Karim Lynch was saluted as the most valuable player on the first premier men’s provincial championship team in the history of the St. Albert Rugby Football Club.
The British import was back home in Bournemouth when the announcement was made at the club’s recent awards banquet.
“I was very happy to be honoured to be honest, but the most important thing for me was to ensure we won the provincial title so the award was more of a bonus than anything,” Lynch told the Gazette by email.
The 2009 rookie of the year on the first 15 was arguably the most dominating player in Alberta in the centres this season. He led the firsts in tries, displayed a powerful kicking leg and his all-around game was second to none.
In the memorable Labatt’s Cup final against the Calgary Canucks, Lynch shredded the Calgary defence with a magnificent scoring romp two minutes into the second half for a converted try to put the firsts up by 10. They went on to beat the Canucks 33-17 in what was hailed as the greatest day ever in St. Albert rugby. It was also the 13th win in 15 matches for the firsts, after going 13-1 last year and 13-3-1 in 2008 as two-time premier pennant winners and provincial finalists.
Lynch, 22, plans to return next year as St. Albert strives to repeat as provincial champions.
“I had a fantastic summer and a great season with the boys. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The guys get along so well in and outside of rugby. We were a close unit and winning the title meant a lot for ourselves and each other,” said the construction management student at the University of Southampton.
Rounding out the premier award recipients was Adam Bontus as the most improved player and British import Simon Gregory as rookie of the year.
Awards were also handed out to the following players:
Second division men
MVP: Sean LeLacheur.
Most Improved: Brad Angove.
Rookie of the Year: Ben Scott.
Most Effort/Least Recognition: Mark Dewes.
Third division men
MVP: Braedon Platten.
Most Improved: Patrick Whitehead.
Most Effort/Least Recognition: Eric Wynychuk.
Senior women
MVP: Brianne Tetz and Jasmine Van Staveren
Most Effort/Least Recognition: Tanis Sawatsky and Chantal Huot.
Rookie of the Year: Kirsten Porter and Meaghan McKinstry.
Meanwhile, Brian Pendlebury was the double winner of the Golden Crutch and fourth division men’s MVP awards.
Eight high school athletes from St. Albert and Sturgeon qualified for the provincial cross-country championships with fast times at the Edmonton zone finals last week at Gold Bar Park.
The top 18 finishers at zones advance to provincials Saturday at Vermilion Provincial Park. The local medal contenders are as follows:
Junior girls’ 3,000 metres: Hayley Francois, Paul Kane Blues, first at 11.57 minutes; Adeline Maunder, Paul Kane, third at 12.29.
Senior girls’ 6,000 m: Rachel Francois, Paul Kane, first at 18.14; Viveca Robinson, Bellerose Bulldogs, 17th at 21.50.
Junior boys’ 4,000 m: Jordan Yaremko, Paul Kane, 11th at 17.41.
Senior boys’ 6,000 m: Aaron Weicker, Paul Kane, fourth at 22.54; Connor Speer, Sturgeon Spirits, seventh at 23.35; Zack Yaremko, Paul Kane, 11th at 24.09.
Nick Dragich of St. Albert will make his mixed martial arts debut Friday at Heat XC 6: Bragging Rights at the Mayfield Inn and Trade Centre.
Dragich, a muscle-laden lad with broad shoulders, will take on Will Krueger (1-0) of Leduc in heavyweight action.
The Paul Kane High School graduate took the season off from playing premier division rugby for St. Albert to hone his cage match skills. The match is one of 11 on the fight card. Start time is 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at 780-504-2024.
For more information, visit www.heatxc.com.
