Calgary Dinos Celebrate 214 Student-Athletes for Academic Excellence

BREAKING: The University of Calgary has just honored an impressive 214 Dinos student-athletes for their academic achievements at the Academic All-Canadian Breakfast held at MacEwan Hall earlier today. This significant recognition includes 204 individuals achieving U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status and 10 golfers receiving Dinos All-Academic honors, marking the second-highest total in the university’s history.

This milestone is critical, representing over one-third of the Dinos’ total student-athlete population and elevating the program’s total number of Academic All-Canadians to nearly 3,600 since its inception in 1990. To qualify for these prestigious honors, student-athletes must maintain an academic average of 80 percent or higher while competing at the varsity level.

Dinos director of athletics, Ben Matchett, praised the students’ achievements:

“To achieve academic excellence at the university level is no small feat, but to do it while also pursuing sport at a high level is even more impressive.”

Matchett highlighted the dual commitment these young leaders have made to both their studies and athletics, stating their success underscores the growing academic stature of UCalgary.

Additionally, the ceremony spotlighted the recipients of this year’s Dinos Top Academic All-Canadian award, which honors one male and one female student-athlete for their outstanding combination of academic and athletic performance. Nate Beauchemin from football and Gabriela Cross from women’s wrestling are the 2024-25 winners, and they will now represent UCalgary within Canada West for the U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian awards.

The Faculty of Arts led all programs with 53 students earning Academic All-Canadian status, followed closely by the Faculty of Kinesiology with 47. Other notable counts include the Haskayne School of Business with 31, the Schulich School of Engineering with 28, and the Faculty of Science with 23. Graduate studies contributed eight, while the Werklund School of Education and Nursing each had seven honorees. The Cumming School of Medicine recognized six students, with open studies at three, the School of Architecture at two, and social work at one.

The Dinos women’s track & field/cross country program stood out with 24 student-athletes achieving academic excellence, showcasing the rigorous standards and the dedication of these young athletes.

As the Dinos community celebrates these remarkable achievements, they not only reflect the hard work and commitment of student-athletes but also inspire future generations at the University of Calgary. Stay tuned for more updates on the impressive accomplishments of these Academic All-Canadians who are shaping the future of sports and academics in Canada.