Quinn Coughlin and Angus Dick were the proud recipients of the Most Outstanding Athlete Award in recognition of their exceptional achievements and dedication to sport. Photos by Alex Lambert.

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Eganville – The top award at last Wednesday’s (June 18th) annual Opeongo High School (OHS) Athletic awards night was shared by two senior students who are both moving on to university in the fall.

Senior girl Quinn Coughlin and senior boy Angus Dick shared the Most Outstanding Athlete award for their many successful achievements in sports at the school and beyond. The Most Promising Junior Athlete award was shared by Jayde Coulas, Parker Welk and Wallace Mundt; and the All-Round Athlete award was presented to Katie Demmons and Andy Copeland.

Athletes received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) or Wildcat Spirit Award for the various teams prior to the major awards being presented. These included the Participation Award, Team of the Year, and the Big and Little O’s.

Opeongo graduate Stephanie Coughlin was guest speaker and she shared how, after a successful high school and university sports career, she took up marathon running at almost 40 years of age (see separate story below).

Principal Dean Zadow noted the annual banquet was an opportunity to celebrate team successes, personal victories, and overall efforts.

“And, if we are doing it right, we celebrate our losses,” he pointed out. “Sometimes celebrating our losses has the most impact on our lives.

“We played, we battled, we lost is a very meaningful life lesson,” he continued. “It reminds us that we are human.”  

He said in his return to coaching this year, he took many opportunities to just sit back and observe.

“It is so easy to forget that athletics is about relationships. Sitting back and watching relationships grow was very satisfying.”

Mr. Zadow said no school athletic program would operate without dedicated students, selfless coaches, and very accommodating parents.

“What it also needs is that one person to steer the ship,” he said. “This person puts in countless hours behind the scenes organizing, reporting, filling in paperwork, listening to concerns, adjusting times and the list goes on.”

In Opeongo’s case, this person is athletic director, Michelle Harris, who Mr. Zadow noted had been recognized with an RCDSB Employee Recognition award two nights earlier.

“Her dedication to athletics is off the charts from the first day in September until the last day in June,” he remarked.

He encouraged athletes to reflect on their experiences, celebrate, laugh, and never forget to thank those who have helped them along their athletic pathway.

“Congratulations to you all. You are all champions of Opeongo High School.”

The evening also included a tribute to the late Dave Dobson, whose passion, commitment, and promotion of the sport of volleyball was unparallelled.

“He was a bus driver, a coach and our biggest fan. Dave consistently helped run practices and events, he attended games all over Renfrew County while proudly wearing his OHS hoodie.

“Dave turned coaching into an art and promoted teamwork, commitment and character above all else. We will truly miss Dave’s enthusiasm, and love of sports, especially volleyball.”

Major Awards

Gera Enright presented the Big and Little O’s to graduating students who have demonstrated dedication to Opeongo’s athletics in a variety of capacities throughout their high school career. The criteria is based on a point system for helping to organize and run school activities, scorekeeping, being part of the Opeongo Athletic Association, playing on school teams, and winning championships. 

Big O recipients were: Lyndsay Barr, Linden Buchanan, Quinn Coughlin, Katie Demmons, Angus Dick, Charley Keefe and Luca Tantalo. Little O’s were presented to Zack Bonia, Ethan Bourgeois, Andy Copeland, Holly Howarth, Kostya Luty, Marlo Van Lindenbrg, Lily Zadow, Adrianna Van Lindenberg and Cadence Davis.

Wendy Moon, coach of the Junior Girls basketball team, presented the Team of the Year Award to her squad, who won their second straight Eastern Ontario championship this year. She noted the community was very blessed to have the River Dogs program as a feeder for the high school, adding the kids arrive at OHS with skills and passion for the sport.

“This group really came together, played hard, had lots of great games throughout the season, had some ups and downs. They really rallied and came together, and wow, did they play their hearts out at EOSSAA.”

She said it is no easy task to win back-to-back championships, adding it was a testament to their skill, speed, flexibility, strategy, team camaraderie, how they play together, and how they just dug in and got it done.  

“I was beyond proud,” she remarked.

Ms. Harris presented the Participation Awards, given to graduating athletes who had participated in a minimum of seven sports in the 2024/2025 school year. The recipients were Lyndsay Barr, Holly Howarth, Charley Keefe, Marlo Van Lindeberg, Aydan Flegal, Linden Buchanan, Luca Tantalo and Cash Welk.

Most Promising Juniors

Wendy Moon and Debbie Sutherland presented the Most Promising Junior Athlete Awards to Jayde Coulas, Parker Welk and Wallace Mundt. The award recognizes individuals not only for their skill and potential, but also for leadership, teamwork and dedication.

Jayde played nine sports this year and was described by Ms. Moon as positive, encouraging, coachable, full of potential, hard-working, determined, eager to improve, competes with grit and heart, fiercely competitive, dominant on the field, and for bringing the energy to practices and games. She noted Jayde has tons of natural ability and the drive to succeed.

“She is not only on top of her game now, but is and will have, I’m sure, a very great future here at Opeongo,” she said. “She is polite, helpful, and appreciative, and when you put this together, there is nothing that she can’t achieve.”

Debbie Sutherland presented the award to the other co-recipients, Parker Welk and Wallace Mundt.

She described Parker, who participated in basketball, volleyball, soccer and golf, as a true team player, pointing out when he was injured just before the county golf championship, he gave up his spot to someone else.

“This speaks to his character and his commitment to the team,” she noted.

She shared how as a Grade 9 student, Parker played on the senior boys basketball team, leading the team in points and rebounds, and filling in well defensively for an injured teammate.

“His dedication and effort earned him the MVP for the senior team, and his club team, Ottawa Next Level U15 AAA, went on to win a provincial bronze medal. Parker’s talent is only matched by his humility and his team-first attitude, and that is why he is so deserving of this recognition.”

Ms. Sutherland said Wallace Mundt has proven himself to be standout athlete at multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, golf, badminton and track and field. He averaged 28 points per game in basketball and scored over 40 on two occasions this year. In addition, he scored 25 points in one game with the senior Wildcats, which was a remarkable achievement for a junior athlete.

“His consistency, combined with his natural athleticism, makes him one to watch in the future. What sets Wallace apart though is his quiet leadership.

“He’s the teammate who helps set up for practice, cleans up afterward, and always leads by example,” she added. “His focus and coachability make him a model for others to follow.”

All-Round Athletes

Jade Faught and Ilina Kamceva presented the All-Round Athletes Awards to the athletes who demonstrates sportsmanship, leadership qualities, commitment and character – Katie Demmons and Andy Copeland.

“They don’t just play the game, they elevate it,” Ms. Faught stated.

She described Katie as a true Wildcat who has represented OHS in badminton, basketball, track and field, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and soccer.

“She has not just participated, she has excelled, winning the Wildcat Award not once, but twice this year alone.”

She said she has a laser focus, turns feedback into action, and has unshakeable positivity.

“Katie shows up for her team in every way that counts, she puts the team first always. In basketball, she is a force to be reckoned with – a tough defender, a smart player, and a natural leader on the court.”   

Ms. Faught said besides her athleticism, what sets Katie apart is her character, adding she is a coach’s dream.

“Hardworking, dedicated, coachable, and kind,” she remarked. “She is always positive, always encouraging, and always willing to put the team before herself.”

Ms. Kamceva said Andy embodied what it meant to be an all-round athlete, and in the 24/25 school year gave his time, energy and heart to cross-country, ultimate frisbee, badminton, track and field, volleyball and soccer.

“Each of these teams have benefitted not only from his athletic talent, but from his consistent leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.”

She noted how he led by example in cross-country, pushing through every challenge with mental toughness, while encouraging others along the way.

“In volleyball, Andy brings precision, agility and unshakeable focus. On the soccer field, Andy’s work ethic and positive attitude help lift the entire team when they are down.”

Outstanding Athletes

Ms. Faught presented the Outstanding Athlete Award which recognizes exceptional achievement and dedication to sport to Quinn Coughlin and Angus Dick.

Quinn and Angus were cornerstones of the Wildcat community, she said, and are two athletes who demonstrate what hard work, dedication and heart can achieve.

“And they have set the bar high,” she stated.

She described Quinn as an absolute powerhouse in the world of track and field whose influence stretches far beyond that.      

“Whether it was on the court, the field, the track, or the gym, she not only showed up, but showed up and worked hard. She always brought an unmatched energy and enthusiasm to every athletic endeavour.”

She credited Quinn for her relentless spirit and infectious positivity, saying she is a legend on the track whose name strikes fear into the hearts of her competitors.

“She has been unbeatable in her high school track career in Renfrew County, EOSSAA and East Regionals.”

Quinn has won gold at OFSAA in the Junior 400 and 300-metre hurdles and holds the EOSSAA meet record in both events.

“Her raw talent and consistent work ethic have made her a true standout and her legacy at Opeongo is one that will be hard to match. Quinn is not only a gifted athlete, but she has also shown unwavering commitment to her craft. She has put in the hours, the sweat, and the effort to refine her skills and it’s clear in the way she dominates her races.”

Ms. Faught said Angus has played a variety of sports throughout his high school career, bringing his enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to OHS athletics. He shows up to every practice and works hard, she added. He also possesses an easy-going attitude and great sense of humour, making him a fun and positive teammate to be around.

“On the volleyball court, he is the ultimate team player, stepping up when needed, even switching positions to become a key middle blocker this year. His versatility and selflessness have been invaluable to his team, and he has been a true role model for the younger players.”

Ms. Faught said Angus was literally the OHS tennis team, having reached EOSSAA and competed well there.    

Final Words

Ms. Harris thanked everyone for being part of the ceremony, from the athletes, families, coaches, emcees, tech crew, food providers, media, and organizers of the ceremony.

“As you can see, it takes teamwork to pull together to support our athletics program. And together we are stronger, we are more successful.

“It is so humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by such great people and such a strong team,” she added. “I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

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OHS alumni shares inspirational message with athletes

Eganville – “Once you’re an athlete, you’re always an athlete.”

That was the message delivered last Wednesday night by Opeongo High School (OHS) graduate Stefanie (Valiquette) Coughlin, guest speaker at the school’s annual athletic awards banquet.

“It is such a privilege to be here tonight,” she began. “It means the world to be back in a place that once felt like home.”

She noted how it was just over 20 years ago that she was in the same position the athletes were in that evening.

“Not just in the literal sense but also emotionally, trying to balance it all — school, practices, competitions, friendships, and the constant pursuit of excellence.”  

A native of the Eganville area, she played all sports at OHS, and competitive hockey and softball elsewhere. She attended Western University in London obtaining her Bachelor of Health Science, followed by a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at McMaster University in Hamilton.

She returned to the Valley and worked at a private practice for three years before accepting a position at a local hospital where she has been for the past 12 years. She and her husband, Brett Coughlin, have two children, both of whom also have a passion for sports.

“While at Western, I played on the varsity softball team (winning three OUA championships),” she shared. “I thought those years would be the peak of my athletic life.

“I trained hard, going to practice four days a week, competed harder, travelling to other universities for games on weekends, and built lifelong friendships along the way,” she added. Back then, she believed that once she graduated, her identity as an athlete might fade into the background.

“But here’s what I learned. Once you’re an athlete, you’re always an athlete,” she stated. “And now I would argue that the peak of my athletic life was yet to come.”

“Today, I am a physiotherapist, a wife, a mom, a coach, a hockey player, and oh, I’m also a marathon runner,” she continued. “I once played sports where running was used as punishment, and now I pay to run for hours.”         

At almost 40 years of age, she now classes marathon running as the peak of her athletic existence. To date she has completed four full and five half-marathons and various other races.

“Being a student athlete taught me resilience, discipline and how to fail and still move forward, and those lessons are what gets me through 42.2 kilometres of running, when my legs want to give up, but my spirit says, ‘You’re not done yet.’”

She admitted not being the same athlete she was while in university, with regular practices now being an early morning run or at lunch hour; team meetings now consisting of managing all the thoughts in her head; and instead of winning on a scoreboard, she celebrates finish lines, Personal Bests, and even just showing up when the odds are stacked against her.

“But I still train, I still compete, and I still carry with me every lesson I learned from my time as a student athlete.”

Speaking of marathons, she said there is nothing like that moment in the race when “you hit the wall”.

“When your body says stop, when your legs are screaming, and your doubts are louder than your music,” she shared. “And it’s at that exact moment I remember the training sessions when I wanted to quit, the coaches who pushed me harder than I thought I could go, the teammates that kept me going, and the mindset that sports helped me build, that you are stronger than you think.”  

She encouraged athletes to remember that one of the most powerful things sports can give each one of them, more than medals or Personal Bests, is the belief they can do hard things.

“That you can get up after falling, that your body is capable, that your mind is stronger than you think. It will teach you discipline, how to fail, how to improve, how to lead, and how to follow.”

She told the athletes whether they were heading off to university sports, returning for a fifth year, or still deciding which path to take, their athletic journey did not end at Opeongo.

“It evolves, it grows with you, and shows up in boardrooms, in relationships, in parenting, and in every marathon, both literal and metaphorical that life throws your way.  And take it from me, the best may be yet to come.

“So celebrate your season tonight, honour your teammates, thank your coaches and your families, but also look ahead,” she concluded. “The field may change but your mindset, the fierce focus, stays with you for life.”

Individual Awards

Key: Most Valuable Player – MVP; Wildcat Spirit – WS

Cross Country: MVP – Harley Hodgins, WS – Reese Dennison; Junior Ultimate Frisbee: MVP – Wallace Mundt, Morgan Stewart, Josselyn Howarth, WS – Justin Johnson, Lily Stewart; Senior Ultimate Frisbee: MVP – Rogan Coulas , Quinn Coughlin, WS – Khia Zadow-Graham; Girls Rugby 7’s : MVP – Marlo VanLindenberg, Lily Harrison, WS – Claire Thompson and Sydney Hoffman; Golf: MVP – Hailie Brenner, Cash Welk; Junior Boys Volleyball: MVP – Joe Alexander, WS – Justin Johnson; Senior Boys Volleyball: Emmerson Davis, Cooper Caldwell, WS – Carter Zomers; Junior Girls Basketball: MVP – Jayde Coulas, WS – Ava Enright; Senior Girls Basketball: MVP – May Mundt, WS – Lyndsay Barr, Katie Demmons; Varsity Boys Hockey: MVP – Aydan Flegal, WS – Luca Tantalo; Varsity Girls Hockey: MVP – Olivia Hudson, Hailey Brenner, WS – Caileigh Warneford; Junior Boys Hockey: MVP – Noah Lavigueur, WS – Keenan Burchat; Junior Girls Hockey: MVP – Claire Thompson, WS – Sydney St. Pierre , Olivia Hudson; Junior Boys Basketball: MVP – Wallace Mundt, WS – Noah Kelly, Ryder Kauffeldt; Senior Boys Basketball: MVP – Parker Welk, WS – Tristan Leclaire. Junior Girls Volleyball MVP – Rebecca Egan, WS – Jayde Coulas; Senior Girls Volleyball: MVP – Charley Keefe, WS – Holly Howarth; Curling: MVP – Kostya Luty, WS – Linden Buchanan; Junior Badminton: MVP – Wallace Mundt, WS – Kylie Lynch; Senior Badminton: MVP – Rogan Coulas, Carmendy Andrews, WS – Angus Dick, Linden Buchanan; Varsity Boys Soccer: MVP – Ryan Yuke, WS – Gavin Legree; Varsity Girls Soccer: MVP – Delaney Dick, WS – Katie Demmons, Lyndsay Barr; Track and Field: MVP – Quinn Coughlin, Zac Clarke, Ava Enright, WS – Alaina Matheson, Isabella Van Lindenberg, Jayde Coulas; Softball: MVP – Hailie Brenner, Jack McGrath; WS – Alaina Matheson, Linden Buchanan.