Leighton Geraghty – Contributor

After a hard fought year, Gaiters Athletics has come to a close. Despite the numerous ups and downs this year brought, Thursday, Apr. 2 saw everyone come together and celebrate the 2025-26 athletic year. The athletic banquet is a chance for one final send off before the graduating players head on to their next journey and those who are staying, start the grind all over again. Lucky enough, I was invited to the awards not just as a viewer but as the MC this year. This year’s show was one to remember with countless laughs, cheers and even some tears. 

Image courtesy of Browyn Chenard

After a couple of shoutouts to our corporate sponsors and the reveal of who won “Are You Smarter Than A Gaiter,” we celebrated the seniors with their Purple Letters. The Purple Letter is handed out to graduating students who are in good standing with their team and a significant contributor to the community. This year, there was a special twist. After all of the athletes walked across the stage and received their pin, there was one final person named. The Gaiter was called out on stage and in true masked singer fashion was celebrated by the crowd as he revealed himself. Isaac Flanagan appeared under the mask and was awarded a Purple letter for his contribution to the athletic department. The next part of the ceremony was the positional and team awards. Countless names came forward to take their pictures all while waving to the viewers back home. 

The major award winners were the final part of the banquet. Beginning with the Ray Almond award which is given annually to a dedicated member of the Bishop’s Athletic community who rises above and beyond to deliver an invaluable service for Gaiter Athletics. This year’s winner was longtime athletic trainer Dawn Patterson. The crowd gave a standing ovation as Dawn received her award. She is a true hero and loved by everyone in the community. Up next we had the Student Athlete Leadership Award given to one male and one female. The two winners were Taylor Mason from the Women’s Soccer Team and Dylan Monico from the Football team. Post leadership awards for the Student Athletes of the Year were announced. Cammy M. Bernier from the Women’s Rugby team won her second in four years. The human equation Charles Robert brought home his fourth straight. These two really put the student in student-athlete as they both excel in their sports but also in the classroom. The female Rookie of the Year award was awarded to Sandrine Chouinard (Women’s Hockey), whereas the men’s award was won by both Curtis Driver (Men’s Rugby) and Mathieu Bellavance (Football). Finally what we’ve all been waiting for, the Athletes of the Year. On the women’s side three times back to back to back champ Gabrielle Santerre came home victorious after yet another dominant season on the Hockey team. Santerre also announced she will be playing Golf in the fall next year for the Gaiters Golf team. The Male Athlete of the year is arguably the most decorated athlete BU will ever see. CHARLES ROBERT. Charles is not only great in the classroom, he also excels on the court. While conversing with him he stated that he is looking to continue his academic journey while also trying to pursue pro basketball.

We wish the best for every graduating senior. For now, the returning players will head back to the grind and prepare for yet another historic year next year. Stay tuned Gaiter Nation!