H University’s Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that a record 103 student-athletes achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status during the 2018-19 season.
To qualify as an Academic All-Canadian, student-athletes must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 during the academic year while competing in a varsity sport. That equates to 44 per cent of the student-athletes that used eligibility while competing for the Tigers in the 2018-19 season. In addition to excelling in the classroom, student-athletes spend a considerable amount of their time training and competing in their respective sports. They are also very active in the community, volunteering with dozens of charities and organizations, all while winning nine of a possible 16 conference championships last season.
“Being a student-athlete is excellent preparation for life and leadership after university,” says acting Provost and Vice-President Chris Moore. “Our Academic All-Canadians have demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm and commitment to their sport while also showing superior academic ability and a dedication to community service. I congratulate all of them for their extraordinary accomplishments.”
Not only have these 103 student-athletes achieved a GPA of 3.50 or higher, most have surpassed that number with the average GPA of the 2018-19 Academic All-Canadians coming in at 3.85.
“To be honoured as an Academic All-Canadian is one of the most prestigious awards a student-athlete can receive,” says Tim Maloney, executive director of Athletics and Recreation. “To have 44 per ent of our H Tigers achieve this standard while our program won nine AUS championships is something we can all take tremendous pride in.”
Their hard work and success both on and off the playing surface will be celebrated at the 21st annual Academic All-Canadian Luncheon on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
In addition to honouring the student-athletes, the luncheon also celebrates the individuals who’ve helped the student-athletes achieve their goals: their parents and their academic mentors. Honourees are given the opportunity to invite their parents and a faculty member to the luncheon, who have been vital to their success as student-athletes.