PECI students (From Left) Sophie Cassie, Will Bolton, Gavin Campbell, Kensey Koutroulides, Declan Vincent, Drew Spencer, Rowan Colby, Alia Vader and Nolan Thompson were recognized for their athletic accomplishments at the school’s sports awards night at the Regent Theatre June 10. (Logan Somers Photo)
From the pitches, fields, rinks and gyms of the Bay of Quinte Athletic Conference to sports stadiums in Alberta and the United States, 2024-25 was a big year for the PECI Panthers.
Freshman Kensey Koutroulides and senior Drew Spencer won the Joe Scott Memorial Award, named in honour of the beloved late PECI Physical Education instructor. While both Panthers were exceptional in Bay of Quinte competition, honours on a national scale set them apart.
Representing the Quinte Bay Gymnastics Club, Ms. Koutroulides competed at two Ontario Cups and qualified for the Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Calgary. There, Ms. Koutroulides placed 8th in Level 5 Women’s 15 & 16 year old tumbling.
For her part, Ms. Spencer suited up for U18 Canada East Rugby squad and toured with the Eastern Ontrario 7s in both New York and Florida.
Athletics Director Laurie Spencer
“PECI students excelled in the 2024-25 season and represented our school with that trademark pride.
We had many teams and individuals show well at Bay of Quinte, COSSA, and beyond.”
This year’s Jeremy Vincent Memorial Award, which goes to PECI’s top track and field athlete, went to junior Gavin Campbell. Mr. Campbell made it all the way to the East Regionals Track and Field meet in triple jump, long jump and high jump.
“With a calm demeanour and focused drive, Mr. Campbell became a role model both on and off the track. He didn’t just compete — he excelled,” said Track and Field coach Alyssa Leavitt.
Declan Vincent and Rowan Colby shared the Men’s Senior Athlete of the Year award.
Freshman Kensey Koutroulides and senior Drew Spencer were presented the Joe Scott Memorial Award, named in honour of the beloved late PECI Physical Education instructor.
Ms. Koutroulides was a key member of both the volleyball and rugby teams, but her main successes came as a competitive gymnast. Representing the Quinte Bay Gymnastics Club, she competed at two Ontario Cups and qualified for the Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Calgary. There, Ms. Koutroulides placed placed 8th nationally in Level 5 Women’s 15 & 16 year old tumbling.
One of PECI’s best and well rounded athletes, Ms. Spencer continued to demonstrate her prowess on the rugby pitch this season, playing for the U18 Canada East Rugby squad as well as touring with the Eastern Ontario 7s in both New York and Florida at two of the biggest rugby 7s tournaments in the world. She travelled to the UK for the second straight year for more international rugby experience with “For the Love of the Game”, a national rugby program that looks to build rugby culture and exposure within Canada. During this trip, she was coached by Olympian and future teammate Chloe Daniels.
“Drew Spencer was a dominating athlete every year, and in every sport at PECI. Volleyball, soccer, wrestling – she was excellent in all. However, her standout sport is rugby and what a year she had outside the school,” PECI Rugby Coach Doug Holt commented.
Ms. Spencer will continue on her path to becoming a player of national renown in the fall when she suits up with the Queen’s University Gaels.
Ms. Spencer returned to the Regent stage to accept her Senior Female Athlete of the Year Award, being recognized for her efforts in volleyball, soccer, rugby and wrestling. Meanwhile, Declan Vincent and Rowan Colby shared the Men’s Senior Athlete of the Year award.
On the Junior side, Sophie Cassie took home Women’s Athlete of the Year. PECI Coach Sarah Vader noted Ms. Cassie’s dogged determination when suiting up for the Panthers in volleyball, rugby and soccer. She also played basketball and tried hockey for the first time this year.
In the Men’s column, Mr. Campbell and Will Bolton shared the Junior Athlete of the Year Award.
Outstanding freshmen Alia Vader and Nolan Thompson were the Grade 9 Women’s and Men’s Athletes of the Year.
Individual sport awards included:
Senior Badminton: Grady Holmes Most Improved Player, Sophie Eskins Most Valuable Player.
Junior Badminton: Austin Wickware (MIP), Alia Vader (MVP).
Senior Boys Volleyball: Josh Spencer (MIP), Grady Holmes Most Dedicated Player.
Junior Boys Volleyball: Nolan Thompson (MDP), Gavin Campbell (MVP).
Junior Girls Volleyball: Sophie Caissie (MDP), Sadie Rees (MVP).
Senior Girls Volleyball: Macey Campbell (MDP), Drew Spencer (MVP).
Junior Girls Basketball: Carmen Gonzalez (MVP), Abby Rumig, (MDP).
Junior Boys Basketball: Will Bolton and Luke Graham (MVP).
Senior Boys Basketball: Declan Vincent (MIP), Rowan Colby (MVP)
Senior Girls Rugby: Sadie Caissie (MDP), Drew Spencer (MVP).
Junior Girls Rugby: Sophie Caissie and Milly Dowson (MVP).
Senior Boys Rugby: Jan Van Niejenhuis (MIP), Griffin Lavender (MVP).
Junior Boys Rugby: Jack Lavender and Cole Byford (MVP).
Senior Girls Soccer: Lainey Van Vlack and Drew Spencer (MVP).
Junior Girls Soccer: Sophie Caissie (MDP), Averie Cole (MVP).
Varsity Girls Hockey: Averie Cole, (MVP), Reese Rowbotham (MDP).
Varsity Boys Hockey: Kallen Van Cott (MDP), Kaden Koutroulides (MVP).
Varsity Baseball: Ethan Thompson, (MVP), Nolan Thompson (MDP).
Senior Boys Soccer: Declan Vincent and Jake Banfield (MDP).
Junior Boys Soccer: Kayden Bowman (MVP), Will Bolton (MDP).
Track and Field: Derek Quick and Olivia Demanchiuk (MDP).
Cross Country: Josh McGill and Rowan Colby (MDP).
Ski Team: Carson Camp (MVP), Kallen Van Cott (MIP).
Golf: Rowan Colby (MVP).
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