DR. JOHN T. POWELL AWARD

* The Dr. John T. Powell Award is presented to an individual who has shown exemplary effort and devotion in their contributions to the University of Guelph Athletics program *
 

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2021-22 Dr. John T. Powell Award: Skye Angus

Skye has been a member of Gryphon athletics for a number of years, holding various positions, making her an expert administrator. For the past year she has been the cornerstone and go-to staff member in the intercollegiate unit. A lot of what Skye does is not flashy or exciting but is critical to our success. She manages admissions, coaches, academics, eligibility – the list goes on – and on top of that, this year she was tasked with much of the covid testing eligibility and day to day operations.
 
Skye has helped build and re-build the leadership academy. What began as a once-a month gathering has grown into a 3-level system because the student-athletes were learning so much and improving our sport community. She passionately mentors the students in the academy and also shares her weekly lessons at with our coaches and department.
 
Skye mostly works behind the scenes, but you can see her heart and soul is all about making Gryphon athletics the best it can be. Her passion and commitment to athletics and the difference it makes to Gryphon student-athletes, coaches and administrators is palpable. We just couldn’t do it all without her.

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2018-19 Dr. John T. Powell Award: Al Weersink (Women's Soccer)














 

Over the past 11 seasons, Al has been a cornerstone of the Gryphon women’s soccer program,​ linking past and present, playing a significant role in Guelph’s evolution from a young, inexperienced squad in 2008 into an OUA champion. The dedicated assistant coach has forged close relationships by supporting all members of the team in any way he can, while always exemplifying what it means to be a Gryphon. Al, a Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics professor at the University, recognizes people for their achievements and graciously offers words of advice when needed. He has mentored student-athletes and assisted them on the academic front, been a liaison for them with faculty, and spent time touring the campus with prospective student-​athletes, promoting the Gryphon way. Al’s humble, sincere, and hard-working approach has been invaluable in the rise ​of women's soccer at the University of Guelph and he has given all of this to the program without the expectation of anything in return. ​
 

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2017-18 Dr. John T. Powell Award: Dave Neill (Women's Rugby)
















There have been few members in the history of Gryphon Athletics more committed to his university than Dave Neill. A critical member of the women’s rugby program for over a decade and a periodic contributor to the men’s team, Dave has been instrumental to the Gryphons’ success. As a former U of G athlete, Dave understands his players’ experiences and has a vision for how they can achieve their individual and team goals. He is invested in their lives and sets high standards for them to achieve. Dave’s dedication is year-round. He makes himself available for players in the offseason for technical training and running scrum clubs, while also pushing them to make strides in the gym. He is a true builder of the sport and maintains his support of athletes long after they leave the program.
 

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* In 2016-17, the Dr. John T. Powell Award was not awarded *
 

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2015-16 Dr. John T. Powell Award: Larry Pearson (Men's Volleyball)



This Guelph native is an alumus, athlete, coach, board of governor, volunteer and a donor. From 1969-72, Pearson earned his degree in mathematics while playing four years on the Gryphons volleyball team. A few short years later he would return to help coach. During the 1977-78 season, he served as head coach of the Gryphons men's volleyball team that won an Ontario title. It remains the last time the Gryphons won an OUA title in men's volleyball. In 1979, he joined Linamar, embarking on a 20-year career with the local manufacturer retiring as the company's President and COO in 1998. For the last 10 years, he has returned to coaching at University serving as not only an assistant coach but also a mentor for players on the men's volleyball team. His Guelph roots are impressive. Pearson's philanthropy is even more impressive. Over the years he has generously given back to his alma mater, including a leadership gift of $1.1 million to revitalize the athletics facilities. With the opening of the new athletics centre in 2016, Pearson will be dedicating his donation to the new facility as the 'Larry Pearson main entrance lobby.
 

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Return to Awards Archive
 

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Winners of the Dr. John T. Powell award:
 

Year	Name	Sport
2021-22	Skye Angus
2018-19	Al Weersink	Women's Soccer
2017-18	Dave Neil	Women's Rugby
2016-17	* not awarded *
2015-16	Larry Pearson	Men's Volleyball
2014-15	Dave Storey	Men's and Women's Hockey
2013-14	Alaister Summerlee
2012-13	Chrsi Clancy	Men's Hockey
2011-12	Brian Cluff	Football
2010-11	Jim Wardle	Track and Field
2007-08	Zoltan Tenke	Track and Field
2006-07	Karen Lee
2005-06	* not awarded *
2004-05	* not awarded *
2003-04	Roberta Mason
2002-03	Jim Atkinson
2001-02	Joe Varamo
2000-01	Fred Ramprashad
1999-00	David Copp
1998-99	Guntis Obrascovs
1997-98	Laurie Halfpenny
1996-97	Gunther Zemanek David Walsh
1995-96	Janis Macpherson
1994-95	Dino Scrementi
1993-94	Craig Moore
1992-93	Don Bagg
1991-92	Tony D'Angelo
1990-91	Mary Anne Grape
1988-89	Bill Frisbee
1987-88	Betty Forestell
1986-87	Mark Harrison
1985-86	R. Paul Gilmor
1985-85	Colin Sim
1984-85	Dr. James MacLachlan Andrew Campbell