DC student-athletes earn Academic All-Canadian awards

The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announced the 2012-13 SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian Award recipients and five Durham College student-athletes were honoured with the prestigious award.

Kelsey Hare (Whitby, Ont.) of the women’s basketball team, Chelsey Rogatinsky (Pickering, Ont.) of the women’s soccer team, Marco Trotta (Oshawa, Ont.) of the men’s soccer team, Bradley Van Hartingsveldt (Newcastle, Ont.) and Riley McAllister (Oshawa, Ont.) of the men’s volleyball team all took home the top honour.

“We are extremely proud of the student-athletes receiving this prestigious award,” said Ken Babcock, Director of Athletics. “The Academic All-Canadian award is one of the toughest awards to obtain based on the criteria. This national recognition reflects how our student-athletes at Durham College strive for success in the classroom and their respective sports.”

With an incredible five recipients receiving the honour this year, Durham College topped last year’s total of one, when Erin Emery (women’s basketball) was the lone Lord to receive the recognition. Durham had the most recipients in the country with eight during the 2008-09 varsity season.

The SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian award is the CCAA’s most prestigious student-athlete honour, epitomizing both organizations’ commitment to academic success and athletic achievement. Honourees must attain academic honours at their institution in addition to obtaining one of the following athletic achievements: named to their member conference All-Star Team (first or second) in soccer, volleyball, basketball or curling; earn a gold or silver medal at their member conference badminton championship; finish among the top seven men or women as well as finishing in the top third at their member conference cross-country running championship; or finish among the top three women or top five men as well as finishing in the top third at their member conference golf championship.

The athlete’s achievements were recognized at the fourth annual Durham College Athletic/Academic Luncheon on April 9 at the Student Centre at Durham College.

“The student-athletes who have achieved excellence in both athletics and academics are role models for the youth of today and destined to excel in their future careers,” said Debra Gassewitz, SIRC president and CEO. “SIRC is honoured to recognize these outstanding individuals as recipients of the SIRC-CCAA Academic All Canadian award.”

“The CCAA is proud to recognize and celebrate those student-athletes who’ve attained the highest possible CCAA honour in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence,” said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, CCAA Executive Director.