Freeland, Mich. -- Hope College’s Boone Marois has been selected as the 13th recipient of the Albert L. Deal Male Scholar Athlete award. The senior from Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City Central HS) has been recognized for his outstanding academic performance, athletic achievements, demonstrated leadership, and service to the community.
The award is named in honor of Albert L. Deal, who served as MIAA commissioner from 1971 to 1991. It recognizes a senior male student-athlete from a MIAA member college who has excelled in academics and athletics while displaying outstanding leadership qualities.
“The MIAA selection committee had outstanding nominees to choose from again this year,” said MIAA Commissioner Penny Allen-Cook. “We are fortunate to have so many outstanding young men that represent our member institutions. Boone has represented his institution well, and I am privileged to have worked with him on our MIAA SAAC.”
Marois is Hope’s second recipient of the Deal Award. He joins baseball player Cory Schmidt (2012-13) as Flying Dutchmen honorees.
“We are proud of all of his accomplishments. He is a perfect representative of the Division III model of athletics,” said Hope co-athletic director Tim Schoonveld. “All of us at Hope are so happy for Boone and thankful for the impact he has had on Hope College.”
Marois graduated from Hope last month with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology. Marois plans to begin medical school at the University of Michigan in August of 2017.
“He’s been a leader since his freshman year. He’s a major reason our 4x100 relay was All-American,” said Hope track and field coach Kevin Cole. “When I am not at practice, or even if I am, he helps with all the sprinters. He’s very goal-oriented.”
Marois said he is humbled to be named the 2015-16 Albert L. Deal Award winner.
“It’s huge for me. It’s what you strive for as a student-athlete, not only being recognized for your athletic achievements and your leadership on the team, but also academics,” Marois said. “If you do all the right things, things fall into place.”
Marois is poised to conclude his Hope career as a four-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient. This spring, Marois claimed academic all-district honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America. In addition, he received Hope College’s Otto van der Velde Award that is presented since 1932 to a senior man for outstanding contribution to the college in athletics, scholarship and participation in student activities.
Marois helped the Flying Dutchmen’s 4x100-meter relay earn All-America honors with an eighth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Hope’s 4x100 relay set school and MIAA records this season.
Marois earned All-MIAA outdoor track & field honors for the second time in his career this spring after becoming MIAA champion in the 200 meters as well as the 4x100 relay he anchored. He was league champion in the 200 meters as a freshman as well.
Marois cherishes the opportunities and encouragement he received at Hope to set aside at times his athletic and academic pursuits. He volunteered at the Holland Free Health Clinic and worked at Hope to promote the national “It’s On Us” campaign to stop sexual assaults and interpersonal violence on college campuses.