Male athlete of the year Eric Smith (Ajax, Ont.) of the Durham College men's basketball team had a season to remember. He averaged a double-double in 20 regular season games, leading the OCAA with 432 points and 206 total rebounds. He scored at least 30 points in a game three times, and surpassed the 1,000-point plateau for his career.

The law and security student earned 11 double-doubles throughout the season, including one in an 84-76 victory over then No. 1 nationally-ranked Algonquin in February. It was Algonquin's only loss during the regular season.

In Durham's final six games, Smith averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Lords won five of six games to finish with a regular season record of 15-5, good for second place in the OCAA East and their first berth into the OCAA men's basketball championship tournament in 12 years. Durham lost to Fanshawe in the OCAA quarter-finals. Smith scored 22 points in a 79-67 loss.

"We are extremely proud of Eric and this major provincial recognition he has earned," says Ken Babcock, Durham College athletic director. "A very deserving award for an exceptional student-athlete. To be selected for this award out of student-athletes from 30 colleges and universities across Ontario is quite an honour."