Veteran safety Nathan Taylor earned the top two awards when the Concordia Stingers gathered at the annual football team banquet Sunday night.
The LaSalle, Que. native was named the outstanding player on the 2012 team and the most dedicated Stinger.
With his parents in the room, the fourth-year athlete spoke extensively of the support of his loved ones and the values he has learned from them.
In 2012, Taylor played nine games and had 29 solo tackles and 15 assists. He hauled in three interceptions which he returned for a total of 85 yards. He also had three pass breakups.
Linebacker Max Caron was named the outstanding player on defence, while quarterback Reid Quest was the MVP on offence.
Tackle Quinn Smith was the top defensive lineman and centre Corey Newman was the outstanding offensive lineman.
Mikael Charland, the exceptional linebacker from CEGEP de L'Outaouais, was named the rookie of the year on defence, and tackle Roman Grozman, a graduate of Milford Academy, was the top offensive rookie.
Jason Azzoparde, a rookie quarterback from John Abbott College, was the top student on the football team. He has a 4.15 GPA in Actuarial Math, one of the most demanding programs in the university.
Two players were acknowledged for their team-first attitude at the banquet. Marc-André Lewis, the veteran linebacker who graduates with a GPA of 4.05 in Finance, received the Ricky Zieba Award. Second-year slotback Jamal Henry was the recipient of the Larry Cullen Award.
The evening wrapped up with eight speeches from the seniors who have completed their careers with the Stingers. Saying good-bye were: wide receiver Sanchez Deschamps, centre Corey Newman, linebacker Christian Walcott, linebacker Marc-André Lewis, defensive end Mike Whiton, safety Nathan Taylor, running back Mike Donnelly and linebacker Gracia Mwembo.
