Four Student-Athletes Named WECSSAA Top Honours for 2025–26
The Windsor-Essex County Secondary School Athletic Association (WECSSAA) has recognized four outstanding student-athletes as its top performers for the 2025–26 season. Braeden Cavanagh of Essex, Ronnie Adogah of Holy Names, Saryna Milne of Assumption, and Natalie Mann of Erie Shores were each presented with the prestigious Hadre Cup (boys) and Repko Cup (girls) awards at the Ciociaro Club.
Each winner will also receive a $2,500 educational scholarship from the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame to support their post-secondary pursuits.
Braeden and Caleb Cavanagh: A Dynamic Twin Duo
Twin brothers Braeden and Caleb Cavanagh made headlines this season as a remarkable duo for the Essex Red Raiders. While Caleb was named the WECSSAA Large School Athlete of the Year, his older brother Braeden — born just two minutes earlier — earned the WECSSAA Small School Hadre Cup Student-Athlete of the Year award.
“We found out at the same time,” said Braeden, 18. “This means a lot to us because we have always pushed each other throughout our sporting careers and it is nice to see that we are both rewarded for it.”
Braeden competed in hockey, volleyball, and track and field. He was named a first-team all-star in volleyball and a second-team selection in ice hockey, helping the Red Raiders reach OFSAA in volleyball. He also maintained an academic average above 88 percent.
“It’s a good way to showcase my athletic ability and my academic achievements,” said Braeden, who plans to study kinesiology at the University of Windsor in the fall alongside his brother.
Ronnie Adogah: Holy Names Standout
Ronnie Adogah, 17, of the Holy Names Knights won the Hadre Cup as the major school male athlete of the year. He competed in soccer, track and field, and wrestling over the course of the season.
Adogah helped the Knights secure a WECSSAA football title and an OFSAA bowl victory, earning recognition as a top lineman and first-team all-star. On the mat, he did not allow a single point at the WECSSAA Wrestling Championships and went on to claim a bronze medal at OFSAA. He carried an academic average just under 83 percent.
“It means a lot to me, I just didn’t expect it,” said Adogah, who will return to Holy Names in the fall. “Sports mean a lot to me, especially football, but my parents have emphasized getting good grades my whole life.”
Saryna Milne: Excelling in the IB Program and on the Court
Saryna Milne of the Assumption Purple Raiders was awarded the Repko Cup as the large school female athlete of the year. Balancing the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program with a demanding athletic schedule, Milne proved that academic and sporting excellence can go hand in hand.
“It’s extremely hard, it’s hectic, but it’s manageable,” said Milne, 18. “I took it up because I wanted to challenge myself. Since I also enjoy playing sports, I didn’t want to sacrifice my athletic career for academic purposes.”
Milne competed in basketball, track and field, and cross country. She was named the WECSSAA AA league MVP in basketball and earned first-team all-star honours, all while maintaining a 92 percent academic average.
“The staff at Assumption is very supportive,” Milne said. “I’m grateful for all this support.” She will attend the University of Guelph in the fall to study food science.
Natalie Mann: Erie Sholes’ Multi-Sport Star
Natalie Mann of the Erie Shores Coyotes captured the small school women’s Repko Cup award. Competing in badminton, slo-pitch, volleyball, and tennis, Mann demonstrated remarkable versatility across multiple sports.
She won an OFSAA gold medal in girls’ doubles in the high school badminton division and was named a first-team all-star in slo-pitch. Off the court and field, Mann achieved a grade 12 average above 98 percent.
“It’s a lot to juggle everything, but it’s worth it to get good results,” Mann said. “Athletics was the best part of the entire experience for me.”
Mann will attend the University of Windsor in the fall to study biomedical sciences. “My high school experience was perfect and I am truly grateful for all the people, the school, and the opportunities I was able to have,” she said.
WECSSAA Also Honours Athletic Volunteers
In addition to celebrating student-athletes, WECSSAA recognized five individuals for their tireless dedication to high school athletics during the 2025–26 season. Rachel Tennant of Brennan, Rhylee O’Brien of Essex, Josh Bernabe of Holy Names, Bradley Nyakundi of Westview, and Amelia Kieu of Assumption were each named WECSSAA Athletic Volunteer of the Year.
Each volunteer received a $100 scholarship from WECSSAA in recognition of their educational activities and contributions to supporting school sports throughout the year.
