Georgian College

44 GEORGIANVIEW 2024 PRINT EDITION ATHLETICS Rugby creates special bond Female Athlete of the Year wants to grow female interest in golf Not only is James Robb-Kennedy considered one of the best rugby defenders among Ontario colleges, he dedicates himself to his Grizzly teammates. "My favourite part of rugby quite easily has to be the family that is created, not only through just your team but anyone that plays rugby," he says. "There is a special bond that brings us together, unlike any sport I have Barrie native, Bryden Dilley, swiftly rose to prominence as a standout performer for the Georgian Grizzlies golf team in 2023, showcasing remarkable talent and tenacity on the college stage. In her second season, Bryden continued to impress with her skills on the golf course, while enrolled in the Business − Entrepreneurship diploma program. She distinguished herself at the 2023 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championships, clinching a silver medal and securing her spot at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Golf Championships. At the CCAA Championships, Bryden played a pivotal role representing Georgian on the OCAA team that took home a silver medal. Her invaluable contribution propelled the team on the national stage. Now crowned Georgian Grizzlies 2023-2024 Female Athlete of the Year, Dilley's dedication and commitment remains. As she continues to write her story on the fairways and greens, one thing is certain—her journey to excellence is far from over as she moves into the Golf Industry Management program in the fall. "I want to help grow the game of golf for female athletes and encourage more females to feel welcome within the sport," she says. "I hope that as an individual I can further my golf career and become a professional, whether that takes me within the teaching aspect of the game or even playing professionally. But for now, I hope to continue to pursue my goals of winning more medals for Georgian College in the seasons to come." | Georgian's 2023-24 Male Athlete of the Year James Robb-Kennedy (left) and Bryden Dilley, Georgian's 2023-24 Female Athlete of the Year (right). ever played. It's 80 minutes of blood, sweat, and tears. It's a war that you fight with your brothers by your side against the opposition, but at the end of the game you have nothing but respect for one another." James was selected as Georgian's 2023-24 Male Athlete of the Year, capping off a successful season that saw him named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championship MVP, after leading his team to a 22-10 gold-medal victory over the Humber Hawks in front of a capacity crowd at Georgian's J.C. Massie Field. The third-year flanker was named an OCAA League All- Star for his outstanding play during the regular season. He led the Grizzlies in tackles. In addition, he received the OCAA Athletic and Academic Excellence Award and an OCAA All-Academic Award and achieved Dean's List honours as a student in the Fitness and Health Promotion program. "Rugby is more than sport; it is life and continuously provides life lessons, memories, and moments that can change one's life, and it has done just that for me," says James. "I wouldn't be who I am without rugby. All of the values I live by are because of my brothers and coaches, who have constantly pushed and supported me through the years. Rugby is a family and one that truly is for everyone."

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