Isaiah Springer named Male U of A Academic All-Canadian Student Athlete for 2023–24
"I was incredibly honoured and grateful for the award," Springer says.
Chris Lindsey Isaiah Springer, a University of Alberta Bachelor of Education graduate, wrestled for the Golden Bears Wrestling team for the last five years. On October 16, the U of A named him the Male Academic All-Canadian (AAC) Student Athlete for 2023–24.
“First feeling that came [to me] was that I was incredibly honoured and grateful for the award. I remember sitting at academic breakfast before, [watching] past winners, hoping that one day that would be [me],” Springer said.
Along with this title, he is a three-time AAC and Canada West medalist, two-time U Sports medalist, Canada West Wrestler of the Year, and he earned a Block A Ring this April.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the university. It’s given me so many skills and a platform to really try and positively affect my community. The journey was probably the best part.”
“Once that rhythm was set, it was easy to follow,” Springer says
U Sports awards the AAC to student-athletes who maintain an 80 per cent average while competing full-time for a varsity team, chosen from athletes picked by the university. The U of A picked two standouts.
Springer’s key to balancing wrestling and academics was his handwritten schedule and time management.
“Once that rhythm was set, it was easy to follow. Relying on some of those people [closest to you] to help you out. Sneaking in studying whenever you can,” Springer said.
Wrestling also gave Springer a strict regimen, which prevented him from falling behind in classes. Even during the off-season, Springer said he was able to follow his schedule.
“I believe that the regimen of wrestling enabled me to set time for my school in the off-season. Having the regimented schedule allowed me to have to set times to do my work,” Springer said.
Springer started wrestling at age 12 in Cochrane, Alberta. He then moved to Edmonton for rugby while wrestling on the side at the Edmonton Wrestling Club. Head coach of wrestling at the U of A, Owen Dawkins, offered Springer a scholarship. This secured Springer’s spot at the U of A.
“I’m super thankful [to] Dawkins [for] giving me the opportunity to grow as a human, not just in sports, but overall, and be able to become a respectful young man,” Springer said.
“[The Golden Bears] really became like my second family,” Springer says
Springer said that the Golden Bears wrestling team is a “shoulder to lean on.”
“I was away from home for six years. Going into the wrestling room each and everyday and seeing my closest friends battling — they really became like my second family. Because of that family and close-knit group, I was able to put my best foot forward when it came to competitions,” Springer said.
The Golden Bears go on team trips and training camps every year. According to Springer these trips were where the “brotherhood took its toll.”
“We worked really hard on those trips. Being able to have a group of your closest friends and go through that grind and then come out on the other side, as better people and closer friends — I think it was probably [one of] the best moments.”
