BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Laurentian University athletes Leila Angrand and Ryan Smith
compete in different sports, but they share one thing in common
- the ability to overcome challenges and excel.
Angrand, a cross-country and track runner, and Smith, a
swimmer, were recently named the Laurentian University Female
and Male Athletes of the Year.
Angrand overcame a serious hip injury from last season, which
forced her to miss over a month of action, to become a powerful
force on the cross-country trails and indoor track scene in
2006-07.
She was an Ontario University Association (OUA) first team
all-star and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) second team
All-Canadian in both sports.
Angrand was the top finisher from Laurentian at every
cross-country race in the OUA, placing fifth at the provincial
championship and ninth at the nationals.
It was in indoor track where Angrand really impressed. In only
her first year of competing, Angrand took the sport by storm,
winning five gold medals and one silver during regular season
meets.
At the OUA Championships, she won gold in the 3,000-metre race
and a bronze in the 1,500-metre race. At the CIS Championships,
she took silver in the 3,000-metre final.
Angrand was caught off guard by being named the top female
athlete at Laurentian this season.
"It meant a lot to me to win and it's an honour because it's
one of the biggest awards Laurentian gives out," said the
22-year-old. "There's a lot of great athletes at Laurentian, so
it was special to win."
Angrand attributed her success to increased belief in her own
abilities.
"My success this season, in both sports, had a lot to do with
more confidence," said the fourth year sports psychology
student. "I worked on my confidence all year.
"To do so well in indoor track was amazing to me and showed me
I could run with the best. Coming back from an injury-riddled
season the year before, my confidence was really down low and
it affected me.
"I didn't think I would ever be able to run fast again, but I
knew I could do it if I worked hard enough. It just took time
and I had to be consistent with my training. I also took better
care of my body."
Angrand was a deserving recipient.
"Leila excelled in two seasons in two sports...at an elite
level on the national scene in both," said Laurentian
cross-country team head coach Dick Moss. "She was also named a
first alternative for the national cross-country running
team.
"She has worked hard to improve and represented Laurentian well
whenever she competed. She is highly respected by opposing
coaches and athletes as well as her own teammates and coaches."
Even though she has done a lot, there's more locked inside
Angrand waiting to come out.
"Leila is nowhere near reaching her potential," said Moss. "I
expect she will get faster over the summer...I still consider
her an undeveloped talent.
"Leila has the ability to race her best in the big races. She's
mentally tough and technically, she's one of the smoothest
runners around."
Smith made big splashes and created waves when he competed this
past season.
He earned 12 podium finishes prior to the divisional
championships, where he won three silver medals and a bronze
and qualified for the CIS national championships.
Smith battled bronchitis at the provincial championships, but
still finished fifth in the 200-metre individual medley (IM),
seventh in the 200-metre butterfly and tenth in the 200-metre
backstroke.
At the nationals, Smith was the only Voyageur to reach the
finals and placed 10th in the 400-metre IM, 12th in the
200-metre butterfly and  13th in the 200-metre IM.
Smith won the award last year, and was thrilled to win
again.
"I was surprised to win and I am extremely grateful," said the
23-year-old. "I was honoured to be recognized out of all the
elite athletes at Laurentian.
"I was satisfied with my season. I struggled at the provincials
as my chest was filled with fluid. I had to scratch the first
day, but I held my head up high and got through it. I went on
to set new personal best times in my 200 backstroke and 200
butterfly at the national championships. I was proud to do
it."
On top of waging war with bronchitis, Smith had to deal with
the death of one of his long time mentors and swim coach legend
Jeno Tihanyi, who passed away from cancer last month.
"I trained with Jeno for four years," said the Ahmic Harbour
native. "He was a mentor for me from day one. I respected him
and he respected me. The experience he brought to the pool deck
was invaluable and benefited me greatly."
Smith showed he's made of the right stuff this season.
"It was an up-and-down season for Ryan," said Laurentian
swimming head coach Phil Parker. "In the end though he finished
with lifetime best swims at nationals.
"He stood up and did what he had to do. It showed his true
character and determination. He overcame a lot this season and
definitely deserved the award. He got stronger every year in
the program. He was our team captain and led by example. Ryan
is irreplaceable."
Both Angrand and Smith are going to continue challenging
themselves to the highest level possible.
Angrand will try to qualify for the World University Games this
summer.
"I've gained a better understanding of myself and what I can
achieve in my time at Laurentian," said Angrand. "I learned how
to be a better competitor and I still want to race."
Smith has his eyes set on April 2008.
"I plan to train for another year up until next April's
Canadian Olympic Trials," said Smith. "I'll keep on swimming
and try to make the Olympics."
