GFESS Sports starts the new school year off strong with their September and October Athletes of the Month; an award presented by the Athletic Council. Based on criteria such as athletic performance, work ethic, sportsmanship, and more, one male and one female athlete will be celebrated each month during the school year.
The very first winner was Cameron MacRae, the Senior Football Team’s starting QB. Dubbed by his coach, Mr. Sauer, as “a great player, and an even better leader,” MacRae worked hard to bring GFESS victories. Back in 2018, MacRae won the NRMFA (Niagara Regional Minor Football Association) championship for the Longhorns as well as won MVP of the game, which he cites as his biggest highlight. He wears jersey number 7, the same as his idol, Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers Quarterback), and aspires to continue on with Football into University, or alternatively go to College for Tool and Dye.
Also recognized for the Month of September was Gia Fougere. During September and into October, she was competing on the Cross Country team, but is also interested in Volleyball, Rowing, Track and Field, and competes in gymnastics outside of school. Fougere is described as “dedicated and reliable,” by her coach Mrs. Coffey, and also views herself as a determined person whose favorite aspect of Cross Country is challenging herself and bettering her times. Her favorite sports memories are when she met her inspiration, Simone Biles, and when she made Team Ontario for gymnastics.
As for October, the winners were Kiptyn Macleod and Kristina Day. Macleod was the JR football team's starting quarterback and captain. Though the season has now concluded, he was “an unreplaceable part of the team and has scored passing, rushing, and defensive touchdowns,” according to Coach Woehl. Macleod has been playing football since he was 6, however he also plays golf recreationally and enjoys watching his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott, Dallas’ QB, is his favorite athlete due to how he “leads his team through adversity”, something Macleod seems to excel at doing as well.
Lastly is Kristina Day, a member of the GFESS senior girls basketball team. Her competitiveness shines in basketball and her other sport, track and field. Day’s sports highlight was winning the Girls Basketball Thorold Tournament last month. Mrs. Oort, one of her basketball coaches, says she “leads by example on and off the court” and she is “known for her relentless competitiveness and passion for the game.” As another NFL fan, her favorite team is the Buffalo Bills, however her favorite athlete is Jewel Lloyd of the WNBA. Beyond high school, she hopes to pursue criminology and of course continue playing basketball.
By: Kendal Warren