The inaugural Liam Geddes Memorial Award was presented to UBC Thunderbird Relmu Wilson-Valdes at the 2022 Canadian University Rugby Championship awards banquet on December 3, 2022.
The Award is named after the late Liam David Geddes, a Queen’s varsity rugby player who passed away earlier in 2022. Liam played in the back row for the Gaels at the 2018, 2019 and 2021 CUMRC tournaments and the Award will now be presented annually to the outstanding back row player at the tournament.
Liam’s parents, Dr. Alison Longhorn-Geddes and Colin Geddes attended the entire tournament at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium, and while on their extended trip from Lindsay, ON even had time to take in a concert from their hometown favourite band, the Barenaked Ladies. Wearing their trademark orange Queen’s Rugby toques, Colin and Alison were recognizable anywhere in the crowd, and made many new friends in the university rugby community from across Canada.
The 2022 winner of the Liam Geddes Memorial Award is UBC’s No. 8, Relmu Wilson-Valdes, who was also named to the tournament First XV All Star team. He scored 2 tries in UBC’s opener against Calagry and was named the Thunderbird’s player of the game. In the second game versus Guelph, Wilson-Valdes scored one try and in their Gold Medal winning game versus the McGill Redbirds, he scored UBC’s opening try after just 4 minutes. Relmu was also a finisher for UBC in their game against Queen’s in the 2021 CUMRC, the last competitive game played by Liam.
Shown below, Wilson-Valdes receives his trophy, a keeper plaque, and a symbolic cheque for $1,000 which will go to his Athletic Financial Award or towards tuition.
For more information on the Liam Geddes Memorial Award and to donate to the Fund, go here: https://canadianrugbyfoundation.ca/index.php/support-a-fund/scholarship/liam-geddes-memorial-award-fund/
