Jacob Kilpatrick wins 2011 James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award

March 18th, 2011 (FREDERICTON, N.B.) - At a pre-game awards presentation ceremony at the UNB Aitken Centre this evening, Atlantic University Sport announced that UNB men's volleyball player Jacob Kilpatrick is the 2011 recipient of the 25th annual James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award presented by Pepsi Beverages Company.

"There is no question that Jacob is a student-athlete who exemplifies all the outstanding qualities that James Bayer lived his life by. This award embodies those principles and values," commented Mr. Phil Currie, Executive Director of Atlantic University Sport and a member of the three-person selection committee. "His commitment and dedication to excellence in the classroom, in the community and on the volleyball court make him the ideal recipient of Atlantic University Sport's most prestigious award."

On the court, the 6-foot-9 middle blocker and team captain was named the AUS Most Valuable Player this season, was awarded the AUS student-athlete community service award and became the first UNB student-athlete to receive the CIS Dale Iwanoczko Award since its inception in 1994. He was the AUS nominee for the third straight year.

Kilpatrick, who was an Atlantic conference all-star for the third time this year, also helped the V-Reds claim their first AUS men's volleyball banner since the 1978-79 season with a 2-1 playoff series win over the Dalhousie Tigers.

Statistically, the Saint John, N.B., native led the nation with a stellar .439 hitting percentage and also ranked first in the AUS conference in blocks (1.35) and service aces (0.37) per set.

Jacob has already graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from UNB, but returned this season to continue his studies by taking a Diploma in Technology Management Entrepreneur. A member of the prestigious CIS Top 8 Academic all-Canadian list in 2009-10, he has achieved academic all-Canadian status each of his first four years at UNB, is a two-time Dean's List student and is in his third year as president of the UNB Student-Athletes' Council.

Kilpatrick is a leader with a number of UNB initiatives, including the "Heads Up with the Reds" program where student-athletes visit local area schools and talk to children each year about Respect, Esteem, Dedication and Strategy. He also participates in the school's "Read with the Reds" program, where athletes read to over 1,000 kindergarten children each year.

"Jacob exemplifies all of the positive qualities you could hope for in a student-athlete. Athletically, academically, and in the community he is exceptional, " said Kevin Dickie, Director of Athletics at UNB. "For five years he has been a leader for our program in terms of perseverance, dedication and desire."

"Jacob is a natural leader not just as captain of our team, but within the entire athletic department here at UNB," said head coach Dan McMorran. "He has been, and continues to be, an exceptional individual who encompasses all that we want from our student-athletes. He is a special young man who is a very worthy recipient of this award."

As this year's recipient, Jacob receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Each year, the 11 AUS member schools nominate one student-athlete for this prestigious award. Also nominated were Acadia’s Emma Duinker, Cape Breton’s Kari Everett, Dalhousie’s Daniel You, Memorial’s Andre Le, Moncton’s Sylvain Bérubé, Mount Allison’s Elissa McCarron, UPEI’s Andrea Archibald, StFX’s Catherine Thornton, Neil Conway from Saint Mary’s and Jason Cassidy from St. Thomas University. Each of the nominees receive a $500 scholarship award.

The James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award was established in 1985 and is awarded annually to an outstanding student athlete in Atlantic University Sport for excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship.

James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as Supervisor and Consultant for the NS Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness. At Acadia University, he served as Dean of Recreation and Physical Education and as Director of Athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy.

This memorial scholarship is the most prestigious award offered annually by Atlantic University Sport