Laurentian University’s Kadre Gray has been named the OUA Male Athlete of the Year.
Gray’s recognition is the first of its kind for a Laurentian male student-athlete and the first for the Voyageurs since swimming standout, Nancy Sweetnam, was named the Female Athlete of the Year following the 1992-93 season.
Each year, the Ontario Universities’ Athletics (OUA) recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who have stood out amongst their peers in the given season.
As a guard for the Voyageurs basketball team at Laurentian University, Gray stood above the rest with his outstanding personal success that further led to exceptional team improvement.
Having lead the country in assists (141), finishing second in the country in total points (488), points per game (24.4) and free throws made (140), top-10 in field goals made (152) and minutes played per game (34.4), top-20 in three point percentage (43.1%) and defensive rebounds (132) and 21st in rebounds per game (8.0), one of Gray’s biggest achievements was helping his team to a seven win improvement over last season.
“I have learned a number of life lessons through athletics as a whole,” said Gray.
“I competed at high levels through basketball and track and field and it gave me a greater perspective on how valuable teamwork, leadership and dedication were. Through my experiences I've grown as person, always knowing that there are people in my neighbourhood that are looking up to me and that I have inspired to do great things. My aspirations for the future are to graduate with my bachelor degree, hopefully represent my country in basketball and make a change in kids’ lives for the better.”
Earlier this year, the second year Health Promotion student was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the OUA. He was also recognized at the national level in March when he became the first Voyageurs men’s basketball player in 40 years to be named the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.
Gray will now be put forward as the conference nominee for the BLG Award. The BLG Awards were established in 1993 to recognize the top female and male athletes from universities affiliated with U SPORTS.
The eight national nominees will be honoured at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver on June 4.
The female and male winners will receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, while all finalists will return home with a commemorative gold ring from Jostens, the official suppliers of U SPORTS.
