Varsityblues.ca will highlight the nominees of U of T's major awards – men's and women's rookies of the year, Dr. Clara Benson honour award, George M. Biggs trophy, as well as the men's and women's Frank Pindar and T-Holders' athletes of the year - to be announced at the Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Friday, April 4.
The following Varsity Blues athletes were nominated by their coaches and chosen through the awards selection process as finalists for the men's Frank Pindar athlete of the year award, given annually to an athlete competing in a sport whose official season concludes with either an OUA or other university recognized championship event. (in alphabetical order):
Kevin Angers - Baseball
A pitcher on the men's baseball team, Angers aided the Blues in clinching their second consecutive OUA championship title this season. With an overall team record of 10-4 during the regular season and a 6-0 postseason record, the Blues were buoyed by Angers four regular season and two postseason wins as starting pitcher. The OUA all-star and OUA Most Valuable Pitcher led the Blues with a 2.05 ERA, registering 36 strikeouts across 26.1 innings pitched during the regular season. He then added a 13 strikeout seven inning win over York during the OUA regionals, before going 6.2 innings with six strikeouts and just five hits allowed in the Blues semifinal victory over Queen's, securing U of T's spot back in the championship final.
Mike Howard - Fencing
A skilled fencer, Howard helped the Varsity Blues men's fencing team in winning the OUA championship this year. Howard garnered recognition as an OUA all-star and showcased his talent by clinching the gold medal in the OUA championship individual foil event, registering an undefeated record throughout round-robin and elimination matches. Additionally, he competed alongside his teammates in the OUA championship foil relay, adding a provincial silver medal to his collection. Earlier in the 2024-25 campaign, he also collected silver in the men's foil team relay at the RMC Team Invitational.
Hugo Li - Figure Skating
Competing with the U of T figure skating team, Li and the Blues achieved success as OUA silver medalists and Brock Invitational team gold medalists this season. Individually, Li's accomplishments are equally impressive, earning him recognition as an OUA all-star. He demonstrated his skill in various disciplines at the OUA Championship, claiming gold in Senior Couples Pairs and Star 8/9 Couples Dance, while adding provincial silver in Men's Freeskate and bronze in the Fours Freeskate. Additionally at the Brock Invitational, Li secured gold in the Senior Couples Pairs and Fours Freeskate, and silver in the Men's Freeskate.
Omer Sayli - Water Polo
Outstanding on the attack for the Blues this season, Sayli assisted the Blues in their run to winning the NCWP banner. Following an impressive 9-2 regular season and impeccable 3-0 playoffs, the Blues were able to claim their eighth straight conference championship. Sayli was named both NCWP Championship MVP and an NCWP all-Canadian for his efforts, which included 10 goals across the three postseason matches. This was highlighted by a five goal outing in U of T's decisive 18-9 championship final victory over Western.
Harold Tan - Badminton
A member of the Varsity Blues badminton team, Tan played a pivotal role in U of T winning at both the OUA Championship and YONEX Canadian University College Championships this season. At the provincial showcase, Tan garnered OUA all-star status after picking up seven wins across nine total matches, including a perfect 4-0 men's doubles record. Then after helping U of T claim the team national title, including a crucial men's doubles win in the Blues thrilling 3-2 finals victory over Waterloo, he went on to win the national individual doubles title alongside partner Nathan Mills.
Eric Vann - Rugby
Serving as the Blues critical 8-man, Vann earned OUA second team all-star recognition after helping the Blues to their best overall finish since 2002. Scoring in each of the Blues three regular season victories, Vann finished the 2024 OUA campaign with 25 total points from five tries, ranking among the Top 20 in the province. His strong individual performance and leadership combined with exceptional team growth allowed U of T to finish 3-3, placing them seventh overall in the OUA standings. Additionally, this year Vann was selected to Canada's U20 Men's Rugby Team that competed against the USA for qualification for the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
