UNews - Pronghorn Athletics

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ excited to unveil Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness through 25-year partnership

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:18:24 +0000

One of southern Alberta’s most utilized sporting and community hubs is getting a new name. Thanks to a monumental 25-year, $4.25 million partnership between South Country Co-op, Federated Co-op and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Centre for Sport & Wellness will now be known as the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness.

“This is one of the most significant community-based naming partnerships in our university’s history — a commitment that will strengthen wellness, recreation and sport for students and the entire southern Alberta community,” says ULethbridge Vice-President, External Relations, Kathy Greenwood. “Thank you to South Country Co-op and Federated Co-op, their leadership, employees and members for believing in our mission and in the potential of this centre.”

Opened in 2007 in celebration of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 40th anniversary, the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness welcomes more than 500,000 people through its doors annually — from students and faculty to athletes, spectators and visitors from across the country. It has hosted provincial and national championships, provided a training ground for Pronghorn athletes and served as a community hub for wellness and recreation.

“Beyond the events and the numbers, this building has always been about people — students finding balance, children discovering sport, seniors accessing wellness programs and athletes chasing their dreams,” says Neil Langevin (BA/BEd '91, MEd '10), executive director, Athletics and Recreation Services. “This investment by South Country Co-op and Federated Co-op ensures that this facility remains vibrant, accessible and sustainable for the next 25 years. It is a partnership that reflects shared values of community, people and wellness.”

Far more than a new name and signage, the partnership allows the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to enhance and modernize the facility, its equipment and programming, ensuring students, athletes and community members have access to an optimum environment in which to learn, compete and grow.

“We see the Centre for Sport & Wellness as more than a fitness facility, rather it is a place where people come together and celebrate community, which echoes the values and purpose statement of South Country Co-op and Federated Co-op,” says Graham Getz, CEO. “This facility engages every generation, from children participating in sport camps to tournaments, conferences and events, to seniors taking fitness classes and everything in between, all in the name of health and wellness. We’re proud to be a part of that journey.”

In addition, thanks to the ULethbridge Board of Governors $10-million matching program, a portion of the funds will be matched, establishing an endowed scholarship in perpetuity. This creates opportunities for students to have access to critical financial support that carries the South Country Co-op name.

“The opportunity to contribute to student scholarships was a key consideration in this partnership,” adds Getz. “Our sponsorship is an investment in the future and by supporting students in their academic careers, we feel we are supporting student success and strengthening our community for future generations.”

Since 2007, the Centre for Sport & Wellness has served as a gathering place for many of the region’s most important games, tournaments and events. As the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness, it promises to play an even bigger role moving forward.

“This is a transformational gift that will benefit students, strengthen Pronghorn Athletics and elevate wellness in the community for years to come,” adds Langevin. “Thank you, South Country Co-op and Federated Co-op, for supporting our vision and showcasing the strength of community and the power of collaboration.”

Olympian, mentor and teacher, Kacie Bosch, named 2025 Young Alumni Award winner

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:14:53 +0000

Never afraid to take her shot, Kacie Bosch (BA ’20, BEd ’25) carved out a basketball career that saw her compete everywhere from local gyms to the international stage, culminating with representing Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. All the while, Bosch stayed true to her roots, serving as a coach, mentor, leader and inspiring role model. Now a teacher eager to spark dreams in the next generation, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association has named Bosch the 2025 Young Alumni Award winner.

Kacie Bosch was a member of Canada's 3x3 women's national basketball team that placed fourth at the Paris Olympics.

“It was amazing to watch Kacie compete on the world’s biggest stage last summer, both as an athlete and as a humble young woman who has always taken the time to share her journey with young athletes who harbor the same dreams,” says Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01) ULAA president. “It’s exciting to think of the positive impact she will now have as a teacher, and the lucky students who will benefit from her experiences.”

Bosch will be recognized at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Kacie Bosch

The sport of basketball has taken Kacie Bosch around the globe, but she has always returned to her Lethbridge roots. Whether on the world stage — like the 2024 Paris Olympics — or in the gyms and classrooms in her hometown, Bosch brings the same leadership, determination and unwavering spirit, serving as an outstanding ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

After beginning her collegiate career south of the border at Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Bosch chose to return home and join the Pronghorns in 2016. Over four seasons representing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on the court she also excelled academically, earning USPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours three times on her way to completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2020.

In 2021, Bosch transitioned to 3x3 basketball, helping elevate the sport to new heights in Canada. Her accomplishments with the Canadian Women’s 3x3 National Team include three FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series championship titles, a pair of FIBA 3x3 World Cup medals and a pivotal role in securing the country’s first-ever Olympic berth in the sport.

Competing on the world’s biggest stage, Bosch and her teammates battled to a hard-fought fourth-place finish in Paris.

Despite her international success, Bosch has never lost sight of where she came from. In 2022, she joined the Pronghorns women’s basketball program as an assistant coach, while also returning to the classrooms of ULethbridge in pursuit of her Bachelor of Education. Central to her values is a deep commitment to mentorship, whether it be guiding the next group of Pronghorns or inspiring the students she teaches and coaches. She can often be found volunteering her time at youth clinics and is a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for girls in sport.

For her outstanding contributions to her community, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

Bosch’s story is one of chasing the biggest dreams imaginable, while never losing sight of the people and places that shaped her. Her growing legacy is defined not only by the medals and milestones she’s achieved, but by the youth she’s inspired, the teammates she’s lifted and the belief she’s sparked in others to dream just as boldly.

Dr. Tim Rollingson Jr. earns recognition as 2025 Pronghorn Alumni of the Year

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:37:16 +0000

Dr. Tim Rollingson Jr. (BSc ’99) was a standout on the court with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s basketball team and in the years since he lifted the Horns to a number one national ranking, he’s proven to be a standout in his community as well. Rollingson, founder of Ivory Dental and owner and director of Southgate Surgical Suites, has achieved professional success while steadfastly giving back through volunteer coaching, mentorship and philanthropic activities, earning recognition as the 2025 Pronghorn Alumni of the Year.

Rollingson's exceptional Pronghorn career led to continued success away from the court and a commitment to giving back to his community through volunteer and philanthropic ventures.

“Tim’s arrival on campus kicked off a special time for Horns basketball and the drive, competitiveness and attention to detail he showed then laid the foundation for the professional success he would achieve after graduating from ULethbridge,” says Neil Langevin (BA ‘91, BEd '91, MEd '10), executive director of Pronghorn Athletics and Recreation. “All the while, Tim has always been about respecting his roots and recognizing the support he received as he developed his career. You see that in how he gives back whenever he has the opportunity. He embodies the Pronghorn spirit and is more than worthy of this honour.”

Rollingson will be recognized at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Tim Rollingson Jr.

Tim Rollingson Jr. exemplifies the highest ideals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through his exceptional achievements as an athlete, coach, professional and community leader.

At the start of his grade 12 year, Rollingson committed to play basketball at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and was a transformative force for Pronghorn Athletics. He was the first Pronghorn to win Canada West Rookie of the Year, served as a three-year captain, and helped elevate the program to a number one national ranking. He remains second all-time in both three-pointers made and career assists.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge with Great Distinction, Rollingson completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, and advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies as well as the Scottsdale Center for Dental Learning. In 2016, Rollingson completed a postgraduate certificate in business administration at Herit-Watt ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Setting a standard for professional excellence, Rollingson founded Ivory Dental, a practice recognized for its patient-focused care and innovation and is the owner and director of Southgate Surgical Suites, Lethbridge’s only privately owned medical operating rooms. The “Dentist to the Pronghorns,” he was also voted Best Dentist/Best Dental Office in Lethbridge Herald’s Best of the Best in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Rollingson’s profound success couldn’t have been accomplished without the support of his wife of 30 years, Christine, and their four children and six grandchildren. He is also the majority owner of Sky Promise, the 2017 Canadian Thoroughbred Horse of the Year and Canadian Derby Winner.

Beyond his professional achievements and playing career, Rollingson has inspired countless young athletes as a coach and mentor. He has coached both boys’ and girls’ high school basketball, earning coach of the year honours and serving as president of the Lethbridge Minor Basketball Association. His dedication to teaching values of teamwork, discipline and community have left a lasting impact on the next generation.

Rollingson has set a standard for outstanding professionalism and community engagement. His unwavering philanthropic commitment is evident in his establishment of scholarship endowments, support for Pronghorn Athletics, and contributions to local schools and sports organizations. Rollingson’s leadership, integrity and generosity continue to create opportunities and inspire pride within the Pronghorn community.

He is a true leader, mentor and builder — an exemplary Pronghorn alumnus.

Everyone invited to kick off athletics season at Pronghorn Celebration Weekend, Sept. 19-21

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:31:27 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns are readying their soccer cleats, shin pads, scrum caps and fancy dress outfits for the upcoming Pronghorn Celebration weekend Sept. 19 to 21.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and the activities include evening entertainment and plenty of athletic action.

Fans are invited to cheer on Pronghorns soccer and rugby teams at the Community Stadium.

“We are excited to kick off the new season for Pronghorn Athletics, and we’re extending an invitation to the community to come and help us celebrate,” says Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10), executive director of Athletics and Recreation Services. “We thank our community members for their continued support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our events during the Pronghorn Celebration Weekend and throughout the year.”

The weekend gets underway Friday, Sept 19, with the Pronghorn Gala and Cabaret. Following cocktails and dinner, entertainment will be provided by Dueling Pianos. A late-night lunch concludes the event. Individual tickets are $200 and include a special gift. A table of eight costs $1,600. Funds raised from the gala support Pronghorn Athletics. Reserve your tickets or table.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, including presenting sponsor, drink sponsor, late-night lunch sponsor and candy bar sponsor. Contact Kristen DeMone at kristen.demone@uleth.ca for more information.

The 2025-26 Pronghorn Athletics season unofficially kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 20, with the Horns Triple Header at the Community Stadium. Pronghorns women’s soccer hits the pitch at 2 p.m. to take on the Regina Cougars, followed by men's soccer at 4:15 p.m. versus the Victoria Vikes. Women's rugby closes out the day of Pronghorn action at 7 p.m. against the Calgary Dinos.

The RBC Fan Zone will feature a bouncy castle, face painting, interactive games and activities for the whole family. In addition, visitors can enjoy a beer garden and the ULethbridge Alumni Zone, featuring swag, prizes and more.

Best of all, admission is free, and when you register to attend the Triple Header, you’ll be entered into a draw for two WestJet vouchers for a complimentary round-trip flight to any of WestJet’s destinations in Canada. Register now.

To round out the weekend, the Pronghorns women’s soccer team will play Regina Cougars Sunday at noon, and the men’s team will face the UBC Thunderbirds at 2:15 p.m. Both games will be at the Community Stadium.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics embark on Blackfoot mark project, call for artists

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:42:10 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics is launching an important initiative that promises to further strengthen the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s deep connection to Blackfoot culture.

The call is out for Blackfoot artists to submit designs for the creation of a new Blackfoot mark that will embody the themes of strength, resilience and unity, reflecting both Blackfoot heritage and the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. It will be used across a range of applications, from Pronghorns jerseys and merchandise to digital media and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ branding — becoming a lasting symbol of connection to the land and people.

The new Blackfoot mark will embody the themes of strength, resilience and unity.

“We’re really excited to launch this project and put the call out to Blackfoot artists to help us create this new mark,” says Neil Langevin, executive director of Athletics and Recreation Services. “This collaborative initiative will bring together various partners, with guidance from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, to ensure cultural integrity is maintained throughout the design process.”

This project is a meaningful step toward fostering deeper respect and inclusion, reflecting ULethbridge's commitment to honouring the land and its people.

“We are Iniskim and we are located on traditional Blackfoot territory. Our commitment to the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Indigenous Peoples connects everything we do,” explains Naamoipiiksii (Hummingbird), Shanda Webber, director of Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “As a result, I was really excited when Neil approached the Office of Iniskim Indigenous Relations explaining their desire to incorporate Blackfoot language and symbols within Pronghorn Athletics.”

It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of Blackfoot traditions, while also embracing the future, where education, collaboration and community-building are central.

“Pronghorn Athletics has already been intentional about building relationships with Indigenous communities and athletes, including developing the Saokiawakaasiks (Pronghorns) Scholarship for Indigenous athletes, as well as hosting an annual Indigenous Basketball Night,” continues Webber. “Incorporating this new mark, grounded in Blackfoot ways of knowing, will serve as a lasting symbol of the university's commitment to inclusion, cultural respect, community-building and its connection to the land and people it serves.”

Langevin adds that nurturing the historical bonds they have established is at the heart of all their initiatives.

“The relationships we have fostered with Indigenous communities in southern Alberta and specifically the Blackfoot people are extremely important,” adds Langevin. “We have continued to look for meaningful ways to recognize the significance of Blackfoot culture and heritage to Pronghorn Athletics and I’m thrilled we’re able to begin this process for creating an identifying mark.”

The chosen mark will serve as a cultural and visual representation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s ongoing commitment to honouring Blackfoot traditions.

Submissions will be accepted until January 31, 2025. For more details and terms of reference, refer to the project brief at gohorns.ca/ulethbridge-blackfoot-logo.

Former men's basketball standout Cam Slomp named 2024 Pronghorn Alumni of the Year

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:03:06 +0000

A champion of sports and the arts, Cam Slomp (BA ’93) has been named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn Alumni of the Year for 2024. A former Pronghorns men’s basketball standout and dedicated financial advisor, Cam passionately advocates for sports and the arts, continually enriching the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through his support.

Former men's basketball standout Cam Slomp is a champion of both athletics and the arts.

“Cam Slomp is an outstanding representative for the Pronghorn Alumni of the Year Award,” says Neil Langevin (BA ‘91, BEd '91, MEd '10), executive director of Pronghorn Athletics and Recreation. “We are excited to announce him as our second-ever recipient. A proud and steadfast supporter of Pronghorn Athletics, Cam has made an incredible impact on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the wider Lethbridge community. His commitment extends beyond sports; he is a passionate advocate for the arts and a dedicated professional, excelling in his career with Sun Life Canada and as co-owner of LKA Financial Services Ltd., where he has received national recognition. Cam’s leadership and service set a remarkable example for others to follow, and we are proud to celebrate his achievements and contributions.”

The Pronghorn Alumni of the Year recipient will be honoured for their contributions to community at Let There Be Light Night, a celebration of alumni achievement, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets are currently available online.

Cam Slomp

Cam Slomp has leveraged his exceptional leadership skills and deep commitment to make a significant impact on his community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. A distinguished Pronghorn alumnus, Cam excelled as a standout on the Pronghorns men’s basketball team during the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning Canada West Second Team All-Star honours, and remains a proud supporter of Pronghorn Athletics. His professional success is equally impressive, with Slomp achieving recognition as a financial advisor with Sun Life Canada and owner of LKA Financial Services Ltd. In 2023, he and his team achieved MAC of the Year with Sun Life Canada, a national award recognizing excellence among Canadian Multi-Advisor Corporations, the highest honour within Sun Life Canada. Beyond his career, Slomp’s dedication to service shines through his active support of Pronghorn Athletics, his role on the board of directors for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and his co-founding of the Pronghorn Citizenship Award. Slomp’s steadfast commitment to his community and ULethbridge exemplifies the values of leadership and service, making him an inspiring representative of both.

Olympic dreams realized for Bosch and Crozon

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:50:42 +0000

Basketball players part of large ULethbridge contingent headed to Paris Olympics

Could it really happen any other way? Kacie Bosch (BA ’20) and Paige Crozon punched their ticket to the Paris Olympics in the most dramatic of ways, winning the bronze medal match in the final 3x3 women’s basketball Olympic qualifying tournament. After years of crossing the globe, jumping through qualifying hoops and racking up win after win as the world’s top-rated 3x3 team, they are Paris bound.

“It doesn’t really feel real yet,” says Crozon, who along with Bosch is an assistant coach for the Pronghorns women’s basketball team. “We’ve been preparing the last five years for this, just hoping and wishing we’d get this opportunity. I’m so proud of our team and the resilience we showed to even get to this point, and we are honoured to play amongst these women in Paris.”

Kacie Bosch, left, and Paige Crozon, middle, celebrate with teammates Michelle and Katherine Plouffe after they clinched their spot in the Paris Olympics.

The duo, who will compete alongside Olympic veterans Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, earned their spot in Paris the hard way. They fell one win short at an Olympic qualifying event in Japan, then needed a top-three finish in Hungary to secure their Olympic berth, only to lose a semifinal game to Spain on a fluke shot in the last second. It set up a winner-take-all match against the home Hungary side, and while they easily dispatched the hosts, the adversity they faced is seen as welcome experience.

“That loss to Australia in Japan was devastating for our group and we were really disheartened. We wanted to come home, come back to our families and have more time to train for Paris and instead we had four days at home and it was back on the road for another qualifier,” says Crozon.

Bosch says the experience of the Plouffe twins guided their emotions through the nerve-wracking final qualifying tournament. They also refocused their sights on what truly guides their success — having fun.

“The pressure was on, and we started to focus on the outside noise, like who was refereeing and what might happen if we lost and that’s not good for us,” says Bosch. “That’s not how we play our best ball. When we have joy, when we’re laughing and joking before we run on the court, that’s what makes us play well.”

With their spot now secure, the focus is on gearing up for Paris. The Olympics begin July 24, with the 3x3 basketball tourney running July 30 through Aug. 5. While Bosch rehabilitates a litany of knee injuries, Crozon is playing with Canada on the FIBA professional circuit. The group will reconvene in Toronto for a short training camp and head to Paris a week before their Olympic opener.

“I’m a very emotional person, so I’m already picturing us wearing our Canada jerseys and competing for our country,” says Bosch. “It’s such a huge tournament and to have friends and family there who have been supporting me since the start of my career is going to be amazing. It’s a full-circle moment — everybody has worked so hard to get to this point, and I’m so thankful for all the people behind the scenes who have supported and pushed and been practice players for us and sacrificed their time. Putting that jersey on is just an amalgamation of everybody’s efforts.”

Crozon eyes the opportunity with gratitude and joy.

“To share this with all the individuals who have helped us get to this point is something I’m really looking forward to,” she says. “It will be a big stage, but it doesn’t change why I play basketball because I just love to play. I feel free and so much joy playing basketball, so I don’t think the stage matters, I’m just excited to have another opportunity to play the game I love with everybody I care about.”

As far as who they will meet in Paris, there are no surprises. All the world’s best teams will be there, and they have faced each other many times on the professional circuit. They fear nobody.

“We’ve faced every team multiple times in games that have come down to the last few seconds, overtime games, we’ve gone through the gauntlet,” says Bosch. “All the things we’ve had to overcome, that’s our advantage going into Paris.”

Pronghorns in Paris

Pronghorns track coach Larry Steinke (BA ’94) has been running the most prominent throws program in U SPORTS for years and has been consistently involved with Canada's elite athletes at the international level. He is excited to make his sixth Olympic appearance and says this may prove to be the most memorable yet.

“It’s always an honour to represent Canada at the international level. This one will be unique, as each one is, but we go in with the best Team Canada we have ever had in track and field, including six world champions. Without a doubt it will be a special Olympics in that regard,” says Steinke, who will serve as Team Coach.

Another team member serving as mission staff is Ryan Sommer (BA '16) who competed for Steinke as a shot put specialist for the Horns from 2011-2016. After leaving ULethbridge, he turned his sights to bobsled and represented Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics where he won bronze in the four-man bobsled. Meanwhile, Mike Tamura (BA), who competed for the Horns in judo in the 1980s, will serve as Judo sport director in Paris.

As well, former Pronghorns swimmer Apollo Hess and cyclist Sarah Orban (BA ’18) will compete for Canada in Paris.

Hess swam for the Horns for two seasons, winning gold in the 200-metre and 50-metre breaststroke at the 2022 U SPORTS Championships where he was named U SPORTS Rookie of the Year. After another outstanding 2023 season, he moved to Toronto to join the High Performance Centre. Hess is a member of the Kainai Nation, and the first Blood Tribe member and swimmer of Indigenous descent to participate in the Olympics.

Orban played Horns women’s soccer and ran track while at ULethbridge. In 2017, she participated in the RBC Training Ground program and won the Alberta Regional Final, sparking interest from the national skeleton and cycling teams. She chose to focus on cycling and was named to the national team 18 months later. She won team sprint gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games. Orban graduated with a double major in kinesiology and psychology.

See this story to learn about Kacie Bosch's journey as a student in the Faculty of Education

Olympic Competition Schedule (All times MDT)

Kacie Bosch & Paige Crozon (Women's 3X3 Basketball)

Tuesday, July 30 — 10 a.m. vs. Australia
Wednesday, July 31 — 10 a.m. vs. China
Thursday, Aug. 1 — 1:30 a.m. vs. Germany
Thursday, Aug. 1 — 2 p.m. vs. France
Friday, Aug. 2 — 10 a.m. vs. USA
Friday, Aug. 2 — 1 p.m. vs. Spain
Saturday, Aug. 3 — 9:30 a.m. vs. Azerbaijan
Monday, Aug. 5 — Playoffs (TBD)

Apollo Hess (Men's Swimming, 4x100-metre medley relay)

Friday, Aug. 2 — 3 a.m. (Heats)
Saturday, Aug. 3 — 3 a.m. (Heats)
Sunday, Aug. 4 — Finals (TBD)

Sarah Orban (Women's Team Sprint Track Cycling)

Monday, Aug. 5 — 9 a.m. (Qualifying)
Monday, Aug. 5 — 10:55 a.m. (First Round)
Monday, Aug. 5 — Finals (TBD)

Horns assistants Crozon, Bosch making most of 3x3 opportunity

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:48:01 +0000

Kacie Bosch (BA ’20) and Paige Crozon are seizing opportunity — and they’re taking ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns fans and the rest of Canada along for the ride.

The two assistant coaches with the Horns women’s basketball program have a side hustle going as members of Canada’s 3x3 women’s basketball team. Recently, the duo, along with twins Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, secured their second straight FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Final title — this time in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Kacie Bosch, left, and Paige Crozon, second from left, have joined forces with twins Katherine and Michelle Plouffe to form the world's top-ranked 3x3 women's basketball team.

For two players who put their respective five-on-five playing careers on pause before 3x3 emerged, the fact they are now traversing the world as the top-rated nation in the game with eyes squarely set on playing in next year’s Paris Olympics is not lost on them.

“When I finished playing five-on-five at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, I was kind of over basketball,” says Bosch, a local product out of Chinook High School who began her post-secondary career at Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Spokane, Wa., before finishing at home with the Pronghorns. “The next step is usually to play professional five-on-five, but I knew the culture wouldn’t be the same as playing with my university teammates and I wasn’t super interested in doing that. When I got the opportunity to play 3x3, the different style, less pressure, shorter games, DJ’s blasting music the whole time — it was more of what I really wanted to do.”

The 3x3 game is electric, celebratory, approachable for fans and appealing to players who took up basketball playing essentially the same game as kids.

“I love the 3x3 environment — the live music that goes on, games that are only 10 minutes long and they’re often played in these amazing touristy locations. We play in the main square of these beautiful European cities or on the beach in Miami. I grew up playing on outdoor courts with a bunch of boys, and this definitely has a street ball feel to it,” says Crozon, originally from Humboldt, Sask., and a former American college player (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Utah).

The duo is on hiatus from the national team right now, with their next tournament the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dec. 1-3. It’s another step towards the ultimate goal, qualifying for Paris. On what is a somewhat confusing and circuitous qualifying path, Canada still must earn its qualification to the Olympic field despite consecutive Women’s Series titles and the top ranking in the world.

“As long as we’re given the opportunity through these qualifying tournaments, I’m confident we’ll seize it,” says Bosch. “I have no doubt our team is going to be able to qualify.”

This 3x3 odyssey they’ve been on, as unexpected as it was when they both started, has proven to be life changing by expanding their world view and in turn impacting the lives of those around them. For Crozon, it has given her an opportunity to traverse the world with four-year-old daughter, Poppy, while Bosch has been able to integrate the overseas travel into her busy life as a Faculty of Education after-degree student.

They are both able to bring the lessons of their experiences into their lives back home.

“I do think playing 3x3 complements coaching the five-on-five game,” says Crozon. “In 3x3 you really need to find advantages by being able to read what defenses are doing and that’s helped me grow in my ability to read the game. I try to bring that back to the U of L and explain to the girls why we are running certain plays and certain actions against the defenses we’re seeing.”

And while Bosch has always juggled the life of a student-athlete, returning to classes Monday after being in Mongolia over the weekend has tested her resolve to the extreme.

“This last one was really tough, just because I missed a week and a half, but the professors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are super understanding and they really want you to be a well-rounded person because it helps with your education. I’ve had nothing but support from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” she says.

Following their December trip to Puerto Rico, Canada will turn its eye to the final Olympic qualifying tournaments in early 2024. Crozon says it’s exhilarating to be so close to achieving their dream.

“I don't think I could have ever dreamed of how it has gone — it has surpassed all my expectations and hopes for basketball, especially with the group we have,” she says. “We love being around one another and travelling with one another. I feel very fortunate to be part of the team and to have this opportunity.”

It’s an opportunity they’ve grabbed hold of and are looking to ride all the way to Paris.

Boulet gift establishes permanent endowment for Ric Suggitt Women's Rugby Memorial Award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:32:16 +0000

The Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award has received a gift of $20,000 from Bernadine (Bernie) (BEd ’88) and Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04), establishing a permanent endowment and ensuring future generations of student-athletes will receive this meaningful support in perpetuity. Much more than a monetary scholarship given annually to a women’s rugby player at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the original award is a tribute to former Horns rugby coach Ric Suggitt and his legacy of selflessness and contributing to a better society.

Toby and Bernadine Boulet

Ric Suggitt coached just two years with the Horns (2015-2016) before his tragic passing in June 2017, and while his time as head of the program was short, the impact he made on campus, throughout Pronghorn Athletics and in the community was massive. His sphere of influence was wide and extended far beyond the rugby world — something that would become evident following his untimely death and the chain of tragic events that ensued.

“Ric was very special to our son Logan, and he offered to train Logan and his three buddies,” says Toby of his hockey-playing son. “He did a great job with them just out of the kindness of his heart and Logan really took to that — Ric was a larger-than-life personality.”

Suggitt was an organ donor and upon his passing, a tragedy turned into a miracle for those transplant recipients who benefitted from his ultimate gift. That last act of selflessness and giving resonated with Logan and he told his family he was signing up as an organ donor as well. What seemed like a symbolic gesture at the time eventually proved prescient, as Logan was one of the 16 people who died in the April 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

As the story emerged that Logan was able to save six lives through the donation of his organs, The Logan Boulet Effect was born, with hundreds of thousands of people signing up to be organ donors. The genesis of it all was Suggitt and his relationship with Logan, thereby making it easy for Bernie and Toby to choose to support the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award and continue to tell their story.

“You can never talk enough about a child who has passed away, and then it gives us a chance to talk about Ric and Ric’s influence on Logan and how he inspired him to become an organ donor,” says Toby.

Bernie echoes that sentiment and, as a co-chair of the Campaign for Students, encourages others to find an award that resonates with them if they are considering donating.

“I was never that person who would go out and ask for donations and then I thought back to when I was a student here and how fortunate I was to get scholarships and not have to worry about having to work while I was playing soccer and taking a full course load,” she says. “Those scholarships made a huge difference for me and when I took on this role, I thought about how hard it has been for students the last few years. It hasn’t been an easy road for them, and I see this campaign as an opportunity to build some positive connections again for our students to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and our community.”

Any donations to the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award, or any other new endowed student scholarship, will be matched by the ULethbridge Board of Governors as part of their $10-million pledge to student awards.

Keegan Brantner (BA ’21), a previous recipient of the award, which was established in 2017, says the scholarship was invaluable in helping her maintain focus on her schooling and her sport, rather than worrying about financial issues.

“Receiving the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award was a tremendous honor,” says Brantner. “The financial assistance is greatly appreciated but the meaning and legacy behind the award is what matters most to me. This award continues to honor Ric and his legacy as well as the values of selflessness, kindness, community and giving, which is what makes receiving this award so special.”

That the award bears Ric Suggitt’s name and will forever be connected to Ric, Logan and the Boulet family is heartening to Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10), executive director of Pronghorn Athletics.

“This award isn’t just about the money, which of course is important and can be life changing for a student-athlete, it also speaks to everything we value in Pronghorn Athletics,” says Langevin. “The story behind this award and why it came to be is about making the world around you better, about impacting people’s lives and creating a legacy of giving and community. Each scholarship recipient will know that story and the responsibility that comes with this award and that’s a powerful lesson to learn. We couldn’t be more appreciative of the Boulet family and all the donors to this award who have made this happen.”

Those interested in donating, can give by visiting the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award webpage. To give to any other student scholarship, visit Campaign for Students.

Horns take advantage of home pool at historic Canada West championships

trevor.kenney — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 23:35:45 +0000

The Pronghorns swim teams put on a show for their home crowd as the 2022 Canada West Swimming Championships took over the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre this weekend. For the first time in program history, the Horns came away with a medal haul in the double digits, hitting the conference podium 10 times over the three-day event.

Pronghorns Apollo Hess was named the top swimmer of the meet in sweeping gold in the men's breaststroke events.

The Pronghorns also captured some major awards, as head coach Peter Schori was named the Canada West Men’s Coach of the Year, while second-year swimmer Apollo Hess was named the Men’s Swimmer of the Meet and Canada West Swimmer of the Year.

Schori says while the weekend was really about showcasing the Pronghorns program, he was honoured by the recognition.

“I’m super, super proud. Coach of the Year usually goes to the winning men’s or women’s team, and it’s voted on by the coaches, so for all my peers to recognize me, that’s great,” says Schori.

The meet began with a bang on Friday, as Hess swam a blazing 26.63 in both the qualifier and the final of the 50-metre breaststroke to break his own Canadian record and capture his first gold of the weekend. Hess swept the breaststroke golds for the men, also topping the podium in the 100-metre and 200-metre events.

Schori says the weekend from Hess was yet another step in the impressive progression he’s seen over the swimmer’s time with the Horns.

“He’s been our leader, really since he got here, certainly in terms of his performances and more and more now in terms of his character and leadership,” says Schori.

Pronghorns rookie Tristan Bennett got in on the breaststroke hardware action too, taking bronze in Friday’s 50-metre final with a time of 27.74 seconds, a provincial record for 18-year-old male swimmers.

Veteran Chris Alexander collected a trio of individual medals, grabbing a silver in Friday’s 50-metre backstroke final, followed by a bronze in Saturday’s 50-metre freestyle and a second silver in Sunday’s 100-metre backstroke.

In one of the upsets of the weekend, Raine Arden captured gold in Saturday’s 200-metre freestyle final. Arden was seeded fourth heading into the race, but got out to a blazing start off the block and held off a pair of Calgary Dinos racers with a 1:48.42 finish.

Arden joined Hess, Alexander and Parker Brown as a formidable relay front on both Saturday and Sunday night, as the group raced to bronze in the 400-metre freestyle relay and silver in the 400-metre medley relay.

Schori says the extra boost from the home crowd was felt all weekend by his swimmers.

“We have a super strong program right now, especially on the men’s side, and we wanted to show that off at home. You could see it on the swimmers’ faces, what it felt like when they were marching out and how uplifting that was,” he says.

The men would complete the weekend third overall, while the women placed sixth, both good for the highest finish in program history. The Calgary Dinos topped the team podium on the men’s side, with the UBC Thunderbirds finishing first for the women.

The Horns currently have 11 swimmers qualified for USPORTS championships in February, hosted by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria.

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