Palango & Kruisselbrink Headline 2023-24 Royals Awards Banquet
ANCASTER, ON. The Redeemer Royals celebrated the 2023-2024 Athletic season this past weekend with the annual awards banquet. This years event was held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. The Royals had an excellent night celebrating, reflecting on and sharing the countless memories made this past year.
Mia Palango secured two major awards on the evening. The dual sport star of Women's Basketball and Women's Soccer snatched the Female Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year Awards. The Rookie Basketball player joined the Women's Basketball program this past season and made an immediate impact on the court. She played 416 minutes this season averaging 9.2 points 8.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Additionally, Palango posted 4 straight double-doubles in the second semester. The Rookie forward led the Royals in rebounds, assists and steals. Palango finds herself in the Royals Women's basketball top ten single-season stat leaders in rebounds and steals. In addition to her Basketball breakthrough, the soccer transfer was an influential addition to the soccer roster. Palango was a commanding presence on the pitch all season long. The soccer star was recognised as a OCAA Second Team All-Star.
Ethan Kruisselbrink was the recipient of the Male Athlete of the Year Award. Kruisselbrink was the only male athlete to represent the Royals this year on the national stage. The runner had a phenomenal season on the course this year placing fifth at the OCAA provincial Championships with a sensational time of 26 minutes 39 seconds which stood for a 3 minute and 20 seconds per KM pace. The All-Star runner improved his time at the CCAA National Championships posting a 26-minute 33-second race, which found him placing 24th. In addition to being an elite runner, Kruisselbrink is also a member of the Hockey team
.
Jonah Heiduurt is this years Male rookie of the year. Jonah
Heidbuurt was a key component of the Royals Men's Volleyball program during his rookie campaign. The high-flying outside led the Royals in kills, kills per set, service aces, service aces per set, points, points per set, and was second in digs. Jonah also posted an impressive second-most service aces in the league with 34. The stats don't stop there, as Heidbuurt posted the second-most points scored in a single match by a Royal in program history with 32 against Mohawk in the fall. This performance cements himself in the history book with many years to claim the top spot.
Ivana Kanisek is the 2023-2024 Female Scholar Athlete. Kanisek was outstanding on the pitch and in the classroom. Kanisek had the 3rd most points for the Royals this season and was a dominant force on the field every night. The midfielder's speed, awareness, and experience allowed her to deliver the ball all over the field. On top of a superb OCAA season, Kanisk delivered on the international stage at the NCCAA National Championships where she was recognized as an All-Tournament team member, She is the first Royals to receive this award.
Adam Pavlik was the recipient of the Male Scholar Athlete Award. Adam Pavlik had an impressive year in the classroom and on the court. The veteran forward was a steady and reliable force for the Royals who was among team leaders in various statistical categories. Adam is a proven leader on the Royals and surely guided his teammates to success. Adam has outstanding character and a christ-centered, servant heart.
The Strength & Conditioning Award was presented to Jackson Thackwray. The Basketball guard
has demonstrated intensity, consistency, and leadership during the strength and conditioning sessions. Jackson's daily ambition to be a better version of himself on and off the court is constantly portrayed in the weight room. Jackson's daily performance has been exceptional and has led him to crush school records in fitness testing.
Leah Sloots and Carson Torrie are the co-recipients of the Vertical Purpose Award. Sloots brings her kind, servant heart and Christ-centered life onto the field with her. She is an exceptional leader and glorifies Christ in athletics and life. Carson Torrie has exceptional character, the Hockey captain leads those around him closer to Christ. Torrie's servant and caring heart help bring those around him to foster meaningful relationships with Jesus.
The Royals also had the opportunity to acknowledge team-specific award winners including Team Most Valuable Player, Team Rookie of the Year and Team Vertical Purpose Award.
Women's Cross Country
MVP : Thea Van Haltren
Vertical Purpose: Annika Grootenboer
Men's Cross-Country
MVP: Ethan Kruisselbrink
Vertical Purpose: Zach Braam
Women's Soccer
MVP: Adriann Kanisek
Vertical Purpose: Leah Sloots
Rookie of the Year: Joelle Mitton
Men's Soccer
MVP: Hunter Packalen
Vertical Purpose: Hunter Packalen
Rookie of the Year: Matthew Derks
Women's Basketball
MVP: Mia Palango
Vertical Purpose: Katie Lau
Rookie of the Year: Daniella Zondag
Men's Basketball
MVP: Armeen Fazelipour
Vertical Purpose: Adam Pavlik
Rookie of the Year: Jason Usuoman
Women's Volleyball
MVP: Rachel Annett
Vertical Purpose: Avery Surette
Rookie of the Year: Alana Dejong
Men's Volleyball
MVP: Caleb Joosse
Vertical Purpose: Jared Prinsloo
Rookie of the Year: Jonah Heidbuurt
Hockey
MVP: Carson Murrison
Vertical Purpose: Carson Torrie
Rookie of the Year: Tucker Copeland
