Lily Jiang of women's fencing and Ian Pinchin of men's water polo, were named the top graduating student-athletes at the 81st annual Colour Awards Varsity Club Athletic Banquet Tuesday night at the ARC Main Gym.

Jiang was awarded the Marion Ross Trophy, which is given to the top Varsity Club female student-athlete. Jiang has been a key contributor over her four-year career with the women's fencing team. She helped lead the Gaels to two OUA Championships and two bronze medals as a team while finding individual success as well. Jiang medaled in every year as a Gael, finishing with four OUA gold, two silver and two bronze while being a four-time OUA All-Star.

The Edmonton native has been an academic all-star on two occasions and in her first year was named the varsity club Alfie Pierce winner as top rookie female club athlete. At this year's OUA championship hosted at Queen's, Jiang was named the Dave O'Donnell Trophy recipient which is awarded for skill, style and sportswomanship.

Pinchin, completing a Master’s degree, was named the winner of the Jack Jarvis trophy, awarded to the top Varsity Club male student-athlete.

Returning to the Gaels and serving as team captain, Pinchin helped turn the program around moving from non-contenders to the podium. This past season Queen's hosted the OUA championship and earned a bronze, the first medal for the program in over a decade. Pinchin played a significant role in the team’s success.

An academic all-star, the Gaels captain played centre forward. Pinchin also acted as the linchpin between the team and coaches, talking openly with coaches and sharing their vision. Pinchin then led his teammates toward a common goal. 

On Tuesday night, the Award of Merit Trophy was presented to the Queen's sailing team who won the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CICSA) title and represented Canada winning the Student Yachting World Cup in the summer, where they won the world title. The Gaels saw continued success during the season taking both the keelboat and team racing championships leading the team to the CICSA title. The Gaels also put in a strong effort stateside finishing 24th in the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA).

The Alfie Pierce award recipients for the top club rookies of the year were Jenna Dhanani  from women's squash and Ryan Jonker from cycling. Dhanani was a vital part of the women's squash team clinching their third consecutive OUA title this year. She finished the season undefeated. Jonker stepped up for the cycling team finishing fourth overall as a rookie, helping the team claim their seventh consecutive University Cup. Throughout the season Jonker was a consistent performer for the cycling team finishing with five top-five results.

The Varsity Support Service Awards recognize the individuals who have demonstrated dedication and leadership while making a significant contribution to the success of the Queen's Varsity Sport Program in Athletic Therapy (Hal Dunlop Shield), Athlete Services, Home Events, Strength and Conditioning and Varsity Club Leadership. This year's Varsity Club Leadership winner was Victoria Restivo from sailing.

Throughout the course of the evening, each Varsity Club also honoured their team award winners and this seasons champions were recognized for their successes throughout the year.

On Wednesday night, Queen's Athletics and Recreation will host the Colour Awards Varsity Team athletic banquet.