NOFUENTE AND ASSING RECOGNIZED AT OCAA CEREMONY
ETOBICOKE, ON: In front of family, friends, and teammates, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association presented two Humber student-athletes with their most prestigious athletic award: the Athlete of the Year.
Ceejay Nofuente (Toronto) and Jesse Assing (Bethany) continued their historic season by collecting more hardware and by becoming only the second tandem to win the award for their respective schools in the same season.
Director of athletics and recreation Ray Chateau began the award ceremony by introducing each athlete, listing their accomplishments and finished with a highlight video of their performances during the season.
Chris Whitaker, President and CEO of Humber College, took to the podium to thank Nofuente and Assing for their impressive year, on and off the court.
"As excellent athletes, you have not only excelled in terms of your performances as individuals and as a team, but as role models," said President Whitaker. "Role models for the many varsity athletes at Humber and also as role models for the college. We are tremendously proud of you."
OCAA Executive Director Doug Gellatly then took to the stage to give Ceejay Nofuente her award, making her the seventh consecutive Hawk to win the honour. Nofuente became the first OCAA women's basketball player in history to be named player of the year and championship MVP both provincially and nationally. She was also named a CCAA all-Canadian and is a member of the OCAA west division first-team all-stars.
During her speech, Nofuente made sure to thank everyone who helped her throughout her entire career, even touching on a low point in her life during the 2013-14 season.
"About two and a half years ago, I hit a low point in basketball when I tore my ACL in a game here at Humber," explained Nofuente. "Part of what makes Humber so unique is the support and care I received from everyone in Athletics as I rehabbed to return to the court."
Following Nofuente, three sport athlete Jesse Assing was presented his award from Doug Gellatly, becoming only the second Humber Hawk to win the awards since its inception in 1997. Competing in badminton and indoor and outdoor soccer, Assing collected three national medals along with four provincial medals during the 2015-16 season, becoming the most decorated student-athlete in school history.
Assing's varsity career at Humber is over, as the Global Business Management major is set to graduate this year but feels complete confidence in the next step of his career.
"This award is a summation of the Humber Hawks culture," said Assing. "I think the competitive nature, drive and determination of always striving to do our best, will really help me going forward."
As for Nofuente, she will be returning next season and is looking forward to "repeating as national champions."
