Conestoga’s Scarlett Jarquin has been named the Rugby Sevens Player of the Year by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). Jarquin was a league leader in scoring throughout the season, contributing two tries and 17 converts for 44 points in 15 matches. This year marked Jarquin’s third season with the Condors.
“I was completely shocked when they announced my name,” said Jarquin. I never thought I would be a contender for this award, let alone win it, as there are so many other great rugby players I've played against or alongside with. It was an overwhelming and emotional moment that I won't forget and I am so honoured to have been chosen as Conestoga’s first Rugby Sevens Player of the Year.”
Jarquin, a Conestoga Nursing student, plays forward for the Condors and said Rugby Sevens is a faster game played with seven players a side and seven-minute halves, unlike regular rugby where 15 players per side play 40-minute halves.
She contributes her success to the people who have supported her rugby career: family, friends, teammates, coaches, athletic therapists and Conestoga’s athletics department.
“Rugby is an extremely team-driven sport that requires you to trust your teammates and rely on them for all aspects of the game,” said Jarquin. “Without them I can't be the player or the athlete I am today. The team I play with pushes me to work harder, play harder and be a better captain. The coaching staff has brought us together and guided us through the ups and downs of the sport and they’ve kept me grounded and focused on my goals. Before and during the season the athletic therapy team did so much for me. They dealt with my injuries and conditioned me to be a better Rugby Sevens player. Without the therapists I wouldn't have been in mental or physical shape for my season. I can't thank everyone enough for being a part of the personal and team success I've had this year.”
The team’s overall success this season was also recognized by the OCAA. Lori Artinger, who led the team to a second place finish at the provincial championship, was named OCAA’s Rugby Sevens Coach of the Year. Jarquin’s teammates Michaela Knowles and Lindsay were named OCAA League All-Stars and Knowles also finished the season as the Rookie of the Year and the League Scoring Champion.
For more information, visit the OCAA website