MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: MEN’S T-HOLDERS’ ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

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 T-Holders’ athlete of the year, presented annually to the athlete who has exhibited the highest degree of athletic excellence (in alphabetical order):

Aiden Grout – Track & Field
A veteran on the Varsity Blues men’s track and field team, Grout earned first team all-Canadian status after winning gold in the men’s high jump event at the 2025 U SPORTS Track & Field National Championships in Windsor. Grout was the only competitor at the national showcase to clear 2.10m, winning with a best leap of 2.12m. This marked his second career national gold in the event and the fourth straight season he earned a U SPORTS national medal. Additionally, he registered the highest jump of any U SPORTS competitor this season, clearing 2.15m at the Cornell Greg Page Relays in December. 

Ben Loewen – Swimming
A versatile member of the Varsity Blues men’s swimming team, Loewen helped U of T maintain their provincial dominance, while also aiding in team silver for the Blues at the 2025 U SPORTS Swimming National Championships. Delivering on one of the best individual performances seen at an OUA championship, Loewen earned both first team all-star and OUA swimmer of the year honours after winning five gold medals and setting new OUA record times in four of his five event wins (100 butterfly, 200 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 400 medley relay). Loewen then added U SPORTS second team all-Canadian recognition with three silver medals (200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 400 medley relay) and one bronze (100 backstroke) as the University of Toronto served as host for the 2025 U SPORTS Swimming National Championships.

Owen Robinson – Hockey
Robinson, a playmaking forward on the men’s hockey team, showcased remarkable talent throughout the season, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Individually, Robinson earned OUA West MVP, OUA first team all-star and U SPORTS first team all-Canadian honours after leading the OUA in scoring with 38 points from 15 goals and 23 assists. He ranked Top 10 in the province in both power play goals and game-winning goals, while also ranking second in postseason scoring. His outstanding play helped the Blues finish second in the OUA West standings during the regular season and fourth overall following Toronto’s push through the playoffs. Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, Robinson inked a professional deal with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.

Andrea Schifano – Soccer
A talented goal-scorer, Schifano earned both OUA East first team all-star and U SPORTS second team all-Canadian honours after finishing tied for second in the province with 10 goals this season. Contributing across the entirety of the season, he tallied a goal in seven different games, including a single game best four goals in a dominant 11-1 victory versus Laurentian. Ending the regular season on a four-game goal-scoring streak, he helped the Blues place first in the OUA East standings at the conclusion of the regular season, achieving a 9-2-1 (W-L-T) record, leading to an appearance in the OUA quarter-finals for the Blue and White. 

Jayden Talsma – Volleyball
Earning OUA all-star honours for a second consecutive season, Talsma provided the Blues with a dynamic offensive presence, helping the team to a 15-5 regular season record and OUA quarter-final appearance. From his outside hitter position, he led the Blues in numerous categories including total kills (225), kills per set (3.17), and hitting percentage (.272), finishing in the OUA Top 10 rankings for each as well. In total, he registered 10 or more points in all but two matches, while also adding 24 total blocks and 117 total digs defensively, showcasing his all-around game.