By Ryan Robinson, Western Communications
Mustangs linebacker Nick Vanin was named among the nation’s elite scholar-athletes with his selection as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian, U Sports officials announced today.
U Sports student-athletes achieve Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an average of 80 per cent or better over the academic year while competing for one or more of their university’s varsity teams. One female and one male student-athlete from each of the four U Sports conferences are selected annually to make up the Top 8.
Vanin balanced playing football for the eventual Vanier Cup championship roster while studying for his Medical Science degree and being active with several community groups.

VANIN
The fifth-year linebacker was once again brilliant on the field in the 2017 campaign, earning first-team Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-star honours for the second straight year thanks to his 34 tackles in eight league games, good for second on the team.
A dean’s honor roll student every year of his undergraduate career, he is involved with the Junior Mustangs football club, Women’s Community House and Sexual Assault Centre, Ronald McDonald House and the Andrew Legacy Fundraiser.
The London, Ont., native also won the U Sports Russ Jackson Award in 2017 for best exemplifying the attributes of academic achievement, football skill, and citizenship. He was the first Western student-athlete to win the prestigious trophy, as well as the school’s first-ever nominee for, first presented in 1986.
“Nick is an outstanding young man and was a well-respected member of our football team. He gained the respect of all coaches and teammates with his positive personality, great work ethic and generous spirit,” said Mustangs head football coach Greg Marshall. “I am always amazed at how Nick can balance the demands of being a student-athlete and still find the time and energy to volunteer in so many ways. His generous and caring attitude is a reflection of his loving and supportive family.”
Top 8 Academic All-Canadians will be honoured at a Governor General-led event on Jan. 29 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Nick Vanin celebrates the Mustangs Vanier Cup win over Laval in 2017.