Cross country, track athlete to study in Schwartz School of Business
By Corey LeBlanc
Before even toeing the line for the varsity cross country and track and field teams in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competition, Liam McCullagh has already left his mark on STFX Athletics.
The Toronto native – who will start his freshman year on the Antigonish campus in a few weeks – has been named a recipient of the Danny Gallivan Memorial Scholarship.
"I am very honoured – it is something that I will remember for a lifetime," the recent graduate at Neil McNeil High School says.
Described as STFX Athletics "most prestigious scholarship," the Gallivan Memorial is awarded to Canadian male and female varsity athletes who "combine qualities of leadership with academic excellence."
Established in 1992, the scholarship honours the "outstanding Canadian and widely respected STFX alumnus" who passed away in 1993. Born and raised in Sydney, Cape Breton, Gallivan launched his stellar journey in broadcasting at CJFX radio in Antigonish while he was attending university. His historic career – one that includes induction into the Canadian Broadcasters Hall of Fame (1991), Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (1989), Hockey Hall of Fame as a Media Honouree (1984) and Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame (1980) – is highlighted by serving as the "voice of the Montreal Canadiens" – providing play-by-play on both radio and television – for more than 1,800 games for the NHL's most decorated team.
After winding down his more than 32-year career behind the microphone, the Class of 1942 member – who also received an honorary degree from STFX in 1985, provided his time and effort to a variety of fundraising initiatives.
"Amazing," McCullagh offers in describing Gallivan's career, adding he learned a lot about the Xaverian legend during and after the scholarship application process.
He notes the deep connection to hockey – their "shared love" for the sport.
McCullagh adds he is "fortunate to follow in the steps" of his new teammates – Jacob Benoit and Siona Chisholm – who have also garnered the award in recent years.
He will receive $5,000 towards his first year of study at STFX, an award that is renewable up to three additional years, as long as McCullagh maintains standing on the Dean's List.
His new head coach – Eric Gillis of STFX cross country and track and field – calls his student-athlete a perfect recipient of the scholarship.
"What Liam brings to the team is, passion, commitment and excitement to be in the STFX family – all similar to what Danny Gallivan brought to X. We are thrilled to have him joining our program," he says.
Gillis adds that the program is "honoured" to have a Gallivan Memorial scholarship recipient again this year.
In a letter of support that he penned to the scholarship committee on behalf of McCullagh, the Antigonish native notes that the program will be "building our team around Liam."
"We are extremely fortunate he will be bringing this determination and enthusiasm to our campus and program, while pursuing his undergraduate in business and competing in the AUS," Gillis writes.
McCullagh will be heading to the east coast later this month for his first varsity training camp, bringing with him an impressive resume – both athletically and academically.
Along with his prowess on the cross-country trails, he has the 13th best time in the 3,000 metres for his age group in Canada on the track. McCullagh will also compete in the 800 and 1,500 metres, along with the 4X400m relay for STFX.
"I am focused on reaching personal bests and staying healthy, while helping my team win AUS banners," McCullagh offers, when asked about goals for his first season of varsity competition.
Having captained his cross country and track and field programs in high school, he notes that he also wants to grow into a leadership role during his time at STFX.
While excelling athletically, McCullagh also maintained honor roll standing in the classroom, garnering an 88.67 average in Grade 12.
He also contributed to his community – not only as a Big Brother, but also as a mentor for those preparing to volunteer their time to the organization.
While in high school, McCullagh also served as a founder and co-president of the Young Investors Club, which focuses on helping students become financially knowledgeable.
As for how he has been able to juggle those responsibilities – and succeed at them all – he describes having a "strong work ethic" in his Gallivan Memorial application. Securing his first job as soon as he finished elementary school serves as a prime example of that drive.
McCullagh, who will study for a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in the Schwartz School of Business, has been around the business world for as long as he can remember – noting that is the field in which his mother, uncle and neighbour work.
His subject interest includes finance and economics, with a career goal more than likely focused on "mergers and acquisitions."
McCullagh says he is focused on "thriving" – both academically and athletically – at STFX.
As for how someone growing up in downtown Toronto made the connection with a small undergraduate university in northeastern Nova Scotia – albeit one with a sterling reputation – he fondly credits his history teacher, Ryan Nauss – a graduate of STFX and former X-Men varsity hockey player – for making the initial introduction. He quips that, if the class wanted to distract Nauss from the task at hand, all students had to do was get the proud Xaverian to talk about his alma mater.
And, in recent years, he made a connection with Gillis, noting that his coaching style and approach meshed well with his goal and expectations.
So, last fall – one week before Halloween - McCullagh made a traditional recruiting visit to the Antigonish campus; something that he will always remember.
"I had a really great time," he says.
Although he agrees that the move to rural Nova Scotia from Canada's largest city will be a "huge change," McCullagh adds that he knows he has made the right choice.
"STFX already feels like home," he says.
McCullagh joins teammates Jacob Benoit and Siona Chisholm, as well as Sarah Lapansee (X-Women soccer) and Gabriel Gaspar (X-Men soccer), as Gallivan Memorial scholarship recipients who will be donning the White and Blue this season in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and U SPORTS competition.
"I am looking forward to having four great years [at STFX]," McCullagh says.
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