Jakomait wins Sportsperson of the Year

Sault native Jesse Jakomait was recognized for his efforts on the national mountain biking scene last night by being named the Sault Ste. Marie Sportsperson of the Year. Jakomait(pictured) was honoured with the H.P.

Sault native Jesse Jakomait was recognized for his efforts on the national mountain biking scene last night by being named the Sault Ste. Marie Sportsperson of the Year.

Jakomait(pictured) was honoured with the H.P. Broughton Award on Tuesday night at the 48th annual Rotary Sports Awards Dinner at the Marconi Club.

Jakomait boasts a long list of accomplishments from the 2003 racing season including the Canadian National Mountain Bike Series Championship overall title, the Pro-Elite Provincial Series overall title, the Provincial Championship title and the Ontario Cycling Association's Male Cyclist of the Year award.

Runners-up for the award included Jessica Foster, an elite motocross racer who had a second and two third place finishes at the national championships last season, and the St. Mary's Knights senior football team, which won the city, NOSSA and Central Bowl championships last season.

Jakomait, who was unable to attend due to racing commitments, battled through a shoulder injury last season to post the impressive results.

The ultimate goal for the racer, who finished fifth at a Canada Cup event on Sunday, is to qualify for the 2008 Olympic games.

The next biggest award on the night, the Walter Lowe Trophy for the top male high school athlete, was shared by Sir James Dunn's Dan Kennedy and Bawating's Kyle Gauthier.

Gauthier earned the honour for his talents in football, badminton, basketball and track and field while Kennedy shined in football, hockey and track and field.

Korah's Matt Parker won the B'nai B'rih Award for the graduating student who best combines athletes with academics.

Sir James Dunn was named the Ross Winslade Award as the top school athletically based on points gained in all sports.

Another highlight of the evening is the induction of members into the Russ Ramsay High School Sports Hall of Fame.

This year's inductees included Cynthia Sutton, Bill Paul, Larry Marsh and Richard Heino.

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This year's individual sport Rotary Award winners were:

Badminton -- Ian Flaxey & Graham Dalseg (Sir James Dunn)

Basketball -- D.J. Wright (Bawating)

Cross-Country -- Rocky Robitaille (St. Mary's)

Curling -- Paul Martin (St. Basil)

Hockey -- Ryan Maunu (White Pines)

Track and Field -- J.J. Bergamin (Sir James Dunn)