Banquet 2003

Athletes, parents, family and friends were treated to a wonderful evening at the Twin Pines Community Center in Belmont. The room was decorated everywhere in maroon, grey and black. From the tabletops, to the balloons to the WONDERFULLY creative centerpieces created by Jessica's dad Chris. The centerpieces were crossed oars, painted in team colors, and mounted on a beautiful cherry stain base.

The walls were covered by pictures of all the members of the team. Karen and Joanie enlarged pictures of each athlete and Charlie (who works at University Art) donated at the mounting for the pictures. Each athlete then went around and signed each other's pictures. Even coaches got a picture with autographs.

The evening's dinner was catered by Esposto's Catering. Following dinner, the awards and speeches began. First up was Meave Fallon and the novice women. Award recipients on the Novice team were:

Next up, the varsity team, with coach Monica Hilcu, re-capped the season and awards were presented to the following athletes:

Also presented was the Phoenix Award. The Phoenix is voted on by the entire women's squad, novice and varsity, and given to the athlete that best represents the team and the true meaning of teamwork. This year's award went to Shelly Milam. Shelly was also the team captain for the 2002-2003 season, so getting this award meant that Shelly did her job well.

PACJC had a special guest at this year's banquet, Jess Sloan, his wife Stephanie and their child. Jess was kind enough to come and present the winner of the Dylan Lawrence Cappel Memorial Scholarship. Larry and Barbara were at the spirit festival (which St. Dunstun's won for the second year in a row ... Go LARRY !!! ), and they asked Jess to fill for them. Jess  did a wonderful job re-capping Dylan's short, but special life. Jess presented the Dylan Cappel Award to Michelle Morris.

The graduating seniors and their families were honored. The following athletes were four year rowers and received their 4-year Senior Mugs: Sarah Tran, Shelly Milam, Michelle Morris, Ash-Lee Rud, Stef Enderson, Melinda Martin, Meghann McLinden and Jessica Fant. All the seniors were then presented with the senior blade, painted in the team's maroon color with lettering in grey and black.

Graduating Seniors:

Joe O'Connor then passed out his annual Golden Rigger Awards to three VERY deserving athletes. Congratulations to Caitlin Gaffney, Mirella Maggi and Shelly Milam.

The Fred W Cucksey award was also given out. The 2003 recipient was the entire team, parents, coaches and loyal supporters of PACJC in it's inaugural year. Thank you to everyone and congratulations to us all !!

Finally, the athletes and parents got some air time on the microphone. Karen Gaffney thanked all the coaches for all their hard work and dedication to the athletes. Then the ENTIRE women's team took over the microphone and presented the coaches with a new TV/VCR combo for the boathouse and some walkie-talkies to use at RWS. What wonderful and thoughtful gifts, not just to the coaches, but to the athletes that are returning next year, and for many years to come.

The evening rounded out with cake (3 cakes actually - one for the seniors, one for the varsity and one for the novice), coffe and the absolute BEST end of the season video anyone has EVER seen. Hayley, Shelly, Sarah, Joanie, Ian and even Corey, put together an absolute masterpiece. There was not a dry eye in the room. Want information on ordering the video ? Just go to the order webpage.

The first annual PACJC End of the Season Banquet came to a close. Thank you all the parents, athlete and friends that helped to make not just the banquet, but the entire season a success. We'll see some of you over the summer at the summer camps, and the rest of you at the BBQ at Monica's House or next fall.

To the seniors .... HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ........................