UNews - Debby Steacy

Steacy's connection to Pronghorns everlasting

trevor.kenney — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:54:37 +0000

He last competed for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seven years ago, and yet when it came time for Jim Steacy to announce his retirement from athletics, there was no question as to where the event would take place.

“This is my second home. Outside of my actual house, this is where I spent most of my life,” says Steacy, the most decorated U of L Pronghorn athlete in history.

The most decorated athlete in Pronghorn history, Jim Steacy still holds the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge close to his heart.

Undefeated in five years of competition at both the Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) levels, Steacy’s accomplishments in the throwing circle (both weight and hammer throw) are their own story. He still owns the furthest weight throw in CIS history and for good measure added three Canada West and CIS shot put titles to his name too. Beyond the U of L, Steacy went to two Olympic Games (2008 Beijing and 2012 London), travelled to six continents and represented Canada 17 times in international competitions. The highlight was winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2014 as the Canadian team’s captain.

After setting down the hammer for the final time and reflecting on a 17-year career, Steacy fondly motions to the now retired throwing field affectionately referred to as the Boneyard.

“That’s where I broke the national record, where the best throw of my life happened,” he says. “I spent so many hours and thousands of throws in that circle and knowing that it’s never going to happen again is kind of strange to think about.”

Ever mindful of his station as more than a Pronghorn athlete but a brand ambassador, this announcement was less about Steacy and more about recognizing those in his life who helped him achieve his unprecedented success. He thanked them all, from head track coach Larry Steinke, to family and friends, his wife Brittany, athletic directors, teammates and training partners.

“It’s family to me,” he says of the U of L community. “I was fortunate to compete for all five of my eligibility years as a U of L athlete and it’s thanks to people like Larry and the other coaches on campus who have built a culture by bringing in quality athletes and quality people to be part of the Pronghorn program.”

Two major influences were absent from the announcement ceremony. His sister Heather is training to compete in hammer at the Rio Olympics in August (her second Olympic appearance), while his mother Debby Steacy passed away in April 2014.

“The last couple of days, a lot of thoughts went to how much mom believed in all three of us (Jim, Sean and Heather), and really all the Pronghorn athletes, she looked out for everybody in the Pronghorn community. There’s not very many people who went through Pronghorn track and field who haven’t been touched by her love for the sport and for athletics,” says Steacy. “Personally, it sucks not having her here today. All the hours she spent supporting all three of us, from driving us back and forth to helping us overcome injuries, to celebrating successes and dealing with upsets, all that, it’s tough not having her here but I’m so glad both my dad and my brother were here, along with my wife and my extended family. As long as that’s always there, that’s all I can ask for.”

And while the medals and achievements garner the most interest from outside observers, it was the time away from the spotlight that is dearest to Steacy’s heart.

“To see that old hallway by the weight room, and thinking about all the hours we spent as a team down there, bonding, building friendships, training toward common goals. It’s neat to think how many tremendous people have set foot in these facilities in the last 20 to 30 years and how fortunate I am to call them teammates and friends,” he says.

Steinke, who recognized Steacy’s formidable talent as a young teen and convinced him that he could reach international prominence without ever leaving home, says the Horns culture revolved around his exploits.

“You can’t say enough about what Jim’s career has done, not just for track and field at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ but all of the sports,” says Steinke. “There was a camaraderie when he was at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that wasn’t there previously across all sports because he gave people a focal point, a role model. He showed that in a relatively small place like Lethbridge you can still do the things you want to do at an international level.”

His legacy extends beyond the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, as he will go down as the country’s greatest hammer thrower ever.

“As far as hammer throwing in the country itself, he was at the forefront of showing what can be done,” says Steinke. “We hadn’t had an Olympic finalist in hammer throw since 1924 until Jim and then really his whole family came along. I think we’re seeing the legacy of that impact today as Canada is now one of the stronger nations in women’s hammer.”

Steacy’s impact on the U of L continues today. Current Pronghorn thrower Peter Millman, now a two-time CIS shot put champion and the first Pronghorn since Steacy to win the CIS Athlete of the Year award for field events, has consistently said that Steacy’s success lured him to the U of L from his hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia.

It would not be surprising to see Steacy back with the Horns in the future, as a mentor and possibly coach.

“I’ve had the opportunity to do some coaching with different schools in the city and it’s a blast. I love working with kids and I love teaching what I know about my sport and other events in track and field,” he says. “After a few years off of being a competitive athlete, I’d love to get involved in coaching. Right now, I need a break away from it, just to reset and put things in perspective.”

That perspective will reflect a career that achieved excellence at every level, and yet Steacy’s greatest success might just be the humility with which he competed – the true essence of a Pronghorn student-athlete.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2003 – Pan Amserican Junior Championship hammer throw gold medalist
2004 – North American, Central American and Caribbean Championship hammer throw gold medalist
2007 – Pan American Games hammer throw gold medalist
2008 – Set current Canadian record in hammer throw of 79.13 metres, May 2008
2008 – Placed 12th at Olympic Games (Beijing)
2014 – Commonwealth Games hammer throw gold medalist
2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009 – Undefeated in Canada West and CIS competition in the 35lb weight throw event. Currently holds CIS record of 24.08 metres
14-time Canadian National Hammer Throw Champion

Steacy a mainstay with Operation Red Nose

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 22:15:20 +0000

If there has been one constant with Pronghorn Athletics and the annual Operation Red Nose (ORN) campaign, it is that over the program’s 21-year history, a Steacy has always been involved. That tradition will continue this year as former Pronghorn thrower and Olympian Jim Steacy (BASc ’09) assumes a leadership role.

Jim Steacy honours the legacy left by his mother Debby by taking the reins of the iconic program.

Of course, having Steacy as a key organizer only makes sense, given his 14-year run with ORN and the fact his mother Debby is one of the main reasons the program is such a rousing success.

“My mom ran the program and she and Sandy Slavin essentially built it up to what it is today, which is a tremendously successful fundraiser for Pronghorn Athletics. It’s become a staple in the community,” says Steacy.

Debby passed away in April 2014 and this will be the second ORN campaign without her steady hand at the helm.

“To be able to step into shoes that I don’t belong in is a huge honour and I’m hoping I can continue to do a good job and chase the level of excellence my mother established with this program,” says Steacy.

A unique designated driving program, Operation Red Nose creates the opportunity for individuals who have been drinking, or who do not feel fit to drive, to get driven home in their own vehicle by a support team of ORN volunteers. There is no fee for the service, but donations are always accepted. Over the course of the last 20 years, more than $606,000 has been raised in support of Pronghorn Athletics.

“One of the reasons we’ve been able to make it work so well here is that Lethbridge is the perfect size for this kind of program,” says Steacy. “There are almost 100,000 people living here but it’s still just a 15-minute drive from corner to corner in the city. It’s also such a student-friendly city and I think people feel a connection to the university and see it as a way to support Pronghorn Athletics.”

The campaign could not be successful without the sponsorship and volunteer support that keep it viable. Last year, 1,207 rides were provided to southern Alberta motorists with more than 600 volunteers making it happen.

“I had no idea of the impact of this program when I first started,” says Steacy, who initially helped in the command centre because he was too young to drive the cars. “Over the years, I’ve been able to do every role imaginable with the program so it’s given me a good appreciation of how big it is. We have so many great volunteers, every student-athlete at the U of L is involved and in the end, when you can raise $50,000 in the course of 12 days, that’s something to be proud of.”

Alpine Insurance and Intact Insurance are co-sponsoring the insurance coverage for this year’s program and local donations provide food and refreshments for volunteers, as well as gas for support vehicles and phone service.

“Everybody has bought into the concept,” says Steacy. “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is invested in it, the community has bought in and the level of commitment that the athletes and the coaches and Pronghorn Athletics staff have shown to this program is invaluable.

“As soon as everyone see the red vests, people just smile and welcome us in. They appreciate the fact that we are out doing this. They respect the program and really appreciate the service we’re bringing to the community and it’s neat to be a part of it.”

Operation Red Nose is in service this holiday season on the following dates: Nov. 27-28; Dec. 3-5; Dec. 10-12; Dec. 17-19 and New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to use the service can call 403-320-4155 from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Anyone interested in volunteering with Operation Red Nose can call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Debby Steacy honoured with 2015 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 28 May 2015 22:24:28 +0000

A passion for supporting athletics that began with her own children and grew into tireless support for the entire Pronghorn Athletics program, set Debby Steacy’s volunteer efforts apart. On Thursday, May 28, 2015, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge recognized the late Debby Steacy for her longstanding commitment to promoting Pronghorn athletes by awarding her the 2015 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award.

Pictured here with husband Graham, Debby Steacy, centre, enjoys the Olympic experience.

It was the involvement of her three children — Jim, Sean and Heather — in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge athletics that initially led Debby to join the Pronghorn Booster Club, which raises funds for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ athletics through a variety of programs and initiatives. But her passion for the success of all of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s athletes led her to actively volunteer for more than a decade. During that time, she was vital in helping generate more than $500,000 for Pronghorn Athletics.

One initiative that was particularly close to Debby’s heart was Operation Red Nose, a safe-driving campaign that provides drivers with rides home during the holiday season on a donation basis. She worked tirelessly to expand and strengthen this important fundraiser by overseeing hundreds of volunteers, conducting administrative tasks and, together with her family, coordinating each evening of the operation. The considerable work and time she invested in the program led to more efficient operations, more volunteer participation and greater financial support for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s athletic teams.

Graham Steacy, left, with Horns track coach Larry Steinke, Jim Steacy and Debby Steacy.

For 10 years, Debby also helped facilitate the organization’s annual dinner and auction event by assisting with tasks such as overseeing the participant application process and recruiting volunteers. As well, she was heavily involved with a number of track and field team initiatives. Her organizing skills, attention to detail and cooperative working style were critical assets to the club’s overall operations.

Beyond her involvement with ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Athletics, Debby spent countless hours in her community volunteering for various causes and organizations. She was a director-at-large of the Athletics Alberta board of directors, secretary of the Southern Alberta Track and Field Council, and an Athletics Alberta track and field official. She was extensively involved in local school councils, participated in two Lethbridge School District No. 51 committees and was a classroom volunteer for more than 15 years. Debby was on the board of directors for the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium, and was a member of the planning committee for Weaving Words: Extending Literature Through the Fine Arts Conference. She was also a Royal Conservatory of Music piano and theory teacher and served as an accompanist for school choirs.

A successful Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) varsity athlete herself, Debby was proud to support the athletic careers of her children, all of who were highly decorated Pronghorn track and field athletes who excelled at the throwing events. Sean was a champion at the CIS level, and Jim and Heather each reached the pinnacle of sport by representing Canada at the Olympic Games in hammer throw – Jim at Beijing (2008) and London (2012), and Heather in London (2012).

Although Debby passed away suddenly last year at the age of 58, her vigorous championing, volunteerism and community spirit have left an enduring impact on Pronghorn Athletics.

Esteemed Honorary Degree recipients to be recognized at Convocation

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:14:34 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate is pleased to announce the distinguished group of Honorary Degree recipients that will be celebrated at the 2015 Spring and Fall Convocation ceremonies.

Full citations of the esteemed honourees will be released in the weeks leading up to Spring Convocation, May 28-29, 2015. Congratulations to the following individuals:

Xiaoyi Bao
One of the most accomplished and influential women in science, Xiaoyi Bao has made revolutionary contributions to the field of fibre optics communications, and provides outstanding mentorship to young scientists.

Chief Victor Buffalo
Chief Victor Buffalo is a distinguished businessman, statesman, diplomat and former Samson Cree Nation Chief who significantly advanced the economic and educational opportunities and the human rights of Aboriginals in Alberta and across Canada.

Gregory Fahlman
One of the world’s leading astrophysicists, Gregory Fahlman is an accomplished scientific researcher, university educator and astronomy facilities manager who has helped maintain Canada’s status as a top astronomy nation.

Bryan Kolb
Researcher and educator Bryan Kolb is an internationally renowned expert in behavioural neuroscience whose comprehensive investigations into the development of the brain have been integral to the health of Canadians.

Ian Tyson
Western music singer and songwriter Ian Tyson is a Canadian music icon who, over the last five decades, has produced many popular and critically acclaimed folk songs that reflect rural culture in Alberta.

Pronghorns honour Debby Steacy by renaming scholarship

trevor.kenney — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:21:20 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics is honoured to announce that the department is renaming its Academic All-Canadian Scholarship to pay tribute to the late Debby Steacy.

Steacy, a longtime supporter of Horns Athletics, passed away suddenly in April 2014 at the age of 58.

Each year, more than 20 per cent of Pronghorn athletes earn CIS Academic All-Canadian (AAC) honours. The Pronghorn Booster Club, with funds generated from Operation Red Nose activity, partner with the athletics department to help fund the AAC Award.

A long-time booster club member and volunteer coordinator for Operation Red Nose, Steacy was a huge advocate for using the funds raised through the booster club to recognize not only athletic achievement but academic excellence. Sandy Slavin, Pronghorn athletic director, and Travis Grindle, president of the Pronghorn Booster Club, agreed that it was only fitting that the Pronghorn Academic All-Canadian scholarship should bear her name, to honour and recognize her commitment and dedication to Pronghorn Athletics.

Operation Red Nose was a program that Steacy held close to her heart. She worked tirelessly for Operation Red Nose, organizing more than 600 volunteers for the annual 12-night campaign, and ensuring that the program ran as smoothly as possible.

Having been a successful CIAU varsity athlete herself, Steacy understood the value of being a student-athlete. She supported all three of her children’s university and athletic careers. Each of Jim, Sean and Heather Steacy were highly decorated Pronghorn Athletes. Jim and Heather each reached the pinnacle of the track and field world representing Canada at the Olympic Games in the hammer throw. Jim, a two-time Olympian, competed in Beijing (2008) and London (2012), while Heather joined Jim in London. Ji is currently representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Beginning in fall 2014, athletes achieving Academic All-Canadian status will receive a Deb Steacy AAC Scholarship on behalf of Pronghorn Athletics.

Operation Red Nose beats the cold

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:35:13 +0000

The weather outside was truly frightful but Operation Red Nose battled through the elements to help make the 2008 holiday season a safer one in Lethbridge.

The final volunteer and ride counts are in and once again, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Operation Red Nose (ORN) designated driving program is a shining example of the positive impact this community initiative can provide.

"I thought it was a very good year, anytime we can top 1,000 rides, it's a really good year," says ORN volunteer coordinator Debby Steacy. "If it wasn't for the cold snap that hit, really from Dec. 12 on, we would probably have seen even higher numbers."

As it was, U of L volunteers, led by Pronghorn Athletics, totaled 567 and provided 1,082 rides over the holiday season. While those numbers are down marginally from a year ago (600 volunteers and 1,131 rides), Steacy attributes much of that to the brutally cold temperatures and poor driving conditions, which discouraged some volunteers from taking part.

Putting the Lethbridge numbers into context with the rest of the province, it's apparent this community puts great value on the program. Lethbridge ride totals accounted for a whopping 62 per cent of the entire province's total (1,082 of 1,754 total rides), with four communities taking part this past holiday season.

"I just think we're the perfect size community for this program to succeed," says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. "You look at the number of volunteers we had (567) and it's not that much greater than Edmonton (513) and yet we had almost twice the number of rides. The size of our community allows us to do that, plus the media here has supported us so well, everybody knows what we're all about."

While the program could always use more volunteers, ORN only ran short on two or three nights, Slavin says.

"Another 60 to 100 volunteers would be ideal, but if we're only short on three nights, we've done well," she says.

What's encouraging is that the program is beginning to feed itself.

"Some of our first-time volunteers said they'd used the program before and from that experience, decided they'd like to be a part of it."

Look for Operation Red Nose in December 2009 as Pronghorn Athletics continues its campaign to help make Lethbridge roads safer.

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Steacy's connection to Pronghorns everlasting

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