TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Fanshawe College men's cross country student-athlete Seth Marcaccio as its 2016-17 OCAA Male Athlete of the Year.
Marcaccio (Byron) became just the third OCAA student-athlete to win an individual cross country gold medal at both provincials and nationals in the same season. He had previously reached the podium at two OCAA provincial championships and one national championship, all silver medals.
During the rainy cross country season leading into 2016 provincials, Marcaccio showed signs of shedding his bridesmaid status by winning two races, including the Fanshawe and Seneca meets.
When provincials arrived in King City, Ont., Marcaccio was determined to be golden once and for all. With two other multiple OCAA medalists in the race, Marcaccio won the eight kilometre race in a time of 26:55, thirty-seven seconds faster than defending champion and silver medalist Rob Asselstine (Sydenham) of St. Lawrence-Kingston.
The Fanshawe men's team also returned to the top of the provincial podium, winning its seventh provincial crown in eight seasons, giving Marcaccio double gold medals.
Marcaccio wasn't finished there, however. At nationals in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., he won the race in a time of 25:39, twenty seconds better than OCAA bronze medalist William Chemno (Kenya) of Centennial, setting a course record in the process. Marcaccio joined Asselstine and St. Lawrence-Kingston's Deng Kuol as the only OCAA student-athletes to win the individual cross country gold medals at both provincials and nationals the same season.
The Fanshawe men's team also improved on its standing, winning the national silver medal.
"Seth led our men's cross country program this season by displaying tremendous character, commitment and drive," praised Fanshawe Manager of Athletics Nathan McFadden. "He is an exceptional student-athlete and person who was driven to be the best in the CCAA in his sport. He had a dominant season and showed his teammates the attributes that it takes to be a national champion while leading them to both the provincial and national podiums."
In addition to his medals, Marcaccio was recognized as a member of the OCAA All-Ontario First-Team and CCAA All-Canadian for the third straight year. He is also a three-time OCAA All-Academic and CCAA Academic All-Canadian, and a three-time CCAA National Scholar Award recipient.
Marcaccio becomes the first student-athlete from Fanshawe to be awarded OCAA Male Athlete of the Year, as well as the first men's cross country runner.
Marcaccio will be recognized for his remarkable season at the eighth biennial OCAA Hall of Fame ceremony, to be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in St. Catharines, Ont. on Wednesday, May 3.
OCAA MALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2016-17: Seth Marcaccio, Fanshawe (Cross Country)
2015-16: Jesse Assing, Humber (Soccer, Badminton, Indoor Soccer)
2014-15: Matt Fennell, Mohawk (Basketball)
2013-14: Vadim Halimov, George Brown (Basketball)
2012-13: Frankie Edgecombe, Nipissing (Volleyball)
2011-12: Aminu Bello, Mohawk (Basketball)
2010-11: Eric Smith, Durham (Basketball)
2009-10: Ryan Talsma, Redeemer (Volleyball)
2008-09: Charley Spurr, Algonquin (Basketball)
2007-08: Jasmin Cull, Mohawk (Volleyball)
2006-07: Loui Legakis, Algonquin (Soccer)
2005-06: Peter Sniuolis, Mohawk (Volleyball)
2004-05: Nathaniel Allard, Centennial (Badminton)
2003-04: Glendon Thomas, Cambrian (Badminton)
2002-03: Joey Martins, Loyalist (Soccer, Volleyball)
2001-02: Mike Silva, Humber (Soccer, Indoor Soccer)
2000-01: John Sozio, Mohawk (Soccer)
1999-2000: Shane Bascoe, Sheridan (Basketball)
1998-99: Bill Crowdis, Durham (Basketball)
1997-98: Mike Kaytar and Bob Parnell, Cambrian (Badminton)
1996-97: Todd Boys, Loyalist (Volleyball)
- OCAA -
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The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is the recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student-athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members sponsoring 12 varsity sports.
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E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com