UNews - Olympic Games

Herdman to headline 2015 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:00:43 +0000

As women’s soccer steps to the forefront of the national consciousness, Pronghorn Athletics is proud to present Canadian Senior Women’s National Soccer Team head coach John Herdman as the featured speaker for the 2015 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast, Tuesday, September 29, 2015 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym.

Canada is the home nation for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Pan Am Games this year, and Herdman is front and centre as the leader of the Canadian women’s side at each of these landmark tournaments.

Canada is the home nation for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Pan Am Games this year, and Herdman is front and centre as the leader of the Canadian women’s side.

“Women’s soccer in Canada has never been given the exposure that these two international events bring, so it is very exciting and timely to be able to have John Herdman as our featured speaker,” says Robb Engen, manager of Business Development, Sport and Recreation Services. “Under Herdman, the Canadian women have experienced their greatest successes, and the work he’s done to instill a high performance culture within the Canadian women’s soccer community will no doubt lead to a very inspiring presentation.”

English born, Herdman first came to prominence on the international stage as the head coach of the New Zealand Women’s National Football Team from 2006 through 2011, leading the team into two FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

As New Zealand’s Director of Football Development, Herdman introduced changes that revolutionized how soccer is organized and delivered with his award-winning Whole of Football Plan.

He took over as coach of the Canadian national squad in 2011 and the side experienced immediate success, winning its first ever Pan Am Games gold medal in Mexico. In the summer of 2012, Herdman and the Canadians stunned the soccer world with a bronze medal victory at the Summer Olympic Games in London.

A nominee for the 2012 FIFA Coach of the Year Award, Herdman brings with him a message of achievement, learning to overcome adversity with grace, and the role of leaders to inspire trust, confidence and success, whether on the field, in the workplace or in the home.

The Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast was launched in 2012 during the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 45th anniversary, and raises money for U of L athletes now and into the future. Its goal is to continue to provide essential funding as the Horns continue to build and maintain a competitive athletic program.

Past speakers featured at the event include CBC Sports personality Brian Williams, Olympic gold medallist Mark Tewksbury and hall of fame swim coach Debbie Muir. Last year, Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations, Brian Burke, was the event headliner.

“This event has proven to be an excellent opportunity for Pronghorn Athletics to engage the broader community and give our supporters the opportunity to access some really outstanding speakers and leaders,” says Engen. “The scholarship funding achieved through this event is crucial in terms of our ability to recruit elite level athletes to the program and to support those athletes once they are on campus in striving for success.”

Tickets for the 2015 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast (Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness Gymnasium, 7 to 9 a.m.) are priced at $125 each or $1,000 for a table of 10. To register for the breakfast, visit uleth.universitytickets.com.

There are also plenty of sponsorship opportunities for the event. Those interested can contact Robb Engen at 403-332-5253 or robb.engen@uleth.ca.

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.

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.

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.

Horns Scholarship Breakfast to feature Tewksbury, Muir

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:38:50 +0000

Consistently striving to push through limits to achieve exceptional results, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn athletes are grooming the traits that will help them succeed in athletics, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and beyond.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 (7 to 9 a.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness Gymnasium), Pronghorn Athletics will welcome Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir, founders of Great Traits to campus. It's an opportunity for local individuals and organizations to tap into Great Traits and experience an interactive, fast-paced and inspiring session featuring two of the country's most prominent Olympians and high performance experts at the 2013 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast.

Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir will be the fetaured speakers at the 2013 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast.

"Our inaugural breakfast last year, featuring Brian Williams, was very well received and we're looking to build on that success this fall," says Robb Engen, manager of Business Development, Sport and Recreation Services. "By bringing Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir to campus, this is an opportunity to give our supporters access to a very valuable resource."

Olympic gold medallist Tewksbury and Olympic champion and hall of fame coach Muir have teamed up to form Great Traits (www.thegreattraits.com), a professional development company focused on the fundamentals of achievement, leadership and legacy. Together, they have authored a book (The Great Traits of Champions) and offer a variety of workshops and training programs to a wide range of clients.

Tewksbury, a true swimming icon in the country, first came to prominence at the Barcelona Olympics, where he won gold, silver and bronze medals. He has since been inducted into three halls of fame, enjoyed an international speaking career, is a passionate human rights advocate, authored three books and hosted numerous television shows.

Muir is an internationally respected leader, one of Canada's greatest coaches and an influential voice within the Canadian sport system. She was a pioneer with the national synchronized swimming team, leading Canada into two Olympic Games, and has spent more than a decade working with Own the Podium, connecting many of Canada's top sport organizations to higher levels of performance. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.

The Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast was launched in 2012 during the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 45^th anniversary and raises money for U of L student athletes now and into the future. Its goal is to continue to provide essential funding as the Horns build and maintain a competitive athletic program.

"Scholarship funding is so important because it helps our teams in terms of recruiting and allows us to assist our student athletes as they balance their ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ with their sport," says Engen.

Tickets for the 2013 Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast are priced at $125 per ticket or $1,000 for a table of 10. To register for the breakfast, visit www.gohorns.ca/scholarshipbreakfast. Those interested in becoming sponsors can contact Robb Engen at 403-332-5253 or robb.engen@uleth.ca.

London Games a change in focus

trevor.kenney — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 22:22:57 +0000

This was supposed to be Jim Steacy's Olympics. It was supposed to be his time to strive for the podium, until debilitating foot and ankle injuries took away nearly two years of his training.

But you won't hear any complaints coming from Steacy (BASc '09), who will be competing in his second Olympic Games in London. Instead, you'll get the perspective of an athlete who knows just how fortunate he is to have the chance to perform on the Olympic stage.

"I really feel grateful going in," says Steacy, the eight-time national hammer throw champion, Canadian record holder and Horns Athletics product. "There's 45 athletes on the track team and only seven of us who have been on the team before, so to have the opportunity again is a blessing and not something I take for granted."

Horns alumnus Jim Steacy still sees himself as a medal contender if he can earn his way into the finals in London.

Injuries have not made Steacy bitter; rather they have reinforced his will and put into perspective just what it means to be an Olympian.

"After the injuries that I had in 2010 and 2011, it was seriously in question as to whether or not I'd make the Olympic team again or even if I would compete again," he says.

"It's been a rough four years but it's taught me to appreciate things a lot more and to take things for granted a lot less. Getting to do what I do is something that one percent of one percent of people get to do, so I'm definitely proud and honoured to be a part of the team again."

Competing in Beijing in 2008, Steacy qualified for the Olympic final and managed a respectable 12^th-place finish. For a 24-year-old in a sport where age and experience play huge roles, he was seen to be on the fast track to a podium performance in London. A broken foot and torn ankle ligaments have changed the expectation level.

"A medal opportunity is definitely a possibility in 2016 if he continues to throw. Making the final this year would be a good stepping stone in that direction," says his coach Larry Steinke. "He had 18 to 20 months where he wasn't able to train, period, and there's no shortcut to getting back to the top level. It's simply a matter of time, getting the volume of throws in and getting the timing back – it takes time."

Steacy echoes the words of his coach and is fully committed to being ready to attack the podium in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

"I'm not going to be at my peak performance or at my prime in London, so for me, a successful experience is making it into the final," he says. "I'll try and claw my way in, throw a season's best and if I do that, it'll be a tremendously successful experience. So the shift in focus is to four years from now in Rio. If I can stay healthy and do things right in training and rehab, there's no reason I shouldn't be on the podium."

Steacy eyes Rio 2016 as his next target, hoping for an injury free future.

Steacy is grateful for the support he's been shown over the years, and especially during the struggles of the past two years.

"Being an athlete and trying to get to this level is not an individual thing. You have to rely so much on your family and friends, coaches, your physio teams to get there," he says, giving a nod to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community that came out to support the athletes at an Olympic Send-off Celebration before the group jetted to London.

"Knowing you have the support of the community behind you, you wan to do well for them. They took the time out of their day to come wish us well and we want to thank them and perform well for them."

Competition Schedule

Hammer Throw Qualifying – Friday, Aug. 3 at 11:20 a.m. GMT (5:20 a.m. MDT)

Hammer Throw Final – Sunday, Aug. 5 at 8:20 p.m. GMT (2:20 p.m. MDT)

UNews - Olympic Games

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