Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards - April 2015

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

April 14, 2015 For Achievements in 2014

ASDC SW recognizes outstanding Junior Athletes for 2014

Junior Female Athlete Taeya Koliaska

Taeya Koliaska continues to make her mark on the judo landscape. In 2014, Taeya had a competition year for the ages, amassing over nine medals at various national and international events, not to mention numerous other smaller scale tournaments and meets. Often competing against older, more experienced athletes, Taeya has used determination, wit and technical prowess to dominate all comers. All of her efforts culminated in Taeya winning Gold at the U16 Jr Nationals and earning a spot on the Jr National Team last summer. Taeya is a well-rounded student athlete, who continues to garner top scholastic marks despite the pressures of an elite training program. As well, Taeya is giving back to the sport she loves, working as a mentor and guide with the next generation of Judoka.

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Junior Male Athlete of the Matthew Knapik

Matthew Knapik has worked tirelessly to become one of the Province’s and Canada’s best up-and-coming track athletes. Mathew exploded onto the track circuit last summer, particularly in the hurdles event. Having never participated in the event prior to last spring, Matthew leapt his competition on way to a Gold medal at the Alberta Summer Games, Silver at the Western Canadian Championships and another Silver at the Canadian Youth Championships to cap off a fabulous summer. Mathew also set a Youth Canadian Record in the 1000m race with a time of 2:39:84. Matthew is heralded as one of the most coachable athletes ever. Always appreciative of his coaches time, Matthew has the respect of his training partners and competitors alike. But it is his work ethic that has allowed Matthew to excel on the highest of stages, as he tackles the intensity and high volumes or his training regiment with 100% every practice, day in and day out.

Lethbridge Sport Council

Kaleb

Muller Junior Male Athlete

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Junior Male Athlete : Kaleb Muller

Sponsored by Print Partners

This award is presented to a male athlete, considered in their respective sport to be at a Junior Level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Kaleb has had a very impressive year ranked #1 14 year old boy short track skater in Alberta. At the Canada West Short Track Speed Skating Championships he finished 2nd overall -- winning 3 individual silver medals and silver in relay. At the 2014 Alberta Winter Games he was 1st overall. Kaleb just got back from the 2015 Canada Winter Games with a personal best performance placing 11th. Kaleb is not only a stand out in short track, but also has impressive long track abilities, as he is ranked second in Alberta in the 14/15 Boys division. He was also been selected to represent Alberta at the Canadian Long Track Speed Skating Championships in Quebec City, but declined his spot in order to compete in the Alberta Winter Games.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Lethbridge Sport Council

Junior Female Athlete

Co-Winner

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Junior Female Athlete

Co-Winner: Bayleigh Fleming Sponsored by Jeff’s On-Target Painting

This award is presented to the a female athlete, considered in their respective sport to be at a Junior Level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

In 2014 Bayleigh Fleming won a bronze medal at the Canadian Junior National Championships in the 53 kg weight class and set three Provincial Records in what was one of the most competitive weight classes of the competition. She broke the youth (under 18) records and the junior record (under 21) for the snatch, which has been untouched for 11 years. At the Alberta Junior Provincial Championships she also won the best junior female weightlifter award and has been selected to attend the 2015 Canadian Junior National Championships. She is a role model on how to train seriously but not lose sight of the fun that is sport.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Junior Female Athlete Co-Winner

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Junior Female Athlete Co-Winner: Brynley Gross Sponsored by Independent Communications

This award is presented to the a female athlete, considered in their respective sport to be at a Junior Level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

At only 9 years old, figure skater Brynley Gross has had an exceptional year in a very competitive field. She placed first at both the Skate Alberta/Northwest Territories/Nunavut Wildrose Competition and at Sectionals (figure skating provincials) in the Pre-Juvenile Ladies Under 11 which is the highest level of competition for her age. These performances have landed her a spot on the Alberta Junior Development Team. She has already begun to give back to her sport as an amateur coach.

Lethbridge Sport Council

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Jim Steacy Senior

Male Athlete

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Senior Male Athlete: Jim Steacy

Sponsored by Horns Hockey Alumni Association

This award is presented to a male athlete, considered in their respective sport to be at a Senior Level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Jim Steacy capped his 15th year as a track and field athlete off with a gold medal win at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and his 10th Canadian Senior National Hammer Throw title. Despite unexpectedly losing his mother in April 2014 and coming back from debilitating injuries that required surgeries on both feet and 18 months of being unable to train from 2009 through 2011 he was able to complete his most successful season since 2009.

Lethbridge Sport Council

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Senior Female Athlete: Liz Gleadle Sponsored by Pronghorns Athletics

The award is presented to a female athlete, considered in their respective sport to be at a SeniorLevel, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at theirlevel of competition.

Liz Gleadle came back from injuries that left her unable to compete for most of 2013 and broke her Canadian record in women’s javelin. She finished 2014 ranked 10th in the IAAF World Rankings, represented Canada at the Commonwealth Games where she finished 5th, won a bronze medal at the IAAF Continental cup, and won gold at the Birmingham Diamond League meet where she beat the present world record holder as well as the top three ranked javelin throwers in the world. Liz remains undefeated by Canadian women javelin throwers since 2012 when she also re-broke the Canadian National record.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Liz Gleadle Senior Female Athlete

Lethbridge Sport Council

Junior Tier 2 Barracudas Amateur Team

Athletic Performance Awards

These awards are intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance.

Amateur Team Award:

Lethbridge Junior Tier 2 Barracudas

This award is presented to a male or female amateur team, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Lethbridge Barracudas Lacrosse goal has always been to win the Jack Little trophy, which is awarded to the Provincial Champions each year. This year, the team captured that trophy as the first Provincial Tier 2 team to win in franchise history. The team’s season record was a remarkable 20-3. From the start of the season, the motto was “Be the next”. This meant to be the next champion, to be the next great son, brother, student, worker, and leader. The way the boys care about each other, support and help one another on and off the playing field is truly inspiring. The coaching staff believed they were not only teaching the game of lacrosse, they were helping to create great citizens by teaching discipline, respect, good sportsmanship, teamwork and to value their community. The Lethbridge Junior Tier 2 Barracudas Lacrosse team shows the characteristics that Lethbridge Sport Council looks for in an Amateur Team.

Lethbridge Sport Council

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sponsored by Copy Express & Blaine Hyggen

Todd Hubka Coaching Excellence

Sport Excellence Awards

These three awards are meant to recognize and celebrate an individual’s outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport.

Coaching Excellence Award: Todd Hubka

Sponsored by Recreation & Culture Department, City of Lethbridge

This award is presented to a coach who has achieved outstanding coaching performances and dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport at any level. The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication and leadership that allows athletes and sports teams to grow and shape sport in Lethbridge.

Todd Hubka has been a coach with the Prairie Baseball Academy for the last 19 years, which is an accomplishment in itself. Todd Hubka became the Head Coach of the Prairie Baseball Academy four years ago and has continued to grow the program. There may have been a winning tradition at PBA before Todd, but one could argue that the winning tradition of PBA has taken another step forward with four straight Canadian College Baseball Tournament Championships. He is known in the baseball circle Coach Hub, and has helped many college players move on to schools in the states while still finding time to coach his son’s Major All Star team. A team who finished 3rd in Canada this past summer. His passion for the game, hard work and the time he gives selflessly to a game he cares so much about has made an impact on countless players over the years. He continues to work to grow baseball in Lethbridge with a vision to the future and the big picture while finding a way to shape the athletes he works with on a daily basis.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Stephen Neis Volunteer in Sport

Sport Excellence Awards

These three awards are meant to recognize and celebrate an individual’s outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport.

Volunteer in Sport Award: Stephen Neis

Sponsored by Volunteer in Sport is Feature Productions

Presented to a volunteer of a Lethbridge sport organization or a volunteer at a sport organization which trains at a Lethbridge sport facility who has made an overwhelming contribution to Lethbridge sport that is consistent with LSCAA values in the areas of leadership, sport development, innovation, and growth.

Stephen Neis was the Chair for the 2019 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee, although Lethbridge was unsuccessful in winning the bid, his hard work did not go out noticed. His dedication, ability to empower his team, and ensuring the group stayed on task, all helped create a strong and impactful team. Under Stephen’s direction, the committee was able to bring our community together in ways Lethbridge has never witnessed. Thousands of residents showed support for the Bid, in large part due to Stephen’s contagious community spirit and drive to show Canada what Lethbridge is capable of. Stephen gave countless hours to ensure success that day, collecting pledges every weekend, driving across Southern Alberta to take part in parades, open houses, and sending emails until 3 in the morning. His unlimited energy and clear direction made the work fun. Stephen continues to volunteer for Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, Lethbridge Lacrosse Association, and Central Alberta Hockey League.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Zack Prankard Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen

Spirit in Sport Awards

These awards honour outstanding community sport heroes for their character and actions that help grow and shape sport in our community.

Servus Credit Union

Outstanding

Sport Citizen

Award: Zack Prankard

Sponsored by Servus Credit Union

This award is presented to a youth who participates in sport as an athlete, mentor athlete, official, amateur coach, or in any other capacity that enhances their sport environment. This young person exemplifies the LSCAA values of integrity, inclusiveness, personal growth and development, cooperation, advocacy, and a positive image for sport.

Zack is a well-rounded young man: a great athlete, model student and tremendous leader. He plays with integrity in every game he plays whether it is Football, Basketball or Rugby. Zack also takes on a Leadership role, and is admired and respected by his teammates. As an 11th grade team captain of the Lethbridge Jr. Coyotes Football team, he not only commanded the respect of his teammates, he was quick to return that same respect. He received Most Valuable Player honors at the end of his grade 11 season. Zack has proven very resilient, never wavering from his goals, always providing a consistent, reliable, and impressive effort when many others would have wavered. He is a well-rounded multi-sport athlete, leader and ambassador for the Lethbridge community. This makes Zack a perfect recipient for our Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Marcus Karpati Spirit in Sport

Spirit in Sport Awards

These awards honour outstanding community sport heroes for their character and actions that help grow and shape sport in our community.

Spirit in Sport Award:

Marcus Karpati (1985-2014) Sponsored by Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame

Marcus Karpati, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn soccer player, Lethbridge FC defender and beloved summer camp leader turned coach/teacher/husband and inspirational talisman, died November 23, 2014. Marcus played 5 years at the University and then immediately started working as an assistant coach for the Men’s Soccer Program. Whether it was volunteering for Kids camps, wearing the Luxie outfit, or running an after school basketball program for elementary students. Marcus showed an enthusiasm and passion that was infectious to everyone around him. His impact on his team mates, players, students, colleagues and friends was immense and it showed as they raised more than $40,000 to help his family while he stayed in Calgary to receive treatment. The U of L also recognized his contributions to the community and dedicated a corner of the stadium foyer to “Karp’s Korner”, where a play area for kids will be built. Marcus’s Philosophy was “Honesty, Loyalty, and Hard Work” and this is something which is embraced by all who were touched by him. Marcus is truly a community hero who, in the pursuit of sport has demonstrated values such as dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and a true love of sport. He embodies the vision of our Spirit of Sport Award and is the magic that lives within sport to inspire, motivate, and capture the hearts and minds of the community.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Lethbridge & Area Cricket Association Sport Organization

Leadership Awards

These three awards are meant to recognize and celebrate an individual or organization’s outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport.

Sport Organization Award: Lethbridge & Area Cricket Association

Presented to a community sport organization who exemplifies organizational leadership, evidence of fiscal responsibility, innovative practices, effective internal and external communications, and cutting edge practises in the sport sector that have successfully lifted the profile of their particular sport and sport generally.

Lethbridge & Area Cricket Association (LACA), a not for profit society, has taken giant strides within a year’s time in many ways. Based on the inputs and interest from the local community, a few families in Lethbridge felt strongly the need for an association dedicated to Cricket. This resulted in the inception of Lethbridge & Area Cricket Association in June 2014. Membership of this organization increased to 27 registered members within a span of 6 months with members from all walks of life and level of sports. The club held a Sports Day in Canada Try-It event (supported by a ParticipACTION community grant) that demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment of the club to promote cricket within the community. It takes a dedicated group of people to start a sport organization from scratch. Their great leadership within the organization has lifted the profile of Cricket in Lethbridge and area, and as such have contributed to the betterment of sport.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sponsored by Lethbridge Sport Council

Dr. Gary Bowie

Shaun Ward Sport Champion

Leadership Awards

These three awards are meant to recognize and celebrate an individual or organization’s outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport.

Shaun Ward Sport Champion Award: Dr. Gary Bowie

Sponsored by Lethbridge Sport Council

The lifetime achievement award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a sport leader who exemplifies LSCAA values as demonstrated in ground breaking organizational leadership, innovative practices, influential communications, cutting edge sport marketing or positioning of the community sport sector.

Dr Bowie’s role in shaping and developing the regional sport landscape is evident across our sport and recreation community. The beginning began long ago. In 1963 he was the Founding Chair of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and was involved in the formation of the Canada West University Athletic Conference (CIS West). He has served on a number of single-sport and multi-sport host organizing committees from regional, to provincial, interprovincial and national level competitions. He was an NCCP mentor and played a role in delivering the original NCCP program.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when speaking about the contribution that Gary Bowie has made to sport in our community. He has been a participant, a coach and a teacher and continues to provide his knowledge and his passion with enthusiasm and commitment.

Lethbridge Sport Council ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sponsors

Lethbridge Sport Council

Gratefully Acknowledges Our Sponsors

Premier Award sponsors with a ten year commitment

University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics (Senior Female Athlete) Horns Hockey Alumni Association (Senior Male Athlete) Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen

Friend of Sport Award sponsors for 2014

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame City of Lethbridge, Recreation and Culture Department Feature Production Independent Communications Print Partners

Jeff’s On-Target Painting Copy Express & Blaine Hyggen

Sport Builder sponsor for 2014 is Alberta Sport Development Southwest