Winchester named 2019 top sports personality

Jesse Winchester smiles shortly after receiving the Jacques Richard trophy for 2019 top sports personality during the 55th Benson Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards dinner on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Winchester was recognized for his coaching performance with the Brockville Braves while also giving back to his home city of Cornwall. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

CORNWALL – Jesse Winchester has been named the recipient of the Jacques Richard trophy as Cornwall’s top sports personality for 2019.

Winchester was given the honour Wednesday night during the 55th Benson Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards dinner at the Best Western Parkway Inn.

The former NHL, European and NCAA hockey player, who is now coaching the Brockville Braves, was named the CCHL coach of the year for the second year in a row. He is only the fourth CCHL head coach to win the award back-to-back.

He has guided the Brockville Braves to top three finishes over the past two seasons.

Winchester was also recognized as a well-rounded athlete for giving back to the community through his participation in an annual July golf tournament for the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall and SD&G and also helping the organization.

“I’m a little bit rattled right now,” Winchester said. “Kind of unexpected but really honoured to receive the award and recognition,” he added.

He also gave a nod all the other award winners and parents for allowing their kids to “chase their dreams.”

“I love this city. It’s always supported me everywhere I’ve been. I come home because I love it here,” Winchester said.

CCVS student Isha Waheed was given the Joe Assaly Award for the top junior athlete. Waheed was this year’s national boxing champion and also named the top junior female.

The night also saw awards and bursaries given out to Cornwall and area athletes in various sports.