LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME A CELEBRATION OF SPORT
INDUCTION CEREMONY 2020 35TH EDITION May 1, 2020 Enmax Centre CWB Lounge
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
CHAIR’S MESSAGE DAVE MCMURRAY
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board Chair
In this, the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, it is my great pleasure to welcome our 2020 inductees into the Hall and congratulate the Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year on their accomplishments. Normally, we honour our inductees and sportspersons at our annual banquet, where friends, family, and teammates gather together in celebration. In this year of upheaval and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19, we have had to delay this year’s banquet ceremony until 2021, where the 2020 class will be honoured. In the meantime, we look forward to the ongoing recognition of the inductees and Sportspersons throughout the year, including through the printing of this, our usual banquet program. Moreover, we also look forward to the completion and grand opening of our permanent display site at the ATB Centre later this year. This year’s inductees will be the first class featured at this new site.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
The 2020 Induction Banquet was cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The 2020 Inductees will be celebrated at the 2021 Banquet.
Our chosen theme for this year is multisport hosting and several of our inductees in the Builder category have contributed to Lethbridge’s successful history of hosting events such as the Canada Summer Games. Our 2020 inductees include one athlete, one team, and four builders who have left indelible contributions to sport in southern Alberta. Jolene (Schweitzer) Watson honed her skills on the soccer pitches of Lethbridge before going to become one of Oklahoma State’s and the Big 12 Conference’s all-time leader in goals, points, and shots. The 1983 Schwartz Angels battled their way to the top of Alberta’s competitive senior men’s slopitch circuit, securing a provincial championship before moving on to capture the Canadian National Championship. Eunice David has contributed nearly 50 years to building the sport of figure skating in
• Trophies • Plaques • Engraving • Name Tags • Plastic Signs
Lethbridge, serving in multiple volunteer roles including Skate Canada’s international events. Likewise, Mary Dyck used her passion for sport to ensure that participation was accessible for everyone, establishing a long coaching and volunteer career in the areas of soccer, volleyball, and wheelchair basketball. Serving multiple sporting organizations – including the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame - and helping to facilitate major events including the Alberta Summer and Winter Games, Cliff Nelson is the definition of a true multi-sport builder. Finally, Howard Rasmussen has been one of the region’s foremost champions for the sport of volleyball, coaching and developing athletes from the school system to the postsecondary level. This year, we also honour two very accomplished athletes as our Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year. In 2019, Evelyn Beaton made her mark in judo with multiple podium appearances including gold at the Canada Winter Games – all of which has led to her current national ranking as second overall in the U48kg category. In soccer, Nico Pasquotti took his amateur success to the professional level, playing for Calvary FC of the Canadian Premier League where he scored 5 goals in helping his club reach the Canadian Premier League Finals. Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Board members who have worked tirelessly on planning the permanent display site, creating a new website, and working to first plan, then find alternate plans for this year’s banquet. Our thirty-fifth year has definitely highlighted the commitment and adaptability of our members in ensuring that excellence in sport is recognized within our community.
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Left to Right (Back Row): Dori Johnson, Darryl Christiansen, Susan Eymann, Jim Isaak Left to Right (Front Row): Paul Kingsmith, Pam Garner, Lori Chaki-Farrington, Rob Kossuth Right: Dave McMurray, Jamin Heller
The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame
The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1985, the City’s Centennial Year, for the purpose of recognizing the outstanding achievement, in sport, of individual athletes, teams, builders and special award receipients. The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame identifies and honours, not only contemporary individuals, but also those who have excelled in sport at some time since the founding of Lethbridge. In its inaugural year, the Sports Hall of Fame was adopted by the Lethbridge Elks Club as its Centennial Project. The Sports Hall of Fame is administered by a Board of Directors, volunteers representing various sectors of the sports community.
CONGRATULATIONS 2020 2018 INDUCTEES from
Thanks
Lethbridge Fish & Game Association, over 90 years of sporting tradition, community service & conservation!
Paul Kingsmith for his help with biographies & The Lethbridge Sport Council and ASDCSW for graciously allowing us space to store our archives at their Nicholas Sheran location & Images courtesy of Universty of Lethbridge & Galt Museum Archives
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S.A.F.E. Society, protecting the future by teaching firearm safety today! safe-society.ca
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Lethbridge, I am pleased to welcome everyone to the 2020 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony, under a theme that honours those who have contributed to “Multi-Sport Hosting” in Lethbridge.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
The City of Lethbridge is very proud of those who have earned the prestigious honour of becoming inductees to the 2020 Hall of Fame. They have demonstrated the highest level of sport achievement to be found in our city and their legacy will serve as an inspiration for the future. We offer our most sincere
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congratulations to all the inductees. We extend our appreciation to everyone involved with the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame for building upon this fine tradition of recognizing athletes, builders, and volunteers who make significant contributions to all levels of sports in Lethbridge. May the tradition continue and live on to inspire the development of future inductees for generations to come! Chris Spearman Mayor
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
MASTER OF CEREMONIES PAUL KINGSMITH A long-time broadcast journalist and active member of the local sports community, Kingsmith returns as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event. Kingsmith spent more than 10 years as an award-winning sports journalist for Global TV in Lethbridge. Highlights of his broadcasting career include covering the Lethbridge Hurricanes run to the 2008 WHL Championships, leading Global’s coverage of the 2012 World Women’s Curling Championship and winning both national and regional awards for his reporting.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
Currently the senior communications specialist for Lethbridge College, Kingsmith’s work was recognized with a Rising Star award for newcomers to the post-secondary Advancement sector in the northwestern United States and
1908 SPORTS DAY 4
western Canada. He has also been awarded a Top 40 under 40 designation from the Lethbridge and District Chamber of Commerce. Sports has always been close to Kingsmith’s heart as he has been part of the organizing committees for the 2016 Southern Alberta Summer Games and five separate ACAC championship tournaments over the past four years. He also spent five seasons as the playby-play voice for the University of Lethbridge women’s hockey team. He is in his third year as a member of the LSHOF board of directors. Away from work, he enjoys playing hockey, tennis and golf, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife, Christi, and children Bentley and Lennon.
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Congratulations to all Inductees
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1975 CANADA GAMES VOLLEYBALL 5
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
GUEST SPEAKER MAX GIBB Max Gibb’s long association with sport has taken him from the race track and boxing ring to board rooms, where he spearheaded a sporting legacy that continues to benefit athletes today. Born in Lethbridge and raised in Raymond, Gibb, in his younger days, was a rodeo competitor, horse racing jockey and equestrian rider. In 1957, he began his boxing career with the Raymond Boxing Club, winning the Provincial Championship in 1957 and 1958. He continued boxing while attending college in Provo, Utah, and was the U.S. College National Champion in 1960 and the U.S. National Featherweight Champion in 1963. He won another Alberta Championship in 1964 and was named Captain of the Alberta Boxing Team at the 1964 Olympic Trials in Vancouver.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
In 1970, Gibb, as Executive Director of the Alberta Sport Council, was the driving force behind the creation of the Southern Alberta
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Summer Games. The event was so successful, it led to formation of the Alberta Summer Games in 1974 and Alberta Winter Games in 1976. The Games have served as a training ground for thousands of young athletes who have gone on to higher levels of competition, including the Olympic Games. Through his work with the Alberta Sport Council, Gibb was involved in an organizational capacity in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He has also served as a boxing promoter and referee. Gibb was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He is currently the CEO of the Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge and is proud to have been involved in the resurgence of live horse racing, a historic and economic part of Southern Alberta.
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Jolene Watson (Schweitzer),
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
Athlete
Jolene Watson’s fierce efforts on the soccer pitch carried her all the way from Lethbridge to Oklahoma, where she carved out a record-breaking university career.
obviously gifted athlete blessed with speed and strength.” Her standout abilities on the pitch led to an invite to Canada’s women’s national team training camp in 2000.
Growing up in Lethbridge as Jolene Schweitzer, she played her minor soccer in her hometown and stood out on the pitch from early in her life as a three-time MVP of the Lethbridge City Select team from 1993 to 1996. Moving up to the 82 Chargers program, Schweitzer led the team to a combined seven indoor and outdoor provincial championships between 1996 and 2000, including a memorable gold medal game in the 1997 provincial outdoor championship where she had both of her teams’ goals in a 2-0 win.
In 2001, Schweitzer made the jump to NCAA Division I play with Oklahoma State University, where her offensive skills were on full display over four memorable campaigns. She etched herself into both the school and conference record books, graduating as the Big 12 Conference’s all-time leader in goals, points and shots. She made the All-Big 12 first team in 2003 and second team in 2004, while also earning conference academic honours in both years. She was Big 12 Player of the Week four times and was named OSU Offensive Player of the Year in three of her four seasons. Following her university career, Watson returned to her Lethbridge roots, to close out her career suiting up for Lethbridge FC of the Alberta Major Soccer League.
Her skill and determination carried her even higher, as Schweitzer made Alberta provincial teams in 1998 and 1999 and helped her team win a national U-17 gold medal in 1999. The Lethbridge Herald described Schweitzer as “an
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CONGRATULATIONS TO JOLENE, MARY, NICO AND ALL 2020 HONOUREES Email: admin@lethbridgesoccer.com
Best Wishes to all Inductees
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Congratulations
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
TO THE 2020 LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES AND TO THE LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME CELEBRATING ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
We are proud to be part of the rich history and promising future of sport and excellence in Lethbridge
EVERYONE SHOULD EXPERIENCE QUALITY SPORTd
lethbridgesportcouncil.ca info@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca 403-320-5412 | 403-320-9371 8
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Howard Rasmussen, Builder Howard Rasmussen is as close to a resident expert in southern Alberta volleyball as one will find. His coaching career started in Drumheller in 1972 when he took off the fall semester from university. He coached the high school boys’ volleyball team to a provincial championship, and he was hooked on coaching from that point on. Stops in Edmonton to coach club teams and a return to Drumheller to continue his high school coaching career led to Rasmussen’s appointment as head coach of the men’s volleyball team at the University of Lethbridge in 1983. His tenure as Pronghorns coach led to interest from the Calgary Volleyball Club. Rasmussen took on head coaching duties for the CVC’s Older but Wiser men’s team and led them to a national championship in 1986. Following three seasons as Pronghorns head coach, he turned his focus to teaching a younger generation.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
He first coached at Hamilton Junior High School, before taking over as head coach for the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute boys program. Rasmussen coached the Rams from
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1989 to 2000 and developed the program into a powerhouse on the local and provincial scenes. He found success in attracting athletes with football, basketball, baseball and track backgrounds to join the volleyball program, and was able to instill volleyball skills that allowed the Rams to thrive. In 2000, he moved to Japan to teach English and coach volleyball, before returning to Lethbridge. Now retired from coaching, Rasmussen was inducted into the Alberta Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2009. An excellent role model for his athletes and a coach that everyone loved to play for, Rasmussen helped mentor many successful future southern Alberta coaches. His positive energy was contagious and his dedication to give every player a meaningful experience garnered him the respect of his peers. As a fellow coach stated, “when Howie was around you always knew there would be a few laughs. I guess this is why he was able to create such a wonderful learning environment.” Rasmussen continues to be an avid fan and supporter of the sport he loves.
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Origins of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame lethbridgesportshalloffame.ca The City of Lethbridge celebrated its Centennial in 1985. In planning for the celebrations, the Lethbridge Centennial Society struck a sub-committee to consider ways in which Lethbridge might showcase its rich sports history. The sub-committee, consisting of Gary Bowie, Keith Robin and Mal Clewes thought that a hall of fame could be established to recognize Lethbridge residents who had excelled as athletes, coaches and sport organizers. A number of Lethbridge citizens with a strong sports background were recruited to serve on a board and the first meeting of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors was held on June 14, 1984 with Mal Clewes serving as chairman. The Board consisted of the following members: Brian Bourassa -
City of Lethbridge administrator responsible for sports facilities and programs.
Dr. Gary Bowie -
University of Lethbridge professor, multi-sport coach, and organizer of countless school and community sporting events.
Marge Clark -
Former high school teacher and coach of the provincial champion Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Clipper Queens basketball team.
Carole Gemer -
Former Canadian national track and field champion athlete who provided service as a coach and official at the local, national and international levels.
Reno Lizzi -
Lethbridge businessman and sports personality who organized and promoted a variety of sporting events with a special emphasis on baseball and tennis.
Hector Negrello -
Former member of the World Champion Lethbridge Maple Leafs Hockey Club who coached and organized hockey and baseball for decades.
Don Pilling -
Former sports editor of the Lethbridge Herald and one of the City's foremost sport historians. Don's guidance enhanced innumerable Lethbridge sporting activities over the years.
Dr. Keith Robin -
Lethbridge Community College instructor and administrator who provided leadership for a variety of community initiatives.
Peter Smith -
Former Exalted Ruler of the Lethbridge Elks Lodge No. 37 who provided financial and organizational assistance for the Sports Hall of Fame.
Dianne Violini -
Perennial national champion bowler who promoted the sport for young and old. Dianne also served as the first secretary of the Sports Hall of Fame.
Wilma Winter -
University of Lethbridge professor, coach of national champion women's basketball team and supporter of a wide range of university and community activities.
Mal Clewes -
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute principal who helped coordinate local and provincial sport programs for Alberta high schools.
The Board developed by-laws and became registered as a society under the Societies Act of Alberta. Guidelines were established for the induction of athletes, teams and builders and a banquet was planned to provide recognition for inductees. The Lethbridge Elks Lodge No. 37 became a major sponsor of the Hall of Fame and enabled the creation of a portable display of inductee photographs and biographical information. A logo was approved and nominations for the first inductees were solicited. The inaugural induction ceremony was held on April 27, 1985 at the Lethbridge Lodge with Brent Seely serving as Master of Ceremonies and G.S. (Joe) Lakie as Guest Speaker. A total of twelve athletes, six teams and twenty sport builders were inducted including the 1950 - 1951 World Champion Lethbridge Maple Leafs Hockey Club and the 1958 - 1959 Canadian Champion Lethbridge Broders Chinook Basketball Team. The banquet was attended by six hundred people and set the stage for an annual event that celebrates the rich history of sport in our fine city.
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
INDUCTION CATEGORIES
NOMINATIONS
Four categories will be established for the purpose of recognizing excellence in sport as follows: PURPOSE:
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame candidates must be nominated prior to January 31st in order to be considered for induction that year. Nominations may originate with an individual, club or association and must be signed by the nominator. Nominations should be made using the appropriate nomination form and should include as much factual information as possible, giving details of the accomplishments of the nominee. Wherever possible, the accomplishments should be supported by documentary evidence. Nominations should include a head and shoulder, black and white photograph (min. 5" x 4") of the nominee. If the nomination is successful, both the nominee and nominator will be informed by letter. In the case of an unsuccessful nomination, only the nominator will be notified. Nominations will remain on file and will be reviewed annually for three consecutive years. Nominations that have been unsuccessful for a 3-year-period must be resubmitted in order to be reconsidered.
ATHLETE
To recognize athletes who have distinguished themselves in competition in Lethbridge or elsewhere and to recognize athletes who have rendered prolonged and meritorious service to sport.
ELIGIBILITY: In order to be considered as a candidate for the Hall of Fame, an athlete must: a) Have represented sport with distinction in athletic competition, either in Lethbridge or elsewhere, or by example have brought great credit to the sport and high respect for the individual. b) Have compiled an outstanding record which extends over a period of years in one or more sports. c) Have been a Lethbridge resident when possible during the period for which outstanding performance is claimed.
PURPOSE:
SELECTION PROCEDURES All nominations shall be considered annually by the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board shall be final and all nominators will be notified accordingly. An induction ceremony will be held once per year when possible.
BUILDER
To formally recognize the initiative, leadership and dedication of those individuals who participate in the development of sport.
KINSMEN SPORTS PERSONS OF THE YEAR
ELIGIBILITY: In order to be considered as a candidate for the Hall of Fame, a builder must: a) Have demonstrated outstanding leadership in service to any sport, sport group or sport association in positions such as coach, trainer, manager, writer or administrator. b) Have been a Lethbridge resident during the period for which outstanding performance is claimed. This performance would normally have extended for a period of at least 10 years.
The Lethbridge Kinsmen Club in co-operation with Lethbridge Sports Media and the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame recognize a female & male for their sporting achievements during the past year.
PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENTS
TEAM AWARD
After 35 years of portable exhibits, the City of Lethbridge kindly donated space in 2020 for a Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame permanent home located at the multipurpose ATB Centre on Britannia Boulevard in west Lethbridge. Each floor in the hallways between the Cor Van Raay YMCA and the curling & Ice rinks features different aspects of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame. The first floor identifies current inductees, the Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year and sponsors as well as an interactive monitor featuring a searchable database for all past and present honourees. The second floor features a TV monitor where individual and team stories can be told. As well, several display cabinets are available where sports paraphernalia can be exhibited.
The Team Award will serve to provide appropriate recognition for Lethbridge teams that have won a National, International or World Championship or have achieved the highest possible award in their particular realm of competition. PURPOSE:
SPECIAL AWARD
To formally recognize individuals and/or organizations, athletes and builders who have made an outstanding and valuable contribution to Sports or to the community of Lethbridge through sports. This category is to reward people who have made a significant contribution to sports, or the community, but do not qualify under the other categories. 11
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Cliff Nelson,
Builder
Over more than four decades, Cliff Nelson has been a hands-on supporter of countless sports and organizations throughout southern Alberta – roles he proudly held without ever seeking the spotlight. Nelson has been involved in hockey, curling, golf and slo-pitch. He has contributed to organizing committees for both the Alberta Summer and Winter Games. And he has held board roles for organizations such as the Hockey Hounds, the Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association and the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
One of Nelson’s longest-running engagements is as one of the leaders behind oldtimers hockey in Lethbridge. He created and took on organizing duties for the Silver Streaks, a team that has gone on to represent Lethbridge multiple 55+ Alberta Winter Games, including serving as hosts of the 2015 Games. Nelson later became a multi-time chair of the Lethbridge Oldtimers Hockey Tournament, an event that traditionally attracted 48 teams from across western Canada and the northwestern United States. The area’s largest tournament of its kind at the time, the tournament was so popular that Nelson often had to turn teams away that weren’t registered well in advance.
Nelson served as president of the Lethbridge Hockey Hounds, as a board member with the Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association, and helped both groups connect with local organizations throughout the city. Under his supervision, the Hockey Hounds and Oldtimers Sports Association have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support athletes, teams and notfor-profit groups. This includes the Lethbridge Hurricanes Education Fund, Lethbridge Minor Hockey, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns hockey, the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Alberta, the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association and more. Known as a volunteer who takes on jobs to make sure they are done to completion, Nelson was the construction committee head for the 2007 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, a volunteer for the 2012 Alberta Summer Games, and one of the driving forces behind the expansion of the Picture Butte Golf Club. Nelson’s legacy is also directly tied to the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, where he served as chair and helped reinvigorate interest in the hall at a time when it was lagging. Nelson is the definition of a true multi-sport builder.
HOCKEY HOUNDS 50/50
The Lethbridge Hurricanes congratulates Cliff Nelson and all honourees
Congratulations Cliff Nelson and all Inductees
www.lethbridgehurricanes.com 403-328-1986 12
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Schwartz Angels 1983 Canadian slo-pitch champions
Back row L to R: Bill Henderson Sr., Rod Olshaski, Lorne Osmond, Dick Shardlow, Dave Snopek, Doug Roberts, Harvie Pocza, Wayne Lazarick, Brian Hicken, Greg Maxwell, Bob Lanman Front row L to R: Doug Borthwick, Bob McKeen, Jim Fifield, Angelo Mauro, Don Field, Bill Henderson Jr., Greg Kveder, Rod Linn, Alf Petrocco
The summer of 1983 was a heavenly experience for Lethbridge’s Schwartz Angels slo-pitch team. A colourful collection of offensive powerhouses and defensive dynamos, the Angels marched all the way to a national championship. Playing in the ultracompetitive Lethbridge slo-pitch league, considered by many to be one of the best leagues in Canada at the time, the Angels were battle tested by the time they won the Alberta Senior A Men’s Slo-Pitch Championships on their home field in Lethbridge. With that victory, the team qualified for the national championship in Kentville, N.S.
with Windsor to begin the double elimination playoff, and again the Ontario team came out on top, 9-1. The Angels showed their resilience on the B-side of the draw, beating Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan to qualify for a semifinal showdown with British Columbia. In the semifinal, Bob Lanman pitched a complete game and added three hits in a 4-2 win as the Angels advanced to the final against their nemesis from Windsor. Backed by a boisterous Nova Scotia crowd that adopted the Angels as their own, the third time was the charm as Lethbridge finally outdueled the Ontario team 6-1, setting up a winner-take-all showdown between the teams. Pitching his third game of the day, Lanman was excellent on the mound and was supported by four homeruns, including a three-run shot by Doug Roberts, as the Angels won 85 to collect the Canadian championship. Harvie Pocza was named tournament MVP, while Dave Snopek and Bill Henderson earned spots on the all-tournament team.
The national tournament provided a series of dramatic twists and turns for the Angels, who had to consistently overcome adversity and a formidable opponent in the Ontario representative Windsor Diamonds, who beat the Angels 10-7 to open the tournament. However, it was the only setback of the round robin for the Angels who rolled to wins over Yukon, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to qualify for the playoffs with a 3-1 record. That set up a rematch 14
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
1950s SPORTS DAY ON THE CIVIC FIELD 15
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Eunice David,
Builder
For nearly half a century, Eunice David has been the face of figure skating in Lethbridge. She is a hands-on volunteer, literally, as her introduction to the sport was helping to sew costumes when her children joined the Lethbridge Skating Club in the early 1970s. Within two years, she was elected to the club’s board of directors where she became a staple and a guiding force for much of the next 37 years.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
From 1974 through 2011, David served multiple terms on the board, holding every executive position except for secretary, including a time as club president where her passion for helping young skaters could flourish. While her administrative roles helped create structure and stability for the program, she found a passion for judging after she received her certification in 1983. David served 36 years in the judge’s box at hundreds of competitions across western Canada and has a special skill for making skaters feel comfortable. Even a skater’s toughest days on the ice are met with a
TO EUNICE DAVID AND ALL THE LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPORT IN OUR COMMUNITY The Lethbridge Skating Club offers programs for all levels of learn-toskate, beginner figure skating, recreational and competitive figure skating, adult skating, synchronized skating and powerskating.
lethbridgeskating.comژ lethbridgeskating@gmail.com 403-394-0861 16
smile and kind words from David, who has a knack for finding a positive in any performance. David founded the Chinook Open Skating Competition in 1992 and chaired the event for more than a decade. She volunteered at the Canada Winter Games in 1975; at Skate Canada International events in 1990 and 2015; and has held a variety of other roles too numerous to list. David was named Alberta Figure Skating Association South Region Volunteer of the Year in 1993, was named Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Volunteer of the Year in 2006, and earned the Alberta/NWT-Nunavut Marilyn Chidlow Volunteer Award in 2008. After nearly 50 years of involvement in figure skating in southern Alberta, David is finally slowing down on the volunteering front, having had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of young skaters.
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
Mary Dyck,
Builder
Mary Dyck’s passion for the spirit of sport has spurred her to make sure that spirit is accessible for as many others as possible. A university volleyball player, Dyck transferred to the University of Lethbridge in 1980. To stay involved while sitting out a year because of transfer regulations, she took a spot as an assistant coach, which ignited a passion that has carried her through nearly 40 years of coaching, organizing and mentoring.
Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame ~ 2020 ~
gohorns.ca
After her time with the Pronghorns volleyball team, Dyck became the first coach of the U of L women’s soccer program in 1986, a role she held for four seasons, highlighted by earning Canada West Coach of the Year honours in 1988. Returning to B.C. as head coach of the Trinity Western University women’s volleyball team, Dyck led the Spartans to a conference championship in 1991 and finished seventh at nationals. Never satisfied with the status quo, she earned coaching certifications in volleyball, soccer, basketball and gymnastics and returned to southern Alberta in 1992. A professor at the U of L, Dyck turned her attention to high school, club and provincial
team competition where she spent multiple decades coaching boys and girls soccer and volleyball, guiding hundreds of young athletes. She was an assistant coach for Alberta’s women’s soccer team at the 1993 Canada Summer Games, helped establish the Southern Alberta Oldtimers Football Association, and the Women’s Soccer Association of Lethbridge. She co-authored a book, Coaching Volleyball Champions with fellow Lethbridge Sports Hall of Famer Ard Biesheuvel in 2010. An advocate for inclusivity in sports, Dyck revived the Lethbridge Wheelchair Basketball Association in 2013; has managed the competitive Lethbridge Steamers wheelchair basketball team; and began a SOCCABILITY summer program for children with disabilities and their friends. She planned and facilitated a women’s soccer symposium at the Women’s World Cup in Edmonton in 2015, and since 2015 has managed Canada’s men’s and women’s deaf volleyball national teams, continuing her long tradition of making sure everyone can be involved in sports.
Strong, swift and enduring, the spirit of the pronghorn is legendary. It’s a spirit that lives within us all. The University of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics congratulates former Pronghorn coaches Mary Dyck and Howard Rasmussen, former Pronghorn Nico Pasquotti and all of the 2020 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame inductees. 17
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
A Brief History of Multi-Sport Events in Lethbridge One example was a 1912 sports day held at Henderson Park including athletes from the city’s public and high schools—the girls’ potato race was reported to be the highlight event. In 1932 a sports day held at LCI included track and field competitions and a tennis match. Following the Second World War, city interplayground sports days were held at the Civic Centre’s track and field through at least the mid-1950s.
Lethbridgians, since the turn of the twentieth century, have found reasons to organize and host a variety of sporting festivals, sports days, and multisport games. From early sports days held by the city’s public and high schools, to the 1975 Canada Winter Games, these sporting spectacles continue to capture the imagination of athletes, supporters, and spectators. This short history provides a glimpse into the types of multi-sport events held in the city’s past, some of the people and groups involved, and how these events represent important moments contributing to the rich legacy of sport in Lethbridge.
Although holding sporting events and sports days in Lethbridge took place for many years, the idea of hosting a provincial or national multi-sport festival along the lines of the Olympic Games or Empire (Commonwealth) Games, did not materialize until the 1960s. The inaugural Canada Winter Games were hosted by Quebec City in 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations. Eight years later, the third Canada Winter Games were held in Lethbridge. The groundwork for hosting this national event was laid in 1972 when a proposal to the Sports Federation of Canada was accepted, resulting in the awarding of the 1975 Canada Winter Games to Lethbridge.
As early as 1886, on the Queen’s Birthday (Victoria Day), Lethbridge residents organized sporting competitions as part of their celebrations. The program of sports on this particular day held on the square (now Galt Gardens) included: a “100 yard race..; standing long jump; ¼ mile race; putting light stone; sack race, 75 yards; running long jump; tossing the caber, 200 yards hurdle race..; standing high jump; running high jump; 3 legged race, 75 yards; smoking race, 100 yards; girls race; slow horse race; vaulting with pole; hop, step and jump; fat man’s race, not under 215 pounds; egg race, 20 yards; bucket of water race, 50 yards; 1 mile race; ½ mile horse race; throwing cricket ball…; pony race, 250 yards; consolation race.” Generally, these celebratory events were local affairs. However, from time-to-time athletes and teams from neighbouring communities such Fort Macleod and Medicine Hat would provide competition in team sports such as cricket and baseball. Community sports days were also held regularly on Dominion Day (Canada Day). By the end of the nineteenth century sports days had become relatively common, and, for example, one of the town’s first public school meets was held in 1899, an event consisting primarily of running and jumping competitions. School athletic meets continued through the early decades of the twentieth century.
The Canada Games Management Committee included Charles Virtue, Games Chair; Bob Bartlett (Builder 1998), Chair of the Management Committee; and Keith Lees, General Manager. Hosting these games and the 2400 athletes was truly a community effort and could not have happened without the work of over 3000 volunteers.
18
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
LETHBRIDGE 1975 CANADA WINTER GAMES
on geographical regions. The initial purpose of these provincial games was to provide competitive opportunities for athletes representing various age groups. However, in 1980, the games were partitioned with the holding of the first Alberta Senior Games for participants over age fifty-five, an event renamed the Alberta 55 Plus Summer and Winter Games in 2009. Correspondingly, in 1986, the Alberta Sports Council reorganized the Alberta Summer and Winter Games to focus on developing athletes from ages eleven to seventeen.
FEB 11, OPENING CEREMONY
Lethbridge hosted its first Alberta Summer Games in 1981 and held this same event again in 2012 led by games chair George Virtue (Special 2014). Lethbridge also hosted the Alberta Winter Games once in 1996. In 2001 the city held the Alberta Senior Summer Games, followed thereafter by hosting the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games both in 2009 and 2015. Additional multi-sport games Lethbridge athletes have been involved with since the 1970s are the Southern Alberta Summer Games. Initiated by Max Gibb (Special 2002) this regional event has been hosted by various towns and cities including Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Brooks. Pincher Creek hosted the inaugural games in 1970 and has held the games on several occasions since then. Nearby towns of Coaldale, Raymond, Fort MacLeod, and Taber have hosted the Southern Alberta Summer Games multiply times, with Picture Butte hosting once. Lethbridge has stepped-up twice to host these games in 2006 and 2016.
SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The University of Lethbridge suspended classes from February 10-25 to make its facilities available along with supplying volunteers to assist staging various events and activities. Among the facilities built for the games was the Sportsplex (Enmax Centre) now the home of the Hurricanes. Two local highlights were the victories of Bill and Cori-Jo Petrunik (Team 1988) winning gold in pair’s figure skating, and the Lethbridge Y’s Men’s Natives Sons (Team 1987) hockey team also capturing gold. Of the many legacies of these games was an appetite to host future multi-sport festivals.
Lethbridge’s long history of successfully organizing national, provincial, and regional multi-sport events continues with the city scheduled to host the 2021 Alberta Summer Games, and, if the past is any indication, these will not be the last multi-sport games to be held in our community.
At the provincial level, the first Alberta Summer and Winter Games were held in 1974 (Calgary) and 1976 (Banff) respectively. These games included teams and individuals representing eight zones based
CREDITS TO CANADA GAMES COUNCIL AND GALT MUSEUM & ARCHIVES FOR PHOTOS OF THE LETHBRIDGE 1975 CANADA WINTER GAMES OPENING CEREMONY IN LETHBRIDGE AND THE LOCAL GAMES SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 19
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors acknowledges and thanks the following groups and individuals for their support and crucial involvement in building our new permanent site located at the ATB Centre:
The City of Lethbridge - Mayor, Council, and Staff Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge - Suzanne Lint Artist Collin Zipp The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame would also like to thank Annelies van Oers for redesigning and updating our website.
1975 CANADA GAMES VOLLEYBALL 20
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
BUILDERS 1985
1988
1996
John Pahara (Boxing)
Enso Baceda (Curling)
Mike Wyrostock (Softball)
Don & Ethel Higgins (Figure
Tony Bogusky (Boxing)
Jim Gunn (Multi-sport)
skating)
Edmond Bruchet (Multi-sport)
Gordon Kay (Weightlifting)
Brent & Nancy Thorburn (Soccer)
Stan Carmichael (Multi-sport)
Aldo Nechich (Soccer, Broomball)
Peggy Currie (Figure skating)
1997
A.G. “Addie” Donaldson
1989
(Soccer, Hockey)
Doug Clark (Basketball)
Dr. Jan Harvey-Kilam (Swimming)
Jack Emery (Boxing, Track & field)
Dr. Gary Bowie (Multi-sport)
Dan Niehaus (Gymnastics)
George Gemer (Track & field)
Irene Karia (Multi-sport)
George Yoshinaka (Baseball)
Dick Gray (Hockey)
Reno Lizzi (Baseball)
Syd Hall (Hockey)
Jim Szucs (Baseball)
Harold “Babe” Harris (Multi-sport)
1990
Yvonne “Sonja” (Currie) Jacobson (Figure skating) George McKillip (Multi-sport) Frank Miles (Boxing) Hector Negrello (Baseball, Hockey) Steve Pedersen (Multi-sport) William Rea (Curling) Yoshio Senda (Judo)
Gloria Gouthreau (Multi-sport)
1998 Robert “Bob” Bartlett (Hockey) Ed Henderson (Multi-sport)
Thelma Coutts (Multi-sport) Ralph “Lefty” Eshpete (Multi-sport) Marilyn Snedden (Multi-sport)
Harold “Ted” Major (Multi-sport)
1999
1991
Colleen Gunnlaugson (Figure
Marge Clark (Basketball)
John McLellan (Multi-sport)
Reed Spencer (Baseball)
Darryl Medoruma (Alpine skiing)
skating)
George Swedish (Multi-sport)
Stan Siwik (Swimming)
2000
Carl Trentini (Hockey)
1992
Henry Viney (Multi-sport)
Ralph Guzzi (Multi-sport)
1986
Dr. Richard King-Brown (Squash)
2001
Bernie Ontkean (Rugby)
Gene Eisler (Soccer)
Leo Harrold (Hockey)
1993
Ed Martyna (Badminton)
Bill Kucheran (Baseball, Hockey)
Dan Bodell (Hockey)
Frank Leffingwell (Marksmanship)
Pat Hamilton (Motocross)
Jim Whitelaw (Multi-sport)
2002
Peter Lewko (Multi-sport)
Steve Arisman (Multi-sport)
1994
2003
Fritz Heinrich(Soccer, Broomball)
Tim Tollestrup (Multi-sport)
Wally Pickett (Hockey)
Dave Allen (Multi-sport)
Miners’ Library Club (Multi-sport)
1987
Wayne Petersen (Golf)
Ron Boyce (Motor sports)
Joe Lakie (Multi-sport)
Les Colwill (Hockey, Baseball)
Jake Van Dyk (Multi-sport)
Doug Frier (Baseball)
2004 Dawn (Fry) Keith (Basketball)
Jack Kerr (Baseball, Hockey)
1995
Sam Serbu (Baseball)
Gordon Hoselton (Multi-sport)
2006
Lethbridge Elks Lodge #37 (Multi-
Lewis Kennedy (Football)
Kevin Wiber (Football, Baseball)
sports)
Elwyn “Bush” Williams (Golf) 21
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
2007
2018
1987
Sheila Buelow (Ringette)
Duane Konynenbelt (Multi-sport)
Lavern Dzuren (Racquetball)
Steve Wilson (Volleyball)
John Eccleston (Track & field)
2008
Thomas Green (Multi-sport)
Bertril Johansson(Cross Country
2019
Running)
Ard Biesheuvel (Volleyball)
Evelyn Leffingwell (Marksmanship)
Blair Kubicek (Baseball)
Bernhard Pohl (Mixed Martial Arts)
Allan “Chick” MacIntosh (Multi-
2009
2020
sport)
James Murphy(Tae Kwon-Do)
Howard Rasmussen (Volleyball)
Stan Maxwell (Hockey, Baseball)
Daniel Shapiro (Tennis)
Eunice David (Figure Skating)
Charles “Bud” McKillop (Multi-
Don Chandler (Curling)
Cliff Nelson (Multi-Sport)
sport)
Mary Dyck (Multi-Sport)
Dianne Violini (Bowling)
2010
Marvin Kirchner (Multi-sport)
Marty Maxwell (Baseball)
Mal Clewes (Multi-sport)
1988
LAA Pioneers (Hockey)
Joe Meli (Judo) Steve Odney (Baseball) Harvie Pocza (Multi-sport) Natalie Reimer (Figure skating) Matthew Slavich (Baseball) Bill “Iron Man” Eagleson (Baseball) Carole Gemer (Track & field) Robert “Bob” Kastings Jr. (Swimming) Jack Lilja (Basketball)
Florence Senda (Judo) Sharon Chmielewski (Curling)
2011
ATHLETES 1985 Glen “Jinx” Anderson (Multi-sport)
Ron Jacobson (Football)
Robert “Scotty” Armitt (Soccer,
Bob Tinordi (Broomball)
Track & field)
Lethbridge Lacrosse Association
Harry Blacker (Basketball)
Pioneers
Jim Furlong (Football)
2012
Earl Ingarfield (Hockey)
Brad Brown (Football)
Marie Popson (Archery)
2013
Tom Sindlinger (Basketball)
Kurt Berndtsson (Marksmanship) Terry Hanna (Basketball)
2014 Mary and John Schwengler (Triathlon, Running) John Lavorato (BMX)
2015 Pius Labolevech (Basketball) Cal O’Brien (Multi-sport)
Enid (Dowdle) Pepper (Multi-sport)
Kai Yip (Boxing)
Doug Barkley (Hockey) Jody Fry (Racquetball) Tom Greenway (Judo) John Klem (Baseball) Ed Schwartz (Golf) Jack Smeed (Bowling) Alvin Tietz (Soccer)
1986
1990
Robert “Bobby” Dunlop (Multi-
Rick Duff (Boxing) “Aut” Erickson (Hockey) Tim Filuk (Racquetball) Harold Mandeville (Rodeo) George Santoni (Baseball)
Vic Stasiuk (Hockey) D. Logan Tait (Basketball, Racquetball) Katie Wilson (Multi-sport)
sport) Sydney Emery (Boxing) Eddie Foychuk (Softball) James Freel Sr. (Multi-sport)
2016
William “Billy” Gibson (Hockey)
Lawrence Steinke (Track & field)
Glen Hamilton (Multi-sport)
Neil Langevin (Rugby)
Barbara Horne (Golf)
2017 Morgan Munroe (Multi-sport)
1989
Bus Murdoch (Multi-sport) Richard Steadman (Badminton) Gerald Ward (Track & field) 22
1991 Len Frig (Hockey) Eddy LeBaron (Boxing) Peter Slobodian (Hockey) Fen Tunbridge (Bowling, Golf) Stan Wills Jr. (Marksmanship)
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
1992
1998
2009
Stan Howard (Multi-sport) Jim Kotkas (Baseball) Marla Lawlor (Equestrian) Scott Maxwell (Baseball)
Sharon (Davies) Fogtmann
Dori Johnson (Basketball)
(Badminton)
Danny Balderson (Basketball)
Suzanne Pecht (Track & field)
2010
1993
Garth Pilling (Multi-sport)
Andrea Hlady (Basketball)
Guy Pomahac (Multi-sport)
Tom Three Persons (Rodeo)
Jason Zuback (Golf)
Bryan Maxwell (Hockey)
Phil Illingworth (Judo) Bert Mezei (Bowling) Dan Santoni (Baseball)
Tara Gemer (Track & field)
1999
2011
Joseph “Jocko” Tarnava (Multi-
Gregory Duce (Baseball)
Sarah (Joly) Nickolet (Soccer)
sport)
Barb Halladay (Multi-sport)
Phil Tolllestrup (Basketball)
2000
2012
Don Cavers (Golf)
Jim Nakagawa (Multi-sport)
Lori (Parsons) McArthur
Lorraine Hill (Equestrian)
Gavin Edwards (Squash)
(Equestrian)
Rob Roy (Baseball)
Kathy McCune (Softball)
Nick Saler (Soccer)
Francis Wright (Multi-sport)
1994 Scott McGeoch (Soccer)
Patricia Christiansen (Golf)
Ken Moore (Football)
2001
Gary Tunbridge (Baseball, Bowling)
Ian Balfour (Alpine skiing)
1995
Ryan Watson (Hockey)
Brian Rossetti (Bowling)
2002
Jack Hebert (Baseball, Bowling)
Perry Mirkovich (Basketball)
Nan Iwaskiw (Baseball)
2003
Bill Persley (Multi-sport) Cliff Stroh (Golf)
1996 Karen Ewashen (Powerlifting) Bill Koskoski (Baseball, Bowling) Bruce Lyon (Baseball) Ralph Oler (Marksmanship) Corrido Santoni (Baseball,
Lori Chaki-Farrington (Track & field) Reginald “Junior” Olsen
Laura Tsujikawa (Soccer)
Malcolm Jones (Rodeo) Shawna (Molcak) Kolaczek
2017
(Basketball)
Mike Mezei (Golf)
2004
Stacy Roest (Hockey)
Brenda Pennington (Multi-sport)
2018
Jamie Pushor (Hockey)
Carla Pavan (Skeleton)
2006
Lauren Perry (Volleyball)
Trevor Hardy (Kick Boxing)
2019
2007
Dawn Berry-Furtado (Golf)
Dennis & Jude Hooey (Archery) Mike Marcinkowski (Weight lifting) Clarence Yanosik (Baseball)
(Combatives) Gary Simmons (Hockey)
2016 Howard Yanosik (Hockey)
Basketball)
1997
2014 Chad Murray (Swimming)
Clark Bosch (Baseball)
John MacMillan (Hockey)
2013
2008
Trevor McAlpine (Judo)
2020 Jolene Watson (Schweitzer) (Soccer)
Charlton Weasel Head (Basketball) Tyler Birch (Alpine skiing, Bowling) Rachel Evans (Volleyball) 23
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
TEAMS 1985 Cliff Forry Rink (Curling) 1958-59 Lethbridge Broders Chinooks (Basketball) 1936-37 Lethbridge Galt Miners Senior Men (Baseball) 1950-51 Lethbridge Maple Leafs (Hockey) Myrna McQuarrie Rink (Curling) 1932 Supina’s (Soccer)
1994
2010
1969 Lethbridge Chargers (Soccer)
2005-06 Lethbridge College Kodiaks Men’s Cross-Country Team
1995
1971 U of L Chinooks Women’s
1994 U of L Men’s Pronghorns (Hockey)
Basketball
2011
1996
2007 LCI Rams Senior Boys
1989 LCC Women’s Kodiaks (Basketball)
Volleyball Team
2012
1997
2007-09 U of L Pronghorn Women’s
1986
1972 Lethbridge Amateur Swim
1947-49 Lethbridge Native Sons Juveniles (Hockey)
1994 LCC Women’s Kodiaks
2013
(Soccer)
1977 Lethbridge Norcrest Little
1987 Betty Luco Rink (Curling) 1974-75 Lethbridge Y’s Native Sons (Hockey)
1988 Barry Coleman Rink (Curling) 1979-80 Lethbridge Elks (Baseball) Bill and Cori-Jo Petrunik (Figure skating)
Club Relay Team (Swimming)
Rugby
League All Stars (Baseball)
1999 1977 Lethbridge Norcrest Senior
2014
Little League (Baseball)
2011 Lethbridge Giants (Baseball)
2000
2015
1982 Lethbridge Little League All-
1966-1967 Lethbridge Junior
Stars (Baseball)
College Men’s Kodiaks (Basketball)
2001 1979 Lethbridge Gotschna (Slo-
1989
2016
pitch)
1963 Lethbridge Hungaria (Soccer)
Wayne Bowes & Bob Daku (Racquetball) Lethbridge All-Star Tigers (Baseball)
2002
2017
1990 LCI Rams (Football)
1985 Lethbridge Senior Little
1990 Great West Tire Super Sam (Slopitch)
1991
League (Baseball)
2006 1989 Val Matteotti Golden Hawks
2018
(Hockey)
1975 Lethbridge Chargers (Soccer)
2007
2019
1963-65 Lethbridge Jr. North Stars
2008 Senior Ladies World Curling
1946 Blenner-Hassett and Smith Dodgers (Baseball)
(Fastball)
Championship Team (Curling)
2003 LCC Women’s Kodiaks
1981 Lethbridge Little League All-
1992
(Cross-Country Running)
Stars Canadian Champions
Greg & Mary Lazaruk (Darts) Val Matteotti Suntanas (Slo-pitch)
(Baseball)
2008 2004 Kodiak Women’s Basketball
1993
2020 Schwartz Angels 1983 Canadian Slo-Pitch Champions (Slo-Pitch)
1969 Lethbridge Sugar Kings (Hockey) 24
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
1996
2008
Steve Fallwell (Multi-sport)
Yoshitaka (Taka) Kinjo (Karate)
Lethbridge Labour Club (Multi-
1997
2009
sport)
Keith Jorgensen (Multi-sport)
Southern Alberta High School
AC “Andy” Anderson (Multi-sport)
Gordon Orser (Hockey)
Rugby League Pioneers
1989
1999
2010
Val Matteotti (Multi-sport)
Vivien Goodrich (Equestrian)
Bryan Jeannotte (Multi-sport)
Al McCann (Multi-sport)
2000
SPECIAL 1988
Don Pilling (Multi-sport)
1990 Lethbridge Hockey Hounds (Hockey)
1991 George Wesley (Baseball)
1992
Harry Bentley (Multi-sport)
Rich Sutter (Hockey)
2012
Ron Sutter (Hockey)
The Bascom Family (Rodeo) Raymond Knight (Rodeo)
2001 Gus Herresvele (Multi-sport)
2014 George Virtue (Multi-sport)
2002 Max Gibb (Multi-sport)
2015 Colin Nonomura, Darin Gibson (Tae
Royal Canadian Legion (Multi-
2003
sport)
Garry Allison (Multi-sport)
David Wells (Multi-sport)
1993
2004
2017
Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports
Sundown Hank Markus (Rodeo)
Knud Petersen (Multi-sport)
Association (Hockey)
2006
1994
2019
Jack Nagai (Multi-sport)
Carol Thibert (Multi-Sport)
Mary Oikawa (Multi-sport)
1975 Canada Games Society (Multi-
1995
Kwon-Do)
sport)
Sven Ericksen’s Family Restaurant
2007
(Multi-sport)
Ron Bain (Running)
25
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
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LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
KINSMEN 2020 SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR NICO PASQUOTTI
Male Sports Person of the Year
Nico Pasquotti’s scoring exploits on the soccer pitch are no surprise to Lethbridge fans who have watched him throughout his career – but in 2019 a whole new audience was exposed to what the 24-year-old winger is capable of. Pasquotti was a member of Calgary’s Cavalry FC for the inaugural season of the Canadian Premier League – Canada’s top professional soccer league. He showed a knack for scoring timely goals as he helped lead Cavalry FC to the top spot in both halves of the CPL regular season, and a second place finish in the CPL playoffs. In 23 appearances, Pasquotti scored five goals – tied for fourth on the team and 18th in the CPL – totals that were strong enough to earn him the right wing position on the CPL’s “Team of the Year.” Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said of Pasquotti, “he brings with him such great game effect and pride in our colours,” after Pasquotti re-signed with the Calgary club for the 2020 season. A fan favourite for the Calgary fans that regularly packed the home pitch at Spruce
Meadows, Pasquotti came into the season as a familiar face after scoring the championshipwinning goal for Calgary Foothills FC the prior season. His performance with Foothills helped elevate him onto the Cavalry squad when the CPL was formed for the 2019 season. Prior to his professional career, Pasquotti played for both the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns and Lethbridge College Kodiaks. With the Kodiaks in 2015, Pasquotti was named both Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association player of the year after leading the nation with 19 goals in 10 games. Still early in his professional career, Pasquotti has set his goals to hopefully earn opportunities to try out for Canada’s national team and perhaps move on to a higher level of professional soccer, such as Major League Soccer. For now, he is back with Cavalry FC and focused on helping the team wrap up what it feels is unfinished business after coming up just short in the CPL championship last year.
Congratulations to all Inductees! SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE 3608 - 4th Avenue South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4Z5
403.328.9651
www.mcdonaldnissan.com
1975 WINTER GAMES CEREMONY 27
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
KINSMEN 2020 SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR EVELYN BEATON
Female Sports Person of the Year Evelyn Beaton may have skipped the “rising� part and arrived on the judo stage as a full-fledged star. At just 15 years old, Beaton was dominant in her age division and beyond, racking up competition wins across Canada and making her name known on the international stage, proving she will be a judoka to watch for many years to come. A member of the storied Lethbridge Judo Club, Beaton was just 14 years old for most of the 2019 season. Her year got off to a stellar start by winning the 44kg U18 National Cadet Championship in Montreal, followed by both individual and team gold medals at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer. After a win at the Edmonton International U18 competition, she took off for Germany and earned bronze at the prestigious Thuringia Cup U18 event, placing only behind judokas from France and the Netherlands. Back in Canada, Beaton earned wins at the Open National Championships in Edmonton and the Canada Cup in Montreal, then traveled to Colombia for the Pan American U18 Championships.
Beaton earned her way to the gold medal match by beating the 2018 Youth Olympic Champion in the semi-finals before taking silver against a Venezuelan judoka. She qualified for the Cadet World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and despite losing in the first round, learned lessons that served her well for the rest of the season. In October, Beaton moved up to the 48kg category and won the Saskatchewan Open. In an event to remember at the Quebec Open, Beaton won the U18 competition, and fought in the senior category for the first time at a major Canadian Circuit event. She placed second in the senior event, losing only to a fighter five years older than her. However, just a week later, at the Ontario Open Senior Canadian Circuit event in Toronto, she rebounded to beat the same judoka she had lost to in Montreal to earn her first senior division championship. In early January 2020, Beaton opened the new year with a victory at the Canadian Cadet Championships in both the U18 and senior division, helping the Lethbridge Judo Club win its second-straight U18 Canadian Club of the year title.
albertasport.ca/alberta-games ASG2020.Manager@gmail.com 403-320-7766 Lethbridge is proud to be hosting the 2021 Alberta Summer Games. The Games are the pinnacle event for many participants while others will continue on to national events.
July 22-25, 2021 +3000 athletes, coaches and officials +14 sports +4 days +2000 volunteers = Limitless legacies 28
LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME | 2020
KINSMEN SPORTS PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARD The Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge is pleased to sponsor the
Sports Persons of the Year Award The club has sponsored this award since its inception in 1995.
CA
These awards acknowledge individuals for their outstanding performance or participation in sports while representing Lethbridge. NADA
In 2007, these awards were adjusted to include both a female and male recipient.
RECIPIENTS OF THE KINSMEN SPORTS PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARD: 1995 - Nicole Petersen 1996 - Gary Bowie 1997 - Knud Petersen 1998 - Don Gatto 1999 - Sarah Joly 2000 - Bruce Drewry 2001 - Mike Mezei 2002 - Trevor McAlpine 2003 - Nicole Stratychuk 2004 - Jim Steacy 2005 - Brent Seabrook 2006 - Jim Steacy
2007 - Ashley Patzer Jim Steacy 2008 - Lethbridge Curling Club - Foster Rink Zach Boychuk 2009 - Ashley Patzer Jim Steacy 2010 - Ashley Patzer Willy Kimosop 2011 - Heather Steacy Mike Hansen 2012 - Jody Meli Bob Bartlett 2013 - Deb Williams
Coby Iwaasa 2014 - Taylor McDonald Aaron Hernandez 2015 - Kim Veldman Jim Steacy 2016 - Rachel Nicol Kris Versteeg 2017 - Ashley Patzer-Steacy Zack McAllister 2018 - Tyler Wong Casey & Jessie Scheidegger 2019 - Rob Klinkhammer Sandra Latrace
2020 - Nico Pasquotti Evelyn Beaton
CA
NADA
TO ALL THE 2020 INDUCTEES
CELEBRATING
YEARS
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