Sam Hirst: Voyageur in the Community
Laurentian Universities’ Men’s Basketball team performed admirably this season. Throughout 19 games, the Voyageurs finished with a 6-13 record, recording an average of 70 points per game, with Collingwood native Sam Hirst performing impeccably. Hirst, who played the most minutes this season, participated in all 19 games and had 253 points overall which was third most for the Voyageur’s roster. “The season didn’t go exactly as we hoped, especially not a first round exit, but we all have to get past that,” says Hirst. “But, our highest point of the season was when we played Nipissing, it was do-or-die with a playoff spot riding on the outcome. We ended up winning by 20 points, that was when we hit our form.”
Photo: Laurentian University Athletics
Hirst is not only a leader on the court, he is also a leader in the Varsity athletics involvement in the Sudbury community. He is also this year’s recipient of the Ken Shields Award. The Ken Shields Award winner is recognized as a student who embodies outstanding achievement in the categories of basketball prowess, academic performance and community involvement. Sam is now the very first recipient in Laurentian Voyageur’s history. In the scholarly world, Hirst has achieved CIS Academic All-Canadian status three times.
Hirst is also a vital member of the Voyageur Basketball Academy, which teaches basketball to local youth. He also volunteers his time with the Voyageurs’ Read to Achieve program, which promotes and encourages literacy to the children of Sudbury. This includes visits to local elementary schools in the Greater Sudbury area to read to students, followed by a basketball clinic, “We work with kids in grades 3-6, and I think being role models as athletes is important to help out others and make the community the best possible place to live in.” adds Hirst.
Photo: Laurentian University Athletics
This was the final year of Sam’s career and education, and as he progressed, the meaning of being a member of Laurentian’s basketball team became apparent, “You need to be your absolute best because you are representing the whole Voyageur team.”
Anthony Crozzoli
Anthony is a Laurentian and Cambrian Alumni who is a lifelong fan of athletics, spicy foods, and romcoms. Loves his 2 for 1 wings at the Doghouse. He’s here to keep you in the know about our local varsity sports scene!
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