MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: GEORGE M. BIGGS TROPHY

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, March 27. 

The following Varsity Blues athletes were nominated by their coaches and chosen through the awards selection process as finalists for the George M. Biggs Trophy, given annually to the graduating male student-athlete who has contributed most to university athletics from the standpoint of academics, athletics, leadership and community service (in alphabetical order): 

Hunter Arulpragasam – Volleyball 
Concluding a stellar Varsity Blues career which began in 2021, Arulpragasam has combined exceptional play on the court with active community engagement throughout the past five seasons. The Human Biology major from Abbotsford, B.C., became just the fourth Varsity Blue to surpass 1000 career points between regular season and playoff matches. He is a three-time OUA all-star and a U SPORTS academic All-Canadian. He additionally coached within the community, serving as a beach volleyball coach with Leaside Volleyball Club. Extending himself beyond his sport though, he also volunteered with Hospice Toronto Caring Communities Centre, served as an assistant with Abbotsford Sports and Orthopedic, and worked as a researcher at BC Children’s Hospital. 

Ryan Clarke – Lacrosse 
A Mechanical Engineering student from Huntsville, Ont., Clarke has been a vital piece to U of T lacrosse since joining the team in 2021. The Varsity Blues veteran is a three-year team captain and most recently received the team’s defensive player of the year honours. A Varsity Blues Academic Excellence Award recipient, he has also competed at the Junior A level with the Oakville Buzz and as a member of the Ireland national team at the Eurolax Sixes Tournament, LAXNA Tournament, and Tradition’s Cup. Supporting the lacrosse community even further, he served as a coach with TOP Lacrosse and Beast Athletics, developing fundamental skills and sportsmanship with the next generation of lacrosse athletes. 

Jackey Kuang – Rugby 
A leader on-and-off the rugby pitch, Kuang has found numerous different ways to support the causes he cares for. A Kinesiology student from Abbotsford, B.C., he has been a vice-captain and received OUA all-star recognition since joining the Blues in 2021. He has additionally served as the team’s social director and received the Mr. Rugby Award this past fall for his dedication to his team. Outside of U of T, Kuang has suited up for the Toronto Arrows Senior Academy and worked with community organizations such as the non-profit organization TIRF (Toronto Inner-city Rugby Foundation) and Fraser Valley Rugby Union. This work has garnered several prestigious awards including the Bill Webb Memorial Award, Community Impact Award, and John Cannon Memorial Award. He has also volunteered with the Kidney Foundation of Canada. 

Russell Stewart – Soccer 
A member of the Varsity Blues OUA championship winning men’s soccer team this season, Stewart began his journey at U of T in 2022. From Vaughan, he has been a key contributor on the pitch as a team captain while also supporting fellow student-athletes and the greater community. Stewart has been an active member of the Varsity Board, including as part of the athlete engagement committee. He has also been a student leadership coach and volunteered with U of T Black History Month events. Outside of campus, he has also been a coach with SC Toronto, enhancing fundamentals and skill development for youth soccer athletes. 

Nick Trieu – Track & Field / Cross Country 
A three-time U SPORTS academic All-Canadian, Trieu has been a consistent for the track and field and cross country teams since becoming a Blue in 2021. The Kinesiology major from Toronto has earned both OUA all-star and U SPORTS All-Canadian honours on the track. As well, he has served as a team captain, Varsity Board rep, and varsity student mentor. In the community he has also led community clothing drives and facilitated learn to run programs for youth via The Runner’s Academy. 

Jacob Wright – Football 
Wright, a Commerce and Accounting student from Burlington, has been a standout on the Varsity Blues football team since joining the program in 2021. Charged with protecting the quarterback from his tackle position, he has garnered invites to the U SPORTS East-West Bowl, CFL Invitational Combine, and received U of T’s Johnny Copp Memorial Trophy as team MVP. Serving as a team captain, he also supported recruit tours, charity events, and community coaching. Beyond his work with his team, Wright has also been an offensive coordinator with U of T women’s flag football and offensive line coach with the Toronto Jr. Argos.