The athletic term at Brock University closes with a celebration recognizing student athletes, coaches and teams who defined the 2024-25 season.
Across national and provincial stages, Brock teams proved themselves a force to be reckoned with. Ten teams earned spots at national tournaments and 24 others made appearances at OUA championship events. The season yielded one national title and three provincial banners, with accolades distributed across nearly every corner of the university’s athletics community. 22 athletes were named All-Canadians, while 65 secured all-star status within the province. Eight major athletic awards were handed out, accompanied by three Coach of the Year selections.
Leading the list of individual honours was swimmer Tatum O’Connor, who capped off a record-breaking season by becoming Brock’s first female swimmer in over 20 years to medal at the national level. With bronze medals in both the 50-metre and 100-metre backstroke events, her U Sports podium finishes ended a long drought and highlighted her national presence. O’Connor also dominated at the OUA level, amassing four medals and helping her team secure seven total podium appearances, a new program benchmark. In another standout meet, she helped deliver a record-breaking relay performance that sealed the team’s first ever divisional championship. Her achievements earned her the title of Brock’s Female Athlete of the Year.
On the men’s side, pole vaulter Michael Ivanov soared to new heights — literally. With a winning jump of 5.12 metres at the U Sports championships, Ivanov claimed the first national gold medal in Brock track and field history. His dominance extended to the provincial circuit, where he successfully defended his OUA title with a 35-centimetre lead over his closest competitor. Undefeated throughout the university season, Ivanov was named both a U Sports First Team All-Canadian and OUA First Team All-Star and became the first men’s track and field athlete at Brock to receive the Male Athlete of the Year honour since 1979.
Coaching excellence also took centre stage. Dave Ling, head coach of the women’s swim team, was named both the men’s and women’s OUA Coach of the Year. He guided the women’s team to a historic divisional championship and seven OUA medals — the most in team history. Tom Kent and Scott Anderson of the men’s rowing team shared the Men’s Team Coach of the Year after their crew collected their fourth consecutive OUA title and finished second at nationals.
Team awards recognized continued dominance from the women’s wrestling team and the men’s rowing team. The wrestling team captured its 12th national championship and 23rd OUA title, medaling in every weight class at the provincial level. The rowers maintained their provincial stranglehold with their 15th OUA banner and repeated their national runner- up finish for a third straight year.
Also honoured were student athletes who balanced academic excellence with athletic performance. Women’s basketball player Madalyn Weinert and rugby prop Brayden McReelis received the prestigious Surgite Awards, recognizing sustained achievement in the classroom and competition. Weinert, a U Sports All-Canadian and OUA Player of the Year, earned academic honours for a third straight year. McReelis mirrored that consistency with multiple Academic Excellence Awards and back-to-back all-star selections.
Recognition extended beyond the field of play. Student therapist Emmery Borg received the Joseph P. Kenny Award, while performance interns Mike MacDonald and Marisa Freeman were lauded for their contributions to athlete support. The Marilou Lusi Memorial Service Award was given to long-time wrestling contributors Heather Sweezey and Dave Collie for their enduring commitment to the success of Brock’s wrestling team and its athletes.
With a year marked by breakthrough performances, coaching leadership and community spirit, Brock University’s varsity teams have more than earned their moment in the spotlight. As the curtain falls on another competitive season, the impact of the 2024-25 season is sure to be felt well beyond the gala stage.
Until next year, Badgers!