(Metro Vancouver) - The Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s varsity athletes and coaches joined the Athletic Department administrators, sponsors and donors last evening to celebrate a successful 2012-2013 season for the Eagles at their annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley.
Hosted by Kwantlen student-assistants in the Athletic Department, Kathleen Castillo (Surrey) and Jessica Cho (Surrey), this annual event recognizes the outstanding athletic accomplishments of Kwantlen’s student-athletes, as well as their academic achievements, leadership and community involvement throughout the varsity competitive season. After a warm welcome by President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Alan Davis, the 130 guests were addressed by keynote speaker and Kwantlen Eagle alum, Kevin Kokoska. Kevin was a former Men’s Basketball athlete spending three years in the Eagles uniform while garnering many awards and accolades. After spending time on the streets by his own accord to experience the difficulty of such a lifestyle first-hand, Kevin realized his calling and currently works with at-risk youth at Covenant House in Vancouver.
The year’s penultimate award, the President’s Outstanding Male and Female Athlete Award, was awarded to Brittany McNeill and Ali Bosir. McNeill captured the Women’s Soccer MVP, the PACWEST Academic Excellence Award, and was named a PACWEST 1st Team All-Star. Nationally, Brittany was recognized as a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Scholar and also received the SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian award. A fifth-year athlete and student in the Association of Arts – Psychology program, Brittany has had a very successful and final season as an Eagle.
Fourth-year Men’s Basketball athlete and Associate of Arts – Criminology student, Ali Bosir, showed leadership and poise as captain of his team this past season. Receiving the Men’s Basketball MVP award for the second year in a row, Bosir also was named to the PACWEST 2nd Team All-Star and was awarded the PACWEST Athlete of the week an impressive three times. Bosir finished the season leading the entire province and nation in rebounds collected and captured 1st spot in the PACWEST in total points scored while ranking 3rd in the nation for the same feat.