Hamilton, ON – The top performers of the football season were recognized at the 2025 OUA Football Awards at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on Thursday morning.
The Mustangs were recognized with two major awards, seven all-stars and one all-rookie team honour.
Offensive Lineman Erik Andersen was named the winner of the J.P. Metras Award as Lineman of the Year for the second year in a row. The towering London native finished his eligibility with the Mustangs this year, leading one of the most powerful offensive lines in Mustangs history. Western led the OUA in points per game at 45.1, a stat that is largely affected by the offensive line's ability to open up space for running backs and allow time for the quarterback to find a target through the air.
"I am grateful to receive the lineman of the year award again. Although the season didn't end the way we wanted, it's a nice award to end my OUA career with," said Andersen. "I think the award also reflects on our offensive line as a group. Playing with Keegs (Keegan O'Neil), Phil (Philippe Côté), and all of the other guys on the line made my job a lot easier and more fun, so shoutout to them."
This is the 11
th time a Mustang has received the award.
"His understanding of the game and his athletic ability allow him to play the position at a very high level." Said Mustangs Offensive Coordinator Gaetan Richard "What is unique about Erik is how physical he is and how he's able to finish blocks in a dominant position"
Defensive Back Jackson Mackay topped off his debut season in the OUA by being named the Norm Marshall Award winner as OUA Rookie of the Year. The multi-sport athlete came to Western from Banting Secondary School and stepped into a leading role on the defence, taking over for last year's President's Award winner as Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player, Jackson Findlay. Mackay registered 37.5 tackles this season, including 27 solo tackles. He also added a 62-yard pick-six against Carleton in early September.
"I'm incredibly honoured to have been recognized as rookie of the year amongst such a talented group of rookies from across the OUA." said MacKay "I'm so thankful for my teammates, and the Western coaches that provided me the opportunity to compete in my freshman year."
This is the eighth time a Mustang has been named Rookie of the Year.
"Jackson is such a great athlete who was able to transition to the demands of our free safety responsibility as a freshman, checking all our audibles and directing the secondary and the veterans around him," said Mustangs Defensive Coordinator Paul Gleason. "He did a remarkable job as a rookie, taking on these demands. His football IQ developed immensely as the season progressed."
The Mustangs were also well represented in the All-Star and All-Rookie honours.
First Team All-Stars: Ethan Dolby (Running Back), Erik Andersen (Offensive Tackle), Keegan O'Neil (Offensive Guard) & Max von Muehldorfer (Defensive Tackle)
Second Team All-Stars: Seth Robertson (Receiver), Philippe Cote (Centre) & Reed Cloutier (Offensive Tackle)
All-Rookie Team: Jackson MacKay (Defensive Back)
Full award details can be found at
OUA.ca
Congratulations to our Mustangs on their well-deserved recognitions.
