Men’s fencing topped all Gaels club teams once again.

For the third straight year, the team was named club of the year at Queen’s Athletics and Recreation club awards banquet.

Amongst all the awards handed out Tuesday evening, five were particularly distinguished: the Award of Merit for the top team; the Marion Ross Trophy for top female athlete; the Jack Jarvis Trophy for top male athlete; and two Alfie Pierce trophies for the top male and female rookies.

Johnny Yap, the figure skating team’s psychologist, was announced to be retiring after 33 years with the team.

Award of Merit for top team: Men’s fencing

Men’s fencing completed a three-peat this year by claiming the Award of Merit Trophy, after dominating their competition by a large margin and capturing a third championship banner.

The team finished with a total of 245 points at the OUA championship, well above the second-place University of Toronto’s 160 points.

François Beaucage-Gauvreau believes the club will have a difficult time next year since a number of their members will be departing.

“It’s really great for our club to win a banner so many times in a row,” he said. “There’s a bunch of people leaving this year, so next year might be harder.”

Marion Ross Trophy for top female athlete: Alex Cross, synchronized swimming

Fourth-year synchronized swimming captain Cross took home the Marion Ross trophy for her consistent finishes in the top five in Canada over her career.

She’s a two-time All-Canadian and has been the captain of Queen’s synchro team for the past three years. She’s placed third, fourth and fifth on the national stage.

“Given the calibre of Queen’s Athletics in general, I’m sure there were other people deserving of this award too,” Cross said. “To be recognized among all the varsity clubs as an outstanding athlete is exciting.”

Cross gave credit to her teammate Megan Smallwood for her support throughout her undergraduate swimming career.

Jack Jarvis Trophy for top male athlete: François Beaucage-Gauvreau, fencing

Fourth-year Beaucage-Gauvreau claimed the Jack Jarvis Trophy after winning five OUA gold medals and an OUA silver medal in the sabre division. He’s a three-time OUA Champion with the Gaels, doubling as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s teams.

“It was a goal from my undergrad to get this [award],” Beaucage-Gauvreau said. “I was aiming for the gold medal every year.”

Alfie Pierce Trophy for top female rookie: Julie-Anne Staehli, track and field

Staehli was her team’s MVP and Rookie of the Year in her first year with the club. She finished fourth at the OUA championships in the 1500m and later fifth at the CIS finals — the best in Gaels history by a rookie. She also participated in the 4x800m, placing seventh at nationals.

“It’s definitely a huge honour to be rookie of the year,” she said.

Alfie Pierce Trophy for top male rookie: Mo Hamour, squash

Hamour’s efforts on the court helped his team to a fourth-place finish at the OUA championships. His impressive rookie campaign was highlighted by an OUA All-Star selection.

Hamour said he was surprised to win the Alfie Pierce award because he thought his competition was too stiff.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I thought there were too many nominees and, out of all the rookies, I didn’t think I was the best.”