Posted: Apr 19, 2016

JESSE ASSING NAMED OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Humber College multi-sport student-athlete Jesse Assing as its 2015-16 OCAA male athlete of the year.

Assing collected three national medals along with four provincial medals during the 2015-16 season. All were gold, with the exception of one silver.

Assing (Bethany) began the season with the Humber Hawks outdoor soccer team. The fourth-year midfielder played in seven regular season matches, scoring two times. Humber went undefeated in the matches Assing participated in.

As host of provincials, Humber was challenged in the quarter-finals by Fleming. Humber prevailed 3-2, with Assing ultimately scoring what turned out to be the game-winning goal. The Hawks went on to win their fifth OCAA championship in six seasons.

Assing and his teammates then headed east to Saint-Lambert, Que., for nationals, looking to extend the OCAA's gold medal streak to four. Humber did not allow a regulation or overtime goal the entire tournament, winning its third national championship in four seasons on penalty kicks. Assing was named a championship all-star for his efforts.

Assing then traded in his cleats for a racquet to compete with the Hawks badminton program. Assing teamed up with partner Phuthita Nilyok and competed in mixed doubles at OCAA west regionals where the duo went undefeated. Despite Assing playing with a severe ankle sprain, the OCAA all-stars continued their unbeaten streak at provincials, where they won OCAA gold. Both helped Humber defend its men's and women's team championships.

Assing and Nilyok headed west to Nanaimo, B.C., for nationals. While they ultimately met their match against a golden Northern Alberta Institute of Technology team, Assing and Nilyok both earned national silver medals. It was a second straight national silver medal in badminton for Assing, finishing second in men's singles in 2015. He was part of a second straight supremacy title for OCAA.

Assing returned in time to see Humber's indoor soccer team compete at provincials. Humber's indoor season ended the same way its outdoor season ended, by penalty kicks, with the Hawks successfully defending their provincial championship.

"Jesse is an exceptional athlete, leader and teammate who has led teams to national success in two sports," praises Humber College athletic directory Ray Chateau. "His experience and maturity injected valuable leadership and stability into our men's soccer program resulting in a national championship."

Assing excelled in the classroom as well, being named both a national and OCAA all-acedemic. He is in the global business management program.

Assing is just the second Humber student-athlete to be named OCAA male athlete of the year, joining soccer player Mike Silva who managed the feat in 2001-02. Assing is the first multi-sport athlete to win the award since Loyalist's Joey Martins (soccer, volleyball) in 2002-03.

Assing will formally be presented her OCAA athlete of the year award Thursday at Humber College's north campus in Etobicoke, Ont. Humber's Ceejay Nofuente was named OCAA female athlete of the year on Monday.

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