THUNDER BAY – Amy Stieh ran roughshod over the Lakehead University track and field record book in January.
The Hammarskjold High School graduate, in her first year competing for the Thunderwolves, smashed the school record in the 300-metre dash at the James Daly Bison Classic, crossing the finish line in a blazing 38.99 seconds.
On Tuesday she was named the school’s track-and-field athlete of the month for January, thanks to a pair of first-place finishes in the 300-metre in three meets and a national ranking in the top five in the distance.
“It’s really cool and it has been a good month,” said the always peppy Stieh at a ceremony honouring athletes in all varsity sports.
“I wasn’t surprised that I got it, but it’s super cool. It’s cool to know that there is recognition for the different athletes on the different teams for when they do well.”
In men’s hockey, that’s just what Josh Laframboise did for the team in January, as it inched toward a playoff berth in the OUA West.
The Thunder Bay product had 10 points in nine games in January, then added a hat trick in Saturday’s come-from-behind 5-3 win over Brock that left the Thunderwolves a point away from a playoff berth.
“I definitely think this year I’m playing with a little bit more confidence than I did last year,” said Laframboise, who has 15 goals and 27 points in 26 games in 2019-20.
“Obviously last year, coming off the injury, was technically my first real season. I think it’s good to get a personal accolade, but obviously the accolades don’t happen without line-mates.”
In women’s basketball, the choice for coach Jon Kreiner was relatively easy. Spanish import Sofia Lluch has taken her game to a new level in the second half, the Wolves winning five of six games since the Christmas break to land themselves in the 12th and final playoff spot, with four games to go.
Lluch averaged 20.6 points per game in January, adding five assists and 7.2 rebounds.
“My teammates have helped me a lot, as well as all of the coaches,” said Lluch, who has also managed to cut down on her turnovers since the break, her team heading on the road to No. 5 Western and No. 7 Windsor this weekend to face two of the top three teams in the OUA.
Lock Lam was an equally easy selection for the men’s basketball team.
A contender for defensive player of the year, Lam was at his level best against Laurentian and Nipissing, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6.5 blocks in a pair of home-court victories.
His development is a large part why the Thunderwolves have vaulted to No. 5 in the national rankings and can clinch the division with a single win over their final four games.
“It feels good,” said Lam, who earned OUA athlete of the week honours for his efforts against Laurentian and Nipissing.
“At least the school is noticing what I’m doing on the court. It’s not bad being called athlete of the month.”
Other honourees included Niko Dowhos in track and field, Rebekah Hara in women’s volleyball, John Campbell and Kara Nixon in wrestling and Nordic skiers Levi Warkentine and Shaylynn Loewen.
