New athletic scholarship for St. Clair College students

St. Clair College has introduced a new scholarship available to full-time student athletes.

The St. Clair Athletic Association brought in a new scholarship with the potential for students to earn up to approximately $2,500 per semester.

Jay Shewfelt, the athletic coordinator of SAA, said you can earn more money if you play a two-semester sport such as basketball, volleyball or soccer. You would receive $2,500 compared to one-semester sports such as golf and curling where you would receive $1,500.

“That dollar amount is the most we are allowed to give out for athletic scholarships which is allowed by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association,” said Shewfelt. “No other college can give out more than what we are giving out for athletic scholarships.”

Shewfelt said one thing students should keep in mind is when they make the varsity team, according to OCAA, they have to maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the semester and pass all their classes in order to receive the scholarship.

The numbers for athletic tryouts this year are the highest they have ever been according to Shewfelt. He also noticed there were many more quality athletes trying out.

“We’ve noticed the number of students trying out from outside of Windsor-Essex has grown significantly as well,” said Shewfelt.

Desiree Redding, Saints volleyball player, said she is happy her coaches told her about the scholarship.

“It made me feel good because there are a lot of things that I have to pay for and not being able to work because of sports so it help out a lot,” said Redding.

Redding said sports have not conflicted with her schooling and that school would come first.

Shewfelt said he encourages people to try out and get involved because you learn many different skills by joining a sports team such as leadership, team work and time management.

For more information, visit www.saintsathletics.ca or call Jay Shewfelt at 519-972-2727 Ext. 4217.