At only its second annual scholarship breakfast, Mustang athletics announced its had raised more than $1 million for athletic financial awards for Mustangs student-athletes.
In addition to $700,000 in seed money for the athletic financial awards provided by the university in 2007, Western aims to raise $4 million in private support by 2014 to create an endowment so Mustang scholarships continue in perpetuity.
“Such achievements, however, require an extraordinary degree of commitment, sacrifice and support,” says Western President Paul Davenport. “Student-athletes grapple not only with the rising costs of higher education, but also with the added expenses associated with competition. These exceptional student-athletes are wonderful ambassadors for Western, and we take a great deal of pride in celebrating and supporting their success.”
Starting with the 2007-08 season, Western’s varsity teams began awarding up to $3,500 per year to eligible student-athletes as part of recruitment efforts.
To qualify for the awards, student-athletes must enter with a minimum average of 80 per cent. To continue receiving the annual award, they must maintain an average of 70 per cent while keeping a position on their team.
This season, 151 student-athletes received an award.
“The recruiting environment has always been competitive and has become more so with the introduction of athletic financial assistance,” says Stephan Barrie, head coach of Western’s women’s basketball team. “For Western to remain at the top of the class, it is critical that we support our athletic programs by continuing to raise funds for financial assistance.”
Adam Nemeth, a sophomore defenseman with the Mustangs men’s hockey team, says athletic scholarships have helped him tremendously.
“Without the time for a job, and all my school work and hockey practice, they (athletic financial awards) really help me to focus on school and keep my marks up.”
For Kelly Moulden, a rookie guard with the Mustangs women’s basketball team, an athletic financial award helped her to choose Western as it gave her the financial support to leave home for school.
“The athletic financial assistance has been very important to me because it allows me to focus on school and basketball while I’m here without having to worry about a part-time job,” she says.