MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: MEN’S ROOKIE 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 rookie of the year award, presented to an athlete in his first year of competition, who exhibits the highest degree of athletic excellence (in alphabetical order):

Alec Brent – Track & Field
A notable performer in his debut season with the U of T track and field team, Brent leaped into U SPORTS second team all-Canadian status after earning a national silver medal in the men’s high jump. Competing at his first U SPORTS Track & Field National Championships, Brent surpassed his provincial championship mark of 2.02m, which placed him fourth at the OUA showcase, clearing a season-high 2.09m on the national stage to finish second overall in the 15-person field. The 2.09m was also the fourth best height achieved by all U SPORTS competitors across all competitions this season. Brent additionally placed first in high jump this year at the Windsor Team Challenge and third at the York Open and Cornell Greg Page Relays. 

Niklas Hallam – Soccer
Making an immediate impact with the Varsity Blues men’s soccer team this season, Hallam helped U of T to a 9-2-1 (W-L-T) regular season record and first-place finish in the OUA East standings. Providing an offensive punch from the midfield, Hallam tied for second among all OUA players with 10 goals this season, including a five-game scoring streak to start the season and two hat tricks. The Blues standout was honoured as OUA East Rookie of the Year and an OUA East second team all-star, while also being named to the U SPORTS all-rookie team. Additionally, Hallam was selected fourth overall in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft, being chosen by Pacific FC. 

Shamil Khan – Squash
Khan, a member of the Varsity Blues squash team, earned provincial recognition in his debut season. After playing a part in Toronto’s 8-1 regular season record as the team’s No. 3 player, Khan was bumped up to No. 2 for the OUA Championship. Not backing down from the promotion, Khan went 8-0 in his individual matches, winning 68 percent of points and sweeping each one of his opponents. The outstanding effort was rewarded with OUA Rookie of the Year honours following the conclusion of the provincial showcase. 

Nathan Thomas – Swimming
On a team filled with standout performers, Thomas made his mark at both the provincial and national championship events, earning both OUA and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year recognition. The breaststroke specialist first garnered OUA first team all-star accolades after winning gold in the 200 breaststroke and alongside his teammates in record times for the 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay. He additionally secured OUA silver in the 100 breaststroke to make it five provincial medals earned at his first OUA championships. Thomas then added U SPORTS second team all-Canadian to his resume with national silver in the 200 breaststroke and 400 medley relay, while also collecting U SPORTS bronze in the 100 breaststroke to conclude his debut season with three national medals. 

Iannis Toma  – Volleyball
A versatile outside hitter, Toma stepped into the Varsity Blues men’s volleyball starting lineup in just his first season. Ranking third on the team in total kills (161) and second in total digs (126), Toma was able to make an impact both offensively and defensively this year. This included 10 or more kills in eight different matches, along with 16 service aces to rank third among all Blues this season. His presence on the court caught the attention of opponents as he would be selected as both an OUA all-rookie and U SPORTS all-rookie, marking him as one of the seven best first-year men’s volleyball players from across the country. 

Dylan Wightman – Hockey
Making the jump from junior to collegiate hockey, Wightman became an important piece of the Varsity Blues attack on the men’s hockey team as they delivered on one of their best seasons in recent years. Appearing in all 28 regular season games, Wightman was the top rookie scorer for the Blues with 18 points from nine goals and nine assists this season. His speed and tenacity helped Toronto to a second place finish in the OUA West standings, posting a 17-11-0 (W-L-OTL) regular season record. From there, Wightman added two goals in six playoff games as the Blues reached the OUA bronze medal game.