UNews - Sandy Slavin

Operation Red Nose honours Slavin at launch of 23rd campaign

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 21:28:34 +0000

It’s as much a part of Christmas in Lethbridge as sipping eggnog by the fire or Santa filling the stockings. If you’re going to partake in some holiday cheer, having Operation Red Nose (ORN) at your disposal is a true southern Alberta holiday tradition.

Pronghorn Athletics and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge launched the 23rd season of Operation Red Nose on Tuesday and in a special nod to the legacy of the ride home program, Sandy Slavin, former executive director for Sport and Recreation Services, was honoured for her role in helping to establish the campaign in 1995 and growing it over her ensuing 20 years of service.

Marie-Chantal Fortin, left, honours Sandy Slavin for her contributions to the Operation Red Nose campaign in southern Alberta.

“Personally, I think Sandy has had a lot to do with the success of Operation Red Nose because she brought stability to the program when it started here and for two full decades after,” says Marie-Chantal Fortin, Operation Red Nose national development coordinator. “That’s a lot of stability for one community and something we don’t see regularly and I think that allowed the program to grow consistently, strongly, and without having to weather different storms.”

Fortin made a point of coming to Lethbridge personally to present Slavin with a special Operation Red Nose safety vest marking her entry into the ORN Hall of Fame.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” says Slavin. “It’s nice, Red Nose was a big part of what I did and started and I’m very proud of Operation Red Nose in Lethbridge. It’s nice to know that it has been recognized nationally.”

The success of the program is remarkable, having raised more than $690,000 in support of Pronghorn Athletics over the first 22 years of the program, all the while providing thousands of rides home to holiday party-goers. The safety it has brought to local roads cannot be quantified but by providing 1,159 rides home just last year, it puts into perspective how many at risk situations may have been averted.

Slavin says the early years of ORN were frantic and it wasn’t long before she knew the program had staying power in the community.

“It was crazy, we didn’t know anything about what was happening that first year,” she says. “We didn’t have phones that worked until about a half-hour before the service started. So, growing it from there, where I think we provided 150 rides that first year, up into the thousands of rides, was big. It was fun to be a part of seeing it grow here and become an important part of the Lethbridge holiday season.”

Pronghorns women’s basketball player Kacie Bosch grew up in Lethbridge and had an idea what ORN was all about, but it didn’t prepare her for staffing the front lines when she first worked the campaign as an athlete volunteer last year.

“I’d heard it on the radio all the time and on TV commercials but then actually taking part in it – I was answering the phones all night, from 9 p.m. until 3 in the morning and we got so many calls, so many people taking part in it,” she says. “Seeing the support from the community, people who aren’t even with Pronghorn Athletics but who care deeply about this, it really says a lot about southern Alberta.”

This year’s ORN campaign begins service Friday, Nov. 24 and continues every Friday and Saturday evening through Dec. 16 before wrapping up on New Year’s Eve. The service runs from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. each night with users able to call 403-320-4155 to request an ORN team come to their location to transport both them and their car home.

While Pronghorn Athletics provides the bulk of volunteers, more than 620 volunteers were needed to staff last year’s campaign and help is always needed. For those wishing to volunteer, contact Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681 or email orn@uleth.ca.

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 honour Debby Steacy by renaming scholarship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Horns tap Red Wings organization for new men's hockey coach

trevor.kenney — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:54:40 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns Athletics has named Spiros Anastas as the new head coach of the men’s hockey program, the eighth in team history.

Spiros Anastas becomes the program's eighth head coach.

“It’s an exciting time for Pronghorns men’s hockey, it’s hard not to get excited by the enthusiasm and vision of excellence Spiros brings to the program,” says Executive Director of Sports and Recreation, Sandy Slavin. “He’ll be building on the strengths of the program and taking advantage of the opportunities that are out there. He is a highly motivated individual who brings a strong coaching skill set to our program and is coming from an organization that prides itself on developing a winning program; he’s looking forward to bringing that attitude to the Pronghorns.”

Anastas, originally from Toronto, Ont., is presently an assistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, the top affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Currently in his second season behind the Griffins bench, Anastas started with the Griffins as the team’s analytics and advanced scouting coach and helped the Griffins to the Western Conference and Calder Cup Championship in 2013.

“I am honoured to be joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hockey team, and look forward to starting my career as a head coach,” says Anastas. “Through the first five years of my career I have been fortunate to work under some great men like Andy Murray and Jeff Blashill. Furthermore, the accessibility of Mike Babcock and his staff in Detroit has been beneficial to my development."

Babcock, of course, is the program's most noted former head coach. He led the Pronghorns to their lone Canada West title and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Cup national championship during his only season with the program in 1993-94. He has since gone on to win a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings and has led the Canadian men's team to two Olympic gold medals.

Meanwhile, current Red Wings assistant coach Bill Peters was also the head coach of the Pronghorns men’s hockey program from 2002 to 2005. Peters went on to win a Memorial Cup with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League and is in his third season in Detroit.

Anastas has had the opportunity to work closely with the Red Wings during his time in Grand Rapids, serving as an assistant coach during the Red Wings development camps and NHL Prospects tournament.

Prior to joining the Griffins, Anastas served as the general manager of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL).

A former player with Lebanon Valley College, NCAA division III, Anastas began his coaching career with his alma mater, serving as an assistant coach during the 2010-11 season, before moving on to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Michigan. While there, he served as an assistant coach and video coordinator, working under former NHL head coach Andy Murray. During his only season with the Broncos, Anastas helped the team win only its second CCHA Championship in the program’s history and earn a NCAA tournament berth.

“I am excited to put all I have learned to work with the Pronghorns hockey team," he says. "The level of competition in the CIS, and especially Canada West, is high and we definitely have a challenge ahead of us. Getting the wheels in motion right away is a priority and I am confident in the support I'll receive from both the school and the Horns alumni as we rebuild this program.”

Anastas will fulfill his duties with the Griffins this season, remaining with the team until the completion of the American Hockey League regular season and playoffs. The Griffins sit atop the Midwest Division with 94 points.

“This is an exciting time for Pronghorns hockey as we look to the future," adds Anastas. "My fiancée, Lindsay, and I look forward to joining and being heavily involved in the Lethbridge community. I thank Sandy Slavin and the committee members for entrusting me with this program and the hard work they put forth throughout the entire process."

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge men’s hockey coaches
Dave McDowall (1984-1989)
Dave Adolph (1989-1993)
Mike Babcock (1993-94) – ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Cup Champions
Ron Kraft (1994-97)
Dean Holden (1997-98)
Doug Irwin (1998-2002)
Bill Peters (2002-2005)
Greg Gatto (2005-2014)
Spiros Anastas (2014-present)

Horns relieve Gatto from coaching duties

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 23:29:32 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics has relieved Greg Gatto (BASc '00, BEd '00) from his duties as head coach of the Pronghorns men's hockey program.

Gatto spent nine seasons at the helm of the men’s hockey team, compiling a record of 80-143-20. His teams qualified for the playoffs on three occasions, but never advanced beyond the first round of the post-season. Gatto's best season came during the 2006-07 campaign when the Pronghorns finished second in the Mountain Division with a 14-9-5 record but lost in the first round of playoff to the UBC Thunderbirds.

Gatto also played five seasons with the Pronghorns and was a member of the program’s lone Canada West and CIAU Championship team during the 1993-94 season.

“Greg has spent 14 years as a member of Pronghorn Athletics and has committed a great deal to the hockey program and had some great success along the way,” says Pronghorn Athletics Executive Director Sandy Slavin. “But we felt that we needed to move the program in a new direction.

“We would like to thank Greg for his commitment and hard work over those 14 years and wish him well in the future.”

Pronghorn Athletics will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.

Langevin officially steps down as Horns women's rugby coach

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:32:33 +0000

After taking a one year leave as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby head coach, Neil Langevin has officially resigned as the head coach of the program.

Neil Langevin took the Horns women's rugby program from its inception to the country's premier program over the course of his tenure as head coach.

JJ Ondrus, who served as the team’s interim coach last season, has been appointed as the head coach for the 2014-15 season.

“Neil obviously did a great job building a program from the ground up and winning three national championships,” says Sandy Slavin, the executive director of Sport and Recreation. “He also did an exceptional job developing the student-athletes and coaches. Pronghorn Athletics would like to thank Neil for his 13 years with the program and valuable contributions he made to the Pronghorn family."

Langevin, the architect of the Horns' most successful program, had been the head coach since its inception in 2000 and led the program to three consecutive national titles from 2007-2009, in addition to winning six consecutive conference titles starting in 2006. The Horns also medaled two other times at the CIS Championships, earning a silver medal in 2003 and a bronze medal in 2006.

“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with so many great people here; athletes, coaches, support staff, the athletics department and administration,” says Langevin. “The Canada West rugby conference is full of great programs and people. I learned so much from all of these people and will miss the competitive environment of university athletics.

“Being able to start a program from scratch and grow it to be three-time national champions is an experience that I will cherish forever. I am proud to say that I am a Pronghorn from Lethbridge! But, the most lasting memories will be of all the friendships that I have been lucky enough to be part of.”

Twice named the Canada West Coach of the Year (2002 and 2009), Langevin was also named the CIS Coach of the Year in 2009.

Over his tenure, Langevin compiled a 40-20-0 conference record, including a 22-game conference winning streak that spanned more than three full seasons.

Internationally, Langevin coached Canada's National Team to a fourth place finish at the 2006 World Cup. He also spent time as the head coach with Rugby Canada’s National U20 Women’s team.

Last season, Ondrus went 1-2-1 in the regular season as the interim head coach, before losing to the Calgary Dinos in the Canada West semifinals.

Ondrus began her Pronghorn career as a women’s soccer player in 1997, playing three seasons, before moving to rugby and was part of the inaugural women’s rugby team in 2000. She finished her fifth year of eligibility in 2001 when the Horns captured their first win against UBC in the Canada West bronze medal game

“First of all, I would like to thank Neil for bringing me into this program and mentoring me all these years. His confidence in me to lead this team goes a long way toward letting me know that I am ready,” says Ondrus. “I am really excited to continue the position of head coach, officially, and am currently working hard at recruiting and preparing for the CIS Sevens Championship in March.”

“Our returning players will form a strong base and we are looking to add a few more pieces to the puzzle this spring,” continues Ondrus. “We are focused on improvement and the players have been committed to fitness and skills throughout the winter months."

Ondrus has been coaching with the program ever since her graduation. She’s coached for over 10 years in the Southern Alberta High School Rugby League, most recently at Winston Churchill High School, where she teaches physics.

She has also travelled as a coach with two international high school rugby tours, one to England/Scotland (2006) and one to Wales (2010), as well as being the assistant coach for Rugby Alberta Senior and U23 Women at Rugby Nationals.

The 2014 Canada West rugby schedule has yet to be released but the Horns will begin training camp in late August.

Hansen named Horns men's head coach

trevor.kenney — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:45:05 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns Athletic Department announced that Mike Hansen (BA '96, BEd '99, MA '09) has been named the new head coach of the Pronghorn men's basketball program Friday, becoming the 10th head coach in the program's history.

Hansen replaces Dave Adams, who resigned Feb. 25 after his fourth season with the program to pursue an international teaching opportunity.

"We are excited to welcome Mike back to the program," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation, Sandy Slavin. "His track record at the college level speaks for itself and his connection to the basketball community in southern Alberta is equally important."

Hansen returns to the 'Horns program after suiting up for the blue and gold during the 1990s. He played in 74 games for the Pronghorns over four seasons under the program's all-time winningest coach, Dave Crook, and graduated after the 1994 season.

"It is such an honour to be able to lead the Horns program," says Hansen. "Dave Crook and Dave Adams have been two of the most influential mentors in my life. I have a huge sense of responsibility to live up to the standards they have set for this program, and I hope I can have the same impact on my players that they've had on me."

Coaching at both the college and high school level in Alberta, Hansen comes to the 'Horns with a wealth of experience. Over five seasons in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) with Lethbridge College and NAIT, Hansen compiled a 68-30 conference record and a 114-47 overall record. Hansen reached the playoffs in all five seasons in the ACAC, including bronze medal finishes in 2009 and 2012 and a silver medal at the 2011 ACAC Final Four Championship.

After leading Lethbridge College to a 17-1 record and a CCAA silver medal, he moved on to NAIT for one season and finished with a 16-4 record. He resigned from NAIT after one season due to the inability to relocate his family to Edmonton.

In addition to his college experience, Hansen spent 10 years as a local high school coach, winning three league titles, four zone championships and attending the provincial championships six times, including this past year when he led the Chinook High School Senior Girls team to its first 4A Zone championship and a fourth place finish at provincials. He has also been involved in Alberta's provincial program, serving as an assistant coach and winning a bronze medal at the 2001 Canada Games.

Hansen will have instant familiarity with the current 'Horns roster, having coached a number of the current 'Horns at Lethbridge College.

Adams resigns as Horns' head coach

trevor.kenney — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:50:33 +0000

Following a 12-win season, the most the program has achieved since the 1999-2000 season, Dave Adams has resigned as the head coach of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball program to pursue an international opportunity outside of coaching.

Hired April 17, 2009, Adams finishes his second tenure with the program with a 46-60 career won-loss record, the second best winning percentage of any Pronghorn men's basketball coach. He also guided the Horns to three post-season appearances. His first stint with the 'Horns was as interim head coach for the 2001-02 season, following the departure of Dave Crook.

"One door is closing and another door is opening both in Horns' Nation, and in my personal life," says Adams. "My journey has been greatly enriched by the wonderful experiences as a player, assistant coach and then head coach at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, but both my family and I are excited about this new endeavour and exciting opportunity overseas."

Head coach Dave Adams, seen here during a timeout, leaves the Horns after one of the team's most successful seasons.

Also an alumnus of the men's basketball program, 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.

Adams has accepted a position as Principal/ Superintendent for the Alruwad International Schools in Muscat, Oman. There are four new schools set to open under the Alruwad International schools umbrella that will be offering Canadian curricula education in addition to sports academies. Two of those areas are close to Adams's heart - basketball and triathlon.

"I'm happy for Dave, I can't imagine a job that would be more perfect for him," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation, Sandy Slavin. "He has done a great job for us these past four years, he's moved the program forward and is leaving it in great shape for the next coach. We will all miss the enthusiasm and excitement that Dave brings to Pronghorn Athletics."

Pronghorn Athletics will begin the process of searching for a new coach immediately.

Langevin takes year leave

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:25:41 +0000

On the heels of a season that saw an end to a six consecutive Canada West Championship run, 12-year ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby head coach Neil Langevin has announced that he will take a year leave from his head coaching duties.

Former Pronghorn and long-time assistant coach JJ Ondrus has been named the interim head coach for the 2013 season. While Langevin will not be the head coach next season, he will stay on as an assistant coach.

"Neil has done a great job not only developing the student-athletes in his time but also his coaches," says Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services, Sandy Slavin. "JJ will do a great job, and having Neil around to help with the transition is an asset and will also free him up to concentrate on other areas of the program."

Langevin, the architect of the 'Horns most successful athletic program, has been the head coach since its inception in 2000 and led the Horns to three consecutive national titles from 2007-2009, in addition to the six consecutive conference titles. The 'Horns also medaled on two other occasions at the CIS Championships, earning a silver medal in 2003 and a bronze medal in 2006.

Twice named the Canada West coach of the year (2002 and 2009), Langevin was also named the CIS coach of the year in 2009.

Over the 12 years, Langevin compiled a 41-21-0 conference record including a 22-game conference winning streak that spanned more than three full seasons.

Internationally, Langevin coached Canada's National Team to a fourth place finish at the 2006 World Cup. He also spent time as the head coach with Rugby Canada's National U20 Women's team.

"The challenge to contend for a national title every year has become difficult as I have two active boys with increasingly busy schedules and a full-time job," says Langevin of his decision to take a year leave. "JJ will bring her own ideas and strengths to build the program back to a national contender. I am proud of her and am confident in her abilities."

Ondrus began her Pronghorn career as a women's soccer player in 1997, playing three seasons, before moving to rugby. She was part of the inaugural women's rugby team in 2000. She finished her fifth year of athletic eligibility in 2001 when the Horns captured their first win against UBC in the Canada West bronze medal game.

Ondrus has been coaching with the program since her graduation. She's coached for over 10 years in the Southern Alberta High School Rugby League, most currently at Winston Churchill High School, where she teaches physics.

She has also travelled as a coach with two international high school rugby tours, one to England/Scotland (2006) and one to Wales (2010). Ondrus was an assistant coach for Rugby Alberta Senior and U23 Women at Rugby Nationals.

"I've been with the program since it started in 2000, so it is near and dear to my heart," says Ondrus. "I am very excited for my new role and cannot wait to bring my energy and ideas to the table. Neil has set the bar pretty high, but I know, as he does, that I am ready!"

The 2013 Canada West rugby schedule has yet to be released but the 'Horns will begin training camp in late August.

Red Nose back on the roads

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:39:10 +0000

A year after setting program records for total rides and money raised, Operation Red Nose (ORN) is on the road again for Pronghorn Athletics.

Operating under the slogan, Let Rudy Take the Wheel, the Horns will be participating in their 18th Operation Red Nose, a countrywide initiative aimed at curbing drinking and driving by chauffeuring partygoers and their vehicles home safely.

The program is an annual win-win for the Horns and the southern Alberta community. Run by volunteers and supported generously by community sponsors (such as insurance providers Alpine and Intact Insurance), rides are free of charge to users, with donations accepted. In the end, the program works as a major fundraiser for Horns Athletics and takes numerous potentially unsafe drivers off the roads.

This season, with new Alberta blood-alcohol content regulations in effect, it's expected Operation Red Nose will be utilized more than ever.

"You're really going to need a big volunteer base to cover the demand," says the Lethbridge Regional Police Service. "It's a fantastic program. We have people out on a designated check stop all throughout December and we'd rather have them not find an impaired driver than to have someone who could have used Red Nose come through our stop and get charged."

Sandy Slavin, the director of Sport and Recreation Services, says the push for volunteers is ongoing.

"I would think we need upwards of 800 volunteer slots that need to be filled," says Slavin. "That can include one person filling two or three slots but by the end of the day, there are 800 slots to fill, which is pretty substantial, especially closer to Christmas when the majority of our athletes have headed home."

The first weekend of ORN proved projections right as 170 rides were provided by 90 volunteers on the first two nights of operation. That translates to a 13 per cent increase from last season's opening weekend. By the end of the third week of operation, ORN had given out 875 rides and remained on pace to smash last year's record totals.

Slavin has been pleased to see a number of alumni returning to campus in recent years to help with ORN. She notes that it often just takes one experience with the program for people to get hooked.

"You really do feel good at the end of the night, that you've given something back to not only the Horns program but to the community," she says. "We are finding that more and more of our alumni are coming back and that's how they support their team and their university."

Operation Red Nose operates every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from Nov. 30 through New Year's Eve. To volunteer, contact Horns Athletics at 403-329-2681. To access a ride, call 403-320-4155 from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

This story first appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - Sandy Slavin

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