A New Brunswick-based university is bidding adieu to a local man who played a major role on their varsity badminton team.
Justin Barkhouse, of Hantsport, was handed a substantial parting gift as a token of appreciation for his commanding court presence when he was presented with Mount Allison’s Outstanding Senior Athlete Award.
The two-time badminton MVP went undefeated in men’s doubles competitions in regular season play with the Mounties, and, as a result, was named an Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) all-star for a fourth consecutive year.
In a prepared statement released by the university, Mount Allison Mounties head coach Dan Wortman praised the senior for his commitment.
“Justin had another outstanding season for the Mounties. His contribution to Mount Allison badminton over his past four years will be difficult to match,” Wortman said.
“Justin has done everything we have asked of him over his four years with the Mounties. He has represented us at the national championships every year of his Mount Allison career, and barely lost a match over four years of play.”
Barkhouse, a Horton High School graduate who competed in the 2011 Canada Games, gained a reputation as a standout player early on in his career with the Mounties. He was named ACAA Conference Rookie of the Year and Badminton Mounties’ top first-year player.
The Bachelor of Science student, with an advanced major in biology, plans to study ecology in grad school.
