GUELPH, Ont. – This past week (December 1) the Guelph Gryphons men's lacrosse team was recognized on a pair of occasions as the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) announced the league's major award winners for the 2017 season. First year goalie
Hayden Walsh was named the league's
Most Outstanding Goalie, while Gryphons head coach
Sam Kosakowski and his staff were named CUFLA's
Coaching Staff of the Year. For a full list of the 2017 major award winners, visit
cufla.ca.
Hayden Walsh – Outstanding Goalie
In his first season with the Gryphons, Hayden Walsh enjoyed a sensational season in net for the Gryphons and as a result, was named the league's Most Outstanding Goalie. Walsh transferred to the University of Guelph after having spent time south of the border at Bellarmine University in Lousiville, Kentucky. In his rookie season with the Gryphons in 2017, the Sociology major appeared in a total of 14 games (11 regular season, 3 playoff).
The 6-foot-2, 205 lbs Walsh, a native of Burlington, Ontario, recorded an impressive 63% save percentage while also producing several big-game performances, including a 14-save effort in a win over Trent in the Baggataway Cup, as well as a 15-save performance versus Brock.
"Hayden had an immediate impact on the success of our program this year," said Gryphons head coach Sam Kosakowski. "His poise and leadership in the net was the anchor to what was one of the best defences in the league. Adding him to our roster has been a huge benefit for our program."
Coaching Staff of the Year – Guelph Gryphons
Head Coach: Sam Kosakowski (31st season)
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Cannon
Assistant Coach: Spencer Fraser-Steinbach
Assistant Coach: Anthony Joaquim
Assistant Coach: Dan McIsaac
Director of Recruiting & Operations: Mike Tombolini
The Gryphons were also recognized with the
Coaching Staff of the Year award, marking just the second time in program history that the Gryphons have received this award. Head coach Sam Kosakowski, now in his 31st season with the U of G men's lacrosse program, helped guide the Gryphons to an 8-4 record during the regular season, good for 3rd in the CUFLA West Division. In the playoffs, the Gryphons defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues in a Baggataway Cup Play-In Game to earn a spot at nationals, where they would go on to edge a tough Trent squad 12-11 in double OT before falling to Brock in the semi-finals.
"We are very proud of Sam and his staff for receiving this honour," said Gryphons Director of Athletics
Scott McRoberts. "Sam has an incredible commitment to this program and once again showcased some outstanding leadership to have yet another successful season this year despite some tough challenges."
Kosakowski helped start-up the men's lacrosse program at the University of Guelph alongside Mark Walker in 1986. Sam served as a player-coach until 1992 and has been head coach since, leading the team to a total of five national titles (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013 & 2014), including back-to-back Baggataway Cup titles in 2013 & 2014.
Joining Kosakowski on the
Coaching Staff of the Year are Offensive Coordinator Dan Cannon and Offensive Assistant Dan McIsaac. Helping guide one of the top defences in the league were assistant coaches Spencer Fraser-Steinbach and Anthony Joaquim, while Mike Tombolini played a vital role as the team's Director of Recruiting and Operations.
