Kenora Catholic District School Board

Athletes from every sport were recognized for their hard work, dedication and skill last night at St. Thomas Aquinas High School's annual Athletic Banquet. The awards banquet saw all of the Saints athletes come together to celebrate a spectacular year of sports at the high school.

This year saw six teams make it to the provincial championships including golf, boys volleyball, girls basketball, girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls soccer. The boys volleyball team was the most successful at OFSAA earning the silver medal.

While awards were handed out for individual teams, STA also gave out the prestigious male and female athlete of the year. Jack Scott and Jaymesen Harasemchuk were the winners for the junior division, while Brett Riehl and Chelsea Henderson were awarded the plaque in the senior division.

"It's a great honour, I'm kind of speechless honestly, just being acknowledged by my principals and my peers like that," said Riehl who played hockey, badminton and soccer.

Riehl spoke about his time traveling to OFSAA with the boys soccer team.

"It was a great experience. Second time going for soccer, we went in Grade 9 and then couldn't get back there. Then this year we finally got over the hump, made it back and and it was great. Didn't end the way we wanted, but it was fun being with the guys," he said.

For Henderson it was the second year in a row she was honoured as senior female athlete of the year.

"I didn't think that was going to happen it's awesome," she said. Henderson played soccer, badminton, basketball and hockey and will be going off to University in the fall to study concurrent education with a major in math and a minor in chemistry. Riehl will be returning to STA for one more year before he hopes to go to college or university. He had this advice for younger aspiring athletes.

"Keep working hard and size doesn't matter," he said, and when asked about his height he had this to say.

"I like to say I'm 5'6, 5'7 but I might be giving myself a couple inches."

The school welcomed guest speaker Katie Weatherston, an Olympic gold medalist and former Canadian Women's Hockey Team member. Weatherston spoke to the crowd about her experience trying out for Team Canad as well as the Olympics and World Championships. She encouraged everyone to go after their dreams, but be willing to work hard and expect to have to overcome obstacles.