A pair of Tommie volleyballers were honoured as Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Academic All-Canadians for 2016-17.

Fourth-year athletes Marc and Stephane Blinn earned the award, which the CCAA dubs their "most prestigious student athlete honour."

 The Blinns, of Nasonworth, NB, have had a storied career with the Tommies, winning three consecutive Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association men's volleyball titles and making history at the 2014 CCAA championships as the first STU team to advance to the national semifinals. Those team achievements were complemented by individual accolades, including being named ACAA all-stars and conference Players of the Year—Marc in 2016 and Stephane in 2017.

Both Marc and Stephane agree competing as a Tommie benefitted them in the classroom.

"Sports have taught me so many skills, like how to prioritize school and homework with time management and to never give up when times get tough," Marc said.

"Working with a team provided me with the experience to see other's perspectives, which I applied at school. This made for a better learning environment and learning opportunities," Stephane added.

The Tommies now have 50 CCAA Academic All-Canadians since 2001-02.