Athletic Alumni- Has a nice Ring to it, doesn't it?

By Jade Farhat

For those who know me, they will be quick to say that I truly bleed purple - one look at my wardrobe and you will be quick to see why. It has been an absolute privilege to have donned the Big Purple W on the water and on the pitch, and I am sure like most of you reading this, I would give anything to go back and play one more time. When I look back on my career, there are two moments that stand out more than others, and they may not be what you expect. The first was receiving my first “Barney Suit” (the obnoxiously loud and purple track suit) and the second was being presented my Mustangs Ring. There are no doubts that championship titles are the ultimate goal for most varsity athletes. For many, like myself, we dream of the day we can hoist the trophy high in the air and run around the field with the banner tied around our neck, beaming with pride. Despite never having this dream come true, receiving my Mustangs Ring was worth more than any national title! I was fortunate enough to have been presented my Ring by Lenore Chesworth (rowing, swimming) a former teammate and current Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni. I admired Lenore’s work ethic at each rowing session and having her welcome me to the Athletic Alumni was truly special.  I was now a part of something bigger than I ever could have imagined. I now get to be alongside some of Western Greats who I would look up to every time I laced up for a match or hopped in a boat. 

A tradition that first started in 2013, the Mustangs Ring symbolizes the legacy and contributions of the student athlete to Western Mustangs Athletics. It also marks a transition from student athlete to members of an insanely rich and talented group of Alumni- the Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni. These rings are awarded to individuals who are in their graduating year and have earned a minimum of three (3) colour awards, one of which must be a First Colour. The rings were first presented to Jack and Peg Fairs in 2013 for their contributions to Western Athletics. When asked what the ring meant to them, Jack and Peg Fairs speak for many Mustangs Alumni in saying: 

We were so honoured to be the first recipients of the Athletic Ring. To us it embodies all the great history of Westerns outstanding results over the years . Where most awards stay in a box or on a shelf the ring is worn and displayed all the time and when asked about it we say: “Yes we are proud past athletes and are purple to the core." The fact that the rings were awarded at the dedication of the Jack Fairs Squash courts was a very touching addition to an already great honour

For me, it was the perfect way to represent my 7 years of competition, friendship, and memories I made along the way.  It was a symbol of all the hard work I put in over the years to get to where I am, and a reminder that no matter the challenge, I am capable of overcoming it. I chose to have #ONETEAM engraved on the inside of my ring as a token to the incredible fundraising efforts my teammates put together for our fellow rower who was diagnosed with Cancer. The intitiative not only raised a great deal for the Canadian Cancer Society, but it united teams all across campus to tackle cancer as one. I cannot think of a greater way to cap off my time as a Mustang and I hope to one day present future Alumni with their ring. I want to personally congratulate the 2021 ring recipients and welcome you to the Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni! I hope this ring brings you much joy and pride, and may it be a reminder of the mark you have made on Western Athletics forever!

As a past graduate, if you have participated at least three years on a Mustangs team and have graduated, you can order a ring at: Mustangs Graduating Rings- Baron Championship Rings- Canada

For more information about the Mustangs 2020-21 Season of Celebration and all the awards presented, including Graduating Rings, visit: Western Mustangs 2021 Awards- Season of Celebration