is a strong example of what the Athletic Therapy Mini-Stream strives for in a Student Trainer. From Day 1 of training through his final game and clinic coverage, Noah was always punctual, professional, friendly, and displayed a keen desire to both learn and help in the field and clinic environments. Throughout his three years in the program, he was proficient at balancing a successful baseball career with strong academics, a professional, upbeat, friendly personality, and spent many hours taking care of the medical needs of the Men's Hockey players."- Ryan Bennett. Manager, Q Sports Medicine

Lauryn Colpitts (Athlete Services)

"Lauryn Colpitts has been a Tutor Coordinator since 2020. Lauryn is a great leader that takes initiative to identify problems and find solutions. She was instrumental in coordinating our Gaels Tutoring program ensuring student-athletes and tutors were connected. Lauryn went above and beyond to assist with onboarding tutors and ensuring all parties were well informed of the request process as well as organize year end data." - Milana McNamee, Coordinator, Athlete Services - Retention

Will Shorthouse (Home Events)

Will started working at Home Events in 2016, and quickly impressed the coordinator with his work ethic and dedication to fan experience at Varsity games. He was given the opportunity to become the Supervisor of Promotions after less than a year of working Home Events. Throughout his six years here, Will has announced many games, facilitated a countless number of half-time activities with fans and in-game promotions with sponsors, and has been the DJ at almost every home game which has heavily contributed to the overall experience of Varsity Events for both our fans and athletes. He has trained and mentored many Events staff, which has created a continuous cycle of excellence within Home Events. 
 
Amanda Pelletier (Home Events)

Amanda has been a part of Home Events since 2017, and quickly earned her way to becoming the Events Supervisor of our Gaels Soccer program. Not only has Amanda dedicated many hours at Richardson Stadium to facilitating soccer games but has been a part of many other events within Athletics & Recreation. This year, Amanda graciously offered to assist Will in supervising Promotions at events, which she quickly picked up, and began to train casual staff on the position she just learned herself. She became confident on the microphone and created and facilitated many fun in-game promotions for our fans. Amanda continues to help with organizational tasks for Home Events post-season, which will play a part in the success of Events in the coming year. 
 
"This year, both Will and Amanda have accepted increased responsibility by assisting with the coordination and facilitation of Varsity game days and the U SPORTS Women's Final 8 Basketball Championship. Although both of them were highly involved in their academics, they devoted a number of hours each week to help with in-office work at Home Events. Both of them have made major contributions to the success of Varsity Events this year, and their continued work efforts will play a key role in the success of events going forward." - Maddie Love, Coordinator, Event Delivery

Gabriel Bourgeau (Strength & Conditioning)

"In our ministream, we regularly discuss the importance of planting trees of the shade that you will not sit. The resiliency to so many changing variables while remaining dedicated to supporting our student athletes through their training process has been incredible to witness from our group of graduating student-interns. The recipient of this year's reward has made a significant impact in our Men's Hockey program, both with the student-athletes that he coaches but also with younger interns that he always makes time for. His preparation, leadership, and dependability will continue to be a positive influence in our program for years to come. Congratulations to fourth-year student, Gabriel Bourgeau (Level 3 Intern for Men's Hockey)." - Colin McAuslan, Head Coach, Strength and Conditioning

Rachel McLaughlin (Q Services)

Rachel has been a part of the Q Service Staff since August 2019 and always demonstrated a great attitude, willingness to go above and beyond, and take on new challenges. Due to her outstanding performance, she was promoted to MRP, supervising the evening hours with professionalism and dedication, serving as a great role model to the rest of the staff, all while completing a demanding engineering degree. - Kelly Smith, Coordinator, Sales and Service
 
Tristan Burr (Q Facilities)

During Tristan's time with Q Facilities, he has become an integral part of the team, and should be very proud of everything that he has accomplished. It's been incredible to see Tristan grow into his role as a leader, go beyond the status quo, thinking outside the box, rallying his colleagues together, being a mentor to our staff, and consistently having a positive attitude. To say Tristan surpassed our expectation is an understatement. Q Facilities is grateful for his incredible work ethic and dedication. Not only that, but for his unique talent, mindset, and passion. Despite the challenges and obstacles we have faced this year, Tristan faced each one with professionalism that has resonated throughout our department. Q Facilities is very fortunate to have Tristan on our team, his leadership has not gone unnoticed and will continue to exceed our expectations. Thank you for your continued dedication to Q-Facilities' mission, vision, and core values." - Vicrum Kailey, Coordinator, Facilities and Operations