OSHAWA, Ont. – The Regent Theatre hosted Ontario Tech's 19th annual athletic awards gala on Thursday night, recognizing Ridgebacks student-athletes for their outstanding achievements over the past season.

Keon Baker was named Male Athlete of the Year following a record-setting campaign with the men's basketball team. On Saturday, January 10, he set a program record with 42 points in a single game to defeat the Carleton Ravens on the road. Later in the season, on Friday, January 23, he became the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. Baker was also named an OUA Second Team All-Star.

Zoe McGee earned Female Athlete of the Year honours, along with receiving her fifth-year paw. A stalwart in net for the women's hockey team, McGee finished her career atop the program's all-time wins and saves lists. She anchored a historic playoff run that saw the Ridgebacks win their first-ever quarterfinal series and advance to the OUA semifinals.

Rookie Athletes of the Year honours went to Emily Harrison of women's hockey and TJ Richards of men's basketball, both recognized for standout performances in their debut seasons.

Harrison led the women's hockey team with 19 points in her rookie campaign and scored one of the biggest goals in program history, netting the overtime winner against the Nipissing Lakers in the play-in game.

Richards made an immediate impact with the men's basketball team, highlighted by a 23-point performance in his first start in November. He went on to average nine points, three assists and four rebounds per game.

Other major award winners included Josée Jones and Noah Mossavat, who received the Dr. Gary Polonsky Leadership Awards.

The Sase Narayan Unsung Hero Award was presented to Renee Fernandez, who contributed as a student trainer, women's basketball manager and key member of the game day staff.
Lorena Jones received the Rob Millikin Award, recognizing her academic excellence and passion for the rowing program.

Alex Park and Jordanna Connors were awarded the James-Baun Cup, presented annually to one member of the men's and women's hockey teams who exemplify commitment, dedication, perseverance, leadership and teamwork. The award is named after Bobby Baun and his longtime friend Don James.

MAJOR AWARDS
Female Athlete of the Year
 Zoe McGee – Women's Hockey

Male Athlete of the Year
 Keon Baker – Men's Basketball

Female Freshman Athlete of the Year
 Emily Harrison – Women's Hockey

Male Freshman Athlete of the Year
 TJ Richards – Men's Basketball

Dr. Gary Polonsky Leadership Award
 Josée Jones – Women's Soccer
 Noah Mossavat – Men's Soccer

James-Baun Cup
 Jordanna Connors – Women's Hockey
 Alex Park – Men's Hockey

Rob Millikin Award
 Lorena Jones – Rowing

Strength and Conditioning Student Coach of the Year
 Ravi Hunter

Athletic Therapy Student Coach of the Year
 Natalia Quesnel

Sase Narayan Unsung Hero Award
 Renee Fernandez

TEAM AWARDS
Men's Badminton
 MVP: Joshua Nguyen
 Rookie of the Year: Brahith Pavanantharajah

Women's Badminton
 MVP: Chloe Hoang
 Leadership: Venuga Kariharan
 Rookie of the Year: Tiffani Lim

Men's Soccer
 MVP: Erion Metaj
 Leadership: Noah Mossavat
 Rookie of the Year: Anthony Dawoud

Women's Soccer
 MVP: Abbie Russell
 Leadership: Josée Jones
 Rookie of the Year: Tienna Martins

Men's Rowing
 Oarsman of the Year: Liam Kennan
 Leadership: Zach Dixon
 Novice Oarsman of the Year: Clayton More

Women's Rowing
 Oarswoman of the Year: Kierstyn Hawke
 Leadership: Alexi Buis
 Novice Oarswoman of the Year: Melissa Richards

Men's Hockey
 MVP: Gabriel Bernier
 Leadership: Jeremy Michaud
 Rookie of the Year: Zachary Marquis

Women's Hockey
 MVP: Zoe McGee
 Leadership: Milana Perri
 Rookie of the Year: Emily Harrison

Lacrosse
 MVP: Jill Batsford
 Leadership: Hunter Stolarek
 Rookie of the Year: Reese Peacock

Men's Curling
 MVP: Ryan Hastings
 Leadership: Thomas Keys-Brasier

Women's Curling
 MVP: Lillianne Wrigley
 Leadership: Lillianne Wrigley
 Rookie of the Year: Taylor Hardwick

Men's Golf
 MVP: Nicolaus Huebel
 Leadership: Nicolaus Huebel
 Rookie of the Year: Lukas Van Daalen

Women's Golf
 MVP: Faatimah Emamalie
 Leadership: Bridget Fron
 Rookie of the Year: Faatimah Emamalie

Women's Basketball
 MVP: Elliot Cowan
 Leadership: Grace Dixon

Men's Basketball
 MVP: Keon Baker
 Rookie of the Year: TJ Richards