UNews - Canada West

Pronghorns women’s basketball team a welcome haven for Ukrainian nationals

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:55:40 +0000

Sport vernacular is often filled with references to war as commentators seek to elevate the action they’re describing to engage viewers. Teams enter into “battle” with one another, home run hitters, golfers and three-point shooters “hit bombs” and the ebb and flow of games is often described as “attacking and defending.” For ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns basketball players Viktoriia Kovalevska and Vlada Hozalova, the terms and phrases ring hollow, because war is the reality from which they fled in Ukraine to continue to pursue their basketball dream.

Viktoriia Kovalevska, left, and Vlada Hozalova have been in Canada since May.

“I was trapped in Berdyansk as, during the first week of the military conflict, Russian troops occupied the city,” says Hozalova. “I couldn’t leave my town because it was dangerous. Only a month later, I was able to leave the city after passing 20 Russian checkpoints.”

Kovalevska and her family lived in Rivne, in northwestern Ukraine. She, along with her mother and brother, moved to Poland a week after the start of the war — her parents feared their city would be attacked by Russia from the north. As the situation worsened in Ukraine and throughout Europe, they looked to escape altogether and took advantage of the opportunity to come to Canada. From there, they were placed with a family in Calgary.

“It was extremely difficult, as you do not realize when you will be able to see each other again,” says Kovalevska of leaving family and friends. “We are very worried and pray for their safety, and especially our two best friends who protect our territory in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One of them has been in Russian captivity for five months and we are waiting every day for him to contact us.”

Dropped into a new country, living with a new family, learning the language and customs of Canadian society and thousands of miles from home, the friends had one constant to fall back on — basketball — and it served as the conduit to the next chapter of their lives. The pair of guards had been members of Ukraine’s U16, U18 and U20 national teams and teammates in the Ukraine Women’s Superleague, an eight-team professional circuit.

Kovalevska, a guard, is eligible to play this fall for the Pronghorns.

“They were getting out of Ukraine and basketball was going to be and has become the thing that’s helping them find their roots in this country,” says Pronghorns women’s basketball head coach Dave Waknuk, who was the first to express interest in the duo when it was clear they wanted to resume playing in their new country. “Basketball is a big part of their life, it’s their skill, it’s what they know and what they brought with them.”

Initial meetings took place over Skype and once the pair had settled in Canada, Waknuk was able to host them for workouts. He had spots to fill on his roster and adding players with a professional pedigree is always a bonus but for these two, it was more than a basketball decision.

“We were definitely interested from a basketball standpoint,” says Waknuk. USPORTS rules allow for three international players per roster, while professional experience is allowed for women’s programs. “The other side of it, you think about the positive impact their story can have upon our community and obviously the impact we can have with them and their lives. It just made sense and we said to ourselves, how can we not do it?”

Serendipitously, ULethbridge had just approved a new Ukrainian Emergency Bursary designed to assist current and new students whose parents, because of war, were no longer able to support their sons and daughters. A total of 10, two-semester bursaries were approved, providing students with full tuition and housing. Four current and four new students were able to take advantage of the support, including Kovalevska and Hozalova.

Vlada Hozalova will practise with the team until she completes her English for Academic Purposes (EAP) qualifications.

“It’s something I felt deeply that we needed to do to support Ukrainian students,” says Paul Pan director of International. “For the university, it’s a good thing and it’s something we are able to do. We’ve got some really good students here and they’re all working hard at making a new life and it’s hard to even imagine what they are going through. This is what we can do to support them and help them along the way.”

Kovalevska (education/pedagogy) and Hozalova (physical education), who are 23 and 24-years-old respectively, have both earned master’s degrees from Berdyansk State Pedagogical ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Ukraine. Kovalevska is studying business at ULethbridge and will play for the Pronghorns this season, while Hozalova must first complete the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program before she is eligible.

Waknuk is thankful for all the support to make this happen. From the sponsor family to the local Ukrainian community and society to Pan’s International office and ULethbridge senior administration, it’s created opportunity for two players to play the game they love and begin to establish roots in their new country. He also marvels at how the game has allowed them to connect when sometimes language and cultural differences get in the way.

“It’s neat because this gives you an idea of how universal sport is,” he says. “When we first started conversations, we had trouble talking about what day of the week it was or what the weather was like but the minute I started talking basketball, or we started to draw things up, we had that common language. Even now, with their teammates, the easiest way for them to bond is through the sport.”

Both Pan and Waknuk remark on how thankful Kovalevska and Hozalova are for the opportunity they’ve been granted, as athletes and as students. They also note how fortunate the university community is to have them on campus.

“It’s bigger than basketball. Basketball is obviously the centre of it for them, but there’s so much more to it,” says Waknuk. “I’m excited for them and I’m excited for my team because it’s such a great message of caring and compassion.”

Broadcaster and former NHL goaltender Kelly Hrudey to headline 7th Annual Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast

trevor.kenney — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 17:02:05 +0000

Former National Hockey League goaltender and Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Kelly Hrudey will headline the 7th Annual Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

Kelly Hrudey will headline the 7th Annual Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

“To be able to have Kelly Hrudey come in as our guest speaker, just as we are gearing up to host the U Sports ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Cup Men’s National Hockey Championship, is a perfect fit,” says Robb Engen, manager of Development & Marketing, Pronghorn Athletics. “Kelly is respected for an outstanding playing career and as one of the best on-air personalities in the game.”

The Pronghorn Breakfast has raised more than $289,000 in support of Pronghorn Athletics programs. As part of its ongoing commitment to athletics, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will once again match $100 per ticket, with the funds going directly to the teams.

“Canada West just may be the most competitive conference in the country and in order for our programs to compete, we need to attract the best athletes,” says Ken McInnes (BA’91, BMgt’97, Mgt Certificate ’02), executive director, Sport & Recreation Services. “Through events such as these we are able to offer scholarship packages that bring the best student-athletes to the U of L and create a culture that allows them to succeed both academically and in the athletic arena.”

Hrudey, originally from Edmonton, is well known to southern Alberta hockey fans. He played junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers for three years before being drafted by the NHL’s New York Islanders in the second round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He enjoyed a 15-year NHL career with the Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, playing alongside some of the game’s most legendary names, including Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky.

Hrudey joined CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada full-time in 1998-99, following four years of contributing to the show on a part-time basis during his final four seasons in the NHL. In addition to his work as a studio analyst, Hrudey served as a co-host for the post-game show, After Hours, and also worked as a game analyst for western game broadcasts.

He joined the NHL on Sportsnet team in August 2014, and acts as a studio analyst for national broadcasts, including Hockey Night in Canada, and as a game analyst for Sportsnet’s Calgary Flames regional broadcasts.

In 2007, Hrudey received a Gemini Award for Best Studio Analyst, recognizing his work on Hockey Night in Canada. In addition to his work with the NHL, Hrudey has covered three Olympic Winter Games including Salt Lake 2002, Torino 2006, and Sochi 2014.

He says he’s looking forward to coming back to southern Alberta to talk hockey, Pronghorns and the upcoming national championship event.

“I’m extremely excited about coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and sharing my stories from the great game of hockey,” says Hrudey. “As an Albertan, I consider it a huge honour to be visiting Lethbridge and especially right before a big event like the men’s national hockey championship.”

Tickets for the Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast are available at gohorns.ca/breakfast.

Adams returns to take over women's basketball program

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:28:52 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics is excited to announce the return of a familiar face as Dave Adams has been named the new head coach of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program. Adams becomes the 11th head coach in the program’s history.

Dave Adams returns to Pronghorn Athletics, reviving his long history with Horns basketball.

“Dave brings a real energy to the program,” says Ken McInnes, Interim Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services. “He will provide the stability and community engagement the women’s program needs to succeed. I know everyone is looking forward to having Dave on campus as soon as his obligations are fulfilled with his current employer.”

Adams spent three seasons at the helm of the men’s basketball program from 2009 to 2013 and also served in an interim capacity with the men’s program for the 2001-02 season.

Adams finished his second tenure with the men’s program in 2013, compiling a 46-60 win-loss record, the second best winning percentage of any Pronghorns men’s basketball coach. His teams made three trips to the Canada West playoffs.

He tendered his resignation following the 2013 season after leading the Pronghorns to a 12-win campaign, the most the program had achieved since the 1999-2000 season, accepting a position as Principal/Superintendent for Alruwad International Schools in Muscat, Oman. Adams ultimately returned to southern Alberta a year later.

"It is with great respect and enthusiasm that the stewardship of Pronghorns women's basketball is handed to me from (former) coach Erin McAleenan,” says Adams. “Our program looks forward to working in collaboration with Horns both past and present, the outstanding feeder systems in southern Alberta high schools, the CCAA silver medalists at Lethbridge College, the good people at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the supportive community of southern Alberta.”

Adams began his coaching career at Catholic Central High School immediately following the end of his playing career. In 1984, he took over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's program and in four seasons, compiled a record of 104-28, including three ACAC medals (one silver and two bronze).

A Lethbridge resident for nearly 40 years, Adams also has extensive experience with provincial and national organizations, coaching with the Alberta Provincial program from 1993-97 and with the Basketball Canada Centre for Performance from 2004 to 2006.

As the head coach of the provincial program, Adams led Team Alberta to a silver medal at the Western Canada Games in 1993. He was also at the helm for silver and bronze medals for Team Alberta at the national championships.

As a player, Adams suited up for 76 games for the Blue and Gold from 1976-81, having his best season during the 1980-81 season when he averaged 11.9 points per game.

Horns sweep shot put podium, win six medals at Canada West

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 16:55:10 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field team continued to dominate the men’s throwing events, returning home from the Canada West Championships in Winnipeg with six medals and a major award.

For the second consecutive year, Peter Millman was named Field Athlete of the Year following a double gold medal performance.

For the second consecutive year, Peter Millman was named Field Athlete of the Year after completing a double gold medal performance, claiming both the men's shot put and weight throw titles.

For only the third time in Canada West history, a team swept the podium in a men’s event, with the Horns sweeping the gold, silver and bronze medals in the shot put event. Millman won the shot put with a personal best throw of 17.23 metres, while Ryan Sommer claimed the silver medal and Madison Hurst earned the bronze medal with a personal best toss of 14.06 metres.

Pronghorn athletes were responsible for the only other two podium sweeps in Canada West history as well. In 2003, the Horns swept the men's weight throw and in 2004 the Horns swept the men's shot put event.

Millman and Sommer also medalled in the weight throw event, with Millman winning gold and Sommer claiming a bronze medal. Hurst was seventh in the weight throw and Jordan Armstrong finished ninth. Armstrong also picked up an eighth-place finish in the shot put.

Reigning CIS Rookie of the Year, Aaron Hernandez, continued his dominance in the triple jump, winning his second consecutive gold medal and registering the second furthest jump in Canada West history with a leap of 15.50 metres. Hernandez was an honorable mention for both the Performance of the Meet and Field Event Athlete of the Meet awards.

On the women’s side, the Horns did not return with any medals, but had some noteworthy performances. Montana Forsyth and Lara Roth narrowly missed the podium in the weight throw, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Amanda Weiler finished in 10th spot. The Horns women's 4x200-metre relay narrowly missed a school record and finished seventh.

Other results for the women’s team included: Rebecca Bermel 13th in the women's 60m and 15th in women's long jump; Bryna Cline 13th in women's triple jump with a personal best of 9.95m; Jessi Fersch 18th in women's long jump; and Amaka Ashiofu 16th in women's 60m.

"I was definitely pleased with the weekend’s results and couldn't be happier to see the men complete a sweep of the shot put podium,” says head coach Larry Steinke. "Almost every athlete achieved a personal best and every athlete moved up from where they were ranked going into the meet, so I really couldn't have asked for more.”

Millman, Sommer and Hernandez all qualified for the CIS Championship meet that will be hosted by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Windsor, March 12-14.

Horns looking for medals at Canada West Track Championship

trevor.kenney — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:51:37 +0000

The 2014-15 Canada West Track & Field Championships will see a small but talented ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge team compete this weekend at the Max Bell Fieldhouse in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba.

The Horns will send 12 athletes to the championship meet this year, with seven women and five men ready to challenge for conference titles.

Reigning CIS rookie of the year Aaron Hernandez and two-time Canada West weight throw gold medalist Peter Millman lead the Pronghorns this season and are favourites to win their respective events. The men’s team as a whole has been ranked 10th in the country for the past three weeks.

Following a stellar freshman campaign where he won both the Canada West and CIS gold medal in the triple jump, Hernandez enters the championship meet as the jumper to beat, ranked first in both the Canada West and CIS in his event.

Millman has had an exceptional start to his third season and goes to Winnipeg as the top ranked thrower in Canada West. Undefeated thus far this season, Millman sits atop the rankings in both the weight throw and shot put amongst Canada West competition. He is also ranked second in the CIS.

Ryan Sommer sits in second place in the Canada West rankings in both weight throw and shot put and sixth in CIS. Madison Hurst and Jordan Armstrong round out a strong men's team, ranking sixth and 13th in conference rankings for shot put and weight throw respectively.

On the women’s side, third-year Truro, Nova Scotia product Montana Forsyth is the top ranked Pronghorn athlete, ranking fifth in the weight throw, while Lara Roth is ranked one spot behind her at sixth.

The women's 4X200m relay team is ranked sixth in Canada West and looks to better its season's best time and ranking.

Overall, the Horns are poised to take home five medals and build on their preparations for the CIS Championships.

"We have had a strong season from a number of athletes thus far, but Canada West is where the rubber really starts to hit the road and preparations for CIS begin to show through,” says head coach Larry Steinke. “I'm expecting strong results from everyone and signs indicate that we will have some very notable performances again this year at Canada West."

Horns dynasty team inducted into Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 19:40:56 +0000

They dominated women's rugby for three years, winning consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009. On Wednesday, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby championship teams were inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

The Horns' title run was capped by a dominant performance at the CIS championship tournament in 2009.

The Horns will go into the hall as part of the 2015 inductee class that also includes: Carla MacLeod (Hockey); Kevin Martin (Curling); Bruce MacGregor (Hockey); Bill Warren (Builder); Hugh McPherson (Builder); James (Bearcat) Murray (Builder); David and Jean Folinsbee (Pioneer Award – Badminton); Peter Maher (Bell Memorial Award); Chris Koch (Achievement Award); and Joey Moss (Achievement Award).

Following the program’s first Canada West title and a CIS bronze medal victory in 2006, the Pronghorns returned to the CIS Championships in 2007 in London, Ont. The Horns defeated the host Western Mustangs 15-10 to win the program's first national title and kick off a run of dominance that not only boosted the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's national reputation but inspired a new generation of rugby players throughout southern Aberta.

Brittany Orr was named CIS tournament most valuable player and Canada West rookie of the year, while Ashley Steacy (nee: Patzer) garnered recognition as a CIS All-Canadian.

While the Horns knew they were guaranteed a berth in the 2008 CIS Championship as the host program, the team earned its third consecutive Canada West title to enter the tournament as the top seed. On their home field, the Pronghorns repeated as national champions with a 29-15 win over St. Francis Xavier ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in front of more than a 1,000 hometown fans.

Steacy was named CIS Tournament MVP and the Pronghorns laid claim to six of the 15 tournament all-star spots. Brandi Van Eeuwen was named both the Canada West and CIS rookie of the year.

The 2009 season was truly a special one for the Pronghorns as they went undefeated in Canada West conference action, outscoring their opponents 217-7 in four conference games before winning the Canada West title with a 30-0 victory over the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas.

The Horns' dominance was cemented at the CIS Championship tournament in Vancouver. The U of L opened the tourney with a 51-3 thrashing of the Western Mustangs before dispatching Quebec champion Concordia 15-0. A 25-0 victory over Ontario champion Guelph Gryphons set up another championship matchup with St. FX. Once again, the Pronghorns prevailed, winning 20-3 for their third consecutive CIS Championship.

On their run to the title in 2009, the Horns outscored their opponents an unfathomable 444-13. Steacy was named CIS Player of the Year, while Andrea Letal was the tournament MVP and Neil Langevin was named Canada West and CIS Coach of the Year.

The 2015 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet was held May 29, 2015.

Horns women's soccer team opens home schedule, men hit the road

trevor.kenney — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:00:18 +0000

After opening the Canada West conference schedule last weekend on the road, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s soccer team (0-1-1) returns home to host a pair of games this week.

The Horns kick off this week’s action hosting provincial rival ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Dinos (1-0-1) Thursday night (6 p.m.), before welcoming the newest member of the Canada West, McEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, to the conference Saturday afternoon (12 p.m.).

Following a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Mount Royal Cougars in Calgary to open the 2014 season, the Horns played an exceptional defensive game and held the defending Canada West Champion ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas to a scoreless draw last Sunday in Edmonton.

Sophomore goalkeeper Myriah Marino had a great start to the season making 17 saves in the two games last weekend, including nine saves on Sunday versus the Pandas to earn her first Canada West shutout.

For the Dinos, a team that has a distinctly new look this season, the 2014 campaign started on the right foot. With 15 new faces this season, the Dinos opened with an impressive 2-0 win over the Pandas Saturday, before returning to Calgary and playing the MRU Cougars to a scoreless draw.

Saturday afternoon will mark a historic day for the McEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Griffins women’s soccer team, as they compete in their first ever Canada West regular season game.

Fresh off a national championship title in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, the Griffins return 16 players from that championship team but will need to elevate their play and adjust quickly to the level of Canada West play if they are to have a successful first campaign.

Pronghorn men hit the road

Coming off a bye during the opening weekend of the Canada West conference schedule, the Pronghorns men’s soccer team finally competes in its first conference action, traveling to Winnipeg to face the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Winnipeg Wesmen in a pair of games.

The 2014 version of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s soccer team will showcase a strong mix of experience and youth with 10 true freshmen on the roster but will be led by a strong nucleus of veterans.

This group will look to build off a successful summer club season as a handful of the current Pronghorns joined forces with Horns alumni and other local soccer players to earn the Lethbridge Football Club (LFC) its first Alberta Major Soccer League (AMSL) regular season title.

Fifth-year defenders Conner Brady and Scott Slomp will be tasked with leading the squad and bringing the youth up to speed in quick fashion.

One area of strength for the Horns this season should be in the middle of the field with an exceptional collection of third-year athletes in Dom Rigaux, Gui Costa and Dom Point du Jour and the addition of Allan Siwella. After transferring from Medicine Hat College last year, Siwella missed the entire 2014 season due to an injury but has regained his Canadian College All-Canadian form this summer with LFC.

Returning incumbent keeper Tyler Boast will bring stability to the last line of defence in his fourth year of eligibility. Boast led the conference in saves last season with 51 and led Canada West keepers in shutouts in 2013.

Incoming freshmen include local products Kendell Weins, Riley Flint, Stephen Primeau and Audulio Arraga. They are joined by defenders Blake Pipke, Cormac Southam and Ethan Perkins as well as midfielders Sean Gaiskey and Jared Ursulan. All are expected to push for playing time.

For the Wesmen, despite high expectations heading into the season, the 2014 season did not get off to the start they were looking for, losing both games last weekend in Edmonton to the Alberta Golden Bears, 6-3 and 6-1.

The Horns return home next weekend to host the newest Canada West school, MacEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Griffins, at the U of L Community Stadium.

Veldman, Reiter earn Athlete of the Year honours from Horns

trevor.kenney — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 21:08:46 +0000

Kim Veldman and Logan Reiter were named Female and Male Athletes of the Year as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics hosted its annual Blue and Gold Banquet recently.

Over 280 athletes, administrators and special guests were in attendance for the supper and awards ceremony with former Pronghorn and Canadian National Women's Rugby team member Ashley MacDonald serving as the guest speaker.

After three seasons with her home province ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ UPEI, MacDonald transferred to the U of L, and in her two seasons with the Pronghorns she was nothing short of dominant on the rugby pitch. During her time with the Pronghorns, she was a member of two national championship teams, was named a Canada West All-Star and CIS All-Canadian in both seasons as well as being named CIS Championship tournament all-star at both championships.

In addition to her stellar play on the field, MacDonald was also an exceptional student, being named an Academic All-Canadian.

Internationally, MacDonald represented Canada on the U23 National team, FISU sevens team and the Canadian senior national team and was just named to the Canadian team that will face the Americans in the CanAm series in April.

Upon obtaining her bachelor of science in kinesiology, MacDonald returned to UPEI to complete her physiotherapy degree and is currently working at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Kim Veldman was among the league leaders in a number of categories this season.

Fourth-year post Kim Veldman truly put up a season that ranks among the best in the country and cemented herself into the Pronghorn record book for years to come.

Still with eligibility remaining, she broke a 16-year-old school record, while ranking among both the Canada West and CIS leaders in numerous statistical categories.

This season she ranked second in the conference in rebounding and set a new school record for career rebounds. While often facing double and triple teams in the offensive court, she ranked third in the conference in scoring. She narrowly missed being a conference first team all-star but was named to the Canada West's second team.

Her ability to balance her training while maintaining a high GPA in nursing speaks volumes to her commitment to being a well-rounded student-athlete.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Logan Reiter closed out his Pronghorns' career with another exceptional season.

In his final season donning the blue and gold, team captain Logan Reiter led his team on and off the playing field, leading the team to heights that have not been seen in years.

In addition to being a selfless leader, he was among the conference leaders in points, while also leading his team in assists and thus earned his first conference all-star nod, being named to the Canada West second team.

His positive attitude and refusal to quit helped lead the 'Horns to 13 fourth-quarter comebacks or last-minute victories and resulted in the program's best regular season in 14 years and only the fourth 15-win season in the program's history.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

For the third-year in a row, a member of the Pronghorns women's hockey team received the prestigious President's Award, which rewards the student athlete with the highest academic standing at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Jasmin Teske achieved a perfect 4.0GPA, while balancing her large commitment to her team, earning the President's Award for the second successive season.

TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

The Pronghorns women's soccer team received the team Team Academic Award with a combined GPA of 3.10.

TEAM MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

Men’s Soccer – Scott Slomp
Women’s Soccer – Keagan Moch
Men’s Hockey – Mitch Maxwell
Women’s Hockey – Jenna-Marie Durnin
Men’s Basketball – Logan Reiter
Women’s Basketball – Kim Veldman
Women’s Rugby – Kim Leavitt
Men’s Track – Aaron Hernandez
Women’s Track – Kayla Gallagher
Swim – Ryan Thornley

Horns look for medals at CIS Track Championships

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:59:37 +0000

After collecting four medals at the Canada West championship meet two weeks ago in Edmonton, four ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns track athletes will return to Edmonton in search of more hardware at the CIS Championships.

Thrower Peter Millman was a double medalist at the Canada West Championships and is looking to add a national title to his resumé.

The three-day event, hosted for the second straight year by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, gets under way Thursday, Mar. 6 with the season awards luncheon at Lister Hall.

The first final of the national meet, the women’s weight throw, follows shortly after, at 2:30 p.m. The championships conclude Saturday afternoon with the always exciting 4x400m relays. Selected events will be webcast live daily at www.CIS-SIC.tv and live results can be found at http://www.ellistrack.ca/CIS/LiveResults/.

Double Canada West gold medalist Peter Millman leads the small Horns contingent of three males and one female set to compete in Edmonton.

Millman, who won both the Canada West weight throw and shot put events while setting new personal best marks in both, enters the meet ranked third in the CIS in weight throw and fourth in the shot put. Joining Millman in the two men’s throws events will be Ryan Sommer.

Sommer finished just off the podium at the Canada West championships, placing fourth in both throws events and will enter the CIS meet ranked 12th and 13th in the shot and weight throw respectively.

Canada West Rookie of the Year Aaron Hernandez rounds out the Horns men’s participants at the national meet, and will compete in the triple jump and long jump events. The triple jump Canada West gold medalist is ranked second in the CIS with a best jump of 15.03 metres.

Defending CIS weight throw champion Kayla Gallagher is the lone female Pronghorn to qualify for the CIS Championships, and enters the meet as the favourite in the weigh throw. Despite not training in shot put for the majority of the year, she is also ranked 10th nationally in that event.

Millman leads Horns at Canada West Championships

trevor.kenney — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:16:23 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field team captured four Canada West gold medals and a pair of individual awards at the Canada West Track and Field Championships in Edmonton this past weekend.

Peter Millman was unstoppable in both the weight throw and shot put events, winning two gold medals.

Horns thrower Peter Millman continued his dominance in the throwing circle, winning both the weight throw and shot put events. Millman set a new personal best in both events, throwing 18.82 metres in the weight throw and 16.91 metres in the shot. Fellow thrower Ryan Sommer finished fourth in both events and punched his ticket to the CIS Championships in March.

Following his double gold medal performance, Millman was named the Canada West Field Athlete of the Year.

Pronghorns rookie Aaron Hernandez also made his mark at the Canada West meet, dominating the triple jump event by nearly a metre as he reached 15.03 metres. Hernandez earned gold and was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year.

Kayla Gallagher, centre, defended her Canada West weight throw title with a dominant performance.

On the women’s side, reigning CIS weight throw champion Kayla Gallagher was once again the cream of the crop. She claimed her second consecutive Canada West title by setting a new personal best with a throw of 18.48 metres. Gallagher also beat the field by nearly a metre.

Then, despite not training shot put for much of the season, Gallagher was three centimetres short of a new personal best and missed the shot put podium by only nine centimetres to finish fourth with a throw of 13.17 metres.

"We had a great weekend with some strong results. Obviously the four gold medals and athlete of the year and rookie of the year honours were fantastic,” says Pronghorns head coach Larry Steinke. “But the team as a whole had a lot of personal bests and some great individual performances that indicate the future will continue to only look stronger for us moving forward."

Millman, Sommer, Hernandez and Gallagher all qualified for the CIS Championships that will be hosted by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta in Edmonton, Mar. 6-8.

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