Rewarding athletic excellence

Krystal Francis was presented with the fifth annual Gerald M. Snyder Award earlier this month at the Snowdon Oldtimers Association Christmas luncheon held at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht club in Dorval.

The award is presented to a western Montreal student who shows an excellence in both academics and athletics. Francis, a graduate from Marymount high school maintained a better than 80 per cent average in her academic classes while being named Female Athlete of the Year in her graduating class. She was the three time MVP winner of her basketball team and a one time MVP of her volleyball team. Francis is currently studying at Vanier College, where she still remains active in athletics.

Gerald Snyder, a West Island resident, was an avid player and executive member if the Snowdon Major Fastball League. The league attracted large crowds to their games throughout the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

Snyder is credited as playing a key role in attracting major league baseball to the city. He also served in Jean Drapeau’s Montreal administration.

The award comes with a $1,000 bursary. It is funded in part by the Old Timers Association. Additional contributions were made by local businessmen Jack Dunn, president of Les Amusements Classique Inc. and Allen Fox of Kelly’s Pub in Pointe Claire.