David Hamilton chuckles when reminded of the time some of his muscular football teammates at the University of Toronto got together for a shirtless charity calendar photo.
Not that he's scrawny, but the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hamilton apparently wasn't a fine enough physical specimen to be included.
Hamilton stands out in other ways.
The 22-year old graduating quarterback helped U of T snap a Canadian record 49-game losing streak with an 18-17 season-opening Labour Day win over Waterloo.
His 2,139 passing yards this season made him just the second player in U of T history, behind former Hec Crighton winner Dan Feraday, to throw for more than 2,000 yards.
Hamilton only won two games in his five years with U of T.
But it's his time off the field where he's made a bigger impact.
Hamilton has devoted extensive time to volunteer work in the pediatric ward at the Toronto East General Hospital He also helps out at the Evergreen Youth Shelter and is the Blues' top fundraiser for Athletes in Africa.
When he's not in class or at practice, Hamilton makes a habit of visiting the hospital weekly to either play video games with youngsters or speak with family members about upcoming surgery. He also spends time counselling troubled teenagers.
"Putting a smile on the face of people, particularly kids, means a great deal to me," said Hamilton. "I'm not a pro athlete, and a 10-year old doesn't know the difference. They just want to speak with someone and know people care about their well-being.
"I remember this kid from Bangladesh, he was in Grade 7 and was in the hospital for a stomach operation. His mother had died recently. He loved cricket, didn't know much about football, but I could see how much my visit meant to him. It also opened my eyes on how lucky many of us really are."
Hamilton is a human biology major and academic all-Canadian, and has a grade-point average of 3.8 out of 4. He starts at U of T's medical school in July.
Hamilton is the OUA nominee for the annual Russ Jackson award, a citation exemplifying the attributes of academics, athletics and community service. Also being considered are St. Francis Xavier defensive tackle Harrison Petropolis, Sherbrooke fullback Benoit Boulanger and Regina quarterback Teale Orban.
If Hamilton wins, he would be the first U of T player to receive the award since it was presented in 1986.
Not that it would go to his head, said U of T coach Greg DeLaval.
"David has a wonderful perspective on life – he knows he's here to help people," said DeLaval, who helped recruit Hamilton from Lorne Park Secondary.
"I'd like to think that I have a good shot to win – but those guys are all deserving," said Hamilton, whose parents and girlfriend will attend the CIS awards dinner in Hamilton tonight.
Hamilton said the only previous recognition he had received came after being singled out as athlete of the year at Lorne Park.
"That was huge and I have it at home," he said. "If I win the Russ Jackson award, I'm not really sure what I would say in my acceptance speech. One thing would be for certain, I will take it to the hospital and show the kids and tell them that one day, if they work hard, they too will be a winner."
