Three Rustlers recognized with ACAC Soccer All-Conference Awards

Lakeland College is well represented at the ACAC All-Conference Awards for men's and women's soccer once again.

Gracey Smithson from women's soccer and Gavin Quinlan and Josh Malin from men's soccer were each named to the North Division All-Conference squad Thursday evening. This marks back-to-back years Lakeland has had three or more players in soccer receive awards consideration.

A third-year striker from right here in the Border City, Smithson was a breakout star in the ACAC this season, putting up the single best offensive campaign in the history of women's soccer at Lakeland College. Starting in 11 games, she scored a program record 13 goals, including three game winners, with a shooting percentage of .542 and a pair of assists, finishing sixth in the league in scoring.

Head coach Doyle Church noted that Smithson had a steady impact on the team, even after her explosive start, where she had three straight hattricks to open the season.

"She continued to score big goals for us against teams competing for the top seeds [in the North]," he said. "She has put in a lot of work over the past two-three years and is a person fully deserving of the accolades she gets."

A University Transfer student, Smithson is now the all-time leading scorer in program history with 17 goals, surpassing Leesa Eggum (15 goals).

A key cog of the Rustlers men's team, fourth-year Gavin Quinlan of Winnipeg played a pivotal role as centre defensive midfielder, constantly anchoring the defense, while  helping kickstart the offence. He was one of the league's stalwarts of two-way play, constantly disrupting cross field passes and was rewarded with a goal and two assists later in the year.

Coach Kevin Wagner was effusive in praising the tall midfielder.

"Gavin has matured into the top central midfielder in the conference," Wagner said. "He's gained confidence in all facets of the game using his physical, technical and tactical strengths, as well as one of the captains of our team."

This is Quinlan's first All-Conference selection after being considered year-after-year. He's taking Business Administration at Lakeland College.

Third-year transfer Josh Malin shined at striker for the Rustlers, scoring multiple highlight reel goals for the team. A five-goal and two-assists barrage in the final two games helped secure third place for the Rustlers and earned him CCAA Athlete of the Week. By season's end, the Saskatoon native was among the league's leaders with 9 goals and 5 assists.

Coach Wagner said Malin's time at Lakeland after previously playing at the University of Saskatchewan has been a win on all fronts.

"Josh is enjoying the game again and has been allowed to be himself yet work well and develop within the group we already had," he said.

Malin is also taking Business Administration at Lakeland.

All three Rustler student-athletes are already in training for the futsal season, which culminates when Lakeland College hosts the ACAC Championships March 6-9.