As 2009 Canada West Rugby Player of the Year, Lethbridge fly half Ashley Patzer's resume is getting longer and more impressive with each passing day.
The fifth-year Pronghorns team captain is in the final two weeks of a CIS career that includes two CIS championships, the 2008 CIS national tournament MVP award, CIS Player of the Year in 2006, CIS Rookie of the Year in 2005, three previous selections as a Canada West All-Star (now four) and two as a CIS All-Canadian.
The third-year kinesiology student and Lethbridge native is also a member of the Canadian Senior and Sevens rosters after playing on the U-19 team in 2006.
"Ashley Patzer has reinforced her reputation as an all-round phenom," says Lethbridge head coach Neil Langevin after Patzer captained her squad to a fourth consecutive Canada West title victory over the weekend. "To call her dynamic would be an understatement. She has continued to be an inspirational leader for her teammates and has developed to be one of the top players in the world."
Patzer had 40 points during the conference season, best in the conference, including four tries, seven converts and two penalty goals. The Pronghorns went 4-0-0, earning the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament, where they defeated host Alberta 30-0 in the final to qualify for this year's CIS tournament. In the final Patzer scored one try, two penalty goals and two converts.
Kelsey Willoughby, also of Lethbridge, added to the individual honours for the Pronghorns, earning the Canada West Rookie of the Year award. As well, Langevin grabbed coach of the year honours for 2009 and eight Horns were named to the first all-star team.
Willoughby, a first-year flanker and kinesiology student, scored two tries and played a key role in the Pronghorns' perfect conference season. She also scored a try during Friday's semifinal win over Victoria, helping her side earn a berth in the league final.
"Kelsey Willoughby had a spectacular rookie season," says Langevin. "Her power, speed and crafty running ability enabled her to be the top scoring forward in the conference. Her work rate is phenomenal and she has continued to improve all year. She will have a very bright future in Canadian rugby."
In 10 seasons on the sidelines, Langevin has helped Lethbridge to three Canada West titles and the last two CIS championships. In 2006 they defeated perennial rugby powerhouse Western Ontario to claim bronze and in 2003 the franchise made its first podium appearance at nationals, taking home a silver medal.
Following is a list of Canada West awards and all-star selections and their respective schools:
Awards
Most Valuable Player Award – Ashley Patzer (Lethbridge)
Rookie of the Year – Kelsey Willoughby (Lethbridge)
Student Athlete/Community Service – TBA later this week
Coach of the Year – Neil Langevin (Lethbridge)
All-Stars
Prop: Allison Lamoureux, Alberta
Prop: Brandi Van Eeuwen, Lethbridge
Hooker: Ashley MacDonald, Lethbridge
Centre: Shannon Court, Lethbridge
Centre: Kendra Reeves, Lethbridge
Scrum Half: Annika Eriksson, Alberta
Fly Half: Ashley Patzer, Lethbridge
Back Row: Ellen McGregor, Calgary
Back Row: Sarah Logan, Victoria
Back Row: Kelsey Willoughby, Lethbridge
Wing: Radha Jain, UBC
Wing: Kenzie Ralph, Lethbridge
Fullback: Karlee Carbert, Alberta
Lock: Danielle Willhoeft, UBC
Lock: Amanda Richardson, Lethbridge
