Wednesday, September 16th saw the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) announce the recipients of the 2014-15 CCAA National Scholar Award, and Niagara College was well represented with 22 student-athletes earning the prestigious accolade.
The National Scholar Award recognizes the outstanding academic accomplishments of CCAA student-athletes. To be recognized, individuals must achieve honours standing at their respective institution in the current academic year, and must compete as a member of their institution’s intercollegiate sport program.
“This is a fantastic achievement by 22 members of the Niagara Knights family” said Niagara College director of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Davies. “Our high performance culture dictates that our student-athletes excel academically at the highest level, and we are incredibly proud of these individuals for their ability to achieve academic excellence while representing our institution on their field of play.”
A record eight of Niagara College’s intercollegiate programs were represented in 2014-15 including men’s volleyball (4), men’s soccer (4), women’s soccer (4), women’s volleyball (2), women’s basketball (2), cross country (2), golf (2), and curling (2).
Steve Hudson, Niagara College’s vice-president, academic and learner services commented “winning the National Scholar Award takes outstanding dedication to excellence both in the classroom and in sport. Our 22 recipients this year should be proud of their accomplishments, and we look forward to formally acknowledging them at our annual CCAA Scholar Awards Brunch.”
A total of 22 Knights earned National Scholar Award honours in 2014-15, up from 16 student-athletes in 2013-14. Additionally men’s volleyball standout Bailey Cochrane (Barrie, ON) and women’s soccer goalkeeper Melanie Bajic (Grimsby, ON) earned the award for the second consecutive year.
Niagara College’s 2014-15 CCAA National Scholar Award recipients will receive their awards on Saturday, December 5th at the fourth Annual Niagara College Scholar Awards Brunch hosted by White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara College's intercollegiate athletics program was formed in 1969 and has won seven national championships and 32 provincial championships. More than 120 student athletes compete as members of Niagara College's six varsity sports programs, including men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's volleyball. Niagara College athletics also includes the three tournament sports of golf, cross country, and curling.
Full list of the 22 Niagara College 2014-15 CCAA National Scholar Award Recipients:
Kianna Klauck, Women’s Basketball
Miranda Ross, Women’s Basketball
Matthew Dean, Cross Country
Dorian Reid, Cross Country
Megan Droog, Curling
Allison Mondloch, Curling
Zachary Hallborg, Golf
Lorelle Weavers, Golf
Jesse Derwinsky, Men’s Soccer
Michael Serianni, Men’s Soccer
Leandro Silva de Almeida, Men’s Soccer
Anthony Stranges, Men’s Soccer
Melanie Bajic, Women’s Soccer
Nicole Evans, Women’s Soccer
Leah Harrison, Women’s Soccer
Rebecca Morrison, Women’s Soccer
Bailey Cochrane, Men’s Volleyball
Daniel Mrowiec, Men’s Volleyball
Steven Stone, Men’s Volleyball
Aaron Vanderlugt, Men’s Volleyball
Vassilka Hamanova, Women’s Volleyball
Lucille McLay, Women’s Volleyball