The University of Toronto honoured 280 student-athletes at the 11th annual academic excellence breakfast on Tuesday, January 17 at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.
University of Toronto Vice-Provost of Students, Sandy Welsh, Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, as well as Beth Ali, executive director of athletics & physical activity, were on hand to honour this year's recipients. Other guests, including coaches, faculty, staff and friends were also in attendance on Tuesday morning.
The ceremony honoured student-athletes, who while competing on a Varsity team, earned an 80% average or higher in all courses they were enrolled in during the 2021-22 academic year. Each recipient received a pin: enamel for first-time winners, bronze for second, silver for third, gold for fourth and a diamond pin for anyone earning this award five or more times during their intercollegiate career.
Three Varsity Blues, figure skaters Emma Jianopoulos and Keiko Marshall, as well as rower Matthew McNeil, received their double diamond pins, representing the sixth time they have achieved this result.
The Blues also honoured four University of Toronto top scholar athletes who were adjudged to have excelled both academically and athletically during 2021-22 academic year: Men's track and field standout Eric Che and women's hockey all-Canadian Erica Fryer were celebrated as the U SPORTS top scholar athletes, while Blues tennis all-star Rassam Yazdi and softball star Katie Humhej earned the Ontario top scholar athlete awards.
The 280 student-athletes represents nearly 31% of the Varsity Blues population. The Varsity Blues women's track & field team had 16 honourees, while the Blues baseball and figure skating teams had 14 honourees. 13 Blues women's water polo players were also recognized.