NEWS : Eight Gee-Gees honoured by OUA, led by President’s Award Winner Max Charbonneau
Max Charbonneau's name was called three times at the OUA All-Star and Award Winners luncheon on Wednesday at Tim Horton's Field in Hamilton, Ont. The veteran linebacker was named the conference's Stand-Up Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to earning all-star recognition in the secondary and for his special teams play.
Charbonneau was one of eight Gee-Gees earning conference honours for 2023; he was joined on the First Team of All-Stars by running back Amlicar Polk and halfback Eric Cumberbatch. Nicholas Gendron, Emmanuel Aboagye-Gyan, Kevin Victome, and Campbell Fair were named Second Team All-Stars, and Robin Collioud was named to the All-Rookie Team.
Charbonneau finished the season with 44 solo and 36 assisted tackles for a total of 62.0 total tackles, all leading the OUA. The Ottawa product finished third in the nation with 7.8 tackles per game, and was also second nationally in overall tackles. The criminology student added a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick to his impressive statistical résumé.
After being selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2023 CFL Draft, Charbonneau returned to the Gee-Gees for a fifth season. With full health he showed the conference and the nation the kind of elite tackler with outstanding consistency he can be from the middle linebacker position, earning his first career conference honours.
Fifth-year running back Amlicar Polk averaged 117.7 yards rushing per game, ranking third in OUA this season, amassing 824 yards before having his season cut short by injury early on in the seventh game of the regular season. That season total still landed the Hamilton, Ont., product third in the Gee-Gees record book and his career total stands at 1228. Polk also ranked third in the conference with 7 rushing touchdowns, leading the Gee-Gees in majors.
Eric Cumberbatch is now a two-time OUA All-Star, having been selected to the Second Team in 2022. This season, the Alexandria, Ont., product recorded a career-high two interceptions along with one sack and four pass breakups. The halfback set a career high with 4.1 tackles per game, tied for second on the team.
Emmanuel Aboagye-Gyan, Kevin Victome, and Campbell Fair were also named to the All-Star teams for the second time in their careers, while Nicolas Gendron was selected for the first time.
Gendron led the Gee-Gees with 66.9 receiving yards per game and recorded two touchdowns. Fair was recognized for his punting as he set a career high with an average of 42.3 yards per punt, ranking second in OUA. Aboagye-Gyan established a career best with 3.9 tackles per game and continued to threaten deep in the pocket of opponents, with 49 yards gained on four tackles for loss. Victome also set a career high with 3.7 tackles per game, adding four breakups and an interception.
From the first-year players of 2023 it was Robin Collioud who stood out and earned All-Rookie honours. The receiver from Avignon, France, was a steady target throughout the season, averaging 2.5 receptions per game and totalling 221 yards and one touchdown.
Aboagye-Gyan, Fair, Polk and Charbonneau have completed their full five years of eligibility in Garnet and Grey.
2023 GEE-GEES OUA ALL-STAR AND AWARDS SUMMARY:
President's Award for Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player: Max Charbonneau
First Team All-Stars: Amlicar Polk (running back), Max Charbonneau (linebacker), Eric Cumberbatch (halfback)
Second Team All-Stars: Nicholas Gendron (receiver), Emmanuel Aboagye-Gyan (SAM linebacker), Kevin Victome (cornerback), Campbell Fair (punter), Max Charbonneau (rush-cover)