By: Jack Middleton
Centennial's fall sports were nothing less than exciting in every facet. All 4 teams qualifying for OCAA playoffs. 10 different athletes and 1 coach grabbing OCAA awards along the way. Below is the list of players with OCAA awards in the fall season.
Men's Baseball
Men's baseball had a successful season once again in 2023. Getting all the way to the semi-finals of the OCAA Men's Baseball Championship. Being led by a familiar face as well as a newcomer.
Liam Oates led the team once again, on the mound and at the plate. Following not receiving an all-star nomination in 2022, Oates proved he is one of the best arms in the OCAA and getting the 2nd team all-star nod. Oates when asked about the honour had this to say, "it's an honour to be chosen. As disappointing as it was last year to not be chosen, I worked really hard to show the OCAA that I can do it day in and day out."
Riley Briggs came over from St. Clair and dominated. Briggs was an everyday right fielder and a staple at the top of the lineup, giving the middle of the order plenty of chances to cash in runs, giving Briggs a 2nd team all-star.
Women's Soccer
The Women's Soccer team was one of the youngest teams in the league, but continued to prove that under Coach Rich Hirst, this program can beat anyone. After making it to the quarterfinals, 7 individuals were recognized for their accomplishments.
Starting off with Elizabeth Maione. Maione came in as a very quiet person both on and off the field, Coach Hirst says, "She fiercely bosses the midfield and can control the pace of the game", earning herself 2nd team all-star.
Jaelyn Reymer was apart of the Center Back duo that made every game a disaster for opposing players. Playing a complete game in all phases earned Reymer 1st team all-star.
Vanessa Lima also earned 1st team all-star. Lima provided the team with creative attacking moments through the magic she contains with the ball. Through her skill and calmness with the ball, Lima demonstrated all of the skills needed to earn her first all-star award.
Emily Cullen once again added another accolade to her long resume. Moving positions from Center Back to the midfield, Cullen showed dominance earning herself another 1st team all-star selection. Coach Hirst had this to say about Cullen, "Emily is courageous going forward, relentless when defending and is an irreplaceable team driver."
Taylor Powell, playing in her 4th year in post-secondary athletics, brought her experience and leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Powell was the other half of the Center Back duo stopping every team in their tracks, providing composure in build-up and possession. Taylor was awarded the East Division Defensive Player of the Year as well as being named a 1st team all-star.
Kai Douglas came into this year with the ability to create positive goal scoring chances, and that she did. Douglas was dynamic in possession of the ball and improved throughout the entire outdoor season. Douglas was named East Division Rookie of the Year as well as 1st team all-star.
Finally, Coach Rich Hirst was named East Division Coach of the Year. In Hirst's 3rd year at the helm, the team has steadily improved every single season. Hirst has shown exactly what hard work can do not only on the field but off the field.
"Being Recognized for the work you put in is always a great feeling. This award for me is a recognition of my entire staff. A team cannot operate at this level and with this success without the staff all being great at their defined roles."
Captain Emily Cullen says, "He's the best coach I have personally ever had in all of my time playing soccer, even as a youth, and it's just amazing to see him finally be able to get recognized."
Cross Country
The 2023 Centennial Cross Country season was a big success for the program. A new coach and basically all new athletes but the Colts showed well at every event throughout the fall semester. Eventually having 2 athletes make it to Nationals.
Skye Pinto earned herself an All-Ontario 2nd team selection. Pinto continuously improved throughout the season, eventually placing 13th at OCAA Provincials, and moving on to Nationals where she placed 65th at Nationals in Nova Scotia.
On the Men's side, Irvin Omere came to Centennial flying under the radar. That was until his multiple top 5 finishes throughout the season at invitationals. Omere fell a little in the finish on provincials, finishing 8th but still qualifying for Nationals. Omere finished 33rd at Nationals capping off a great first year, earning himself All-Ontario 2nd Team.