UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Wednesday, January 07, 2009

UOIT Ridgebacks Jessica Bosse to be honoured at sixth annual OUA Women of Influence Luncheon

Hamilton, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) will recognize the top female scholar-athletes from across the province at the sixth annual Women of Influence Luncheon on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building), 255 Front Street West in Toronto, Ont.

The event honours female student-athletes who have excelled in their chosen sports and fields of study. This year's guest speaker will be Canadian Olympian and OUA Champion For Life Tonya Verbeek. The Brock University graduate became the first Canadian woman ever to win a 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.

As an elite athlete, her accomplishments extend far beyond the mat she competes on. Tonya serves as a role model in her community, sharing her journey with students to encourage them to strive for their athletic aspirations while always emphasizing the importance of academics as well. She is an inspiring reminder that success is meant to be shared.

Join OUA as Tonya recounts her journey to becoming a successful Olympian and how she uses her success and experiences to help guide others to achieve their goals and reach their dreams. Tickets to the luncheon are $88.20 each (taxes included) and can be purchased by calling Lisa Constanzo at 416-923-1688 ext. 23 or via e-mail at lconstanzo@powerpointgroup.com.

This is UOIT's second year at the event. Last year, women's hockey assistant captain Chrissy Tereshyn was honoured.

OUA will profile its top female scholar athletes on a weekly basis leading up to the luncheon on OUA.ca. OUA recognizes the following sponsors for their support of this event; belairdirect., Canadian Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, Centaur Products, Pioneer Petroleums and Wilson Sports Equipment of Canada.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Name: Jessica Bosse
Sport: Rowing
Program: Health Science
Hometown: Oshawa, Ont.

Jessica 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 in her second year of 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.

University of Guelph
Name: Brae Anne McArthur
Sport: Track & Field
Program: Child Clinical Psychology (Master's Graduate)
Hometown: Sarnia, Ont.

Brae Anne McArthur is the epitome of a student-athlete. She not only excels in Track & Field, but also in the classroom.

While sustaining an 90 percent academic average, completing her Master's portion of a PhD in Child Clinical Psychology, this exceptional athlete had a sensational year helping her team win their first-ever CIS national title in 2007-2008. Brae Anne was also a CIS pentathlon bronze medalist, OUA high jump bronze medalist, OUA pentathlon silver medalist and OUA All-Star.

The Sarnia, Ont. native holds the all-time University of Guelph pentathlon record and is a member of 4x400m school record team. Outside of academics and athletics, Brae Anne has spent time volunteering with the Home Wood Health Centre and Community Mental Health.

"Brae-Ann is the consummate elite athlete," commented Guelph Director of Athletics Tom Kendall. "She is able to excel in academics and athletics while maintaining a healthy balance in her life. She is a positive role model for all of our student athletes and we are proud that she represents all of the values of the University of Guelph."

Lakehead University
Name: Anna Crawford
Sport: Nordic Skiing
Program: Biology
Hometown: Lake George, N.Y.

Anna Crawford is a junior Honours Biology student from Lake George, N.Y. and she has been a big part of the Nordic Wolves success during her first two years at Lakehead. She has helped her squad to two consecutive OUA championships as well as two straight CIS-CCUNC national collegiate championships.

In the 2007-2008 OUA Nordic Skiing Championships as a sophomore, Anna won gold in the 10km freestyle pursuit race and was named an OUA All-Star helping lead the Wolves to their fourth straight OUA championship. As a freshman, Crawford was part of Lakehead's gold medal-winning relay squad and was named an OUA All-Star.

At the CIS-CCUNC national championships last March, Crawford really turned it on, taking gold with her partner in the pair relay and gold in the individual 5km Classic race as she helped her squad to its fifth straight national championship and was named a CIS-CCUNC All Star.

Crawford also excels in the classroom. In both her freshman and sophomore years, she earned an OUA Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a classroom average of 80 percent while being an OUA varsity athlete.

Anna Crawford (a dual Canadian/U.S. Citizen) will represent Canada, Lakehead, and OUA as part of Team Canada Nordic at the Winter Universiade 2009 in Harbin, China next month.

Royal Military College of Canada
Name: Anna Dupuis
Sport: Basketball
Program: Psychology
Hometown: St. Andrews, Ont.

Anna Dupuis enrolled at the Royal Military College of Canada in the summer of 2005. During her time at RMC, Anna has excelled in the College's four components, which are military leadership, academics, athletics and bilingualism.

During her graduating year, Anna holds several key leadership positions; captain of the basketball team, fourth-year class senior and Cadet Squadron Leader. She also leads the RMC women's basketball team in scoring and is among the team leaders in rebounding.

Upon graduation, Anna will be serving the Canadian Forces as a Maritime Surface Officer. The CF will benefit greatly from the leadership, dedication and selflessness that Anna has demonstrated her entire RMC career.

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ABOUT ONTARIO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and its 19 member institutions are developing Champions For Life. Giving 9,000 student-athletes the opportunity to excel academically and on the playing field, while preparing for life after university. For more information, visit OUA.ca.

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)

With files from  OUA Athletics Central Office & Sports Information Directors