Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
July 16, 2004
U of G athletes awarded for maintaining top marks
More than 100 University of Guelph varsity athletes have received national and provincial recognition for maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or above in the 2003-2004 school year.
Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) named 73 U of G varsity athletes who compete in at the national level Academic All-Canadians. Ontario University Athletics (OUA) named 43 U of G athletes who compete at the provincial level Academic Achievement Award recipients.
“A lot of people don’t fully understand the time commitment it takes to be a varsity athlete while completing a full-time course load,” said Angela Orton, U of G’s assistant director of athletics and manager of intercollegiate programs. “They dedicate 15 to 25 hours a week to their sport. Couple that with their in-class and study time, and maintaining an average above 80 per cent is a pretty remarkable accomplishment.”
The group of athletes honoured are a cross-section of the student population at Guelph. Almost all fields of study are represented, with award recipients ranging from a first-year French student to a fifth-year veterinary medicine student.
Of the 73 national-level athletes honoured, 32 compete in individual sports such as track and field, cross country, swimming and wrestling and 41 compete in team sports including basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, football, rugby, soccer and volleyball.
The provincial athletes honoured represent U of G in baseball, indoor hockey, figure skating, golf, nordic skiing, lacrosse, rowing and rugby.
“Their dedication as amateur athletes deserves a lot of recognition,” said Orton. “They’re giving up part-time jobs and social activities to represent U of G. They’re definitely very motivated young people. Academics are their first priority and their sport is a close second.”
Since the inception of the Academic All-Canadians in 1991 and of the OUA Academic Achievement Awards in 1997, a consistently high number of U of G varsity athletes have been recognized.
“I am pleased that once again Guelph’s athletes have achieved great success,” said Brenda Whiteside, vice-president (student affairs). “The success of our athletes is a result of their dedication to both sports and academics, and of the excellent support they receive from faculty and staff on campus.”
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, Ext. 56982.
