Chargers Athletics Update

Jim Druart, Director of Athletics & Recreation

This has been a year of growth and positive change for Crandall University Athletics as we welcomed 50 first-year athletes to our programs and completed year three of our planned athletic space renovations, including:

• Wall of Fame – our athletics Wall of Fame was moved down to our new athletic foyer along with recognition for our All-Canadian, Academic All-Canadian, and National Scholars.

• Athletic Foyer – the entrance to the athletics area was opened up to the public to create an area where visitors can browse and admire the Wall of Fame.

• Fitness Center – an updated paint job and decals.

• Athletic Hallway – an updated paint job and decals.

We believe our student-athletes are called to a Higher Purpose; to excel in academics and athletics and become leaders and mentors in the greater community. This year we are pleased to announce that 29 student-athletes have received the CCAA National Scholar Award given to student-athletes who have excelled in academics.

Our boxing team continues to recruit and attract worldclass athletes and this year represented Canada at the FISU World University Championships in Turkey. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Crandall once again hosted the team from the US Military Academy West Point on Oct. 15 for our annual boxing event where each team ultimately won five bouts.

The men’s and women’s Cross Country teams brought home banners, both winning the ACAA Cross Country Championships on October 29, which we had the honour of hosting. This was the first ever banner for the women's team and the second consecutive banner for the men. They went on to compete at the CCAA National Championships in Medicine Hat, AB on November 12.

All of our other teams have shown significant improvement and we are excited to see what the future has in store for them. Changing the culture and expectations for athletics and our student-athletes is an ongoing process but we have seen substantial progress over the past three years. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re well on our way!

We are continuing to work hard to create a culture founded on faith, integrity, respect, innovation, community and tradition in the pursuit of excellence in academics and athletics. On behalf of the coaches, staff and student-athletes of Crandall University Athletics, I wish to express my sincere and deep gratitude and thanks to the Crandall community for your continued support and commitment to athletics.

2022-2023 Athletics Awards

Women’s Soccer

1st Team All-Conference: Amanda Piltzmaker 2nd Team All-Conference: Emilie Arsenault ACAA Player of the Year: Amanda Piltzmaker CCAA All Canadian: Amanda Piltzmaker

Men’s Soccer

1st Team All-Conference: Luca Zuffo 2nd Team All-Conference: Ethan Druart

Cross Country

All Conference: Mary Fillmore, Ezabella Able, Sean Finnigan, William Ross, Jesse Sabean Runner of the Year: Sean Finnigan Men’s Conference Champion: Sean Finnigan Coach of the Year: Brandon LeBlanc