The Western Mustangs held their annual athletic banquet at the London Convention Centre Wednesday evening and for the first time in 21 years, and fourth time in Western history, there were co-winners for the 54th FWP Jones Trophy for top female student-athlete.
Women’s basketball point guard Amanda Anderson and women’s track and field multi-event performer and pentathlon specialist Jen Cotten shared the honour this year. The Dr. Claude Brown Memorial Trophy for top male went to Mustangs football quarterback Michael Faulds.
Both awards recognize student-athletes who have made the most outstanding contribution to intercollegiate athletics during their careers.
A leader on her team throughout the season, Cotton put it all on the line at the OUA and CIS championships in her final season. A four-time defending CIS Pentathlon champion, she had an exceptional season, guiding the Western women’s track and field team to a national and provincial team medals (3rd CIS, 2nd OUA).
As captain of Western’s women’s basketball squad, Anderson will graduate as the top scorer in Western Mustangs history. A competitor, motivator and great ambassador for her sport, she’s looking forward to a career as a professional basketball player overseas.
Finishing second in OUA career scoring with 1,626 points over her five years, she finishes as the No. 2 scorer in OUA history behind Cassandra Carpenter who amassed 2,171 points in her career at Laurentian.
Anderson was a finalist for the CIS player of the year (the Nan Copp Award) and the OUA player of the year, leading her team and second in the OUA in scoring with over 18 points per game.
Even though he is shy and brushes away any praise, Faulds is described by his teammates as the ultimate leader. He set two CIS records in his final regular season game with the Mustangs becoming the CIS single-season passing leader (3,033 yards) and CIS career-passing leader (10,811 yards).
A two-time winner of the Dalt White Trophy as Yates Cup MVP, Faulds will likely be coaching the Mustangs one day and hopes to land a roster spot playing professional football.
Purple Blankets, team MVP awards and Bronze Ws – for three or more years of contribution – were also awarded last night.
Purple blanket winners included Lindsay Doxtator (Lacrosse), Laura Russell (Rugby), Chantal Forristal (Tennis), Kimmi Labbett (Swimming), Lenore Chesworth (Swimming), Amanda Anderson (Basketball), Charles Fitzsimmons (Golf), Jason Kerr (Track and Field), Micky Lizmore (Curling), Andy Rady (Football) and David Jacks (Men’s Rugby).