NEWS: Gee-Gee Annual Awards for 2020-21 Presented to Maracle, Oladejo, Peter

The Gee-Gees football team is proud to announce the team members selected as the annual award winners for Most Valuable Player, President's Award, and the Garnet and Grey Community Engagement Award.

Most Valuable Player: Ben Maracle

After a strong rookie season in 2019, Maracle was back making an impact in 2020-21. He participated in all team workouts during the summer, fall and winter sessions and is showing tremendous improvement and performance in practice. The arts student from Tyendinaga, Ont., also participated on the players leadership committee throughout the year, growing his leadership skills.

President's Award: Daniel Oladejo

Daniel Oladejo has become one of the most complete student-athletes in the football program. He has gone from not dressing in his first two seasons to becoming a core part of the offence and an incredible leader. Oladejo, from Ottawa, was poised to have a breakout year in 2020 as he had been dominant in practices. He has been able to make so much improvement as an athlete by having a great commitment in every facet from strength and conditioning to team meetings and everything in between.

Coaches describe him as ever-present and attentive, noting that he pushes the group to be better both vocally and by example. Oladejo has made all his athletic progress while simultaneously maintaining a strong academic performance in his Honors of Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Business Management. He is also active in the university community, serving as internal relations coordinator for the uOttawa Sports Business Club, and marketing officer for the Black Student-Athletes Advocacy Council, as well as the football team players leadership committee.

Garnet and Grey Community Engagement Award: James Peter

James Peter is an upcoming player and leader on the football team. Well-respected among its peers and coaching staff, he was part of the leadership counsel for the football team this season, which is his third with the team. His involvement in the community is outstanding, as a linebackers coach for youth every season for the last five years. Peter, a Human Kinetics student, was a strong presence at move-in day at uOttawa, helping  freshman get situated on the campus and is a member of the executive of the Black Student-Athletes Advocacy Council, holding the position of Marketing and Events Aid.