WATERLOO, Ont. – Laurier baseball pitcher
Gavin McLean, utility player
Lucas Bateman, and women's rugby flanker
Jessica Igbinoba have been named the Laurier Athletes of the Week for the week ending October 11, 2026.
McLean delivered a pair of outstanding performances on the mound to help lead the Golden Hawks through the OUA Championships last weekend.
The starting pitcher was dominant against Queen's on Saturday, throwing a complete-game seven-inning effort while allowing just three earned runs and striking out five batters across 112 pitches.
He followed up that outing with another strong start in the gold medal game against Brock on Sunday, working 6.1 innings while surrendering only two earned runs and recording three strikeouts on 93 pitches.
Bateman was a driving force offensively and defensively as the Golden Hawks competed at the OUA Championships.
At the plate, he was one of Laurier's most productive hitters, batting .500 after collecting nine hits in 18 at-bats. Among those hits were three doubles and a home run, while also drawing two walks.
Bateman finished the weekend with eight RBIs and five runs scored, consistently delivering in key situations to help fuel the Golden Hawks offence.
Igbinoba played a pivotal role in Laurier's commanding 53-12 Senior Day victory over the Trent Excalibur, making her impact felt on both sides of the ball.
The second-year psychology student and flanker was a constant offensive threat, using powerful ball carries and line breaks to keep the Trent defence on its heels throughout the match.
Defensively, Igbinoba delivered a series of punishing tackles that repeatedly disrupted Trent's attack and limited the visitors' ability to sustain offensive drives.
Her contributions extended beyond game day, as she also organized a highly successful recruit morning prior to kickoff, demonstrating the quiet leadership and commitment that continue to make a difference within the program.
This is the first Laurier Athlete of the Week recognition for all three student-athletes.
