RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021
12th Annual Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards
Contents Athletic Performance Awards Jr Female Athlete – Mikka Eaves - pg. 3 Jr Male Athlete – Jacob Sargent – pg. 4 Sr Female Athlete – Jillian Weir – pg. 5 Sr Male Athlete – Apollo Hess - pg. 6 Athlete with a Disability – Payden Vair – pg. 7 Master Athlete – Deirdre Coburn – pg. 8 Amateur Team– Lethbridge Little League Baseball's 2021 AAA All-Star team – pg. 9 Sport Excellence Awards Coaching Excellence – Nancy Sherman-Higo – pg. 10 Coaching Excellence – Larry Steinke – pg. 11 Volunteer in Sport – Kelsey Prenevost – pg. 12 Business and Sport Excellence – Kasko Cattle Company – pg. 13 Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence – Lost Soul Ultra – pg. 14 Leadership Awards Sport Administrator – Kirk Mearns – pg. 15 Shaun Ward Sport Champion – Brad Dersch –pg. 16 Sport Organization – Lethbridge Curling Club – pg. 17 Spirit in Sport Awards Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen – Keegan Brantner – pg. 18 Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport – Paige Crozon – pg. 19
Junior Female Athlete Mikka Eaves
Sponsored by Jeff’s On Target Painting This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their 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. Mikka Eaves is a dedicated and passionate young speed skater. The energy and time Mikka has committed to her training and volunteer work with the Lethbridge Speed Skating Association has been exceptional. She has grown to be an outstanding leader. Mikka lends her knowledge, dedication, and passion to other skaters as a Junior Coach. Over the last several years, Mikka has represented Lethbridge at national events and qualified to compete in the 2021 Canada Cup. Mikka was named to the 2020 - 2021 Alberta Provincial Short Track Development Team.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Junior Male Athlete Jacob Sargent
This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their 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.
Jacob Sargent is a talented volleyball player and a strong leader with a stellar academic background. He is a grade 12 student at Chinook High School, a member of the Lethbridge Volleyball Club, and recently signed with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Jacob is also a member of the 2021 Canadian Youth National Team. Jacob has taken a coaching role with the Cubs to Kodiaks program, where he is giving back to the program that helped produce him. He was named the 2021 Southern Alberta Player of the Year, an award chosen by all the league coaches.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Senior Female Athlete Jillian Weir
Sponsored by University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their 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. Jillian Weir has been a member of the Canadian National Track and Field team since she was in her teens. In 2021 she qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she finished 19th with a throw of 68.68M, the secondbest all-time by a Canadian woman in the hammer throw. Through her public speaking and athletic achievements, she provides an opportunity for Black and Indigenous women to see that there is space for them in high-performance sport in southern Alberta and more broadly across the country.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Senior Male Athlete Apollo Hess
This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their 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. Apollo Fox Hess, a proud Blackfoot athlete and a member of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Swim Team, had a stellar freshman season setting University of Lethbridge records in six individual events and four relay events. Apollo made the finals in both the 100m and 200m Breaststroke at the Canadian Olympic Trials, placing 7th and 4th respectively. He finished off the year at the 2021 Canada West Championships, where he broke meet records in the 50M and 200M Breaststroke events and was named the 2021 Canada West Rookie of the Year and 2021 Canada West Swimmer of the Year.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Athlete with a Disability Payden Vair
Sponsored by Lethbridge College Kodiaks This award is presented to an athlete with a disability who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication at their level of competition
A former Lethbridge College Kodiaks soccer player, Payden Vair suffered an accident losing part of her right leg. Payden’s positive attitude, personal determination, and kind personality allowed her to find success on the court instead of the field. In 2019 she made Canada’s Parapan American Games Sitting Volleyball team competing in Peru, and in 2021 Payden represented Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics finishing fourth. Her continued determination and perseverance is a shining example of human spirit at its best.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Master Athlete
Deirdre Coburn This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their sport to be at a Master or Veteran level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.
In 2013, after a knee injury, Deirdre Coburn began training and eventually competing in Olympic Weightlifting. In 2021 Deirdre won Gold at the World Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships. She is the current world champion in her weight class and age group. Deirdre is a mentor and cheerleader for beginner and veteran weightlifters alike. Beyond weightlifting, Deirdre is active in the sport of figure skating as both an athlete, senior evaluator, challenge level judge, and clinic leader. Deirdre is a Graduate Funding Facilitator at the University of Lethbridge.
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Amateur Team
Lethbridge Little League Minor AAA All-Stars This award is presented to an amateur team that exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.
The Lethbridge Little League Minor AAA All-Stars, a group of 9- and 10-year-old players, displayed outstanding character, maturity, and resilience throughout the season and especially in their final game at the 2021 Prairie Championships. The team battled back from a 4-run deficit late in the final against a tough Calgary West team eventually winning in extra innings. Winning the Prairie Championships is an outstanding achievement as it is the premier tournament for 9 and 10 year olds in Western Canada. This team of young athletes was successful in bringing home the top honors for their age division in front of a home town crowd at Canola Harvest Field. Players: Lucas Dersch Tyler Thomas Nolan Thomas Kasen Andrews Hayden Charlesworth Sullivan Mills
Blake Dueck Owen Coe Santiago Sanchez Diaz Brady Oberg Jared DeMateo Nolan Vanee
2021 Athletic Performance Awards
Head Coach: Jaime Thomas Assistant Coaches: Darren Charlesworth Taylor Coe Reg Dueck Brad Dersch
Community Coach
Nancy Sherman-Higo This award is presented to a coach who has achieved outstanding coaching performances and dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport at a community level. The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication and leadership that allows athletes and sports teams to grow and shape sport in Lethbridge.
Nancy Sherman-Higo is the head coach of the U9 Cyclones hockey team—the only all-girl team in the Lethbridge U9 Novice division. She also coaches the Future Olympians Program, an introductory hockey skills program for female players ages 5 to 9. Nancy is dedicated in her role to helping girls grow as leaders both on and off the ice. The U9 Cyclones rarely win a game as their team is small and the players are often physically outmatched by the teams they play. Despite that challenging reality, Nancy teaches her players that teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development are where they should put their focus as growing hockey players. Having a strong female leader like Nancy has a positive impact on our youth.
2021 Sport Excellence Awards
High Performance Coach Larry Steinke
This award is presented to a coach who has achieved outstanding coaching performances and dedicated themselves to grow and develop sport at a national or international level. The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication and leadership that allows athletes and sports teams to grow and shape sport in Lethbridge.
Larry Steinke has created a legacy of success in the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletic program, representing Lethbridge and Canada at five consecutive Olympic Games. Larry was named a member of Team Canada's coaching staff for the 2020 Olympic Games where he coached two athletes with local connections, including first-time Olympian Jillian Weir and third-time Olympian Liz Gleadle. Outside of his Olympic experience, Steinke continues to coach the University of Lethbridge Track and Field team. Despite a lost university season in 2020/21, many returning Pronghorn athletes are having their best seasons in 2022 under Larry's guidance.
2021 Sport Excellence Awards
Volunteer in Sport Kelsey Prenevost Sponsored by ENMAX Centre This award is presented to a volunteer 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. Kelsey is a volunteer, coach, and secretary for the Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association. He coaches in the middle school program, is an assistant coach with the high school program, and has contributed to the development of a coaching team. As secretary, he shared his knowledge from his business experience to broaden their program philosophy and oversee bylaw and code of ethics updates. In 2021, Kelsey dedicated his time to coming up with creative solutions to the issues the year presented. He filled a critical decision-making and communication role in launching two new community programs for elementary and middle school children.
2021 Sport Excellence Awards
Business and Sport Excellence Kasko Cattle Co.
Sponsored by Webmarks Design & Marketing Awarded to a business that has demonstrated an understanding, a sincere interest, and both monetary and personal development support for a community athlete, team, or sport initiative or program. The support offered by the business should not be measured by dollar value but measured in terms of the impact that it has on the Lethbridge sport community. Allowed a sport organization to make a major change, advance, develop, diversify or grow, and had a measurable impact on the sport group. Kasko Cattle has played a huge role within southern Alberta sport over the last 15 years. The Kasko family has given financial support to school sports, community sports, and the Lethbridge College Kodiaks. The Kasko’s show up as a family to numerous sport events to show their support and have provided jobs for many local students over the years, putting them to work on the farm and providing opportunities for these young athletes to sustain themselves financially.
2021 Sport Excellence Awards
Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence
Lost Soul Ultra Marathon Dean Johnson, Marc Hayward, Jake Cameron, Pat Wilson, Shawn Pinder
Sponsored by Tourism Lethbridge This award is presented to an individual, organization, or event to honour their outstanding contributions towards Lethbridge’s strong reputation for quality event hosting.
2021 Sport Excellence Awards
The Lost Soul Ultra Marathon attracts 320 ultra-marathoners in several distances, including the 50-KM, 100-KM, and, most noteworthy, the 100-Mile, the only Canadian qualifier for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. The event makes use of local volunteerism. Due to heavy rains in 2021, organizers made the lastminute decision to move the racecourse from a single-track coulee trail to their rain route. It required an exceptional volunteer team to re-flag the course and pivot to their new route. Lost Soul organizers prioritize stewardship and conservation of our beautiful coulees, and they work alongside the City to trim the trails and respect the ecology in the area.
Sport Administrator Kirk Mearns
This award is presented to a sport administrator (paid or voluntary) who has made an overwhelming contribution to Lethbridge sport that is consistent with the Lethbridge Sport Council vision, mission, and values. Kirk Mearns is an integral part of the Lethbridge Curling Club, first serving as a director and president before being hired as the Club’s General Manager six years ago. Kirk goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcome at the club. Kirk works amazingly well with his team and keeps the board of directors informed with excellent reporting practices. He is always willing to help, no matter the initiative. Kirk has been fundamental in the city’s bids for the 2019 World Men’s Curling Championship and the 2022 Tim Horton’s Brier, cochairing the local organizing committee for both events.
2021 Leadership Awards
Shaun Ward Sport Champion Brad Dersch
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. Brad Dersch has a dedication and passion for sport and active living that reaches both his personal and professional life, and he has shown leadership in both areas. He is a physical education teacher and VicePrincipal overseeing athletics at both Wilson and G.S. Lakie Middle Schools. Brad dedicates many hours guiding students in various areas of sport and the importance of physical activity. Beyond class time, Brad coaches cross country and basketball. As a community coach for hockey and baseball, he has guided, supported, and encouraged many young athletes along their journey. Brad's enthusiasm, encouragement, approachable manner, and skill set have made him a role model that has made a difference in our community and ultimately, in the lives of many young athletes.
2021 Leadership Awards
Sport Organization
Lethbridge Curling Club This award is presented to a community sport organization who exemplifies LSCAA values as demonstrated by 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.
2021 Leadership Awards
The Lethbridge Curling Club is one of Alberta’s first curling clubs. In 2021, they celebrated their 125th anniversary. The club is known for hosting world-class events and boasts nearly 600 members. The Lethbridge Curling Club provides a positive curling experience to its members, including juniors, seniors, high school students, and university students. The club has played host to many significant curling championships, including the 2007 Scotties, 2012 World Women’s, 2015 World Men’s, 2017 World Senior, 2017 Mixed Doubles, numerous provincial and regional playdowns, and most recently, the 2022 Tim Horton’s Brier.
Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen Keegan Brantner 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 the sport environment. This young person exemplifies the LSCAA values of integrity, inclusiveness, personal growth and development, cooperation, advocacy, and a positive image for sport.
The fifth-year University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Rugby player has grown into an outstanding mentor and leader. Keegan has performed at an exceptional level both in the classroom and on the field of play. She earned a spot on the Dean’s Honour List and was the 2019 to 2021 Pronghorn Rugby team captain. As a student-athlete, Keegan is a member of the Pronghorn Leadership Academy and StudentAthlete Council and has worked hard to give back to her community. Keegan helped organize a bottle drive in support of KidSport Lethbridge and Taber, coordinated blood and plasma drives with other rugby team members, and coaches at the Lethbridge Rugby Club. Keegan’s leadership and community work were recognized with the 2021 Pronghorn Athletics Alumni Leadership Award.
2021 Spirit in Sport Awards
Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport Paige Crozon
Sponsored by Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame This award recognizes and celebrates a community hero who, in the pursuit of sport or support of sport, has demonstrated values such as dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and a true love of sport. This category showcases the magic that lives within sport to inspire, motivate, and capture the hearts and minds of the community.
Paige Crozon is a successful coach, athlete, leader, and mom. Her passion for sport is evident as she navigates all areas of her life while positively impacting her community. She is an excellent example for females in sport. Paige brings positivity and unselfishness in everything she commits to, and she genuinely cares about helping people see their potential. Paige has been a driver of programming for the University, focusing on the holistic development of the student-athlete. She leads the Horns In The Classroom project, where she and Pronghorn athletes work with elementary school children on learning the sport of basketball. She was a member of the Team Canada 3X3 Basketball Team, winning silver at the 2021 Women’s Series and bronze at the 2021 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup. Paige is the Lead Assistant Coach with the Pronghorns Women's Basketball team. She is respected and liked, in that order, by her players and fellow coaches.
2021 Spirit in Sport Awards
LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL Board of Directors:
Erin Low, Chair Shaun Ward, Past Chair Christopher Campbell, Vice Chair Dave Sehn, Secretary Chantelle Erickson, Treasurer Dr. Gary Bowie, Founding Chair Todd Caughlin, LC Appointed Director Neil Langevin, UofL Appointed Director
Rob Baird Chad Chief Moon Levi Clampitt Steve Dudas Bill Halma Mike Medhurst Steve Perkins Knud Petersen
City of Lethbridge Liaison: Travis Grindle
Staff:
Susan Eymann, Executive Director Tanya Whipple, Communication Manager Shawn Daye-Finley, Program and Event Coordinator Nash Shipton, Communication and Event Intern
Nominations for the 2022 Awards will open in the Fall of 2022, and will be accepted until January 31st, 2023. https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/achievement-awards
Thank you to our sponsors:
www.lethbridgesportcouncil.ca 403-320-5412/403-320-9371