Michael Evan Jurist
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Programs Established in Michael's Memory
Upper Canada College
The Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament

Programs > Upper Canada College > The Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament

Michael excelled at sports and captained the UCC Tennis Team during his years at UCC. He also taught tennis in the summer, both in Canada and the US, throughout his UCC Upper School Years and continued to pursue his love of tennis as a member of USTA Georgetown University Club Tennis Team in Washington, DC.  He is remembered for his sportsmanship and his knack for the dramatic shots, crazy passes and incredible half and reflex volleys.

Following Michael’s untimely death, the UCC Tennis Team chose to wear Michael’s initials on their sleeves. To quote Michael’s UCC Tennis Coach, Derek Poon “It was a terrific thing to do as many people asked us about the letters.  It really helped to put sports participation into perspective for our boys and they realized that it’s more than simply playing a game that counts. For them, they realized that individuals are remembered and honored for their ability as well as their character, and above all, how they treat others.”

2009 Tennis Tournament
2010 Tennis Tournament
2011 Tennis Tournament
2012 Tennis Tournament
2013 Tennis Tournament
2014 Tennis Tournament
2015 Tennis Tournament
2016 Tennis Tournament
2017 Tennis Tournament
2018 Tennis Tournament
2019 Tennis Tournament
2020 Tennis Tournament
2021 Tennis Tournament
2022 Tennis Tournament

MEJ Tennis Tournament Photos

Michael E. Jurist Tennis Tournament


Inaugural Tournament - 2009

On June 13, 2009, Upper Canada College honored Michael’s memory by hosting a Double Round Robin Tennis Tournament open to his classmates, family and friends.  The event, strongly attended, paid tribute to Michael – a great individual via a sport very close to his heart.  This first tournament was won by Mike Bienstock and Frazer Wong, both ’09 Grads.  Adam '10 and David '04 Reisman were runners up. Costumes worn by Wes McDonald and Mac Allen made them a shoe-in for the “Most Spirit” Trophy.

Tenis Memorial 2009

Winners Frazer Wong and Michael Bienstock '04 (right and second from right), with runners up Adam '10 & David '04 Reisman (left and second from left)

Tennis Memorial 2009

Trophies won at the 2009 Michael Jurist Tennis Memorial.

Tennis Memorial 2009

Wes and Mac receive the "Most Spirit" trophy.

Following the June 13 Tournament, it was decided to rename Upper Canada College’s Association Day Tennis Tournament as The Michael E. Jurist Tennis Memorial to commemorate Mike’s generous spirit, humanity and athletic prowess,  and the impact he had on everyone whose life he touched.


2nd Annual Tournament - 2010

The next Michael E. Jurist Tennis Memorial was hosted at Upper Canada College on Saturday, September  25, 2010 and was again well attended by former classmates as well as UCC Club Tennis members and students.  Winners were Todd Sisley, a longtime friend and competitor from Crescent, and Ben Sinclair, a UCC teammate and friend. Ryan and Alicia Crelinsten took the prize for "Most Spirit" but a photo is yet to be found. You can imagine how they were dressed by viewing the contendors below.

Tennis Memorial 2010

Spirit Award contendors - Mac Allen and Kerry Gendron.

Tennis Memorial 2010

Winners: Ben Sinclair (left) and Todd Sisley (right)

Tennis Memorial 2010

L to R -- Kenneth Ng, Rohan Karunakaran, Vesna and Paul Jurist, Todd Sisley and Ben Sinclair.


3rd Annual Tournament - 2011

On October 1st, 2011 former classmates, friends, UCC Club Tennis members, students and parents braved gray skies, brisk winds and cold temperatures to participate in Michael’s third annual Tennis Round Robin hosted by Upper Canada College. Fortunately for players and spectators, crystal blue skies eventually prevailed and after strong competition David Webb ’01 and Ben Sinclair ’04 took the 2011 title. Runners- up were David Young ’04 and Dave Reisman ‘04. The 2011 Spirit Award went to the always creative and competitive team of Kerry Gendron and Mac Allen ’03. Proceeds from raffle sales and donations, approximating $1,500, were put towards the Michael E. Jurist Class of 2003 Fund.

Tennis Memorial 2011

Winners: David Webb ’01 and Ben Sinclair ’04. (Left-Right)

Tennis Memorial 2011

Runners Up and Winners: David Young ’04, Dave Reisman ’04, David Webb ’01 and Ben Sinclair ’04. (Left to Right)

Tennis Memorial 2011

Spirit Award: Kerry Gendron and Mac Allen ’03.


4th Annual Tournament - 2012

Upper Canada College hosted the 4th Annual Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 29, 2012 under blue skies and warm temperatures. Following on the success of previous years, the event had a great turnout that included Old Boys, fellow ‘03s, current students and parents. For a great recap of this year's tournament, read the UCC Blues Booster Club Association Day 2012 Roundup and watch the video, courtesy of Brent Fraser, below.

Congratulations go to Winners: Matt Frisch (’02) and Jonathan Jackson (’02); Runners-Up: Dave Reisman (’04) and Adam Reisman (’10) who also took the 2012 Spirit Award.

Tennis Memorial 2011

Winners: Matt Frisch '02 and Jonathan Jackson '02 (left to right)

Tennis Memorial 2011

Runners-Up: Dave Reisman '04 and Adam Reisman '10 (left)
standing with the winners (right)

Tennis Memorial 2011

Spirit Award: Dave Reisman '04 and Adam Reisman '10 (middle left and right)
standing with Mike Annecchini '03 (far left) and David Leiter '03 (far right)

A memorable and touching day, Michael’s 2012 Tournament unveiled a new logo which rebranded the invitation, a new permanent trophy, banner and other miscellaneous items building momentum leading up to next year’s 10-year Reunion.

MEJ Tennis Tournament 2012

The new Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament trophy.

MEJ Tennis Tournament 2012

MEJ Tennis Tournament 2012

The new Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament logo and banner.


5th Annual Tournament - 2013 - Class of 2003 10-year Reunion

The fifth annual Upper Canada College Tennis Tournament held in Michael’s honor was on Saturday, September 28, 2013. Attendance was at maximum capacity, skies were crystal clear blue (we always call those days “Michael J blue”) and warm temps prevailed. Participants included many of Michael’s classmates, now living in all parts of the world, who returned for their 10th-Year Reunion. The tournament, an annual UCC Association Day event, also drew many older alums, current boys and their families. Kudos go to Mike Annecchini, David Leiter, Carly Ely and Sarah Cheesbrough for a super event!

Tennis Memorial 2013

Winners: Ben Bradshaw (’88) and Scott Reynolds (’88)
standing with Vesna and Paul Jurist

Tennis Memorial 2013

Runners Up: David Young (’04) and Dave Reisman (’04)
standing with the winners (inside)

Tennis Memorial 2013

Spirit Award: Rebecca and Gareth Smith (’03)


Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013


Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013


Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013


Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013


Tennis Memorial 2013

Tennis Memorial 2013

6th Annual Tournament - 2014

On September 23, 2014, UCC hosted the sixth annual “sold out” MEJ/UCC Tennis Tournament, under beautiful blue skies and balmy fall temperatures. A more formalized format of 16 teams/32 players maximum, designed to provide a more competitive environment, was introduced this year. Participants were a mix of Michael’s friends, alums, current students and UCC parents. Once again, it was a wonderful tribute to Michael and to a sport he loved and at which he excelled.

Tennis Memorial 2013

Winners: Leanne James and Iain MacKinnon '86

Tennis Memorial 2013

Runners Up (far left and far right): Akos Jakobsen ’99 and James Drayton ’94 standing with Winners: Leanne James and Iain MacKinnon ’86,

Tennis Memorial 2013

Spirit Award: Todd Sisley and Blake Mclennan

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos from the tournament.

Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament


7th Annual Tournament - 2015

On a warm and sunny Saturday, September 26, young students, old boys, parents and friends got into the swing of things participating in Michael’s 7th Annual UCC Tennis Tournament. Once again, the 32-player doubles competition was a sell-out, drawing new and old and familiar faces as well as repeat competitors and past winners. Another year, another super event and great turnout! A fitting tribute to Michael’s tennis passion and his memory.

Tennis Memorial 2013

Father & Son Winners: Campbell ’18 and Iain MacKinnon ‘86

Tennis Memorial 2013

Runners Up (left): Allan Kaufman and Andrew MacDougall with Winners (right): Campbell ’18 and Iain MacKinnon ‘86

Tennis Memorial 2013

Spirit Award: Matt Frisch ’02 and Jonathan Jackson ‘02

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos from the tournament.

2015 MEJ Tennis Tournament


8th Annual Tournament - 2016

Thirty-two alums, current students, family and friends once again hit the courts at Upper Canada College on Saturday, September 24, 2016 to compete in Michael’s 8th Annual tennis tournament. Sixteen doubles teams vied for the trophy, under crystal clear blue skies, and new and old, familiar faces and friends came to cheer players on. This year also offered a new twist — a raffle for an autographed bottle of Daniel Nestor Wine - courtesy of long-time friend, Caroline Cameron. David Leiter and Gareth Smith, both close friends of Michael, shared in the prize. As always, this year’s tournament was a wonderful tribute to Michael and a sport he was passionate about.

8th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Winners: Don Matthews ’86 and daughter Sophia

8th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Runners Up: Andy Houghton ’86 and Iain Mackinnon ’86

8th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Raffle Winners: David Leiter and Gareth Smith. Autographed wine bottle presented to David Leiter at the event and to Gareth Smith, in absentia

8th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Spirit Award: Simon Choy '06 and Calvin Chan '06

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos from the tournament.

2016 MEJ Tennis Tournament


9th Annual Tournament - 2017

On Saturday, September 23, under clear blue skies and unusually hot temps, 32 eager competitors including new and repeat alums, current students, parents and long-time friends battled it out on the UCC courts. The multi-talented roster of participants, some of whom were past Winners, Runners-up and Spirit Award recipients, paid tribute, once again, to Michael and a sport he excelled at and loved.

Competition was fun and tight. Winners Rory McConville ’03 and his brother, Daniel ’99 beat out Runners-Up Adam Wexler ’02 and Andy Burgess ’83 in a close 16-14 finish. Father and son duo, Don Cameron and John ’03, long-time supporters, took home this year’s Spirit Award.

Thanks go to organizers Mike Annecchini ’03 and UCC’s Kathryn Champion and team and to Tennis Canada for their generous contribution of Rogers Cup towels which accompanied usual tournament “swag”.

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Winners: Brothers Daniel McConville ’99 and Rory ‘03

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Runners-Up: Adam Wexler ’02 and Andy Burgess ‘83

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Spirit Award: John Cameron ’03 and father, Don

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos from the tournament.

2017 MEJ Tennis Tournament


10th Annual Tournament - 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 welcomed a sell-out roster of competitors vying to win Michael’s 10th annual UCC Tennis Tournament and celebrate his Graduating Class 15th Reunion Year. Past competitors and victors, alums, friends and family gathered on a brisk clear sunny day to honor Michael and a sport he excelled at and loved. The tournament honors Michael for his sportsmanship and character and supports the Michael E. Jurist (Class of 2003) Fund, established by Michael’s peers and graduating year alumnus.

Sixteen Doubles teams, many of them repeat players and winners put up a fierce fight. Victors included: Winners - Ben Bradshaw ’88 and Scott Reynolds ’88; brothers Matthew ’20 and Campbell ’18 MacKinnon; and, the Spirit Award went to Peter Baines ’63 and Ken Tam ’89.

10th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Brothers Matthew ’20 and Campbell ’18 Mackinnon - Runners Up; Ben Bradshaw’88 and Scott Reynolds ’88 - Winners.

10th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Mike Annecchini, 2003 Class President and Tournament Coordinator with Peter Baines ’63 Spirit Award winner, Paul and Vesna Jurist, and Ken Tam ’89 Spirit Award Winner

 

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos and a video from the tournament.

2018 MEJ Tennis Tournament


11th Annual Tournament - 2019

This year, the 11th Annual Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament was held on a cool, but sunny, Saturday October 5th. Upper Canada College welcomed the usual 32-player mixed- doubles turnout of past and repeat competitors, new faces, family and friends. A good time for all, the tournament was a wonderful tribute to Michael and his passion for tennis.

2019 winners were: Iain MacKinnon ’86 and Andy Houghton ’86; Runners-Up - Anthony Bergman ’03 and Matt Finkelstein ’03. The Spirit Award was presented to Paul Jurist, Michael’s father who returned to the courts after a long hiatus and Don Cameron.

11th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Winners: Iain MacKinnon ’86 and Andy Houston ’86.

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Winners: Iain MacKinnon ’86 and Andy Houghton ’86 with Runners-Up: Anthony Bergman ’03 and Matt Finkelstein ’03.

Please enjoy this Flickr album of photos and a video from the tournament.

2019 MEJ Tennis Tournament


Annual Tournaments - 2020 & 2021

The 2020 and 2021annual Tennis Tournaments, were cancelled and postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic closures.


12th Annual Tournament - 2022

After a two-year “Covid” hiatus, Upper Canada College hosted the 12th Annual Michael Evan Jurist Tennis Tournament on September 24th. Perfect weather conditions, blue skies and cool/ warm temperatures, welcomed past and new mixed-doubles keen competitors and a strong audience of UCC friends and family.

The winners in 2022 were Anthony Bergman ’03 and Matt Finkelstein ’03; runners-up were David Young ’04 and Hudson Sullivan ’04; Spirit Award Winners were two current UCC students.

The tournament was a wonderful manner in which to honour Michael, the sport he excelled at and loved, not to mention a return to renewed on-campus vitality.

11th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Winners — Anthony Bergman ’03 and Matt Finkelstein ’03

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Runners Up — Hudson Sullivan ’04 and David Young ’04

11th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

Spirit Award Winners

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

 

11th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament

 

9th Annual UCC MEJ Tennis Tournament