Katie Wuttunee and Mitch Goodwin each had exceptional seasons in Canada West varsity sports.
On Tuesday night, at the Heat’s annual banquet, the two were honoured with UBC Okanagan’s highest athletic awards.
Wuttunee, a graduating member of the Heat women’s volleyball squad, was named the school’s outstanding female athlete of the year, while Goodwin, a fourth-year guard with the men’s basketball squad, was cited as the Heat’s top male athlete for 2015-16.
In addition being named a Canada West and all-Canadian first-team all-star, Wuttunee helped the Heat to its first ever medal in CIS competition—a bronze at nationals in Brandon.
“There are a lot of other very talented athletes that were in that pool of finalists,” Wuttunee said of winning the award. “Honestly, I’m just so honoured to be amongst them. It’s a tribute to my coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone who got me here.
“I’m not one to get caught up in personal achievements because it’s a team sport,” added Wuttunee, the 6-foot-3 middle blocker from North Vancouver. “I think winning the bronze medal, I could just have that and I would be so, so happy. The bronze meant the most to me and it showed the most character from a team standpoint.”
Goodwin, the captain of the Heat men’s basketball squad and the only fourth-year player, averaged more than 27 minutes and 12 points in starting all 20 conference games.
The 6-foot-2 Goodwin anchored the backcourt while leading the Heat to its best season in the program’s brief CIS history with an 8-12 record.
“It’s quite an honour to receive this award, going against all these other male athletes who have accomplished some amazing things throughout the season,” said Goodwin, a Kelowna product and graduate of KSS. “But I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates, the training staff and the administration staff.”
Other Heat award winners were:
• Student Athlete of the Year, female—Katy Klomps (volleyball) and Carolyn Lee (golf).
• Student Athlete of the Year, male—Lars Bornemann (volleyball)
• Graduating Player of the Year, female—Kailin Jones and Chandler Proch (volleyball).
• Graduating Player of the Year, male—Harrison Shrimpton (soccer)
• Rookie of the Year, female—Joella Kobilschke (soccer)
• Rookie of the Year, male—Eli Risso (volleyball).
UBC Okanagan director of athletics Rob Johnson also presented Dr. Willie Cheyne with a special recognition award. Cheyne is retiring after 22 years of service to the university’s varsity program.
