Did you know?

2024 Canadian National 55+ Senior Games Gold Medalist, Sandy Perryman

Since playing basketball at Western from 1981 to 1985, Sandy Perryman, BA'84, BEd'85, has picked up and excelled at a number of other sports, including ice hockey. In August 2024, along with her 60+ women’s hockey team, Sandy won a gold medal at the 2024 Canadian National 55+ Senior Games in Quebec City.

Sandy has also continued to play basketball at the city, provincial and masters levels. She competed at four World Masters Tournaments in Edmonton (2005) Australia (2009) Italy (2013) and New Zealand (2017) medalling in three of the four tournaments.

While competing in Australia, Western’s very own Jack Cowin (Lifetime Achievement Recipient 2020) graciously invited Sandy and her team (which included other Western alum) into his home for dinner and treated them to visits at the Sydney Zoo and the Harbour Bridge Climb.

Sandy is currently playing competitive tennis and pickleball regularly, participating in leagues and tournaments

In 2017 she started volunteering with the JP Metras Sports Museum and currently is Chair of the Museum and an active Board Member with the Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni.

Way to go, Sandy! We appreciate all of your hard work with the WMAA and celebrate your continued athletic accomplishments and contributions.

2024 Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Mike Ceresia

Former Mustangs squash player, Mike Ceresia was recently inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his incredible athletic achievements. Mike was part of five Canadian teams that won gold at the Racquetball World Championship – the most International Racquetball Federation World Championship gold medals won by a Canadian.

Between 1988 and 2002, Mike represented Canada at 18 events, including eight consecutive World Championship at which his lowest finish was fourth.

He was part of the silver medal team that represented Canada at the 1995 Pan Am Games – the first year that racquetball appeared at the games as a sport.

Mike has stood on the podium 21 times at the Canadian Championship in Open Singles and Doubles events.

Congratulations, Mike! Read more here.

School of Kinesiology 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award Recipient, Dave “Patch” Patchell Evans

Dave Patchell Evans, BA'77, LLD'12, Founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness, was honoured by the School of Kinesiology with the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award. A former Mustang rower who raced at five Canadian Rowing Championships, Dave was recognized for his “drive for growth and…relentless commitment to give everyone in Canada the opportunity to live a fit and healthy? good life.”

Since opening his first gym in 1979, Dave has grown his business to include multiple fitness club chains in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. He has donated more than $40 million to further the understanding of cardiovascular health, as well as supporting autism research, and connecting children of all abilities with physical activity.

Dave has been recognized with several awards over the years including an LLD from Western in 2012 in honour of his achievements as a fitness entrepreneur, his support of autism research and community service.