Sleight receives MIAA/Albert H. Deal Male Scholar-Athlete Award

Olivet College senior Travis Sleight (Battle Creek/Lakeview) is the recipient of the 2005-06 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)/Albert H. Deal Scholar-Athlete Award, according to an announcement by Commissioner David Neilson. This award is presented to a senior who has excelled in academics and athletics and displayed outstanding leadership qualities. It is named in honor of former MIAA commissioner, Albert Deal (1971-91).

Sleight, a four-year letterwinner for the Comet football team, earned first-team All-MIAA honors in 2004 and 2005. As a senior, he was the recipient of the MIAA's Pete Schmidt Scholar-Athlete Award for excellence on the football field and in the classroom. Sleight also received the Morley Fraser Scholar-Athlete Award from the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. In addition, he was a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® and three-time Academic All-District IV selection.

In 2005, Sleight led Olivet with 184 carries for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. His 60 points also topped the team.

Sleight ended his four-year career as Olivet's all-time leader in touchdowns scored in a game (7), season (20) and career (51). He holds the MIAA record for touchdowns in a game (7) against Albion College Nov. 13, 2004. Sleight's career statistics include 2,814 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards, 50 punt return yards and 656 kickoff returns yards for 4,340 total all-purpose yards.

The other nominees for the award were Tony Vennekotter, Adrian; Eric Johnson, Albion; Calvin Hilson, Alma; Nate Meckes, Calvin; Greg Immink, Hope; and Kyle Konwinski, Kalamazoo.