Press Release
Friday, April 03, 2020
Véronique Omalosanga and Maxime St-Cyr are Université de Moncton athletes of the year
The Moncton campus of the Université de Moncton has crowned track and field runner Véronique Omalosanga, of Moncton, and hockey player Maxime St-Cyr, of Saint-Didace, Quebec, as athletes of the year.
The honoring of the athletes, members of the nine Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus and Aigles Bleues teams, was done through a news release, social media and the university infolettre on Thursday because of the COVID-9.
Moncton track runner, Caroline Gagnon, and Val d’Amour hockey defensemen, Francis Thibeault, were named female and male rookies of the year. Judes Vallée, in his third season as bench boss, was named coach of the year for the second year in a row following his team’s performances.
"Congratulations to our student athletes receiving awards to close this sporting season," said interim President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Paul Couturier. "You stand out for your leadership and determination, and so you are very deserving of these honors. It is impossible in the current situation to celebrate these prizes and awards in person, but rest assured that we are very proud of all of you. Your efforts and success contribute to our university's glory, here and in the rest of Canada."
Athletic director Marc Boudreau takes the opportunity to congratulate the athletes and staff for their dedication and their performances as athletes and students. “We were able to appreciate our athletes’ talents throughout the season,” Boudreau said. “They did a fine job of representing our institution in their respective sport. I also salute our many partners and fans for their support toward our program of excellence.”
Sprinter Véronique Omalosanga did gather four medals at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) track and field championships. She won three silver medals, one in the 300m and two as a member of the relay 4X200m and 4X400m teams and a bronze in the 60m. She established three Université de Moncton records in the 300m and both relays. She did accumulate 13 of her team’s 70 points during the meet, which gave them third place overall. She was named her institution’s athlete of the week and a member of the AUS first all-star team. She is second year health sciences student.
Maxime St-Cyr played his third year with the men’s hockey Aigles Bleus team. He finished the regular season with 40 points (20g, 20a), fourth best in the AUS and his 20 goals were tied for top in the league. A member of the AUS first all-star team, he contributed to 45 per cent of his team’s goals. He was chosen AUS athlete of the week once and Université de Moncton athlete, twice. He was also chosen as Subway player of the game for his performances. He was a very competitive player and active in the community. He is a fourth year bachelor of business administration (accounting) student.
Defensemen Francis Thibeault was a very stable player in his first year wearing the Aigles Bleus uniform. He had lots of ice time and got his rookie shower early in the season because of his teammate’s numerous injuries. His play improved rapidly as he was on the ice for many minutes during a game. With a goal and eight assists for nine points, he was named on the AUS all rookie team. He was chosen as Université de Moncton athlete of the week once. He is a bachelor of business administration (general) student.
Caroline Gagnon impressed in her first year on the track and field team. She was named as the AUS rookie of the year at the end of the championship competitions. She won three silver medals at the AUS meet. She was second in the 60m hurdles and was a member of the both relay 4X200m and 4X400m teams. All times were institution records. She was fifth in the long jump and amassed eight of her team’s 70 points, which was the most points collected in the last 13 years by the women’s team. She is ranked third in 60mh by U SPORTS. She is a first-year health sciences student.
In his third year behind the Aigles Bleus men’s hockey team bench, Judes Vallée led his charges to the AUS semi-finals this season and in the consolation round. The Aigles Bleus were fourth in the final regular season standings with 13 wins, 11 losses and six overtime losses for 32 points. The team eliminated the St Francis Xavier University X-Men in two games in quarter finals before bowing in three games in the semi-finals. The team did win its first playoff game in four years and a first series in five years.
The most valuable players of each team were also named. They are Véronique Omalosanga and Emmanuel Zangio (track and field), Sophie Black and Jérémie Gervais (cross country), Katherine Dubuc and Étienne Montpetit (hockey), Ariane Beauchemin and Jean-Michel Dako (soccer) and Joanie Arsenault (volleyball). The UNI bursaries were attributed to athletes Maude Beaudin (volleyball) and Francis Thibeault (hockey).
The AUS James Bayer Award went to track and field runner Joëlle Léger. It is offered to an athlete who combines excellence in athletic, studies and leadership. She was active in the mental health community. She receives a $500 bursary.
Journalist Sean Hatchard of the Times & Transcript newspaper is this year's recipient of the Méridia Award for the coverage of the Aigles programs. He did excellent coverage and attended several games.
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