The Queen's football Gaels held their annual awards banquet on March 23 where second team All-Canadian Sam Sabourin (Stittsville, Ont.) was named the team MVP.

Sabourin was awarded the Johnny Evans Trophy as the team's most valuable player as well as the Lou Bruce Trophy for defensive player of the year. 

Sabourin is a two-time Second Team All-Canadian. This year, the third-year linebacker made 48 tackles, including 40 solo stops, finishing tied for fifth in the OUA, including 12.5 tackles on September 15 against Western. Sabourin made 10.5 tackles for loss, including three sacks and also forced a fumble and knocked down two passes.

Third year receiver Giovanni Aprile (Scarborough, Ont.) was awarded the  the Doug Hargreaves Trophy for offensive player of the year.

The Orrin Carson Trophy, for offensive lineman of the year, was awarded to Derek Morris (Napanee, Ont.).

Fourth year defensive lineman John Miniaci (Toronto) took home the Lou Bruce Trophy for defensive player of the year after being named a second team All-Canadian in the CIS. The Gaels' defensive captain, he made 15 tackles this season, seven of them for losses. The St. Michaels College graduate made 1.5 sacks, broke up a pass and forced a fumble last season.

Rookie of the year honours (Royal Todd Trophy) went to newcomer Dillon Wamsley (London, Ont.) who took over the full time kicking duties for the Gaels this season.

Kick and punt returner Chris Patrician (Toronto) took home the Bob Howes Trophy for the special teams player of the year after he totalled 519 yards on punt-returns with three touchdowns. 

The Gaels most improved player award (Justin Schwieg Trophy) was handed out to both Justin Baronaitis (Rexdale, Ont.) and Cory Dyer (Gananoque, Ont.).

Josh Sultana (Etobicoke, Ont.) took home the Bill Miklas Trophy for academics, athletics and citizenship.

The final player award, the Hal McCarney Trophy, went to veteran defensive back Ben D'Andrea (Calgary), for being this season's most dedicated athlete.

Former Gael and now assistant coach with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League Leroy Blugh was given the Queen's Football Club Merit Award for his contributions to the Gaels.

The annual banquet marks the official close to the Gaels 2012 season and preparation for the 2013 season is already underway. This year's season kicks off on August 25 with the Gaels on the road to take on the York Lions.

Season tickets for Queen's Football are available for purchase by calling 613.533.2500.