A record-breaking season of athletic achievement was celebrated at Morden Collegiate Institute (MCI) on Wednesday as students, coaches, and families gathered for the annual Sports Awards Assembly. The afternoon highlighted team triumphs, individual milestones, and the tireless dedication of student-athletes — culminating in the prestigious Male and Female Athlete of the Year announcements.
Grade 12 multi-sport athlete Sean Aguinaldo was named Male Athlete of the Year, while Molly Cowan, a standout Grade 11 competitor, received Female Athlete of the Year honours.
A Banner Year for the Thunder
The MCI Thunder brought home a school-record 14 Zone 4 banners this season — a testament to the school’s deep talent and competitive drive. Zone championships were earned in a wide range of sports, including:
JV and Varsity Boys Cross Country
Aggregate Cross Country
Girls Soccer
JV Girls Basketball
Boys Hockey
Varsity Boys Doubles Badminton
JV Mixed Doubles Badminton
JV Girls Doubles Badminton
JV Boys Singles Badminton
Aggregate Badminton
Boys Curling
JV Girls Track and Field
Aggregate Track and Field
MCI’s MHSAA Provincial Achievements
In addition to zone victories, Morden Collegiate Thunder teams shone at the provincial level under the Manitoba High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), earning:
🥇 1st Place Provincial Champions – Boys Soccer
🥈 Provincial Finalists – Boys Curling
Several athletes were also recognized as MHSAA tournament all-stars, including Kapri Curry, Rylee Thiessen, Kyra Dyck, Sean Aguinaldo, and Badr Abujazia. Soccer standout Elliot Haines was named MHSAA Provincial MVP for boys soccer, and Tiki Martens received tournament all-star honours in JV Girls Basketball.
Five players — Carter Dyck, Ryan Thiessen, Sawyer Leite, Vance Olson, and Easton Hildebrand — were selected to the MHSAA Hockey All-Star Game, capping off an exceptional year for the Thunder.
Male Athlete of the year: Sean Aguinaldo
Aguinaldo competed in soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track and field, contributing significantly to multiple banners — and leaving a lasting legacy.
“I got really excited. I didn’t expect to get it — there were so many other strong Grade 12 athletes,” said Aguinaldo. “I’m just grateful I got that recognition.”
Surprisingly, Sean didn’t see himself as a natural athlete before high school.
“I was never that athletic until I came into high school,” he explained. “I pushed myself because academically, I wasn’t the best. Sports gave me a way to prove myself.”
He attributes his growth and discipline to his parents and his faith.
“Humility was a big thing in our household. My parents always emphasized staying humble in sport,” Aguinaldo said. “And I really believe the key to my success this year was trust in God.”
His message to incoming Thunder athletes?
“Play every sport you can. If you can’t, pick one and commit to it. Even when gym time is limited, find ways to train outside of school. If you want to make it to provincials, you have to push yourself. There’s no other way.”
Sean Aguinaldo accepting his athlete of the year award
Female Athlete of the year: Molly Cowan
Despite being a Grade 11 student, Molly Cowan was honoured as Female Athlete of the Year, an award traditionally given to a graduating student.
“It was pretty cool. I wasn’t really expecting it,” said Cowan. “We have a lot of great athletes, and I thought it would go to a Grade 12.”
Cowan competes in volleyball, basketball, softball, badminton, and track and field, with softball being her favourite.
“I play AAA softball and I just love how competitive it is,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of friends through it.”
When asked if she had any words for her fellow student-athletes, Cowan’s message was short and sweet:
“Great job, guys.”
Molly Cowan accepting female athlete of the year award
A culture of excellence and community
The Sports Awards Assembly also recognized the contributions of MCI’s coaches, school staff, and community supporters, all of whom help foster a culture of hard work and school pride. A special thank-you was extended to the community for their support of the Thunder Card fundraiser, which helps expand and improve opportunities for student-athletes.
Emcee Nicole Rutledge summed it up best:
“This ceremony is dedicated to you — our athletes — to showcase your impressive accomplishments in sport throughout a busy school year.”
With unwavering dedication, team spirit, and a humble drive to succeed, Morden Collegiate’s Thunder athletes have made the 2024-2025 school year a year to remember.
