Sisters Snag Top OUA Field Hockey Honours
October 27, 2009 - Campus Bulletin
U of G students, sisters and Gryphon field hockey stars Brienne and Tegan Stairs have both captured major Ontario University Athletics (OUA) awards.
Brienne Stairs received the OUA Player of the Year prize today. The third-year biomedical sciences student and field hockey forward was the league leader in scoring during the regular season with 30 goals in 14 games. She helped lead the Gryphons to a 12-0-2 record, the best in school history.
“Brienne has brought another dimension to the Gryphons’ attack with unpredictable moves that make her very exhilarating to watch,” said Michelle Turley, Gryphon field hockey coach. “She has a passion for competition; losing is not an option. Her endurance, speed and competitive edge make her the ideal athlete. She is one of the best to ever play for Guelph.”
Tegan Stairs was named Rookie of the Year after a stand-out season. The first-year criminal justice and public policy major and field hockey forward worked in tandem with her older sister, netting seven goals of her own.
“Tegan has made an immediate impact in the OUA and plays with tremendous poise not usually displayed by a rookie,” Turley said. “Her speed and explosiveness make her a lethal threat to any opposition’s defence, not only from the forward position but the midfield, as well. She is a thrill to watch.”
The sisters are familiar with playing and winning together. They won a silver medal in 2006 from the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations while playing for Forest Heights Collegiate Institute.
In addition to winning the Player of the Year award, Brienne Stairs was named a first-team all-star, along with fifth-year teammates Angela Lancaster and Krissy Wishart. Tegan Stairs was also named second-team all-star.
