ST. PAUL – St. Paul Regional High School recently revealed its male and female athletes of the year, chosen through a rigorous two-decade old evaluation process.
Hank Smid, athletic director of St. Paul Regional, said the school uses a point-based system that considers several factors to determine the athletes of the year, including the number of sports played by an athlete, their advancement to zones and provincials, as well as their placements.
“It’s not subjective at all... and we’ve been using it for 20 years,” said Smid, explaining the system is both efficient and accurate.
Grade 11 student Brennen Riopel was named the 2023 Male Athlete of the Year. He took part in cross-country running, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, and participated in the RCMP Road Race.
Riopel won the award last year, making this his second consecutive win.
If Riopel wins again next year, he will become one of a select few who have won the award three years in a row.
Riopel recalled during the ceremony having felt relief when his name was declared. “I was kind of working for it all year,” said Riopel.
He acknowledged the award played a part in motivating him to train and get better in each sport – and he’s hoping to do the same next year, noting the challenges that come with training every day.
“It’s tough mentally to go to practice every day and try your best.”
In addition, Riopel also has to balance academics with his athletics, but “My mom really pushes me... to get all my things done.”
Along with the support of his family, Riopel also notes that one thing that has proved useful to him as a student-athlete is not being afraid to try out new things, and not allow “the background noise affect how you live.”
According to Smid, there were a couple of athletes who came close to Riopel’s points, but his provincial advancement in badminton, as well as his placement in cross country, helped him achieve the top spot.
Smid also credits Riopel’s friendly rivals, noting, “I’m sure the other students will be ready to duke it out again next year with him, and I know Brennan knows who I’m talking about.”
Healthy competition, according to Smid, “makes us stronger.”
Kaitlyn Foote
Grade 11 student Kaitlyn Foote said she was “shocked” to be named this year’s Athlete of the Year.
“I didn’t know I was going to win,” she admits, adding, she felt other students played more sports than she did well, also performing well.
Foote played cross-country, volleyball, curling, badminton, and track and field, advancing into provincials in both cross-country and track and field. “It feels good” to be recognized for the hard work and dedication, she says.
Like Riopel, balancing academics and sports is no easy task, and Foote gave thanks to her coaches for being accommodating and understanding.
While the Female Athlete of the Year can be a form of motivation, she said she was not really aiming for the award. “I just want to enjoy sports and have fun.”
With only one year left in high school, Foote briefly reflected on the past. Foote recognizes competition in sports is “definitely very tough,” but if there’s a piece of advice she could give to others, especially to younger students wanting to get into sports, it would to “focus on trying your best and giving it your all.”
Discipline also plays a big part with sports, just like everything else in life, according to Foote, and sometimes, you have to push yourself to move forward. But, in the end, “it all works out.”
Smid commended both Riopel and Foote for their achievements. “We’re obviously so proud of them,” he said.
Smid concluded by stating that success in high school sports may require some sacrifices, but by staying committed, dedicated, and putting in the hard work, “it pays off.”
