Michelle Craig
women’s squash
Michelle Craig’s varsity squash career couldn’t have ended much better than it did. The fourth-year athlete led the Gaels to the OUA conference banner with a victory over McGill in the gold medal match. She split six matches but won the title 12 points to 10.
In addition to being a key contributor in her team’s success, Craig was individually recognized for her outstanding play by being named a first-team OUA all-star.
Assistant coach Stacy Bell said he isn’t surprised by the recognition Craig received after her exemplary championship play.
“It was probably one of the most gritty performances I’ve seen,” he said “She [knew] that she had to at least win a game or two to allow us to go to the next round of matches with an advantage. It was quite inspirational; she really had to dig deep.”
Bell said Craig’s success on the court stems from her great work ethic.
“She doesn’t give up. She’s not a flamboyant player or a pretty player, she just does things well,” he said.
Craig was quick to deflect individual praise, noting that the OUA championship was a result of a total team effort.
“We did a great job and every person on the team was important,” she said. “Even though squash is an individual sport, it’s nice to be able to compete in a team format. Everyone played well and was very ive.”
Craig said she couldn’t have asked for a better way to end her university athletic career.
“To be able to leave with an OUA championship is an awesome feeling,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
While her days sporting the Tricolour may be over, she’s confident that she will continue to play squash.
“I love it,” she said. “Wherever I go I can always find someone to play. It’s not just a university thing for me.”
—Katie McKenna
Jon Lawrance
men’s hockey
Rookie forward Jon Lawrance played a large role in the men’s hockey team’s 4-2 victory over the Royal Military College Paladins in the Carr-Harris Cup match on Feb.6.
Lawrance scored two goals against the Paladins and was named the Gaels’ most valuable player for the game. His 10 goals on the season are the team’s third-best, behind veterans Brady Olsen and captain Jeff Ovens, and his 20 points are fourth-best, behind Olsen, Ovens and Jon Asselstine. Five of his 20 points came in Queen’s three games against the Paladins.
Head coach Brett Gibson said Lawrance, who received the $3,500 Lou Jeffries scholarship as an athletic financial entrance award, sured his expectations this year.
“Jon Lawrance has been just unbelievable this year,” Gibson said. “He was better than I thought coming in. He’s my number one recruit, so it’s a compliment to him to say he’s better than d. For his age I haven’t seen the leadership qualities that he has.”
Gibson said Lawrance has been one of the Gaels’ leaders this year.
“He’s really stepped up. … He plays in every situation. He got rewarded on Wednesday and he deserves it.”
Lawrance sprained his medial collateral ligament in November and was back on the ice in four weeks instead of the usual six.
Lawrance said beating the Paladins was key for the Gaels.
“It was obviously a big game for the team,” he said. “We were fighting to get into the playoffs.” His emergence as one of the Gael’s scoring leaders took him by surprise, Lawrance said.
“I didn’t expect to play the role I did on this team this year,” he said.
“It’s nice that the coaches trusted me and gave me a lot of ice time.”
—Andrew Bucholtz and Mike Woods
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