UNews - Bill Halma

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ unveils new course — and it's open for play!

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:14:51 +0000

There’s a new course available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge — and it’s free to the public, requires no prerequisites and is both challenging and fun. Welcome to the new ULethbridge Disc Golf Course!

The new disc golf course has been open for play since spring. PHOTO BY MICHAEL WARF

Opened quietly earlier this spring, the course has been maturing over the summer and was recently completed with the addition of signage and wayfinding for visitors. The lack of directional markers did not discourage disc golfers from making their way to the venue as word quickly spread that a new layout was available.

“It’s been busy from the first day we put the baskets in,” says Bill Halma, executive director of Horns Recreation Services. “The disc golf community was quick to respond to a new course opening up and as more people played, word spread we had a really good, challenging and unique layout available to them.”

The course is a collaborative effort between the Lethbridge Disc Golf Association (LDGA) and Horns Recreation and weaves throughout the foliage of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s upper campus. Utilizing Aperture Lake as a scenic, natural hazard, the layout has been described as picturesque, challenging, and varied and offers the public an opportunity to experience ULethbridge as they never have before.

“We see the disc golf course as another opportunity for people to engage with the university,” says Halma. “First and foremost, we’re one of the top schools in the country and beyond that, there are so many ways for the community to experience our campus. From our recreation services, the Max Bell pool, our climbing wall, Pronghorn Athletics games and summer camps to fine arts performances, public lectures and conferences, there are so many ways the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ contributes to the vibrancy of our city. Now, we have a great outdoor experience that is free and open to everyone.”

The genesis of the new course stretches back nearly a decade when Matt Mitten and Kevin King (student athletes with the fledgling ULethbridge Disc Golf Team) and coach Craig Burrows-Johnson proposed in 2013 a course be added to campus. The proposal never gained any traction and after two seasons, the disc golf team disbanded. The idea never died however, and years later Mik Woolf, who also played on that disc golf team, made another push to get a course established.

The 18-hole course utilizes Aperture Lake as one of its scenic hazards. PHOTO BY MICHAEL WARF

“When Matt and Kevin first showed me the vision of this amazing space, I was convinced that this course had to happen,” says Woolf. “Anytime I drove by I envisioned baskets and players throwing in this very special area and the impact it could have on the community, on the sport, and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. With support from Kevin and the LDGA, I made the decision to make another attempt and do whatever it took to make this dream into a reality.”

Woolf says the actual work to get the course up and running took countless hours, involved many conversations, emails and a lot of encouragement before the first basket was finally installed.

“We truly have something special, and I want to thank all the organizations, businesses, groups and individuals involved who helped make it possible,” adds Woolf.

The ULethbridge Disc Golf Course is conveniently located on the west edge of campus (adjacent to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive) with the first seven holes positioned along the west berm (just behind the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge entry sign). The next 10 holes of the course meander around Aperture Lake, with the 18th hole finishing on the raised hill next to Parking Lot G (which is the best place to park to play the course). Parking is free on campus before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. (weekdays), and on weekends and holidays. For those playing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (weekdays), parking is available in Lot G (pay through the Honk App or at the kiosk). ULethbridge Recreation members can sign out beginner disc golf sets (three discs/set) at no charge at the Customer Service Centre.

U of L’s 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness to reopen with limitations on July 13

caroline.zentner — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 20:57:13 +0000

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge works toward a gradual and safe reopening of its facilities, Horns Recreation is pleased to announce the 1st Choice Savings Centre will reopen on Monday, July 13 in a limited capacity.

“We look forward to welcoming our members back to our facilities,” says Bill Halma, director of Horns Recreation. “To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, we will be operating in a much different manner.”

In the Fitness Centre, all of the weight machines have been spread out to allow for appropriate physical distancing. The spin bikes, rowers and ellipticals have been moved into PE 152 or up to the track. Benches will be spaced out in the free weight area and the stretching area will be marked to accommodate for physical distancing. In the Climbing Wall, all users will be required to wear a mask when climbing and physical distancing will be employed between ropes.

Applicable to the entire facility, each person will need to book a time slot in advance to allow for control of numbers in the Facility and allow for necessary cleaning between users. As well, users will need to come dressed for their respective activity as all locker and change rooms will remain closed.

Facilities to Reopen
Starting on Monday, July 13, the Fitness Centre, Climbing Wall, gymnasiums and indoor track will be available for limited use. For the month of July, access to the Centre for Sport & Wellness (CSW) will be through the south doors only. All users are asked to park in Lot G (no charge for parking).

Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday — 5:30 to 7 a.m.; 7:30 to 9 a.m.; 3:30 to 5 p.m.; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday — 9:30 to 11 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 1:30 to 3 p.m.

These hours will be in effect for the month of July. Depending on feedback and usage, the hours may be expanded for August.

Procedures
Due to the limited availability of times and amenities, Horns Recreation is introducing a special COVID-19 price of $5 per drop-in visit or $75 for a punch pass of 20 visits, which will expire on Aug. 31. This pricing also applies to access the Stadium during open times.

Each space will have a maximum number of occupants at any given time. Anyone wanting to use any of the facilities in the CSW or the Stadium will need to book a day and time slot (90 minutes) in advance and online. Visit Drop-In Recreation Bookings to view and book your time. If you require assistance to set up your online account, contact Horns Recreation at 403-329-2706.

Once they’ve completed their workout, members will need to leave the facility in a timely fashion to allow for cleaning. Time slots are spaced 30 minutes apart to allow the equipment to be sanitized.

Patrons are required to follow all directions and signage within the building and are asked to promptly exit the building at the completion of their activities.

Continuing Closures
The Max Bell Pool and locker rooms remain closed. The pool is undergoing normal annual maintenance. These facilities should be reopening in early August, depending on Alberta Health guidelines.

All memberships remain on hold until Sept. 1 when a further expanded and consistent schedule may be possible. Memberships will be reactivated at that time.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appoints Neil Langevin as Director of Pronghorn Athletics

trevor.kenney — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:33:20 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce alumnus and long-time coach and Pronghorns supporter Neil Langevin (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10) as the Director of Pronghorn Athletics, effective immediately.

Langevin is currently the head coach of the Pronghorns women’s rugby program, a role which he will retain, and has played a major role in developing and promoting the sport of rugby and Pronghorn Athletics in southern Alberta and beyond for the better part of two decades.

“Neil's experience, enthusiasm and dedication to sport will be a great asset to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as he begins his new role,” says Nancy Walker, Vice-President (Finance & Administration). “As an alumnus and then co-founder and coach of the Pronghorns women’s rugby program, his association with Pronghorn Athletics is wide-ranging. His time as an educator and administrator also gives him great perspective on the student-athlete experience.”

Langevin led the Pronghorns women’s rugby program for its initial 12 years. During that span, the Horns captured six consecutive Canada West titles (2006-11) and three consecutive CIS Championships (2007, 2008, 2009). In 2003, he received the Canada West Coach of the Year award, and in 2006, he coached Canada's National Senior Women's team to a fourth-place finish at the Rugby World Cup. Langevin was named an assistant coach for the Canadian men's rugby sevens FISU Summer Universiade team in 2019.

A teacher by trade, Langevin taught for 27 years for the Lethbridge School Division, the last five as an administrator and vice-principal at Winston Churchill High School.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ recently reorganized Sport and Recreation Services and eliminated the Executive Director position. Bill Halma will now head Horns Recreation Services, with Langevin taking the lead for Pronghorn Athletics.

Honouring long service

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:24:26 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ held its annual Long Service Awards and Retirement Recognition Ceremony recently, honouring 116 employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service. A total of 23 retiring employees were also honoured.

Following is a list of honoured employees.

RETIREES

Art Aitken, Dayna Daniels, Richard Epp, Rex Forsyth, Eldon Gardner, Wolfgang Holzmann, Bill Hudgins, Joan Kendall, Leslie Lavers, Lucie Linhart, Gerald McConaghy, Linda McLeod, Ken Nicol, Seamus O'Shea, Doug Parker, Ramrattie Ramtej, Donna Seyed Mahmoud, Ches Skinner, Philippe Teillet, Linda Van Esch, Wendy Vogel, Nick Wade and Ian Wells

LONG SERVICE RECIPIENTS

40 Years | Maria Draper

35 Years | Chris Charles, Bryan Kolb, Peter McCormick and Gerda VanderFluit

30 Years | Jane Allan, Cheryl Calver, Dayna Daniels, Gayle Durand, Rex Forsyth, Laurel Hamilton, Jay Johnston, Linda Kucheran, Greg Martin, David Naylor, Shari Platt and Leanne Wehlage-Ellis

25 Years | Shamsul Alam, Lana Barton, Bryson Brown, Cathy Campbell, Patricia Chuchryk, Leslie Gatner, Allan Gergel, Nancy Grigg, Tyler Hayward, Mary Anne Hellinga, Wolfgang Holzmann, Bill Hudgins, Margaret Joblonkay, Kas Mazurek, Alice Miller, Richard Mrazek, Thomas Robinson, Doug Ross, Jadranka Smiljanec, Brian Sullivan, Richard Tedesco, David Townsend, Sandy Wiest and Joan Zimmer

20 Years | Patti-Jo Aiken, Linda Anderson, Roberto Aragon-Garcia, Jochen Bocksnick, Carl Budny, James Byrne, Peter Dibble, Deborah Grant, Bill Halma, Andrew Hurly, Janet Macdonald, Karen McCallum, Louise Miller, Al Mueller, Claudia Notzke, Sergio Pellis, Dwayne Pepin, Vern Peterson, Maria Quinteros, Kathy Schrage, Colleen Sullivan, Brian Titley, Donna Townley and Mark Walton

15 Years | Doug Berry, James Dobbie, Jackie Edwards, Lance Grigg,
Michelle Hogue, Marie Matkin, Ian McAdam, Gerald McConaghy, Chris Moroz, Jeff Oliver, Derek Peddle, Michael Perry, John Poulsen, William Ramp, Keith Roscoe, Elizabeth Schultz, Ivan Townshend and Kenneth Vos

10 Years | Louise Arsenault, Stella Baah, Brenda Bell, Donald Birchfield, Ryan Buckman, Jill Cassidy, Lorena deLange, Christopher Epplett, Margaret Forgie, Don Gill, Bill Glaister, Val Hill, Patricia Horrocks, Nancy Hosgood, Frank Huss, Deborah Jarvie, Helen Kelley, Carol Knibbs, Keith Knowles, Josh Korthuis, Christopher Kukucha, Greg Lacey, Corie Lazenby, Wayne Lippa, Karen Mahar, Jeremiah Merkl, Josephine Mills, Joy Morris, Chris Nicol, Chris Picken, Jeremy Pierson, Mike Pinder, Catharine Reader, Michael Robinson, Victor Rodych, Tammy Rogness, Mark Sabo, Robin Schafthuizen, Shelley Scott, Behnam Seyed Mahmoud, Gerry Ste. Marie, Robert Sutherland, William Tietz, Raquel Trillia, John von Heyking, Kevin Ward, Katherine Wasiak, Robert Williams, Barbara Williams, Jim Wishloff, Robert Wood and Jing Zhu

To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Women's fastball program looking for return to action

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:49:21 +0000

Women's fastball is alive at the collegiate level. The next goal is to make it well.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has had an on-again off-again relationship with women's fastball and Bill Halma would like to see a strong return next fall. In order to do so, he needs the word out now that the program is ready to roll.

"We've got about eight to 10 ladies very interested in playing but we need 14 to 16, of which we probably need at least two to three solid pitchers. That's been a real problem for us in the past," says Halma, manager, programs for Sport and Recreation Services, adding that the program is also searching for a coach.

Women's fastball falls under the "semi-competitive" sport tag, along with U of L club sports like golf and curling. These are all self-funded activities that participate in leagues outside the auspices of official Canada West competition.

They have a following however and just because they have no official status now, that can always change – just see the history of women's rugby.

The U of L has fielded a women's fastball team for four of the last six seasons but after two years away from competition, Halma would like to see it restored this fall.

"Nobody comes here specifically to play women's fastball but if we were to have a strong program, maybe it's just another one of those activities available on campus that may help sway someone's decision to enroll here," he says. "We're always looking to provide our students with as many outlets as possible and this is one I think could be very popular."

Playing in the Alberta Intercollegiate Women's Fastball Association, the U of L would challenge a mix of university and college squads (allowing the U of L to also include Lethbridge College players). Beginning a schedule in early September and wrapping up around Thanksgiving, teams try to play three to five games in a weekend set. The challenge, of course, is finding field availability and compressing a schedule into a tight timeframe.

"We have a bit of a challenge here in Lethbridge because there is no formal fastball league anymore," Halma says. "Unfortunately, then we're only gaining players from outside the city of Lethbridge."

He currently has a core group of six to eight players regularly working out at an indoor facility in preparation for next fall. Anyone interested in joining the program can contact Halma at 403-329-5107 or via e-mail at halma@uleth.ca

UNews - Bill Halma

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