UNews - Jim 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.

Pronghorns to be well represented at Pan Am Games

trevor.kenney — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:13:20 +0000

As Canada prepares to host the Pan American Games in Toronto, Pronghorn Athletics will be well represented with four former athletes and one current Pronghorn competing with the maple leaf on their chest.

The Pan Am Games will open July 10 with closing ceremonies wrapping the games up July 26. For full games information and results, visit the Toronto 2015 website.

Former Pronghorn track star Jim Steacy is a veteran of international competition.

Of the five people representing the Pronghorns at the Pan Am Games, three come from the Steacy family. Siblings Jim and Heather Steacy, as well as sister-in-law Ashley Steacy (nee: Patzer), will all compete under the family name, a true rarity in Canadian sport history. Aaron Hernandez and Kayla Moleschi round out the group of Pronghorns and former Pronghorns competing at the games.

For the first time, Rugby Sevens will make an appearance at the Pan Am Games and Ashley Steacy and Moleschi will play prominent roles for the Canadian side.

Steacy was one of the most decorated CIS women’s rugby players by the time she graduated from the U of L, winning three national championships and two CIS player of the year awards. This year, she was named the Canadian Sevens player of the year, and at the last stop of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, she was named to the overall series Dream Team.

“Pan Am’s will be my first multi-sport games and I'm very excited to get there and get a feeling for what the games are like,” says Steacy. “Women's 7s Rugby is new to the Pan Am Games so having the opportunity a year out from the Olympics to participate in a multi-sport games is going to be a big advantage to our team.”

Steacy says it's special to be competing in the same event with Jim and Heather.

“It’s pretty cool that my brother and sister-in-law will both be at the games, but unfortunately we will miss each other because of the timing of our sports," says Steacy. "I would love to stay and watch them throw but our team is travelling down to Rio to do a site visit leading into the Olympics next summer.”

While Moleschi only played one season for the Pronghorns, she had an immediate impact. Moleschi was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year and a CIS All-Canadian in her lone season and quickly earned the attention of the Canadian national program.

The Steacy siblings are no strangers to national team nominations, but say it is always an honour to represent their country.

“As an athlete, there is no greater feeling than being able to compete at a level where you can represent your country,” says two-time Olympian Jim Steacy. “I am so proud to have been selected to compete for Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto this July; it will be particularly special to compete in the red & white in front of a home crowd.”

After starring at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, winning nine CIS gold medals and going undefeated throughout his university career in the weight throw, Jim has achieved national and international success. He represented Canada at the Beijing and London Olympics, is the Canadian record holder in the hammer throw and most recently won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Sister Heather was also a star at the CIS level, winning four Canada West titles in the weight throw and four CIS medals (two gold, silver and bronze). She also is an Olympian, having joined her brother at the 2012 London Olympics.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be named to the Canadian team for the Pan American Games,” says the youngest Steacy. “The last time I competed for Team Canada was in 2013, and I was dealing with some injuries then. The past couple years have been challenging for a myriad of reasons, but this year has been filled with some changes that have been a big step in the right direction.”

Heather moved to Kamloops last fall and changed coaches – a move that has paid dividends with some great early season results.

“I was out in Victoria a couple weeks ago for a meet, and Ashley and I were able to meet up for dinner and chat about us all representing Canada at the same time and in the same event,” says Heather. “I think it’s a big deal that the rugby teams get to participate in Pan Am’s as a major multi-sport competition before their first go at the Olympics next year in Rio. It’s such a different atmosphere when you’re surrounded by not only athletes from other countries and cultures, but from completely different sports.”

Current Pronghorn Aaron Hernandez is enjoying his first senior team appointment through his participation at the Pan Am Games. Through two years of his university career, Hernandez has been nothing short of spectacular. He has won two national titles in the triple jump, been named the CIS Rookie of the Year, and this past year registered the second furthest jump in Canada West history.

“It's an unbelievable feeling to be nominated to compete for your country,” says Hernandez. “Ever since I started competing in track & field the goal has been to wear the Canada singlet. To be able to do it in front of a home crowd and at a huge event like this is just the cherry on top. Big thanks has to go out to my coach, Jaime Thomas, and coach Larry Steinke, my family and friends and all the support I have received lately. I wouldn't be here without everyone's dedication.”

“I am looking forward to competing against some of the best in the world, it will be a great learning opportunity and I'll be soaking up the atmosphere from the moment I get to athletes village to the day I compete, and through to the closing ceremonies. I can't wait!”

The city of Lethbridge as a whole will be represented well at the Pan Am Games with another eight athletes with Lethbridge connections participating in Toronto.

“I am so proud to represent Lethbridge and it is so awesome to have such a strong showing from our city!" concludes Ashley Steacy.

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.

Lethbridge Sport Council awards recognize local athletes

caroline.zentner — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 19:46:24 +0000

The Lethbridge Sport Council will honour individuals and community organizations in 10 categories with achievement awards on April 14, several of them with a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge connection.

The many contributions of Marcus Karpati (BA ’07, BEd ’10) will be acknowledged as he is honoured posthumously with the 2014 Spirit of Sport award. Karpati was a dedicated U of L Pronghorn soccer player who went on to become assistant coach for the men’s soccer program. He was also a beloved summer camp leader, teacher and husband whose passion and enthusiasm touched everyone around him. Karpati passed away last November.

Jim Steacy (BASc ’09) will be honoured as the 2014 Senior Male Athlete. In his 15th year as a track and field athlete, Steacy won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and captured his 10th Canadian Senior National Hammer Throw title. Despite having to cope with the unexpected death of his mother last April and recovering from surgeries to both feet, Steacy showed steely determination in completing his most successful season since 2009.

The 2014 Senior Female Athlete award will go to Liz Gleadle, Olympic athlete and a former U of L student. Gleadle overcame injuries that left her unable to compete for most of 2013 to break her Canadian record in women’s javelin. Highlights of the year include being ranked 10^th in the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) world rankings, representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games, and winning a bronze at the IAAF Continental Cup and a gold at the Birmingham Diamond League. In Birmingham, she topped the world record holder and the top three ranked javelin throwers in the world.

Details on the other award winners can be found on the Lethbridge Sport Council website.

The awards will be held Tuesday, April 14 at the Enmax Centre Lounge starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth. For more information or to purchase tickets call Amy Van Buskirk at 403-320-9371.

Pronghorn pride prominent as Steacy, Veldman named Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:21:55 +0000

One is a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus, while the other will be considered an alumna by the end of the spring semester. Each set a standard for excellence in Pronghorn Athletics and on Wednesday, Jim Steacy (BASc '09) and Kim Veldman were recognized as Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year.

Jim Steacy won gold in the hammer throw at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland last summer.

Steacy, the country's most decorated hammer thrower, achieved a career milestone in 2014, winning the gold medal in hammer throw at the Commonwealth Games.

A Pronghorn legend, Steacy was undefeated in the weight throw over five years as a Pronghorn athlete. He won a total of nine CIS medals over that time, including eight gold medals, and currently holds the Canadian record in men's hammer throw. Steacy has also represented Canada at two Olympic Games and is just hitting his stride in advance of his third Olympics, the 2016 Games in Rio.

Steacy is more than an on-field giant, he is also a passionate supporter of the city's youth. He has spent considerable time speaking to local schools about the importance of education and the opportunities available to children through athletics, and is quick to volunteer his time as a coach for the area's youth track and field programs.

Veldman just completed her fifth year as a forward with the Horns women's basketball team. A leader on and off the floor, she became only the second member of the program to earn a national honour when she was voted as the winner of the Sylvia Sweeney Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the values of athletics, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and community involvement.

The conference's second leading scorer in her final season, Veldman was a first-team Canada West all-star and won her second consecutive Pronghorn Female Athlete of the Year award. She leaves the program as the school's all-time leading rebounder and second leading scorer.

Kim Veldman set a career mark in rebounding during her five years with the Horns women's basketball team.

Well-rounded and grounded, Veldman was an Academic All-Canadian in every year of study and upon graduating with a degree in nursing, will be working towards completing a master's degree. Her off-court activities also include work with the Jr. Horns basketball program, time in the Reading Buddies program at local elementary schools, work with the Special Olympics and committed involvement with the Trinity Reform Church youth group.

Steacy and Veldman will be honoured at the 2015 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame's 30th Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge at the Enmax Centre. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the event, visit the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame website.

Horns alumnus Steacy wins Commonwealth Games gold medal

trevor.kenney — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:40:50 +0000

Eight years after finishing second at the Commonwealth Games, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns alumnus Jim Steacy (BASc '09) has made it to the top of the podium.

Jim Steacy is the most accomplished athlete in the history of the Pronghorn Athletics throwing program.

Steacy, competing for Canada at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, won gold in the men's hammer throw event on Tuesday night with a throw of 74.16 metres. His throw edged out England's Nick Miller, who threw 72.99 metres for silver, and Scotland's Mark Dry, who posted a 71.64 metre throw for bronze.

A two-time Canadian Olympian, Steacy has battled injuries for major parts of the last five years but is finally healthy again and regaining his championship form.

Steacy has won 10 Canadian hammer throw titles and was dominant throughout his career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. A four-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Male Field Athlete of the Year, Steacy won nine CIS medals, including eight gold while wearing Pronghorns colours.

In Glasgow, Steacy qualified for the finals of the men's hammer throw event with a mark of 70.62 metres, and was shy of Miller's leading qualifying mark of 72.76 metres. He turned the tables in the final however, blasting past Miller to earn Canada's seventh gold medal of the day and 16th gold medal overall.

Steacy holds the Canadian hammer throw record of 79.13 metres, which he achieved at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Chinook Throws Gala in 2008.

Laying the Groundwork

david.kirby — Thu, 15 May 2014 21:35:00 +0000

Larry Steinke (BA ‘94), the architect and head coach of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field team, has cultivated a program of excellence over the past 15-plus years, and while the team continues to pile up medals at Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships, his focus is squarely on maximizing the opportunities of his athletes well beyond their years in Pronghorn blue and gold.

Pronghorns head coach Larry Steinke has been with the program for 15 years.

“From the very beginning, I wanted to establish a program that was sought after by athletes but not every athlete. I wanted to sift out those people who would make a good fit with the program,” says Steinke, who took over the track program in 1998. “I want athletes who have loftier goals than just CIS. A lot of schools are only worried about maximizing their athletes for the four years that they are in school. We’re a little different here because I look at each athlete from a long-term approach.”

Those who buy into the philosophy understand the big picture mentality. They also have to look no further than a few lockers away – at Olympians Jim Steacy (BASc '09) and Heather Steacy – to get a sense of the success it reaps.

“I still have Jim’s autograph up on my wall at home,” says Peter Millman, who came to the U of L from Truro, N.S.

A second-year Pronghorn who won Canada West gold medals in both the weight throw and shot put, Millman saw the U of L as his only destination from the time he first started working with Steinke on a training trip to Lethbridge when he was in Grade 10.

“Meeting Jim and having the opportunity to throw with an Olympian when I was in Grade 10 was one of the coolest things ever,” he says. “There were offers for me to go to different places but they were never entertained; it was always going to be Lethbridge.”

Now recognized as a throwing power, the U of L is truly a destination school for the country’s elite throwers. Kayla Gallagher, another Truro product, just won her second consecutive CIS gold medal in weight throw and is one of 10 track athletes who have come to the U of L from outside of Alberta.

(L-R) Kayla Gallagher, Aaron Hernandez and Peter Millman.

All the while, Steinke is now beginning to see golden results outside of the throwing disciplines, noting that success really does breed success.

“That is our challenge now, to try and move away from just the throws to create a culture of excellence across all of the event groups,” he says.

Aaron Hernandez, from Coaldale, Alta., is one of those success stories after he won the CIS gold medal in triple jump and was named CIS Rookie of the Year. He’s won early in his career but understands his ultimate goal is years away.

“For any track and field athlete, their ultimate is to compete in the Olympics and that’s something I hope to see one day,” says Hernandez, who works with jump coach Jaime Thomas (BSc '04).

Hernandez, along with Gallagher, Millman and the rest of the Horns team get the Steinke program, knowing full well that the greatest rewards will come long after they have completed school.

“They all have bright futures internationally and that’s why I wanted to work with them,” says Steinke. “We are about longer-term development. It’s whether the athlete has the wherewithal to stick it out for that long. I see that mentality in this group.”

Something that bodes well for their futures, in any path they choose.

This story appears in the Spring 2014 edition of SAM magazine. For a look at the full version in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Mercer is schooled by Horns track team

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 21:17:03 +0000

The CBC's Rick Mercer might not be the most imposing figure to take his turn in the throwing circle, but there is no denying the size of his heart.

Rick Mercer, centre, and the U of L Pronghorns throwing team.

The popular CBC television personality spent a day at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on Monday, Mar. 10 as he learned the finer points of the art of throwing from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns throwing team.

Mercer was learning from some of the country's best athletes, including ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus and Olympian Jim Steacy (BASc '09), his sister and fellow Olympian Heather Steacy, as well as Canada West shot put and weight throw champion Peter Millman and two-time CIS women's weight throw champion Kayla Gallagher. The group is busy preparing for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland at the end of July.

Led by head coach Larry Steinke, the Horns have created a centre of excellence here at the U of L, so it was only fitting that Mercer came to Lethbridge to learn from the best. He entered the ring and tried his hand at each of the shot put, weight throw, hammer throw, discus and javelin disciplines.

"I did everything, I always try to do everything and I tried my hardest," says Mercer. "I'm not very good at any of those things, I learned that, but they are incredible."

Head coach Steinke says that Mercer has a little work to do before he's ready to enter competition and represent Canada.

"He has one of those techniques that will take a number of years to get better and well enough to compete in the 2016 Olympics, but there's a definite possibility there," says Steinke.

Look for the full Rick Mercer Report to air Tuesday, Mar. 25.

Gallagher caps rookie season with CIS gold

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:40:48 +0000

The torch has officially been passed and it continues to burn as bright as ever for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns throws team.

With the brother/sister combination of Jim and Heather Steacy no longer competing, and winning medals, for the Horns, a new group of throwers debuted at the U of L this track season. In terms of medal counts, the team hardly missed a beat.

Rookies Kayla Gallagher and Peter Millman posted double medalist performances at the Canada West championship meet, each winning gold in their respective weight throw events and silver in the shot put. Gallagher then set the track community on its ear with a dominant performance at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championships, claiming gold in the weight throw for yet another throws national title for the program.

"I just wanted to place higher than what I was ranked going into the meet," says Gallagher, who was ranked fifth nationally. "A fourth-place finish would have been fine with me and getting on the podium would have been awesome – that was my thinking."

First-year Pronghorn thrower Kayla Gallagher continues the long tradition of excellence in the Horns' throws program.

She exceeded awesome by throwing 18.24 metres in the CIS final, a personal best by nearly two metres and almost a metre better than the rest of the field. At just 19, Gallagher is already on the fast track to a stellar career, and serves as another example of the talented athletes that head coach Larry Steinke continues to bring into the program.

Of course, Steinke had the inside track on Gallagher all along. A Truro, Nova Scotia product, Gallagher comes from a throwing hot spot, training with the Truro Lions club that spawned former Pronghorns Kate Forbes (the CIS Championship Meet record holder in weight throw) and Jonathan Doucette.

Her Truro coach, Paul Millman, is the father of fellow rookie Peter Millman, and is a close friend of Steinke's, so much so that Gallagher had twice visited the U of L for training camps as a high school athlete.

"I was never going to stay home for track," says Gallagher. "The biggest decision for me was whether I would go to the United States or stay in Canada but I honestly never really looked at any schools in the U.S., it just made sense to stay in Canada."

And to work with Steinke, the national team coach who has consistently produced the country's best young throwers.

Of course, it wasn't all record-setting throws and medals for Gallagher this season. She actually opened the Canada West season well off form.

"It was a rough start to the season, I was throwing worse than I had been two years ago," she says. "I had to reevaluate what I thought I could accomplish."

Devoting more time to weight throw (she also throws discus and shot put), Gallagher started to see results. She threw a personal best at the Canada West championship meet and established the longest throw ever for a CIS rookie in winning gold.

"When I threw 18-plus metres at CIS, it didn't surprise me because that's what I'd been throwing in the two weeks of practice leading in. The fact that I did it in a competition as opposed to just in practice was the big thing," she says.

She credits Steinke's coaching technique for much of her success, as well as the opportunity to train alongside Olympians such as Jim and Heather Steacy.

"I really enjoy Larry as a coach, he explains things really well and can show you how to correct things," she says. "He uses a lot of visual techniques, either with a video camera or by physically just showing you what to do, and that works for me because I'm a very visual learner."

Her transition to university life is an ongoing learning cycle. She admits that the time constraints of training for track and working a job take their toll on studying. Interested in psychology, Gallagher says she is working hard on improving her time management skills.

Considering the strides she made in the throwing circle in just one season, it's safe to say that when Gallagher puts her mind to something, she's likely to reap the rewards very soon.

GET THE FACTS

· Gallagher is currently training with Steinke and a group of elite throwers in Phoenix, AZ through Apr. 8

· Millman was named Canada West Rookie of the Year

· Gallagher has set her sights on breaking Kate Forbes' CIS weight throw record of 19.66 metres (2005 CIS Championships), then wants to take aim at Heather Steacy's Canada West and school records (20.28 metres)

· Gallagher will compete for Nova Scotia at the Canada Summer Games in August, and hopes to turn a strong performance at the Canadian national meet in Quebec into an invitation to the Pan American Junior Track and Field Championships in Peru, also in August

This story first appeared in the April 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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