OBA Announces 2026 R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Lucas Benham of Waterloo Named 2026 Scholarship Winner

The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is proud to announce Lucas Benham of the Waterloo Tigers 18U AA program as the recipient of the 2026 R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student-athlete who has demonstrated excellence both on the baseball field and in the classroom, while embodying the values of leadership, sportsmanship, and community involvement that were synonymous with R. Jack Middlemass' lifelong dedication to amateur baseball in Ontario.

Lucas has been actively involved in baseball for more than a decade through Waterloo Minor Baseball and currently competes with the Waterloo Tigers 18U program. This fall, he will continue both his academic and athletic careers at Carleton University, where he will study Industrial Design while competing for the Carleton Ravens baseball team.

Beyond his achievements on the diamond, Lucas has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to his community. He has volunteered with Woolwich Community Services, Waterloo Minor Baseball, the Waterloo Regional Food Bank, and a variety of youth development initiatives. An honour roll student and aspiring coach, Lucas has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leadership, dedication, and service that make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

The R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship was established to honour the legacy of one of Ontario baseball's most respected leaders and supporters. Through this scholarship, the OBA continues to recognize student-athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the field.

The Ontario Baseball Association congratulates Lucas Benham on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success at Carleton University and beyond.