Cambrian College athletic scholarships get big boost

Morning North8:37More scholarship $$$ for student athletes at Cambrian College

Cambrian College is hoping more athletic scholarships money will entice student athletes. We heard about the plan from Robert Audet. We also heard from Cambrian soccer coach, Guisseppe Politi, and a student who could benefit from the scholarship money.Cambrian College is hoping an investment of $150,000 in athletic scholarships for students pays off in results on the field and in the gym. 

"Number one, we'd love to see our teams progress and really compete," said Robert Audet, general manager of Student Life at Cambrian's Student Centre and Athletic Centre.

Cambrian is spending an additional $52,000 on athletic scholarships in each of the next three years. Student athletes who qualify can receive up to $1,250 each semester.

"This is all brand new money to try to recruit and retain some of our top athletes," Audet said.

All of the coaching contracts have also been revised to include performance incentives. Sports offered at Cambrian College include basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton and running.

Cambrian men's and women's soccer coach, Guiseppe Politi, says the program is already paying off. His women's soccer team finished the season with a best-ever bronze medal.

"I think [the scholarship program] contributed to our success this year," Politi said.

"Hopefully the success we've had this year coupled with recruiting dollars can make an even better recipe for next year."

Grade 12 Lockerby High School student Dana Isaia stands to benefit from the program. The young soccer player is looking at taking nursing at Cambrian. 

"At first I wasn't looking at Cambrian," she said, but "they're able to offer us money now for playing soccer.  That was a big deal to me because it does help a lot. It was a deciding factor. I love soccer. It would be extremely nice to get a good education and play the sport I love at the same time."