Various high-profile sport stars proved that it is indeed possible to take part in sport at a high level and still be successful in your studies when they received their degrees at Stellenbosch University's graduation ceremonies in December (8-11 December).
Wilhelm van der Sluys (24), FNB Maties' rugby captain, obtained his BCom degree in management accountancy on Thursday (10 December).
Van der Sluys, a former learner of Paarl Boys' High School, represented WP at under 19, under 21 and Vodacom level and has also played for the senior team a few times.
He admits that it is not always easy to balance sport and studies.
"My lecturers were accommodating and my parents are very supportive. Time management is very important," he added.
His parents, Rinus en Marie-Joan, are very proud of him and relieved that he obtained his degree.
Wilhelm will start his honours degree in management accounting in 2016.
In total 14 members of the Maties Rugby Club obtained a degree in December – two of them (Craig Corbett and Francois van der Vyver) with distinction.
Two legends from Maties Cricket Club, Uwe Birkenstock and James Groom, both received their honours degrees in accountancy.
Birkenstock played approximately 150 games for Maties. In 2013 he was named Cricket SA's student cricket player of the year. "When it comes to multiple academic and sport opportunities no other university can compete with Maties," he said.
Groom played more than 100 games for Maties in the five years that he was a member of the club. However, in 2015 he concentrated mostly on his studies. His message is: "Never stop giving your best and learning new skills. You must always strive to become a better and more complete player."
Charl du Toit, the Parasport athlete who won a silver medal in the 400m (T37) at the International Paralympic Committee's Athletic World Championships in Doha this year, obtained his degree in education.
As international athlete he is sometimes forced to miss class and he thanked his classmates who supported him and helped him to stay up to date.
"Initially I only wanted to become involved in school sports, but after my first practical at a school I realised I had a passion for young people and really wanted to make a difference in their lives – in the classroom as teacher and on the sports field as trainer."
Three stalwarts of the Maties Hockey Club, Erin Hunter, Illse Davids and Bronwyn Kretzmann, all obtained their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Erin was selected for the national hockey team in 2015 and represented South Africa at under 21 level while Illse represented South Africa at the Olympic Games in London 2012.
"Maties is really part of who I am – my blood is maroon. I joined the club to become a better player and now I am leaving the club as a player who had represented my country, forged lifelong friendships and created valuable memories," said Erin.
Illse will remember her years at Maties thanks to her wonderful teammates, the early-morning gym sessions and hard work with unbelievable student athletes who helped to form her.
Mariana van Zyl, principal of Paarl Girls' High School, received her masters degree in education.
Van Zyl has a long association with Maties Netball and was the coach of the Maties and Vic teams from 2003 to 2008. In 2014/2015 she served as vice chairperson of the club.
"One is never too old to learn and I will encourage everybody to be lifelong learners. It is unbelievably self-enriching and I see the education world from a complete different perspective which means that other people can experience the same in their career."
Photos: Ilse Davids (photo credit: Outsider Communications); Uwe Birkenstock (photo credit: Stefan Els) and Wilhelm van der Sluys (photo credit: Pia Nänny).
