MONO, Ont. - Former Chair of the OUA Board of Directors, Deborah MacLatchy, was named the recipient of the 2022-23 J.P. Loosemore Award at the 2023 OUA Honour Awards on Wednesday night.
Awarded to an individual who exemplifies the best in university sport in terms of ethics, integrity, and honesty, MacLatchy espoused each of these traits and more while playing a leading role in navigating the OUA through one of its most challenging stretches during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MacLatchy was the first woman to serve as Chair of the Board, and during her time in the role, saw the organization through the new governance model, implemented the Black or Indigenous Student-Athlete Heritage Bursary, and helped oversee the OUA Anti-Racism Project.
The President & Vice-Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University was also a champion of the elevation of women in sport – building leadership opportunities, coaching supports, and advocating for financial equity.
The full list of Honour and CHAMP Award winners are as follows:
Honour Awards
Athletes of the Year (2) – Sarah Gates, McMaster; Gabe Mastromatteo, Toronto
Teams of the Year (2) – Carleton Women's Basketball; McMaster Men's Cross Country
Coaches of the Year (2) – Paula Schnurr, McMaster; Marty Calder, Brock
J.P. Loosemore Award – Deborah MacLatchy, Wilfrid Laurier
John McManus Award – John De Souza, Toronto
Media Member of Distinction – Ben Steiner, 49 Sports
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Award of Excellence – Jada Roach, Toronto
OUA Woman of Distinction – Beth Ali, Toronto
CHAMP Awards
Best G1 Championship – Queen's Gaels, Critelli Cup
Best G2 Championship – Brock Badgers, Quigley Cup
Best G3 Championship – Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, Women's Curling
Photo of the Year – Marisa Settimi, McMaster
Video Feature of the Year – McMaster Marauders, Men's Volleyball: All-Access
Outstanding Promotional Video – Carleton Ravens, 'What's a Gee-Gee'
Best Webcast Production – Queen's Gaels
Best Webcast Announcer – Matt Sookram, Nipissing
Best Social Media Account – Ottawa Gee-Gees Football, Instagram
Best Theme Night – Lakehead Thunderwolves, Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night
Best Mascot – Hunter the Ridgeback, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
Best Fan Support Group – Lakehead Thunderwolves