UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Tuesday, February 17, 2009

UOIT rower honoured at OUA Women of Influence Luncheon

Toronto, Ont. – UOIT Ridgebacks women’s rower and Oshawa resident, Jessica Bosse, was recognized at the OUA's sixth annual Women of Influence Luncheon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For the last six years, the OUA recognized the top female scholar-athletes from across the province who have excelled in their chosen sports and fields of study. At this year’s event, two-time Olympic medalist Tonya Verbeek was the keynote speaker.

Bosse is a UOIT student-athlete who strives for excellence, as she is highly dedicated to both her education and to the sport of rowing. Currently enrolled in the challenging Health Science program and on the varsity rowing team, the Oshawa native is upholding an 'A' average.

Once on the water, Bosse is all business. She has proved her versatility on the team as the coaching staff has used her as a rower and as a coxswain, being a leader in both capacities. She rallies and drives her crew to more exertion and effort in practice and at regattas.

Bosse also plays an active role in the local community. She has helped spearhead a number of community initiatives involving the Ridgebacks. She is a member of the team who is always willing to help others and is the type of athlete who is 100 percent committed in every practice and race.

All of the honoured athletes and guests were treated by a keynote speech from Tonya Verbeek. The OUA graduate became the first Canadian woman ever to win an Olympic medal in wresting, claiming silver in 55 kg freestyle at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Four years later in Beijing, Verbeek won a bronze medal to become the most decorated Canadian wrestler at the Olympic Games.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca

(Pictured: Tonya Verbeek, Jessica Bosse and OUA President Lorne Adams)