Vote For The Chatham-Kent Female Athlete of the Year
With 2013 coming to a close, it’s time to look back at the year’s top performers. For the first time, we’re looking to name a Chatham-Kent Male and Female Athlete of the Year, and we’re opening the voting up to you.
There are two ways to vote, click the poll below, or on our homepage, and comment below. A click on the poll counts as one vote, and a comment counts as one vote, giving every reader up to two votes per computer.
Next week, we’ll narrow it to our final four and let you vote again. When the New Year arrives, we’ll announce our Chatham-Kent Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2013. Make sure you share this post, email to friends, and rally your communities to vote for your hometown hero.
Here are the twelve nominees for the 2013 Chatham-Kent Female Athlete of the Year:
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Breanne Nicholas (BDHS Bobcats, Western Mustangs and Team Canada, Rugby, Blenheim), Madison Broad (Chatham Y Pool Sharks, Swimming, Wallaceburg), Bridget Carleton (JMSS Panthers, St. Clair JUEL, Team Ontario, and Team Canada, Basketball, Chatham), Jewelian Blackbird (Cobras Taekwondo and Canada, Taekwondo, Wallaceburg), Sydnee Nolan (UCC Lancers and Queens Gaels, Rugby, Chatham), Justine Van Herk (Guelph Gryphons, Swimming, Cedar Springs), Shauney Fischer (York Lions, Basketball, Wallaceburg), Erin Sarapnickas (York Lions, Basketball, Wallaceburg), Deanna Kerkhof (Northereastern Huskies, Basketball, Wallaceburg), Emily VanDamme (Wallaceburg Griffins and Team Ontario, Lacrosse, Wallaceburg), Kim Wood (Running, Chatham), MacKenzie Butzer (Golf, Chatham)
To be eligible for this award, athletes needed to be raised in Chatham-Kent, and trained or competed for a significant portion of their athletic career in Chatham-Kent. As well, athletes nominated for this award needed to have achieved excellence in their sport, not simply within Chatham-Kent’s borders, but on a Provincial, National, International, or Professional stage.
Id like to vote for Sydnee Nolan. Based on her making a highly ranked team and choosing to do so alone with no team mates or friends at the school. To make it the team is one thing, to start and lead them to the ontario and national medals as a 17 year old rookie is unheard of.
Sydnee Nolan
All the way.
Go Syd!
Congrats Sydnee on all your amazing accomplishments! You got my vote
Wondering why Mackenzie Butzer not a nominee for her winnings in all her golf !!
She’s on our list! Refresh your page, I’m thinking perhaps an earlier version of the article is appearing. Vote and support her. We made last minute additions last night and Mackenzie is there. Her success winning the Tyson Tour and top placings at GAO events is definitely worth celebrating.
I vote for Syd!, she is an amazing person.
As a member of the kent havoc mens team, I have seen spectacular athletic growth over the years and it is nothing short of remarkable!.
The time she puts into training proves that hard work can go a long way.
Syd is always willing to help the club out through recruitment, charitable works and pure support and sportsmanship.
This incredible person doesn’t play for the recognition but because it is what she loves, who she is and most importantly why i think she deserves this award.
Well said Dave. She is a great kid!
What she lacks in size and strength, she makes up for in dedication and guts. Go Syd
My vote goes to Jewelian Blackbird. For being so young and already accomplishing so much. Ranked 1st in Canada in the cadet age group 12-14 years old, earning Canada 2 bronzes at international events. Her toughest competition to date was the recent 2014 Junior World Team in which she was the least exprienced and youngest competitor amongst her category, but due to her strong mental focus managed to give very competitive matches and almost defeat both the athlete who ended up on the team as well as the Youth Olympics Alternate Team Member, in what is Jewelian’s first junior year. She also gives back to her sport by volunteering at her Taekwondo school. She helps teach the 4,5,6 years old classes and also helps coach the younger athletes on her Taekwondo team at local events
She has a good team behind her starting with the coach.
GO EM
My vote goes to Bridget Carleton!
My vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas
Very Proud of you ERIN…..always
I vote for Bridget
I vote for Shauney Fischer. She’s a wonderful role model who has worked extremely hard to get where she is at.
Jewelian Blackbird!!!! Jewelian is an inspiration to all young athletes, especially female athletes. Jewelian trains with a fierce dedication, yet coaches with a positive, respectful attitude.
My vote goes out to Bridget Carleton. She is dedicated not only on the court but also academically. She plays with heart and passion and has accomplished so much at such a young age. Go Bridget!!!
Bridget Carleton!! What a great kid, unreal talent.
Jewelain Blackbird!
I vote Bridget Carleton! She is not only a great basketball player but an amazing badminton partner as well!!
I VOTE FOR JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD! For one she is my sister, secondly she is a very hard worker and trains to her fullest. Also for being so young she has accomplished so much! Jewelian has set a goal, that goal is to one day represent Canada at the Olympics. Now with two international tournaments, with her opponents being older and more experienced with higher rankings she accomplished to give Canada two bronze medals. Also being the BEST in Canada ranked number 1 in the cadet division, only being 14 years old is a lot to be PROUD of. She also gives back to her Taekwondo School by helping to teach other students, and also help coach her teammates at local tournaments. She will reach her goal for a spot on the Olympic Team and I am behind her supporting her 100%. As her sister and former teammate I vote for Jewelian Blackbird to be the 2013 Female Athlete of the Year.
My vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas.
I vote Bridget Carleton. She is not only a great basketball player but an amazing badminton partner as well!!
I vote for Jewlian Blackbird
Erin gets my vote. She had a great rookie season with the York womens basketball team and always works extremely hard to perform at her best.
Erin Sarapnickas…AMAZING!!!
My vote goes to Madison Broad.
My vote goes to Madison Broad.
My vote is for Kim Wood!
Go Mackenize Butzer
I’m with Pete, vote for Erin Sarapnickas
my vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas! Congratulations!
my vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas
I vote for Madison Broad , she has worked so hard to swim to be a National Champ. July 2013 was the year she reached one of her goals , to be a National Champ at the age of 12. Maddy swims for 2 hours every morning at 5:15 am – 7:15 am in Chatham at the YMCA. This means she must get up at 4 am to be ready to leave for the pool at 4:30 am. She swims on Tuesday nights for another hour and a half, works out 3 more hours a week after school in the gym , and does dry land on Thursday nights for another hour. She then has another swim practice on Saturday morning from 7:15 am – 8:45 am. She is very dedicated to her swimming and still manages to keep up in school . She has sacrificed many functions to keep up her swimming . Keep up the fantastic work Maddy.
I vote for Emily vandamme! 🙂
Our vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas. Way to go Erin. We’re all very proud of you!
Vote for Madison Broad!!!
Go Jewelian Go
14 years old and Jewelian has accomplished a bronze medal for Canada and ranks 4th in Canada as a Jr World competitor in the sport of taekwondo Also is a 1st degree black belt and is a great role model…..good job Jewelian
In full support of Erin Sarapnickas!
Go Erin!!!
I vote for Madison Broad. She is very deserving of the recognition. Maddy and her family have worked hard and made many sacrifices to reach this point. She is very motivated and will continue to make her family proud . A true athlete!
Go Sydnee! QWR!
Voting for Erin, way to go!! 🙂
I would like to nominate Sydnee Nolan. Through playing with her on the Queens Women rugby team I have seen her remarkable skills, great attitude, and perseverance first hand.
My vote is for Madison Broad 🙂
My vote is for Sydnee Nolan! GO GAELS GO!
SYDNEE NOLAN! #9 ON THE TURF! #1 IN OUR HEARTS!!!!
Our vote goes to Erin Sarapnickas – she is a shining example of the dedication and commitment it takes to achieve the very best. Good luck Erin
Way to go Sydnee.
Syd the kid!! I vote for Sydney all the way!
You go girl!!! You put your heart into all you do!! good luck Erin
Go Jewelian Blackbird!
My vote is for Shauney Fischer. She is a dedicated student and athlete, who has a great sense of family and community!
Maddison is a true athelet. She has worked hard to get where she is at in her sport. Her family has been very supportive of everything she has accompolished
I’d like to vote for Emily VanDamme. You’ll never see a harder worker than her and she’s had so many great accomplishments from her efforts, making a provincial team at the age of twelve and being a starting goalie for 4 years is a huge deal, not to mention she’s won canadian all-star twice…. Go em!!
Breanne Nicholas! OUA rookie of the year, team Canada!
My vote’s for Emily VanDamme!!! Way to go!!!!!!!!!!
Emily gets my vote!
I have had the pleasure to be apart of Shauney’s life and ever since she was little she has always worked hard to achieve her goals. I have known Shauney for 18 years and she is an amazing person. She amazes me with all her accomplishments I am so proud of her.
Shauney Fischer has my vote
Sydnee Nolan!! An absolute superstar that I’m proud to call my teammate.
Congratualation Erin! So proud to be your Aunt!
My vote is for Breanne Nicholas.
All the 12 athletes are well deserved recipients of this award. Many parents, family members, coaches and peers have witnessed how hard these elite athletes have worked, from both sweat and tears. We, as a Chatham Kent community, are blessed with such talented athletes. We are also blessed with committed coaches, who deserve recognition for their hard work, wisdom and patience. Athletes have superior genetics, coaches mold them into world class individuals, on and off the field.
Some of Breanne’s accomplishments for the year 2013:
Senior girls cross country Kent champion
12th place SWOSSA cross country just missing OFFSA
Senior girls runner up track and field Kent 1st long jump 1st 200m 2nd 400m
2nd place SWOSSA senior girls long jump
9th place SWOSSA senior girls 200m
9th place senior girls 400m
5th place OFFSA WEST regionals long jump 5.29m top 4 athletes went to OFFSA where they placed 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th
member of the Chatham Eagles premier league soccer team playing all positions, except keeper
Member of the Kent Havoc rugby team
Member of the under 20 Rugby Ontario team
Member of the under 20 Rugby Canada team, playing in England as a starter
Member of team Canada gold medal rugby team
Member of the Western Mustangs varsity rugby team
OUA rookie of the year in university rugby
OUA rugby allstar team
Mustang top scorer with 45 points in rugby
Member of Western Mustangs varsity track and field competing in 60m, 300m, 600m and long jump
You are a gifted, multi sport athlete, lucky to have such a love for sports and life.
But your biggest accomplishments, Bee, are your humble nature and desire to be a team player, constantly helping others. Dad is proud of you and your coaches.
You have my vote Breanne, 1 very gifted girl!!!
My vote is for Shauney! Number 15 in your program, but number 1 in our hearts! Way to go Fisch!! Proud of you, as always!
Madison Broad!! 🙂
I vote for Maddy Broad, she worked very hard to become a national champ swimmer!
Shauney She is an amazing athlete and Plays with Sportsmanship!!!!
I vote EMILY VANDAMME!!!!!
Maddy broad:)
Madison Broad.
Go Erin!~~….you have my vote
Shauney Fischer all the way 🙂
I nominate Ms. Jewelian Blackbird as The Chatham-Kent Female Athlete of the Year. She is an ambassador for young up and coming Canadian Taekwondo athletes. Hard work ,& passion is magnified by an equally hardworking and passionate support team of coaches, team mates and family.
Go Kim!
Go Jewelian Blackbird, go. You are such a positive role model for your peers. We are all proud of you on this little Island we call home.
I vote for Bridget Carleton. You make the Panthers proud!!
My vote is for JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD!!!
Awesome young lady!
Jewellian Blackbird is an amazing young lady, not only in her sport but also in her everyday life. At school she inspires her peers and always does her best showing a strong and full of integrity personallity. Jewellian deserves to win! She is a outstanding role model.
Vote JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD for The Chatham-Kent Female Athlete of the Year. Jewelian you have made all of us very proud of your many accomplishments. Go Get’em Girl!!!
Jewelian Blackbird has my vote. Way to go Jewelian!!
Syd Nolan!!
go jewelian blackbird, proud of u no matter what the outcome is
My vote is for Erin Sarapnickas. Great job! We are very proud of you!
I vote for Erin Sarapnickas! SLAM DUNK!
My vote is for J E W E L L I A N * B LA C K B I R D ! ! ! !
Our vote is for Jewelian Blackbird. A Brave fighter with heart of Champion!
I vote for SYD (“The Kid”) NOLAN!
My vote goes to Jewelian. Congratulations on your accomplishments and the dedication that you have given to your sport. For anyone to reach the levels as high as any of the chosen athletes have done at such an early age is a great accomplishment and should be recognized. Jewelian is a role model not only to her own community but to many other young athletes in the surrounding area. It is with great support from her community, friends and family that she is doing so well and with the positive encouragement for her to be the best that she can be. Jewelian we are all proud of you!! Continue to work hard and be dedicated, you will reach your goal and dream. Congratulations!!
I VOTE for Bridget Carleton because she is the BEST!!!!
Emily van damme .. two canadian gold medals . Two canadian silver medals . Twice chosen all canadian all star . Best female lacrosse goalie in all of canada . Also all ontario oba team member
Go Emily VanDamme
EMILY VANDAMME
My vote is for Erin Sarapnickas
I vote for bridget
Jewelian I know you will reach your goal to be in the Olympics!
We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Don’t stop until you reach the top!
hard work always pays off ..Go Erin Sarapnickas
Voted for the best female athlete Erin Sarapnickas,way to go Erin
My vote is for Jewelian Blackbird !!!!
Sydnee Nolan!
Syd the Kid!!!!!!
I VOTE FOR JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD!!
shauney fisher rocks gooo shauney!!!
I vote for JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD. Congrats on your amazing accomplishments. You are a great role model for your community and all of Canada.
Go Jewelian! Great role model to our youth and community. I can’t wait to see you in the Olympics. Great Job. 🙂
Jewelian Blackbird! The BYF supports you!
I vote for Erin Sarapnickas !
Emily Vandamme- the hardest worker I know! Amazing athlete and amazing person
EMILY VANDAMME.
Emily VanDamme all the way
EM!!!!!! amazing kid!
Shauney Fischer all the way she is so deserving
Jewelian Blackbird!! An excellent role model for the youth!!
Emily VanDamme
I vote for Erin Sarapnickas. Way to go girl!!!
We vote for Jewelian Blackbird!! She’s hardworking and dedicated to her sport! Awesome role model for the young kids she trains with
WTG Jewelian Blackbird
Vote J E W E L I A N !!!
Great rookies year , trains like no on else…vote Erin
Erin Sarapnickas she deserves it bigtime
I vote for Sydnee Nolan! She has an immense level of dedication and perseverance and I will forever be proud of her for her accomplishments in all aspects of her life.
erin sarapnickas for female athlete of the year!!!!!
JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD!! She is so deserving of this award!
Erin gets my vote. Way to go Erin!
Erin Sarapnickas for the win
Good work Erin you make us proud:)
Well deserved nomination Erin!
Erin Sarapnickas!!! Go Erin!
I vote for Breanne Nicholas
Go Bee,Go!!!!
i vote for Breanne Nicholas
I vote for Breanne Nicholas. Go Bee, Go!!!
I vote for Bridget Carleton!!!!!!!!!
My vote is for Jewelian Blackbird. I wish her continued success.
I vote for Jewelian blackbird
Hard work and determination is what will get you to the top, and I know you work hard and are very determined. My Vote goes to JEWELIAN BLACKBIRD!
Way to go Breanne and Justine 🙂
The Hamilton’s vote for Bridget Carleton. Bridget works hard, she’s a great leader and always gives more than a 100%. Congratulations Bridget were proud you are apart of the Panther team.
I vote for Jewelian because she is an impressive athlete. She spoke to my grade 7 class about her experience in Mexico. She did an excellent job of answering questions. Then we watched a youtube video of her in action. She is a very nice girl. I wish her all the luck in the world.
I vote for Jewelian Blackbird. She is a great role model!
I vote for Jewelian Blackbird!
Vote for Jewlian Blackbird
I vote for Jewelian! She works hard and she always helps us at taekwondo ( she is very kind, but also does not go easy on us when she coaches us. 10&11 year olds) She has also won many competitions, won a bronze in Mexico and was 4th at the Jr World’s where she fought girls older than her and almost won against the gold medalist and the Youth Olympics alternate!!! Please vote for Jewelian!!!!!!!
I vote for Jewelian !!! She works hard and volunteers her time to her fellow taekwondo students.and is a great role model.
I Vote for Jewellian Blackbird
Vote Jewelain Blackbird!! – “Congratulations on your great accomplishments!”
I vote Bridget! Great inspiration for anyone out their with a dream. 🙂
My vote is for Jewelian Blackbird! already a role model!
I vote Jewelian Blackbird!!
Jewelian Blackbird has my vote, you make us all very proud here on Walpole Island First Nation.
Jewelian Blackbird has our vote!
Jewelian Blackbird! 😉
Go jewelian
Emily Van Damme!!! Go Em go!
Emily Van Damme!!!! She is strong and hard working!!
Vote 4 Emily VanDamme. You’ll never see a harder worker than her and she’s had so many great accomplishments from her efforts, making a provincial team at the age of twelve and being a starting goalie for 4 years is a huge deal, not to mention she’s won canadian all-star…… twice!!! Go em!!
VOTE 4 EM!!!!