2014-15 OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - MATT FENNELL

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Mohawk College men's basketball student-athlete Matt Fennell as its 2014-15 OCAA male athlete of the year.

Named the OCAA men's basketball player of the year, the OCAA west division scoring champion averaged 28.4 points per game. He scored over 30 points seven times during the regular season. Fennell totaled 511 points while contributing 149 rebounds and 43 assists for a Mohawk team that finished in second place in the OCAA west division with a 15-3 record. He was also named an OCAA west division first-team all-star.

Following his impressive regular season, Fennell went on to lead Mohawk to its second OCAA title in four seasons. He was named most valuable player at the championship, contributing a double-double in Mohawk's 84-74 win over Humber in the gold medal game. Mohawk had lost both meetings against Humber in the regular season. Fennell averaged 25.7 points and 8.0 rebounds in three playoff games.

Nationally, the London, Ont., native was named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) player of the year, a CCAA all-Canadian and CCAA championship first-team all-star as Mohawk finished in fourth place at nationals.

"I believe Matt is the hardest working person in the gym every day. No days off," praised Mohawk men's basketball head coach Brian Jonker. "As a result, he leads by the greatest example."

"Matt's experience, maturity and leadership have been the cornerstone enabling the Mountaineers to be in the top 10 in the nation. He is an explosive scorer who remains poised in all situations. His easy going nature trickles down to everyone and provides a positive learning environment day in and day out. In short, we don't win without Matt."

Overall in his four seasons in the OCAA, Fennell is a two-time provincial medalist and three-time first-team all-star. He has scored 1,439 points with both Mohawk and Fanshawe College, placing him in the top 10 all-time in OCAA scoring. These totals do not include Fennell's 315 points with the University of Prince Edward Island during the 2009-10 season.

Fennell becomes the fifth student-athlete from Mohawk to be awarded OCAA male athlete of the year, and the second men's basketball player in four seasons, joining Aminu Bello (2011-12).

Fennell will formally be presented his OCAA athlete of the year award later this month at the OCAA Hall of Fame ceremony in Oakville, Ont. The OCAA female athlete of the year is women's volleyball standout Thalia Hanniman of Humber College.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 30 members sponsoring 11 sports.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com