Canadian Interuniversity Sport proudly announced Thursday the student-athletes honoured as Desjardins Top Eight Academic All-Canadians for the 2007-08 season.
Every year, a growing number of CIS student-athletes are recognized as Academic All-Canadians, having maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 80 percent or better over the academic year while competing for one of their university's varsity teams. Once again in 2007-08, over 2,000 student-athletes reached the prestigious status.
Three CIS institutions had over 100 Academic All-Canadians last year including Laval (145), McGill (136) and Alberta (126).
Among these outstanding individuals, one female and one male student-athlete from each of the four CIS regional associations are selected annually as Desjardins Top Eight Academic All-Canadians.
This year's recipients include Acadia cross country runner and physics student Justine McMillan of Truro, N.S., and Dalhousie volleyball player and management student Niklas Rademacher of Bocholt, Germany, representing Atlantic University Sport.
From the Quebec Student Sports Federation, McGill volleyball player and physical education major Jennifer Thomson of Rosemere, Que., as well as Concordia wrestler Tyler Marghetis, a Masters student (teaching of mathematics) from Ottawa.
Representing Ontario University Athletics, Guelph track and field athlete and Masters in Psychology student Brae Anne McArthur of Sarnia, Ont., and Brock basketball player and Masters in Education student Brad Rootes of Niagara Falls, Ont.
From the Canada West Universities Athletic Association, Saskatchewan pole vaulter and medicine student Adrianne Vangool of Saskatoon, as well as Winnipeg volleyball player and psychology student Ben Schellenberg of Winnipeg.
''Over 20 percent of all CIS student-athletes achieved Academic All-Canadian status this year, an impressive statistic that demonstrates the Canadian commitment to excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom,'' said CIS chief executive officer, Marg McGregor. ''This year's recipients are all exceptional individuals and they symbolize the many outstanding student-athletes, coaches and universities in Canada.''
''Many of the Top Eight recipients in the past have gone on to accomplish great things in sport and in business, and I expect we will hear great things about this years' recipients in years to come.''