Simon Fraser University track and field runner Helen Crofts has been named the recipient of the Frank Tees Memorial Trophy as the outstanding athlete enrolled in a Canadian university for 2011 by Athletics Canada.
Crofts, in her junior season with the Clan's track and field team, had a long list of accomplishments. She set a new record in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 800 metre outdoor competition, winning the event and breaking head coach Brit Townsend's record in the process.
Crofts was also named the most outstanding performer at NAIA outdoor championship, Great Northwest Athletic Conference outdoor championship, and the GNAC indoor championship.
She was the GNAC outdoor champion in the 400m and 1,500m competitions as well as the indoor champion in the 400m, setting a new record time.
Crofts was a part of the Clan team that broke the NAIA record in the distance medley relay at the NAIA indoor championships and won the 4x800m relay in record time at the NAIA outdoor championship.
"I am extremely proud of what Helen has accomplished over this past season and I know she has gained a tremendous amount of experience and confidence," said Townsend. "Winning this well-deserved award will add to her confidence to pursue even greater challenges in the sport. She is determined to reach the highest level and has an incredible drive each time she steps on the line to compete. She is not afraid to challenge the best in the country and beyond. This is the true marking of a top athlete."
"Helen runs with a passion and authority that is unique. Having a training partner like Jessica Smith, who is the second-ranked Canadian in the 800m, has brought them both to new levels, and together they have positioned themselves as two of the best middle distance runners in the country," added Townsend.
The biological sciences major posted a grade point average of 4.08, and was also named both an NAIA All-American in cross-country and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference indoor female athlete of the year.
Crofts also captured gold in the 800m at the Canadian championships and was a finallist at Summer Universiade World Student Games.
