PRINCE GEORGE, BC – UNBC Timberwolves forward Devin McMurtry is being recognized for his hard work on and off court as the recipient of the Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award. McMurtry is the first UNBC student-athlete to receive a major Canada West award and is now a finalist for the national Ken Shields Award.

The Ken Shields Award is given out annually to a men’s basketball player who exhibits outstanding achievement in the areas of basketball, academics, and community involvement. Along with the Outstanding Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and all-star selections the Ken Shields Award highlights the accomplishments of student-athletes.

UNBC forward Devin McMurtry is a finalist for the Ken Shields Award.Download High Resolution Image.

McMurtry grew up in Surrey, B.C., and after spending three years at Langara College, he made the move to UNBC. Although he cuts an imposing figure with his six-foot-four and 205-pound frame, McMurtry has a heart of gold and consistently uses his spare time to help out his peers and the community.

“Devin exemplifies the Ken Shields Award through his commitment and achievement not only in basketball but also in his academics and community involvement at UNBC and in Prince George,” says Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC Director of Athletics and Recreation. “In the community, Devin’s friendly face, positive attitude, and keenness to give back and help others goes above and beyond our expectation. We are extremely proud of all the work he does on and off the court.”

McMurtry spent three years growing his hair, which became a personal trademark. In January as part of the UNBC contribution to the Shoot for the Cure fundraiser he offered to cut it all off. Thanks to Devin’s contribution the Timberwolves were able to add an additional $700 to their total being donated to the BC/Yukon Breast Cancer Foundation. Not only was Devin’s haircut able to raise additional funds but he also donated his hair to the Canadian Cancer Society to be made into a wig.

In addition to his involvement with the Shoot for the Cure fundraiser Devin works as a peer tutor, helping his teammates and other student-athletes with their studies both at home and on the road. He is also an active coach in the Junior Timberwolves program, spending the majority of his time with the elementary school age group.

As an athlete McMurtry is admired for his work ethic. He leads the Canada West conference in defensive rebounds with 140 and is second in total rebounds per game with 10.5. Offensively, he’s shooting 55 per cent from the field, fifth best in the conference and averaging 10.2 points per game.

McMurtry helped the Timberwolves finish second in their division and earn a quarter-final berth against the UBC Thunderbirds. The best-of-three series begins Thursday night in Vancouver.“Devin is an outstanding member of both our athletic and school community at UNBC,” says UNBC head coach Todd Jordan. “He is respected by his teammates for his hard work ethic and high-energy motor on the court. He is one of the top rebounders in Canada West and has been willing to sacrifice his body for our team.”

A graduate of Fraser Heights Seconday School, McMurtry has always excelled in the classroom. At Langara he was named as part of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association all-academic team. He continued to stay focused on his studies at UNBC gaining recognition as an academic all-Canadian.

The national Ken Shields Award winner will be named in March.