Ah memories - the Mustangs year in review

The 2001-2002 year in Mustang sports has come to an end. Gazette sports has experienced it all and decided to hand out the hardware. And unlike French figure skating judges, we're not corrupt.

Gold

Men's hockey
CIS Gold medal

"The most dominating hockey team on the planet" – The Hockey News

The team crushed their opponents in every area, amounting to a record-breaking, unbeaten regular season.

The superiority of the Mustangs fell into question following a disappointing loss at home in the Queen's Cup (Ontario University Athletics championships). However, despite having to deal with additional off-ice hardships, this blond bunch of Mustangs came through when it counted most, taking home the national title in an unbelievable triple overtime victory.

Women's track and field
Canadian Interuniversity Sport Gold medal

If you loved the show Kate and Allie, you would've thoroughly enjoyed the women's track and field team this year – except their show was called Kate and Kate.

Kate Vermuelen and Kate Forbes were phenomenal throughout the season and assisted coach Vickie Croley in capturing her first CIS championship.

Amazingly, the squad performed the feat without the aid of Sir Frederick Banting alum Jessica Zelinka, a track goddess primed for Olympic stardom, who took a year off school.

SILVER

Badminton
OUA Gold medal

Bill Mason's badminton squad smashed the daylights out of the competition this year, winning the OUA Gold medal and extending their winning streak to 56 matches.

Unfortunately, competition was at a minimum. Beware birdies – next year may be worse.

Men's basketball
OUA Gold medal
CIS Silver medal

Heading into the national championship, this team was ranked number one in the country for good reason – they had already won the OUA banner, they possessed the most valuable player in Canada and had a very strong supporting cast.

Although the national title slipped out of their reach, this team still deserves a great deal of credit.

Women's Curling
OUA Gold medal

The Western women rolled their rocks better than any other university team en route to a provincial title. The win ended a seven-year curling drought for Western. The ladies "hurried hard" all over the University of Toronto in the final with a big 11-0 win.

Figure skating
OUA Gold medal

Initially all The Gazette sportos knew about figure skating was 'salchows.' But after watching the squad hit jumps and spins with extreme precision, we have a new appreciation for their artwork.

It was an amazing story for the squad, as they captured the OUA Gold medal for the first time since 1992-93, stunning the powerhouse Queen's Golden Gaels.

PS – The Gazette Sports' newfound knowledge will aid in our choosing of headlines next year – sorry girls!

Golf
OUA Gold medal

Ten years of shortcomings were redeemed this fall when the golf team nabbed the OUA golf title at the St. Andrews golf course in Toronto. Head coach Jim Waite was named OUA coach of the year for guiding his team to top.

Lacrosse
Baggataway Cup champions (Ontario champions)

Oh yes – they are the "best in da league." The lacrosse boys were scintillating in their championship run, knocking off some of the pillars of Ontario lacrosse power.

David Leich led a strong contingent of happy-go-lucky kids who loved the game and were supported by perhaps the most exciting fan base in the gauntly under-appreciated Western athletics scene.

Here's an idea – make them varsity and "show them the money!"

Women's rowing
OUA Gold medal
CIS 4th place

The women's rowing team dominated the provincial scene almost the entire year, led by outstanding performances by singles rowers (lightweight and heavyweight) Leigh Ann Niven and Jane Rumball, both who were undefeated the entire season, including a gold medal victory at the national championships.

The team took home the OUA title, winning seven of the eight races in the provincial final and then finished fourth overall in the national competition.

Squash
OUA Gold medal

If you think the Los Angeles Lakers are a dynasty, "you aint seen nothin' yet." The squash team won the OUA gold medal for the eighteenth straight year and sent a message to the rest of the province that they definitely are "the shit."

The most inspiring story was the dedication of Leah Bishop, who basically saved the women's program by acting as a player/coach and won the OUA singles championship. Bishop is the epitome of what is right in sports.

Furthermore, the sun continues to rise for the squad, as rookie Rob Nigro (OUA men's singles champion) looks to redefine dynasty even further.

BRONZE

Men's rugby
OUA Silver medal

Losing several players unexpectedly to national programs lowered the expectations surrounding this usually dominating program. But a normal two to three year growing curve was experienced over this season as the Mustangs made a charge late in the year, maintaining their traditional image and creating increased anticipation for next season.

Women's soccer
OUA Bronze medal

It appeared throughout the season that the Mustangs were primed for the nationals, that is until the pesky Queen's Golden Gaels shocked them in their own backyard.

Mark Eyes did a fabulous coaching job and the team was led by the 'Great Wall of Carbone' – that being goalie Noelle Carbone. A star was born as well, in the form of rookie forward Cristina Bonasia.

Men's tennis
OUA Silver medal

With new additions raising coach Anthony Glavanic's eyebrows in training camp, the team marched to a perfect 7-0 regular season record. Unfortunately, a storybook ending was not meant to be as the University of Toronto successfully defended their OUA crown.

A highlight to carry into next year was rookie Rob Schmidt's performance, winning the OUA individual singles title as well as a Silver in doubles.

Men's volleyball
OUA Silver medal

The Mustangs spiked their way to a solid silver medal, narrowly missing the Canadian championships, losing to the Queen's Golden Gaels in the final.

Middle Jeremy Jonckheere, a graduating honours in business administration student, will be reading Architectural Digest – in regards to the extension on his trophy room. Jonckheere carried home the TSN Award for his commitment to athletics, academics and community involvement, as well as the Claude Brown Trophy for the Mustangs outstanding male athlete.

Unfortunately, the Mustangs say goodbye to the nucleus of the team: Jonckheere, right side Jeffrey Ranson and setter Peter Testa. They will be sorely missed.