UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium

U of L plays host to Canada West Women's Rugby Championships

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:16:20 +0000

Coming off a dominant and undefeated Canada West regular season, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas head into this weekend's Canada West Women's Rugby Championships as the top seed and the team to beat.

Joining the Pandas in Lethbridge are the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Dinos, host ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns and the UBC Thunderbirds.

The Pandas will play the Thunderbirds in Friday's first semifinal at 11 a.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium, while the second semifinal will be a rematch of last year's thrilling semi in Edmonton, with the Dinos and Pronghorns squaring off at 1 p.m. The Dinos ended the Horns' six-year run as conference champions last year with a 33-32 victory.

Following their first conference championship in seven years, the Pandas were truly the class of the Canada West this season, racking up a 4-0 record and outscoring their opponents 192 to 20, or an average of 48-5 per game. The Pandas are also the top ranked team in the country and have claimed the CIS top ranking in the past three polls.

The bronze medalists at the 2012 CIS championship, this year's Pandas squad is perhaps the most veteran and experienced team in the country, with a roster that includes the majority of their players and starters from the 2012 season. On top of that, Chelsea Guthrie, a 2012 CIS All-Canadian and Canada West MVP, helped Canada to a third place finish at the 2013 Summer Universiade Games in Russia, a team that was coached by Alberta's head coach Matt Parrish, who won the Coach of the Year Award in Canada West last season as well.

Also back with the team this year are Amee Svatos (Back Row), Miranda Monty (Back Row), and Rebecca Fairbairn (Back 3), all of whom were all-stars last season, while Svatos, who is originally from Canby, Oregon, was the conference Rookie of the Year in 2012 after joining the Pandas from the Team USA U-20 squad and Oregon State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Louis Chavarie (Lock) is also a key player for the Pandas. Third-year back-three player Alanna Fittes, however, has been the straw that stirs the drink for Alberta in 2013. The Rimbey, Alberta native led Canada West in points scored (63), tries (8) and converts (10), while she also scored a penalty goal.

The second seeded Dinos, building off their first appearance in the Canada West Championship game a year ago, finished second in the Canada West standings for the second year in a row, and for a program that is only in its fifth season in the conference, have made a quick ascension up the rugby ranks.

The Dinos, ranked in the CIS Top Ten all season, opened the campaign with a tough loss to the Pandas but then swept their trip through BC, soundly beating both the Victoria Vikes and UBC Thunderbirds. In a preview of this Friday's second semifinal, the Dinos concluded their conference schedule hosting the U of L Pronghorns in early October with the game ending in a 26-26 draw.

For the Horns, while it is always a benefit to play on your home field, the 2013 season has been a roller coaster ride. After opening the season with a disappointing loss to the Victoria Vikes, the six-time Canada West Champions finished with a 1-2-1 record. The 'Horns rebounded from that season opening loss to beat the T-Birds, but after their draw with the Dinos, the 'Horns were beaten handily by the Pandas.

From the start of the season it has been a challenging year for interim head coach JJ Ondrus with captain Jillian Ankutowicz and Canada U-20 member Sarah Gordon missing the entire season due to injury. The club's depth was further tested with other key injuries during the regular season.

Offensively, the 'Horns relied on a balanced attack with eight players scoring at least one try. Senior Kim Leavitt (Back Row) led the way in tries (4), while fourth-year Tiffany Wideen (Centre) took over the kicking duties this season and hit six converts.

The fourth seeded UBC Thunderbirds went into the final weekend of the regular season needing to win and win big to qualify for the conference championships. Under the leadership of first year head coach Maria Gallo, the Thunderbirds had lost their first three games of the season but with their impressive 63-17 win over the Victoria Vikes, the T-Birds punched their ticket to Lethbridge.

Community Sports Stadium survey

trevor.kenney — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:14:05 +0000

Sport and Recreation Services at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is looking for feedback on the new Community Sports Stadium, and specifically on user habits.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium is open periodically for drop-in use by U of L ONE Pass members or to those who pay a daily admission fee. Sport and Recreation Services is hoping to identify ideal days and times for this drop-in use. A brief survey has been created with the idea that Sport and Rec. Services will use the results to better establish consistent and productive open times for users.

There are a significant number of bookings at the stadium each day, with the majority of these bookings occurring from early to late evening during the week, and throughout the day on weekends. Shared use of this space is, at times, problematic. The process of identifying drop-in times is creating a balance between best available times and priority of use.

To help Sport and Recreation Services determine ideal drop-in times, and therefore better optimize the use of the stadium, participate in their short, four-question survey by following this link.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ opens Community Sports Stadium

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:47:05 +0000

The long awaited grand opening of southern Alberta's newest sports mecca took place over the weekend as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officially opened the Community Sports Stadium.

More than a decade in the making, the $12-million facility was constructed through a partnership between the City of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with additional funding from the Province of Alberta and extensive input from several community groups. Funding came from a variety of sources, including the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of

A sunset at the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium.

Lethbridge ($4.8 million), the City of Lethbridge ($3.7 million), community groups ($300,000) and the Government of Alberta ($3.3 from its Major Community Facilities Program). The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the City will share on-going operating costs.

"This is yet another example of how we can work with the City, the Province of Alberta and many partners to make things happen in our community," says U of L President, Dr. Bill Cade.

"I am extremely proud of all the people who came together to think through the use, design and building processes that led us to this point, who believed in this idea through many challenges, and who recognize the benefits of this legacy project for future generations of athletes in our region."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium consists of an artificial field for football, rugby and soccer, a natural practice field, a synthetic 400-metre track, track and field space, and related service buildings. The facility will also include dedicated, off-street parking, 2000-person bleacher seating, and room for expansion as user demand and funding dictates.

"When you can look across the river valley and see the stadium lights, in the night sky, I see a very real example of community spirit in action," says Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck.

"Sporting events bring people together and provide an excellent outlet for the youth in our community. As well, the efforts of many people have brought a prestigious new facility to the city which we anticipate will, in turn, attract new and unique events to Lethbridge."

As the largest complex of its kind in the area, the Community Sports Stadium draws athletes and spectators from all over southern Alberta, which made the project a good candidate for funding from the Province of Alberta through its Major Community Facilities Program.

"The group of MLAs who came together to support this project represent the people of our region, and on their behalf, I am proud to congratulate the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the City and their community partners for the massive effort it has taken to make this sports complex a reality," said Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West.

Stadium opening Friday and Saturday

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:42:42 +0000

The long awaited grand opening of southern Alberta's newest sports mecca is upon us as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officially opens the Community Sports Stadium. The grand opening weekend includes a full slate of events, Sept. 25 and 26.

More than a decade in the making, the $12-million facility was constructed through a partnership between the City of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with additional funding from the Province of Alberta and extensive input from several community groups. Funding came from a variety of sources, including the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge ($4.8 million), the City of Lethbridge ($3.7 million), community groups ($300,000) and the Government of Alberta ($3.3 from its Major Community Facilities Program). The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the City will share on-going operating costs.

"This is yet another example of how we can work with the City, the Province of Alberta and many partners to make things happen in our community," says U of L President, Dr. Bill Cade.

"I am extremely proud of all the people who came together to think through the use, design and building processes that led us to this point, who believed in this idea through many challenges, and who recognize the benefits of this legacy project for future generations of athletes in our region."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium consists of an artificial field for football, rugby and soccer, a natural practice field, a synthetic 400-metre track, track and field space, and related service buildings. The facility will also include dedicated, off-street parking, 2000-person bleacher seating, and room for expansion as user demand and funding dictates.

"When you can look across the river valley and see the stadium lights, in the night sky, I see a very real example of community spirit in action," says Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck.

"Sporting events bring people together and provide an excellent outlet for the youth in our community. As well, the efforts of many people have brought a prestigious new facility to the city which we anticipate will, in turn, attract new and unique events to Lethbridge."

As the largest complex of its kind in the area, the Community Sports Stadium draws athletes and spectators from all over southern Alberta, which made the project a good candidate for funding from the Province of Alberta through its Major Community Facilities Program.

"The group of MLAs who came together to support this project represent the people of our region, and on their behalf, I am proud to congratulate the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the City and their community partners for the massive effort it has taken to make this sports complex a reality," said Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge West.

This weekend's grand opening festivities feature an action-packed series of sporting events for the whole family, including soccer, football and rugby. The 2000-seat stadium is located south of the U of L campus near McGill Blvd.

GRAND OPENING

Friday, Sept. 25

5 p.m. High School Football -- Catholic Central High School Cougars vs. Cardston Cougars (admission fee)

7:30 p.m. High School Football -- Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Rams vs. Raymond Comets (admission fee)

Saturday, Sept. 26

9 a.m. Minor Football (free)

11:55 a.m. Ceremonial Coin Toss and Welcome (free)

12 noon Pronghorn Women's Soccer (free)

2:15 p.m. Pronghorn Men's Soccer (free)

5 p.m. Pronghorn Women's Rugby (free)

8 p.m. Minor Football (free)

Welcome back for the Fall 2009 Semester

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:04:47 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Semester and what promises to be an exciting and challenging time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

While the summer months allow us all to refresh and refocus for a new semester, there is nothing like the energy of a campus full of students. It is invigorating to see both old friends return as well as the influx of fresh new faces. There is a spirit within these walls that is revived with the resumption of each new semester, and it is inspiring to all of us.

I'd like to welcome personally all the new staff and faculty who have come to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the summer months. I trust you will find an accepting atmosphere here and will feel truly a part of our community.

It has been a busy summer on campus, most notably in the continued development of our major construction projects. Markin Hall, the future home of the Faculties of Management and Health Sciences, is that much closer to being completed in anticipation of its summer, 2010 opening. This building has already transformed the landscape of our campus and when completed, will set the stage for even further development of this corridor.

The Campus Daycare project continues to take shape and is on course to accept its first children in January 2010. What a great way to enhance our community atmosphere here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ by providing quality care for the youngest members of our family.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium is nearly complete and already open to play. A number of events have been held on the stadium's artificial turf surface, including soccer and rugby practices, soccer games and high school football games. It is with great pride that I can now look across the river on any given evening and see our stadium's lights glowing in the night sky.

The stadium's new name reflects the community aspect of this project. Built in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge and provincial government, this facility will serve as a magnificent home for our Pronghorn athletes and also as a hub for athletics in southern Alberta. I invite everyone to come out to the stadium's grand opening event, Sept. 25-26 to celebrate the birth of a new sporting era.

As you make your way around campus this fall, you will notice the many hand sanitizing stations that have been provided by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The issue of Influenza A H1N1 is real and something we are taking very seriously. It is important we heed the warnings of Alberta Health Services and do all we can to protect ourselves from the spread of this virus.

Please take time to view the notices posted by the Health Centre, Human Resources and our communications team as they will keep our community apprised of all the latest information related to H1N1 and maintaining a healthy campus.

The start of a new semester is always exhilarating, and I look forward to meeting many of you as I make my way around campus this fall. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is truly an experience and I encourage you to sample all that the U of L has to offer.

Pronghorn Athletics weekend preview

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:22:00 +0000

The Canada West conference sports schedule gets underway this weekend with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's men's and women's soccer teams taking to the pitch.

The Pronghorns women's team opens Canada West play at home at the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium. The women host the Manitoba Bisons and Regina Cougars on Saturday and Sunday afternoons respectively, while the men head out on the road to face the Fraser Valley Cascades and Victoria Vikes. Both home games kick off at noon.

Meanwhile, the defending CIS champion women's rugby team and men's hockey team are in non-conference action as they prepare for their upcoming conference schedules.

Women's Soccer

The women's soccer team (0-0) looks to rebound after not qualifying for the post-season last year, and will have some big holes to fill with the graduation of key members from last season's club. Gone from last season are stalwart keeper Megan Lumley, offensive catalyst Kelli Sauers and a pair of defenders, Kristen Dow and Jessica Dearlove.

An area of strength for the Horns this season should be the midfield, with a solid core of returning veterans. Fifth-year senior Sam MacMillan, along with Janelle and Jaclyn Groten, expect to provide some stability up front.

A strong group from the team that qualified for the 2007 playoffs is still intact, and they'll look to rely on solid defensive play to be successful this season.

Men's Soccer

The Pronghorns men's team (0-0) heads out on the road to kick off their portion of the conference schedule with a trip to British Columbia.

The Horns return 12 players from last year's squad, but have a couple of big holes to fill on the back line with the graduation of team captain Ryan Conn and Marcus Karpati.

Michael O'Brien , a 2007 second team all-star, is expected to step up and lead the back line along with returnees Steve Brown, Brett Silbernagel and Justin Lariviere.

After a season away from the team, Matt Medoruma returns to anchor the midfield with fellow sophomores Lucas Rajcic and Cristian Lornezoni. Andrew Malcolm, who will look to add to his 10 career goals, and 2007 Horns' leading scorer Jaycee Neufeld will be counted on to generate some offence from the midfield position.

Up front, 5th year striker Greg Remjin looks to add to his team leading five goals from last season and kick-start a Pronghorn offence that scored a conference low seven total goals last season.

Saturday afternoon, the Horns face the Fraser Valley Cascades in Abbotsford, before concluding the road trip Sunday in Victoria versus the Vikes.

Women's Rugby

The women's rugby team sees its first action of the fall, traveling to Atlantic Canada for an exhibition tour that includes three games in three days.

The defending CIS champions kick off the tour on Saturday facing the St. Mary's Huskies in Halifax. Sunday will see a rematch of last year's CIS championship game as the Horns face St. Francis Xavier. Last November, the Horns downed St. FX 29-15 to win their second consecutive national title. St. FX will web stream the game live at http://www.ssncanada.ca/games/. Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. (MT).

The following day, the Horns conclude their trip with a game in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island against the UPEI Panthers.

Men's Hockey

The Men's Hockey team begins its pre-season schedule this weekend with a pair of games. Friday night the Horns travel to Calgary to face Mount Royal Cougars, followed by a game Sunday against SAIT Trojans.

Season tickets to Pronghorn events, as well as individual game tickets are available at the Sport & Recreation Services customer service desk or by calling 403-332-HORN (4676). Tickets will also be available at the door on game day.

Women's soccer Horns open home schedule

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:17:36 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns soccer teams kick off the Canada West conference schedule this weekend, with the women playing host to the Manitoba Bisons and Regina Cougars, while the men head out on the road to face the Fraser Valley Cascades and Victoria Vikes.

Meanwhile, the defending CIS champion women's rugby team and men's hockey team are in non-conference action as they prepare for their upcoming conference schedules.

The women's soccer team (0-0) looks to rebound after not qualifying for the post-season last year, and will have some big holes to fill with the graduation of key members from last season's club. Gone from last season are stalwart keeper Megan Lumley, offensive catalyst Kelli Sauers and a pair of defenders, Kristen Dow and Jessica Dearlove.

An area of strength for the Horns this season should be the midfield, with a solid core of returning veterans. Fifth-year senior Sam MacMillan, along with Janelle and Jaclyn Groten, expect to provide some stability up front.

A strong group from the team that qualified for the 2007 playoffs is still intact, and they'll look to rely on solid defensive play to be successful this season.

Adding to the excitement of opening day, the Horns will move into the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium this weekend. The Horns face the Bisons on Saturday and the Cougars, Sunday, with both openings kicks at noon.

Season tickets and individual tickets are available at the Sport & Recreation Services customer service desk or by calling 403-332-HORN (4676). Tickets will also be available at the door on game day.

Pronghorns debut at No. 1

trevor.kenney — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:59:25 +0000

They left the field last fall as two-time defending champions and bolstered their lineup over the summer. So it was no surprise the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby team debuted at the top of the rankings when Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) released its first-ever women's rugby rankings this week.

The Pronghorns, who defeated the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in last year's CIS final to become the first team to capture back-to-back Monilex trophies since Alberta in 2002 and 2003, received 88 points in the inaugural coaches poll.

St. FX, which claimed its lone CIS title in 2006 and has won 11 conference titles in 11 years since women's rugby was added to the AUS program in 1998, is ranked No. 2 with 69 points.

Following in order are 2008 CIS bronze medallist and OUA champion Guelph (65), reigning QSSF champion Laval (48), five-time CIS titlist Alberta (47), two-time Monilex trophy winner Western Ontario (46), McMaster (25), Concordia (22), Trent (13) and UBC (11).

The 2009 regular season kicks off this weekend with nine games in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Canada West squads join the action on Sept. 25, with Lethbridge opening its title defence at home against Calgary on Sept. 26. That game will be part of the weekend festivities surrounding the opening of the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium.

The six-team CIS championship will be hosted by UBC in Vancouver, Nov. 5-8.

WOMEN'S RUGBY
(regular season record) / (votes) / (previous rankings)

1. Lethbridge (0-0) / 88 points / (-)
2. StFX (0-0) / 69 / (-)
3. Guelph (0-0) / 65 / (-)
4. Laval (0-0) / 48 / (-)
5. Alberta (0-0) / 47 / (-)
6. Western Ontario (0-0) / 46 / (-)
7. McMaster (0-0) / 25 / (-)
8. Concordia (0-0) / 22 / (-)
9. Trent (0-0) / 13 / (-)
10. UBC (0-0) / 11 / (-)

Other teams receiving votes: Brock (7), McGill (4), Queen's (2), Saint Mary's (1).

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