This past July saw the BC Inline Hockey Association award the 1st Annual BCIHA Scholarship to Mark Russell of the North Shore Inline Hockey League.

Mark has proven to be an avid roller hockey player at both the House League and Rep Levels for 5 years. He has been involved in this sport as a player, instructor, referee and scorekeeping.

Beyond Mark's roller hockey commitments he has also shown to be a successful student-athlete with a GPA well over the 3.0 mark and has been an ambassador to the community with volunteer activities in various community organizations.

The 2003 Scholarship Award is in the amount of $500.00 and will assist Mark in his post-secondary pursuits at an accredited Canadian University or College.

The BCIHA Scholarship is to reward excellence in both scholastic and roller hockey pursuits. The successful applicant is a student-athlete who has balanced his/her high academic achievements with significant success as a roller hockey player and contributor to the community.

Scholarship awards are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Must currently be playing in a BCIHA-Member League.
2. Minimum of 3.0 GPA for Grade 11 and 12
3. No game misconduct penalties during current season.
4. Participation in a minimum of 2 Seasons of Roller Hockey prior to the 2003 Regular Season.
5. Participation in the 2003 Roller Hockey Season at a BCIHA Member League.
6. Must be attending school in BC in their 1st year of Grade 12.
7. Plan to attend an accredited Canadian University or College, starting no later than September 2004.
8. Coach and/or League Director's recommendation.
9. Teacher's recommendation.
10. Volunteer activities related to roller hockey.

The BCIHA would like to thank all applicants for the 2003 BCIHA Scholarship Award.

Congratulations Mark!