Ryan Fantham arrived at the DeGroote School of Business in 2006 eager to learn more about accounting and to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a chartered accountant. No one, including Fantham himself, expected him to leave as one of the most respected Marauder quarterbacks of all time.

Fantham credits his athletic transformation on the football field to the lessons learned in the classroom in DeGroote.

“My experience at DeGroote taught me if you work hard, you will achieve success,” Fantham said. “Success doesn't come easy and you have to work hard every single day to achieve it.”

Fantham acknowledges all of his professors for giving him a balanced approach to his education, but he particularly remembers Mandeep Malik, professor of strategic market leadership and health services management, for pushing him to achieve more.

“Ryan was always sharply focused, understood the need for preparation and practice and was a keen listener,” said Malik. “He knew when he needed coaching and when he needed to take charge as a leader to deliver on goals. I know Ryan will make an outstanding business professional.”

Academically, Fantham was awarded two consecutive Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Scholarships, named a Marauder Scholar in his last two years at DeGroote and named a CIS Academic All-Canadian.

During his fourth year as a Marauder, Fantham achieved the highest completion average (.586) in the football team's history, as well as the fourth highest complete passing totals. In 2008, he was named the most improved player.

Marauders head coach, Stefan Ptaszek, has witnessed Fantham's transformation personally.

“He wasn't the biggest, the strongest or fastest quarterback we saw that year, but somehow he found a way to be consistent with his performance,” said Ptaszek. “He came to our program as a quiet 17 year old but over the four years at McMaster, he has transformed into the leader of our football team on and off the field.”

Fantham is optimistic about his future as a chartered accountant. He is completing advanced accounting courses this summer and he has already secured employment at KPMG in October. Until that time, Fantham has volunteered to be an assistant coach for his former high school football team in London, Ontario.

“I never had any ambitions of playing professional football, so being able to enjoy myself as a Marauder while developing an accounting career at DeGroote was a really fortunate opportunity for me,” Fantham said. “DeGroote gave me a lot of confidence to move forward in all aspects of my life, not just football.”

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