Multiple awards
MacLeod, Brennan presented with top honours
The poise Rickilee MacLeod displayed on the sports surfaces this year was evident again Wednesday.
MacLeod was one of two students standing at the front of the room all evening during the Westisle athletic awards dinner, selecting from the trophy table as coaches called their top athletes forward.
She remained calm even as her basketball coach, Dana Gard, was describing the characteristics of the school’s female athlete of the year, and announcing Rickilee MacLeod as the award winner.
By then, the 18-year-old daughter of Ricky and Darlene MacLeod of Alma had already been declared the most valuable player of her school’s senior girls’ soccer, basketball and badminton teams. This was her third year on all three teams. She also competed in track and field, and added rugby to her sports resumé this year.
Completes athletic set
Mackenzie Brennan had already been called forth four times before being called to the front of the room to receive the male athlete of the year award.
The 18-year-old son of Joel and Lucille Brennan of Brooklyn admitted he wanted the athlete of the year award for Westisle. It gives him a complete sweep of the Westisle Family of Schools as he was the male athlete of the year at Bloomfield in Grade 6 and Hernewood in Grade 9. In his Grade 12 year, Brennan was named MVP for golf and track, co-MVP for basketball
and, in his first year playing the sport, most improved player in badminton. MacLeod, said Gard, “excels and contributes to every team she is on. She’s a leader both on and off the court or the field. She is a true sportswoman.” Gard continued: “She was the heart of our basketball team. She led by example.
She spoke up when she needed to speak up. She carried
the team on her shoulders when it needed to be carried, and she delegated when she needed to delegate.”
MacLeod, who plans to study kinesiology at UNB next year, said playing school sports was definitely the highlight of her high school years. She enjoyed the academic part, too, especially chemistry. She said she will miss her friends, her teachers and school sports.
Although undecided about varsity sports, MacLeod will be playing senior women’s soccer this summer. Basketball coach Walter Davison described Brennan as a fierce competitor who constantly challenges himself.
“He works his tail off, wanting to get better all the time,” said Davison.
Brennan admitted he’s been tough on himself, but feels he
was easier on himself in his final year of high school and placed greater focus on sportsmanship and encouraging his teammates.
The male athlete of the year plans to study golf club management at Holland College next year, and may try out for the school’s basketball and golf teams.