Six members of Union College’s men’s hockey and men’s lacrosse teams recently garnered recognition for their outstanding achievements both on the field and in the classroom by earning spots on the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Men’s At-Large Team. This esteemed honor, announced by College Sports Communicators (CSC), showcases the exceptional balance that these athletes maintain between academics and sports.
### A Look at the Honorees
Among the recipients are juniors Brandon Buhr and Kyle Chauvette from the men’s hockey team, who received Division I At-Large recognition. Both are being recognized for their second consecutive year, which speaks of their longstanding commitment to excellence in dual pursuits.
For the men’s lacrosse team, seniors Chris Connolly, Peter Kip, and Luke McHugh, along with sophomore Jack Lucey, earned Division III At-Large honors. This achievement emphasizes not just their performance in lacrosse but also their academic prowess.
### The Significance of the At-Large Program
Unlike typical sport-specific categories, the At-Large program is hailed for its competitiveness, including ten different men’s sports such as ice hockey, lacrosse, and more. The recognition is significant because it highlights a range of disciplines, elevating the achievements of student-athletes across the board.
To qualify for the CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must meet specific criteria: reaching a minimum participation threshold, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and achieving at least sophomore standing both academically and athletically at their school. This makes being recognized even more prestigious, as it speaks to both academic rigor and athletic discipline.
### Achievements in Hockey
Brandon Buhr and Kyle Chauvette have made remarkable contributions to their hockey team. Buhr has not only shone in sports but was also named Union’s Junior Scholar-Athlete of the Year. As an economics major, he ranked third in the conference with a team-leading 19 goals, along with nine assists, for a total of 28 points over the span of 36 games. His hard work and dedication were further rewarded when he earned All-ECAC Hockey third-team honors.
Chauvette also had an impressive season, earning All-Conference third-team recognition for his performance in goal. He posted an 18-11-3 record and an impressive 2.51 goals against average, along with a save percentage of 0.905. Both players exemplify the success that can be achieved through hard work both on and off the ice.
### Lacrosse Contributions
In the realm of lacrosse, Peter Kip stands out as a repeat honoree and the only one among the lacrosse selections not majoring in economics. His major in environmental policy speaks to the diverse interests and talents within the program. As a senior, he scored 22 goals and recorded a team-leading 14 assists, accumulating a total of 36 points—the second highest on the team. Kip finishes his career ranked in the top seven in program history for both goals and points, signaling a legacy built on skill and determination.
Luke McHugh had an exceptionally productive first year as the team’s full-time faceoff specialist. Winning over 61% of his draws, he ranked third in the conference for ground balls (108) and faceoff percentage (180 of 294). His contributions have proven instrumental in creating offensive opportunities for the team.
On the defensive front, Connolly and Lucey made vital contributions to their unit. Lucey caused a team-leading 14 turnovers and secured 34 ground balls, demonstrating his effectiveness in both disrupting opposing offenses and maintaining possession. Meanwhile, Connolly added depth to the defensive lineup, recording 14 ground balls and contributing to the prevention of scoring opportunities by causing three turnovers.
### A Lasting Impact
The selection of these six student-athletes highlights a significant achievement for Union College, which has now amassed 265 Academic All-District honors since 2001. This achievement underscores not just the individual successes of its athletes but also the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence that values both athletic and academic pursuits.
Achieving a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Men’s At-Large Team is more than just a title; it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and balance these athletes maintain. They serve as role models not only within their respective sports but also as scholars, proving that it is indeed possible to excel at both academics and athletics.
In conclusion, the recognition of Union College’s men’s hockey and lacrosse athletes reflects the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. These athletes are shaping their futures, both on the field and in the classroom, and their accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. As they continue their journeys, they inspire others to follow in their footsteps, demonstrating that dedication and balance can lead to remarkable achievements.
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