UNews - student-athlete

Horns women's basketball adds recruits

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 17:25:31 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge women’s basketball head coach Erin McAleenan has announced the signing of five incoming recruits for the upcoming Canada West season.

Joining the ‘Horns for the 2013-14 season are local products Mariah Miller and Larsyn Webster, as well as Sara Simovic (Nanaimo, B.C.), Kendra Lee (Courtenay, B.C.) and Erin James (Calgary, Alta.).

During her first season at the helm of the Pronghorns women’s basketball program, McAleenan led the team to its first double digit win season since the 1994-95 season. The Horns will look to take steps forward with the help of this talented new crop of student-athletes.

Miller comes to the U of L after a successful high school career with the Catholic Central High School Cougars, where she was a multiple Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHBL) all-star. During her senior season, Miller finished fifth in SAHBL scoring with 15.7 points per game and was named a league first team all-star. She was also a second team all-star in her grade 11 season.

At 5’10”, Miller will also provide some versatility for the ‘Horns with her ability to play both guard and forward and enters her collegiate career with elite level experience with the Provincial and Canadian Centre for Performance (CP) programs. McAleenan was the head coach for the Alberta U17 team last summer for which Miller played.

A true student-athlete, Miller was on the honour roll throughout her high school career.

“We are thrilled to have the commitment of a local student-athlete such as Mariah,” says McAleenan. “Her athleticism, size and ability to shoot the ball will all be an asset to our program.”

Also named a SAHBL first team all-star last season, Webster joins the ‘Horns after being a vital member of the Cardston Cougars 4A Provincial Championship team. As the Cougars’ starting point guard, Webster averaged 11.2 points in 14 league games and was the second leading scorer for the Cougars.

“We are very happy that Larsyn will be joining our program this fall,” says McAleenan. “She is another local student-athlete with a strong work ethic and is committed to putting in the time outside of practice. Larsyn’s ability to shoot the ball and create for others are some of the strengths she adds to our program.”

Vancouver Island Provincial MVP Sara Simovic will also joins the ‘Horns backcourt this season after a stellar senior campaign at Wellington Secondary (Nanaimo, BC). After averaging 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds a game in her final high school season, Simovic played in the B.C. High School All-Star game in Langley.

She also comes to the ‘Horns with vast elite level experience as part of B.C. Provincial teams from the U14 program up to the U17 age group.

“We are very pleased to have Sara joining our program this fall; she has a high basketball IQ and is a very hard worker,” says McAleenan. “Sara’s determination to be successful will definitely add a lot to our program both on and off the court.”

Another Vancouver Island standout who is making the trip east is G.P. Vanier Secondary guard Kendra Lee. In addition to averaging 26 points per game last season, she also set a new single game points record for the Vancouver Island tournament, scoring 44 points in a game.

Lee has shown the ability to be equally successful in the classroom making the honour roll throughout high school.

“Kendra’s ability to shoot the ball will really add depth to our offense as we move to the long FIBA 3pt line this season,” says McAleenan. “She has very good basketball game sense, and is a really hard worker. Kendra demonstrates all of the qualities we look for in our student-athletes and we are thrilled that she has chosen to become a Horn.”

Bishop O’Byrne point guard Erin James rounds out the 2013-14 ‘Horns' recruiting class and will be a dynamic member of the ‘Horns back court. James co-captained her Bishop O’Byrne team to a seventh place finish at the 4A Provincial tournament, while averaging more than 10 points and assists per game.

Another solid student in the classroom, James made the honour roll in both grade 11 and 12.

“Erin is a very well-rounded young lady who brings a strong work ethic and lots of energy to our program,” says McAleenan. “Her ball-handling abilities and her court-sense make her a great addition to our backcourt.”

The ‘Horns open camp this week and see their first non-conference action during the first week of October with a three-game tournament at Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The Canada West season kicks off the first weekend of November.

Bach excels with scientific approach

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:22:30 +0000

Megan Bach understands she has an opportunity to make a difference, whether it is on the ice as a member of the Pronghorns women's hockey team, or in the classroom as a 4.0 student aspiring to medical school and a future in neurology. It's probably why she's so mindful of the people who made a difference in her life, and is so willing to give back to the community in their honour.

Bach was named the Canada West women's hockey top student-athlete following the conclusion of the 2010-2011 season. It's an award that comes as no surprise to her coach and is testament to Bach's attitude.

Horns women’s hockey forward Megan Bach is as comfortable on the ice as she is in the chem lab.

"Megan brings excitement and hard work to whatever she puts her mind to," says Pronghorns head coach Chandy Kaip. "She goes above and beyond her coaches' and professors' expectations as a student-athlete. She fits the mold of the ideal student-athlete."

The Champion, Alta. product is in her fourth year of studies at the
U of L, majoring in biochemistry. A fan of the sciences all through high school, Bach was keen on a future as an optometrist. That was until an introductory neuroscience class got her hooked on the brain.

"I really enjoy learning about the brain, it fascinates me," she says. "Learning about the different diseases and how damage to different parts of the brain results in different behaviours really intrigues me."

Bach came to the U of L intent on being a student first. She only decided to try and further her hockey career after she left high school and realized she still longed to play the game. In typical fashion, she won a spot with the Horns by displaying her work ethic.

Bach is a defensive specialist and penalty killer.

"I've always been a defensive forward, I'm not much of a goal scorer but I enjoy the penalty kill, it's simple to me," she says. "The penalty kill makes sense and I just work hard to get the job done."

It sounds familiar to the approach she takes to her schoolwork, an attitude learned from her parents.

"Starting at a young age, they taught me how important school was and to have a good work ethic," says Bach. "It just became habit for me, and it turned into a case where I really enjoyed pushing myself to do the best I possibly could."

It's not always easy to excel in the classroom with the demands of playing a varsity sport chewing up your time but Bach actually finds it easier to get her schoolwork done during the busy Canada West season.

"Time management is the key, and any time I'm away from the rink, I'm doing homework and studying for exams. It's tough but I know that's what I want to do so I'm able to buckle down and focus on it," she says. "It's funny once hockey is done, I have so much more time, I need to try and change gears and manage my time differently. It can be difficult getting into a routine."

Despite the demands on her time, Bach still finds a way to lend her hand in a volunteer capacity. She's especially thankful to a power-skating coach who helped her improve her skills. Ironically, it is U of L Health Sciences professor, Dr. Claudia Steinke, who Bach now assists in running skating sessions for aspiring young players.

"She makes everyone of her students feel special and it's the little things that make a world of difference in a person's life. I can only hope to become half the person she is," says Bach. "I really looked up to her, so when she asked me to help her out with camps, I was happy to do it. It's really exciting to see the growth in girls' hockey and it's fun to get to know some of the girls through the camps that we've done. Seeing them progress and improve is really exciting and rewarding too. What's neat is they come to our games and make signs for us and cheer us on and that's always a lot of fun."

Another Horns' supporter, mathematics professor, Dr. Dennis Connolly, has also impressed upon Bach the opportunities she has before her.

"He's talked to me about doing volunteer work overseas and it's planted a seed in my head," she says. "I'd love to go over and help in whatever way I can. I like to give back to the community because it has always been there for me growing up."

GET THE FACTS

• Bach is scheduled to finish her degree in December 2012, taking extra time because of scheduling conflicts between hockey and courses that require lab work.

• Bach gives credit to her professors for building the Horns' schedule into some of the deadlines she faces for course work. She's also thankful of the Horns' coaching staff and her teammates for their support.

• Bach's family runs a grain farm near Champion. She has a younger sister (13-year-old Christie) who also plays hockey and may one day follow in her footsteps. "She's better than me, getting hat tricks all over the place, it's exciting to watch her," says Bach.

• Bach attended Vulcan County Central High School and played midget hockey in Okotoks, all the while living in Champion. It forced her to implement time-management strategies at a young age in order to excel in her studies.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Bach top Canada West student athlete

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:36:54 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's hockey player, Megan Bach, has been named the top student-athlete for Canada West women's hockey.

The Champion, Alta. native is now a finalist for the Marion Hilliard Award, given to the top student-athlete in CIS women's hockey.

A fourth-year bio-chemistry student, Bach earned the U of L's Presidents Cup Award last year, awarded to the Pronghorns athlete with the highest GPA (4.0). In each of her first three seasons she has been named a CIS Academic All-Canadian, and after her under-graduate degree is complete, she plans to apply to medical school, specializing in neurosurgery.

Always one to volunteer her time, Bach has been involved with the Horns' youth female hockey camps, Coaldale (Alberta) youth recreation day, Picture Butte Olympic Day, Operation Red Nose (designated driver program) and been the team tutor for players studying the sciences.

On the ice, Bach is an important member of the penalty-killing unit and checking line.

"Megan brings excitement and hard work to whatever she puts her mind to," says Pronghorns head coach Chandy Kaip. "She goes above and beyond her coaches' and professors' expectations as a student athlete. She fits the mold of the ideal student athlete."

New Mahon on campus

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:43:07 +0000

Once a week, a young Mike Mahon (pronounced Man) would catch the bus in his hometown of Winnipeg, Man., ride across the city and head to the swimming pool or gymnasium to work with people with intellectual disabilities.

The volunteer experience was part of a community-service expectation mandated by his high school, but Mahon wasn't there simply to earn credit. Having grown up in a household that valued community engagement, the idea of volunteerism was second nature, and he took to it innately.

"Growing up, that was just what I was exposed to, so the whole idea of volunteering just became a part of who we were as a family," says Mahon. "There was this fundamental belief that volunteering was an important part of living in a community."

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon.

Mahon had no idea at that time this early community service opportunity would have such an influence over his future career. It would shape his graduate studies, research and now, as the new president of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, it continues to resonate.

Born in Manitoba, Mahon grew up with four siblings in a house that teemed with activity. A self-described sports junkie, he played a little of everything and eventually was a two-sport (football and track) student-athlete at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba. After completing a bachelor's degree in physical education, he moved on to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta (MSc in Physical Education) and then the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (PhD in Education) for his graduate and doctoral studies respectively.

"When I started thinking about what I would do with my master's degree, I did look back to that first experience," says Mahon. "It had a tremendous amount of influence from a career perspective."

His research, which focuses on adapted physical activity with an emphasis on older individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities, has garnered a number of honours, including: Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences (2001); Award of Distinction from the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (2000); the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba Rh Award for Outstanding Contributions to Interdisciplinary Scholarship and Research (1995).

The Presidential couple, Mike and Maureen Mahon.

Mahon has since become a vigorous proponent of physical activity for people of every age and ability. Most recently, he has been working on several projects that bring a research focus to how sports and play can help children in developing countries. In that context he has been involved with Right to Play as well as Play Around the World, groups that supply sports equipment and programming support to children in developing countries.

He says the opportunity to conduct research with these organizations, as well as become involved on a volunteer basis, is particularly rewarding.

"The people I've known who have become volunteers have really, in the end, got more out of the experience themselves than they feel they've given," says Mahon.

His academic career has virtually mirrored the path he took as a student, beginning at Manitoba before transitioning to the U of A where he spent two terms as the dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation prior to his coming to the U of L.

His arrival in Lethbridge appears to be a case of right Mahon, right time. Family, community and developing an atmosphere for growth of the entire person are some of the ideals that Mahon brings to the U of L.

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks forward, Mahon sees its growth achieved through a learning environment that is dedicated to social responsibility and community engagement; that is dedicated to building a comprehensive university across the broad academy of disciplines; that is dedicated to creating a person-first university environment for staff and faculty; and that is centrally focused on a student-first attitude.

Mahon recognizes he has inherited a confident and forward-thinking institution, and he looks to build off that foundation as he introduces new initiatives. He says, for example, that as much as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and its students are already agents of influence in southern Alberta, there is opportunity to expand the impact the U of L has on society by formalizing its community outreach initiatives.

"Liberal education is about presenting students with an expansive opportunity of academic experience," he says. "I'd like to think that part of that experience could be about being in the community and taking that liberal education concept that much further."

Mahon looks to the example his parents, who were involved community members, provided as he grew up, and the opportunities he had to explore and understand community engagement. As part of his future plan for the U of L, Mahon proposes introducing a framework whereby students earn academic credit for volunteerism.

"I think this is a tremendous gift that we can give our students," he says. "Having volunteer experience within the context of education is, on one level, a way that institutions can connect with and give back to the community, but on another level, it's a wonderful way to help our students expand their horizons."

Kristi Legge's Dance Group Performers, ranging from Grade 6 to university students, were among the highlights at the Presidential Installation.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, having prospered under the leadership of former President Dr. Bill Cade, is emerging from its history as a primarily undergraduate university into a comprehensive institution that fully embraces a research culture, and is rapidly expanding its graduate studies opportunities.

"What I see is the continued integration of teaching and research, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The U of L has always had a unique approach to engaging undergraduates in research, and that's something we will continue to do," says Mahon. "As we move forward, we must use our experience and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education as a springboard for the development of and improved access to graduate-level programming."

The opportunities for expansion, he says, are numerous, with a track record of success already established.

"We have developed internationally recognized strengths in the areas of neuroscience, epigenetics and water research, and we've more recently moved into the study of demographics and population with the creation of the Prentice Institute," says Mahon. "Now we're searching for our next niche research areas that we can build capacity in, and how they will also integrate with our academic programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels."

The recent opening of Markin Hall, a building that houses the Faculties of Health Sciences and Management, provides a fertile ground for collaborative research efforts, and is a perfect example of the interdisciplinary focus at the U of L. Simply by putting talented minds together, it creates a conversation from which great synergies can emerge.

"Markin Hall is going to be very much like the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB)," he says. "When you bring people from different, yet related, disciplines together under the same roof, you start to see some interesting areas of research develop."

Mahon recognizes that the U of L can only move forward with a people-first, student-first approach. It begins by creating an atmosphere where a positive work/life balance is celebrated.

"I want to see us build an institution that is committed to people and to creating that balance for our people, and that means students, staff and faculty. If I'm not a role model on that front, it's hard to preach that this is a direction we should go," says Mahon, who is regularly spotted in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym, beginning the day with a run on the treadmill or a workout in the weight room.

Having been on campus since July, Mahon has gained an understanding of what makes the U of L engine run – its people. He says the liberal arts ideals that founded the institution, coupled with a student-first learning environment, will continue to be central themes as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ advances.

"Whether it is in academic programs and research, how we recruit and orient our students, our class sizes, our residences, recreation and sport opportunities, health services, or the environment of our campus, we must ensure that we bring to life this concept of student-first," he says.

Part of that is recognizing and celebrating how integral a place the U of L occupies in southern Alberta.

"I've learned that the U of L is a real treasure, and it's because of our people," says Mahon. "We have staff and faculty who are committed to the success of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and to the experiences of our graduate and undergraduate students. Combine that with where we are situated, our beautiful campus, small class sizes and world-class faculty – and this is truly a premier university."

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2010 issue of SAM. For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Juggling the role of a student-athlete

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:50:25 +0000

When Mike O'Brien says he's planning on going to medical school next year, you can all but consider it a certainty – that's just the way he gets things done.
A soon-to-be-graduating (he finishes school in December and will convocate in the spring) senior fullback from the Pronghorns men's soccer program, O'Brien has made a habit of setting goals and steadfastly achieving them.

A walk-on candidate for the soccer team in his first year, he introduced himself to head coach Randy Bardock over e-mail and was only assured he'd get an opportunity to try out when he arrived. Five years later, O'Brien finished his career as a team captain, a second-team conference all-star and the highest scoring fullback in program history.

His academic career at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ followed a similar path. For two years he put up good, if not outstanding, grades while combining soccer and studies. Since then, with an eye on a future in medicine, O'Brien dedicated himself to improving his academic standing. The result was consecutive selections as an Academic All-Canadian (a third is in the offing) and the Canada West Student-Athlete of the Year nod for 2009.

"It is a point of pride that I am able to be an Academic All-Canadian because there are very few athletes in general who get that honour," says O'Brien, a 22-year-old Calgary, Alta. native.

"Maturity has been the biggest change. Moving away from home for the first time, there are so many distractions and I definitely took advantage of those in my first two years. I had a B and B+ average, which isn't horrible, but it's not good enough to get into medical school.

"I realized I needed to change my academic habits. It wasn't really until my third year when I started to improve. Maturity and learning from my past mistakes were the biggest differences."

A biological science major, O'Brien has already applied to attend medical school upon graduation next spring. This past summer, he immersed himself in the medical field, spending two months as a volunteer in Arusha, Tanzania, with the Volunteer Abroad organization.

"It was an amazing experience," says O'Brien. "I was able to help in an HIV/AIDS clinic, work in a lab and maternal health clinic and observe major surgical procedures first hand."

He says the work he did only steeled his resolve to become a doctor.
"It reaffirmed my desire to go to medical school but more than that, it made me want to do something more, perhaps as a doctor, to further help people in developing countries," he says.

"Being in Tanzania really gave me an appreciation of the opportunities I have here in Canada, like being able to go to university, and I really want to make the most of that."

At home, O'Brien is similarly charitable, working part-time as a community worker for people with disabilities as part of the Southern Alberta Community Living Association.

"I've worked there since the summer of 2007," says O'Brien. "It's something that has given me a great appreciation for what I have and has further encouraged me to pursue medicine as a career."

A true student-athlete in every sense, O'Brien has made the most of his U of L experience. He finds it hard to believe five years have passed since he walked on to the old soccer field a virtual unknown.

"I was pretty surprised initially when I even made the team and from there, I just worked on improving, gradually earned more playing time and then a starting spot," O'Brien says. "It amazes me that five years are over now and I'm getting ready to leave."

He'll go as a mature, confident graduate that is sure to represent the best the U of L has to offer.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ values draw Hall back to his roots

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:31:29 +0000

Much has changed at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since Ryan Hall (BA '00) ran the basketball court with the likes of Spencer Holt and Danny Balderson.

The concrete dungeon they called a home court is gone, replaced by the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. The small, liberal arts school once known primarily for producing teachers has grown into a comprehensive university that initiates cutting-edge research from every corner of campus.

What has stayed the same is what drew Hall back to assume the position of Pronghorn athletics manager.

"You see the changes in the facilities and how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown up in so many areas, but the values have stayed the same," says Hall, now a father of four. "It's amazing how many people I recognize from when I was an undergraduate here and who have stayed on as staff because it is such a great atmosphere."

A Claresholm, Alta., native, Hall spent the past four years in Greely, Colorado, earning a master's degree in sports management and working on his PhD. Fully expecting to remain in the United States, the U of L opportunity was too good to let pass.

"Lethbridge was really the only place in Canada where we'd come back to," he says.

Hall didn't initially pursue a career in sports management; rather he worked four years in Calgary as a rehabilitation therapist. His goal, however, was always to gravitate back to sport. It was a path he discovered through a course taught by then U of L professor Dr. Gary Bowie.

"It opened something up that I had never realized. I didn't know programs such as sport management existed," Hall says. "Health care was a good experience, I learned a lot and there were some good transferable skills, but it wasn't anything I was really passionate about and wanted to do for the rest of my life."

While completing his master's at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern Colorado (what he calls the other UNC), Hall cut his sport management teeth in a NCAA Division 1 environment. Despite the fact UNC is a new player at the Div. 1 level, it still presented Hall the opportunity to see big-time post-secondary athletics and the difference between the American and Canadian models is startling.

"It's big business down there, almost to an extreme. I think they somewhat lose sight of the student part of the student-athlete. I think they try but with the business approach they take, it's all about generating revenues," says Hall.
"We do a better job of prioritizing the fact our athletes are students, first and foremost."

Still, he recognizes that Canadian athletics can learn from its southern neighbours, especially when it comes to engaging supporters and creating passion for their teams, whether it is the student body, alumni or community as a whole.

"I hope at some point we can get a little more of that, and often times it comes from the people who live in the community. The community gets on board and supports the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as both fans and donors," he says.
"I also hope to create an atmosphere where we have our alumni excited about athletics and see them wearing it on their sleeves a little bit more."

He experienced that atmosphere, having played on the 2000 Pronghorns men's basketball team that hosted the Canada West final against ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. They were the last really significant men's games played on campus and the series energized the entire area.

"In the end, you still have to be competitive and build momentum with winning teams, and I think that will come," says Hall.

GET THE FACTS

• Prior to coming to the U of L to study kinesiology and play basketball, Hall spent two years playing baseball at Cochise College in Arizona.

• He met his wife Terra (Dudley) while at the U of L. She played basketball for Lethbridge College. They have four children, Tevin (11), Abbie (9), Emily (6) and Brynna (23 months), with a fifth on the way.

• Hall describes ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern Colorado and the town of Greely as a parallel to the
U of L and Lethbridge. "The school focused on business, nursing and education, with about 10,000 students in an agricultural community of 85,000."

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