OCAA STARS OF THE WEEK

TORONTO - The following student-athletes have been recognized by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) for their accomplishments during the seven-day period ending Sunday, Nov. 10.

Student-athletes are nominated by their respective athletic departments.

Connor David
School: Algonquin
Program: Business Administration
Year of Eligibility: 3
Sport: Soccer
Hometown: Hawksburry, Ont.
David picked the ideal time to play outstanding soccer when it mattered most. In a national quarter-final against Champlain, the third-year midfielder scored Algonquin's first goal of the competition in a 2-0 win. The following day, David scored both Algonquin goals in the final 20 minutes of regulation in a come-from-behind 2-1 semifinal win over Langara, securing a berth in the championship finale. Although stymied by Humber in the gold medal match, David's efforts earned the Wolves a silver medal and Championship All-Star recognition.

Christina Diaco
School: Seneca
Program: Therapeutic Recreation
Year of Eligibility: 3
Sport: Soccer
Hometown: Vaughan, Ont.
Diaco was named a Championship All-Star at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer National Championship in Squamish, B.C. The third-year goalkeeper played in all 270-plus minutes of action, allowing just two goals against in three matches, including one clean sheet. Diaco and the Seneca Sting fell short in their attempt for back-to-back national championships, winning the quarter-final opener against Brandon 2-0 before losing 1-0 outcomes against eventual champion Montmorency and bronze medalist Capilano.

Franz Mella
School: Humber
Program: Sport Management
Year of Eligibility: 2
Sport: Soccer
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Mella was named Championship MVP at nationals as the Humber Hawks soared to their 10th Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association crown in program history. The second-year midfielder scored the only goal in Humber's 1-0 victory over provincial-rival Algonquin Wolves in the gold medal game, a rematch of the OCAA championship final that also went to the Hawks. Mella also scored in Humber's opening 3-0 win against UKC. The Humber program needs more room in its trophy case, winning its record 16th OCAA crown last month.

Mia Palango
School: Redeemer
Program: Physical Education
Year of Eligibility: 5
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
Palango tied the Redeemer Royals program record for rebounds in a single game on Nov. 8. The fifth-year forward grabbed 20 boards, including 15 off of the defensive glass, as the Royals defeated the St. Clair Saints at home 65-61 for their first win of the season. Palango also scored a dozen points for a double-double, while adding six assists. The 20 rebounds were well above Palango's average of 8.6 per game. Palango and the Royals will look to win two in a row when they visit the always tough Humber Hawks on Wednesday.

Timico Smith
School: Humber
Program: Business Management
Year of Eligibility: 3
Sport: Rugby
Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.
Smith was named Championship MVP as the Humber Hawks won their first OCAA championship since 2014, defeating the Conestoga Condors 33-14 on Nov. 9. The third-year wing opened the scoring with a nice stiff-arm to a defender, then scored again in stoppage time, cutting through the defensive line to give the Hawks a 19-7 lead. Smith, a West Division League All-Star, scored three tries in four matches during the regular season. The Hawks won their record eighth provincial crown with a perfect 2024 regular and post-season mark of 7-0.

Matt Talbot
School: Fanshawe
Program: Business
Year of Eligibility: 1
Sport: Cross Country
Hometown: Ailsa Craig, Ont.
Talbot, who was the top runner in the OCAA and OCAA Rookie of the Year award winner, crossed the national championship finish line in a time of 24:44.40, which broke a Fanshawe record for the fastest eight kilometre time at a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association event, previously held by Seth Marcaccio, who set the record in 2021. The second-place finish earned Talbot a spot on the prestigious All-Canadian team which puts a ribbon on an outstanding first year with the Falcons. It was the best finish by an OCAA runner at nationals since 2019.

- OCAA -

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Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
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