Lethbridge Sport Hall of Fame 2024

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

PAUL KINGSMITH Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board Chair

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame congratulates all this year's honourees and salutes our magazine sponsors, many of whom are long-time supporters.

Thank you also to the City of Lethbridge for their continuing support hosting our permanent display area in the Cavendish Farms Centre.

On behalf of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, it is my honour to congratulate the 2024 inductee class, and the 2024 Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year.

What I love the most about the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame is that it lends equal importance to both those who have used their Lethbridge roots to propel themselves to amazing careers that take them around the globe while representing our city and country, as well as those who remain embedded in our city and create the incredible sports community that produces opportunities for thousands of athletes each year. This year’s class is no exception.

Our athlete inductees – Carmen Rinke and Brad Wall – grew up with Southern Alberta roots, honing their crafts at home before exploding onto the international scene and earning accolades around the world. Our builder inductees have largely planted their roots in our community, but they’ve also put Lethbridge on the map and because of Randy Bardock, Mike Tamura, and the Cooney Family, local soccer, judo, and speed skating, respectively, have each been given the chance to grow, thrive and compete provincially, nationally and internationally.

Each of these inductees tie into what our organization is ultimately trying to achieve, which is telling the complete story of Lethbridge’s sporting history by recognizing the accomplishments of those who have lived it. Our sixth inductee this year helps to fill in the colour from the earliest years of that story. Judge John A. Jackson’s commitment to sport nearly a century ago helped to launch

and build organizations that are still staples in our city to this day. Diligent work by the Lethbridge Historical Society and Dr. Rob Kossuth helped to uncover the details of Judge Jackson’s incredible life, and no story of Lethbridge’s sporting history would be complete without his inclusion.

As we look to the past, we also celebrate the present and future through the Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year awards. Lacrosse standout Conner Cook and 3x3 basketball superstars Paige Crozon and Kacie Bosch all continue to add to their stories with each passing day and show that the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame will have no trouble filling its inductee wing with worthy individuals for generations to come.

To learn more about our current and past inductees, I encourage you to visit our permanent site in the Cor Van Raay YMCA/Cavendish Farms Centre. The creation of this display was a labour of love for generations of Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame board members and helps add permanence to our Hall and a showcase for our inductees. Finally, I want to thank our entire Board of Directors – the commitment of this group is unparalleled, and I appreciate their desire to ensure Lethbridge’s sports history is celebrated.

Enjoy your evening and thank you for supporting the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame.

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME BOARD OF DIRECTORS

| Missing: Winter Coburn www.lethbridgesportshalloffame.ca

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I am thrilled to welcome everyone to the 2024 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.

For this, the remarkable 38th LSHOF Banquet and Induction Ceremony, we have yet another wonderful and talented induction class. Having now nearly 350 Hall members speaks volumes to the skill, depth, aptitude, and capabilities of our local athletes, as well as the sheer importance and value of sport in our city and our community.

The 2024 class includes representatives from boxing, kickboxing, judo, soccer, speed skating and multi-sport.

Congratulations to Carmen Rinke, Brad Wall, Michael Tamura, Randy Bardock, the Cooney family and Judge John A. Jackson.

Congratulations also to the 2024 Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year: Paige Crozon and Kacie Bosch, who are part of

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 recipients. 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.

Canada’s 3×3 basketball world championship team, and Conner Cook, who was the first southern Alberta lacrosse player selected (by the Calgary Roughnecks) in the National Lacrosse League draft.

Thank you to everyone who have helped these inductees during their journeys to this point. And thank you to the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame for their continued dedication to preserving and honouring the legacy of sport in our great city.

Blaine Hyggen Mayor of Lethbridge

Back row: Jamin Heller, Ryan Forsyth, Dave McMurray, Keegan Brantner, Toby Boulet, Marni Hope

Front row: Knud Petersen, Sara Peters, Paul Kingsmith, Susan Eymann, Dori Johnson

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

MARNI HOPE

Miisomii'kitsikaakii, also known as Marni Hope, comes from the Siksikaisitapi (Blackfoot) community of the Kainai nation. She has a strong athletic background, having excelled in basketball at the post-secondary level for SAIT and competed as a member of Trent University’s cross-country team. Marni has participated in two full marathons, numerous half marathons, and several triathlons, showcasing her dedication to an active lifestyle. She remains committed to various physical activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, and yoga, and has recently delved into learning the jingle dress dance.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Marni is deeply engaged in her community as a

scholar and advocate for Indigenous rights, particularly in the area of child welfare. She serves as a board member for the Lethbridge Sport Hall of Fame and represents the Board of Governors at Lethbridge College. Additionally, she is a committee member for the Lethbridge Reconciliation Advisory Committee. Currently pursuing her M.Ed at the University of Calgary, she balances her academic endeavors with the joys of motherhood, cherishing her role as a proud parent to her three wonderful children. During her leisure moments, Marni can be found filling her bucket, watching her boys play baseball, hiking with her daughter, crafting jewelry, golfing with her friends or enjoying the great outdoors.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

LETHBRIDGE

KEEGAN

BRANTNER

A local to Southern Alberta, Keegan Brantner was born and raised in Taber, Alberta where she had the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. Keegan grew up playing hockey and in high school playing basketball, cross country, golf, track, and rugby. The sport of rugby brought her to the University of Lethbridge where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Master of Arts in Kinesiology. While attending the U of L Keegan was a member of the Pronghorn’s women's rugby team and team captain for 4 seasons. Keegan currently works for Rugby Canada as a Research and Policy Specialist.

As a rugby player, Keegan has had the privilege of representing Canada three times and was honoured to be named team captain for the 2019 Tri-Nations cup with the U20 Rugby Canada team. Keegan recognizes all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice required for sport to be possible, which is why she is passionate about giving back to the community. She is now a volunteer coach for the Pronghorns women’s rugby team, Winston Churchill high school and youth rugby in addition to volunteering for other organizations and events.

Judge John A. Jackson , Special - Multi-sport

Judge John A. (Ainslie) Jackson (1875-1951) served as a district court judge in Lethbridge for 32 years, retiring from the bench in 1945. Jackson was involved locally, provincially, and nationally in amateur sports in the early decades of the 1900s, a time when amateur sport was separated from professional sport, and only amateurs could compete at the Olympics.

As an athlete, he played football at the University of Toronto, and throughout his life, Jackson remained involved not only in football but also soccer, rugby, hockey, baseball, tennis, golf and more. For example, he was a founding member of the Alberta Football Association in 1907, later becoming the organization’s president.

Jackson’s influence on sport beyond Lethbridge and Alberta arose from his involvement in the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada (AAUC), the preeminent organizing body for amateur sports in the country through the first half of the twentieth century. Jackson was elected president of the AAUC in 1921, holding this position until 1925. Although no equivalent for this position exists in Canada today, in this role Jackson had great influence over sport policy and the administration of

national sporting organizations. One element of his work with the AAUC included serving as an administrator for Canada’s Olympic teams.

Jackson was elected to lead the Canadian team at the Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany, in 1936. Previously, in his various roles with the AAUC, Jackson had attended the Olympics in Paris in 1924 and Los Angeles in 1932. On his return from Berlin, Jackson noted his belief that Canadian 1928 Olympic sprint gold medalist Percy Williams, in his prime, could have seriously challenged the 1936 Olympic champion Jesse Owens for the gold.

Outside his long and noteworthy service to Canadian amateur sport, Jackson continued to be very active in Lethbridge sports. For example, in 1930 he served as president of the Lethbridge Rugby Association (football). In his later years, Jackson was most involved with golf in Lethbridge and provided the address for the official opening of the Lethbridge Country Club in June of 1932. A Lethbridge Herald report on Jackson’s funeral held on October 3, 1951, noted that his legacy, even before addressing his long legal career, was being “prominent in athletic circles.” John Ainslie Jackson is buried in Mountain View Cemetery

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

Carmen Rinke , Athlete

When Carmen Rinke first strapped on a pair of boxing gloves, he likely couldn't have imagined the sport would eventually take him to the Olympic Games and to international events in East Germany, Mexico and New Zealand. Hailing from the small community of Lundbreck in the foothills of Southern Alberta, Rinke boxed from 1966 to 1982, earning six Canadian championships along the way. He was regarded as a power puncher who also had the ability to box a strategic bout when needed.

He captured his first provincial championship in 1971 while training with the Lethbridge Boxing Club under coach Tony Bogusky. Other Alberta titles, along with an Alberta Golden Gloves championship, followed in 1972. In 1973, Rinke claimed his first Canadian amateur crown in the 147-pound (welterweight) division, and in September of that year, he travelled to East Berlin, East Germany for his first international competition. He also won his first Montana State Golden Gloves, Inland Empire Golden Gloves and B.C. Golden Gloves, with others to follow.

That experience paved the way for an even bigger event in 1974, when he was selected to fight in the British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. He won his first match before losing in the quarter final.

By 1975, Rinke no longer had to make the drive to Lethbridge to train. The Lundbreck Boxing Club was in operation under the guidance of coach Joe

On behalf of the Lethbridge Boxing Club, we would like to congratulate all of the 2024 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

We are very proud to witness and be a part of Carmen Rinke’s induction. It has been long awaited. Carmen is a pioneer and legend in the sport of boxing, representing the Southern Alberta region.

Carmen was a member of the Lethbridge Boxing Club when coached by the legendary and Lethbridge Sport Hall of Fame Builder member, Tony Bogusky.

Carmen won many bouts in his illustrious career. He competed and succeeded in elite tournaments, national championships, along with international boxing events, including the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal. It was at those Games where he represented Canada in the ultimate of world amateur boxing tournament competition.

While training and competing in Southern Alberta, Carmen won the

Ellison, a former Golden Gloves champion from Vancouver. Training with Ellison, Rinke claimed another Canadian title in the welterweight class –just two weeks after his marriage to Nancy Jensen. At the 1975 Canadian championships, he knocked out eastern champion Bernie Guindon of Toronto, who had won a bronze for Canada at 1971 Pan American Games, midway through first round. In the final, Rinke defeated defending welterweight champion Leo Pelletier of New Brunswick, who earlier in year had been touted by CTV commentators as Canada's next Olympic hopeful.

That October, Rinke competed in the Pan American Games in Mexico City, where he won his first match before losing in the quarterfinals.

The high point in his career came in the summer of 1976, when he participated in the Olympic Games in Montreal. There he defeated Yoshioki Seki of Japan before losing on points to eventual gold medallist Jochen Bachfeld from East Germany.

Canada's joining the boycott of the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow cost Rinke another chance to fight in the Olympics. He wrapped up his career in the ring two years later by winning the 1982 71-kilogram Canadian championship title in Medicine Hat.

Outstanding Boxer Award in the city of Lethbridge in the years 1971, 1972, and 1973. The Outstanding Boxer Award was presented by the Lethbridge Police Association.

Carmen Rinke had a successful boxing career that began a run of recent national champion boxers from the Lethbridge area, many of whom were also able to compete at a high level, including International competitions, culminating in Olympic Games, following those held in Montreal in 1976.

LETHBRIDGE BOXING CLUB

-Established in 1937Still operating and building champions

Located at 110 22 Street North Contact Coach Rick Duff at 403-894-1754

Cooney Family , Builders

Recently the Lethbridge Speed Skating Association celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the family of Tim and Nicole Cooney and their children played an important role in helping the club achieve that milestone. The family's arrival in Lethbridge in 2002 bolstered the club at a time when membership numbered fewer than five skaters, and when the Cooneys joined the LSSA, it doubled the club's size.

The Cooneys made an immediate impact on the club in more important ways, too. Tim brought his background in high-performance skating, coaching and club founding, while Nicole contributed her skills in the official and administrative capacities. In the early years, Tim also competed with the club, and his ability was evidenced by a meet in Calgary in December 2004 in which he surpassed Canadian records in both the 500metre and 1,000-metre short track events in the Master 2 men's class.

Tim went on to serve as the LSSA's head coach for close to 20 years, mentoring other coaches, volunteers and skaters during that time. His stellar Learn to Speed Skate program was sought after by Speed Skate Canada

(SSC) and led to him being asked to deliver sessions on his approach at the organization's annual general meeting.

Tim received numerous accolades over the years, including the SSC's Coaches Award of Excellence, which is given, not for the achievement of athletes, but on the demonstrated ability to assist in the development of athletes and the sport, including grassroots to high-performance coaches.

Nicole became an avid student of the sport, successfully completing a variety of courses for officials. She is a Level 3 Competitor Steward, which allows her to serve as the technical representative at national events in Canada, and she travels to several regional and national competitions each season. She also served in various board roles for both LSSA and Alberta Amateur Speed Skating Association (AASSA), most recently as president of AASSA in 2018.

In addition, Nicole assisted with coaching in Lethbridge, providing onice support to the Learn to Speed Skate group for many seasons. Perhaps her most impactful role for the club was as a mentor for parents to learn the sport and become officials. Thanks to Nicole's efforts, LSSA now has dozens of certified officials, and she has taught in-person and virtual courses that have benefited other clubs in Western Canada.

All four of the Cooney children – Paul, Aaron, Brendan and Marie –skated with the club, with three of them competing at the regional and provincial levels, while two raced with the Oval program and competed at the national level. Three of the children also served as coaches with the LSSA, and Paul is still the club's head coach today.

As a family, the Cooneys revived the LSSA and, through thousands of hours of volunteerism and dedication, have helped shepherd the club through two decades of growth.

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME PROGRAM

38th Edition May 3, 2024

INDUCTION BANQUET

Theme: Speed Skating

Agenda:

6:00 – 6:50 pm: Refreshments

6:50 pm: Welcome & Land Acknowledgement by MC’s Marni Hope and Keegan Brantner

6:55 pm: Opening Remarks by Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board Chair Paul Kingsmith

7:00 pm: Welcome from Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Tracy Kinsella

7:05 pm: Dinner

8:10 pm: Inductee Roundtable Discussion hosted by Paul Kingsmith

8:40 pm: Inductees:

Judge John A. Jackson (Special) Cooney Family (Builder)

Carmen Rinke (Athlete)

Randy Bardock (Builder)

Brad Wall (Athlete) Michael Tamura (Builder)

9:10 pm: Kinsmen Sportspersons of the Year: Paige Crozon & Kacie Bosch Conner Cook

9:20 pm: Closing Remarks: Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame Board Vice Chair Toby Boulet

Brad Wall , Athlete

After graduating from high school in 1995, Brad Wall attended Lethbridge College, where he became a member of the Kodiaks men's basketball and crosscountry teams. That same year, he was introduced to another sport that would take him to international acclaim.

The sport was kickboxing, and by 1997, Wall had begun what would become a lifelong obsession with perfecting, teaching and promoting kickboxing at the highest levels. Training under coaches Junior Olsen and Trevor Hardy, Wall competed in local kickboxing tournaments before entering his first Muay Thai rules kickboxing match in 1999 at Chaweng Stadium in Thailand. He lost that first match but returned to Canada as a full-time convert to the Muay Thai.

Travelling regularly to Thailand to train under legendary Muay Thai fighter and coach Sangtein Noi Sor Rungrot, Wall became a certified Muay Thai instructor in 2000. In 2001, after numerous matches and mainevent appearances over a two-year period, he won the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Canadian Golden Gloves Middleweight Kickboxing Championship. Nicknamed “The Brick Wall” because of his outstanding conditioning and resilience, Wall continued to compete in Canada, the U.S. and Thailand, and represented Canada three times at the International Federation of Martial Arts (IFMA) Championships. During that time, he also coached many kickboxing and mixed martial arts athletes in competitions across North America and overseas.

In 2002, Wall returned to Lethbridge College, teaching one of Canada's first university transfer courses in kickboxing. In the meantime, he worked regularly with Muay Thai/ kickboxing coach and former

professional world champion Ajarn Mike Miles, and on August 21, 2005, Wall captured IKF North American Super Welterweight Muay Thai title in Orlando, Fla. Later that year, he defeated his German opponent to win the WKA World Middleweight Muay Thai title in Niagara Falls, Ont.

The following year, Wall swept his three matches at the IKF World Classic tournament, winning his final match while competing with a separated shoulder, and became the IKF World Light Middleweight Muay Thai champion on July 30, 2006. His final Muay Thai match took place in his hometown of Lethbridge, where, competing in the main event, he won with a fourthround KO via horizontal elbow.

After completing his competitive career, Wall has continued to share his time and knowledge with hundreds of amateur and professional kickboxers and mixed martial artists, including current world Muay Thai kickboxing champion Cody Jerome, Canadian Bantamweight Muay Thai kickboxing champion Kate Clements, and Canada's No. 1-ranked lightweight mixed martial artist, Tom O'Connor.

Wall has worked tirelessly for more than 25 years to grow and share kickboxing and mixed martial arts in Southern Alberta, and he continues to develop as a coach and martial artist, achieving a brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu in 2020. Balancing his training and coaching time with wife Lisa and children Makaeo and Kruz, he continues to travel to competitions across North America and Thailand with the many athletes he coaches and mentors. He is the owner and head instructor at Lethbridge's Progressive Fighting Academy, where he teaches Muay Thai/kickboxing, Brazilian Jui Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

THE HISTORY OF SPEED SKATING

Speed skating emerged in Canada in 1854 when three British officers raced from Montreal to Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River. In 1887, the Amateur Skating Association of Canada was formed, and in 1897 Montreal hosted the World Speed Skating Championship. By 1921, short-track speed skating in hockey rinks had emerged in various communities in Canada and the US. Speed skating represented one variety of ice-based sports organized in Canada through the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Thus, in Alberta and Lethbridge, speed skating can be connected to early forms of skating that appeared following European settlement.

Recreational skating in Lethbridge was recorded as early as 1886, when the Lethbridge News noted that a November storm had stopped the activity by covering the river ice with snow. The article goes on to mention that the ice was in better condition than the previous year, indicating that recreational skating was already established as an informal activity for young people. Dr. Ninna Piiksii (Mike Bruised Head) recounts that the Blackfoot people participated in skating on rivers and ponds following European encroachment and the opening of residential schools in 1884. However, like most winter sports prior to the First World War, skating was largely an outdoor activity, taking place in publicly accessible spaces such as on the river in front of the pumphouse.

Attempts to provide an improved skating experience led to the construction of a covered rink in 1893 for which participants were charged a fee. The frequent chinooks resulted in poor ice conditions and impacted pastimes including skating, hockey, and curling. Though other covered rinks were constructed prior to the First World War, these also suffered from frequent chinooks and this pattern would prove to have a significant effect on the establishment of outdoor winter activities such as long track speed skating.

In southern Alberta, newspapers noted provincial and national speed skating results throughout the early to midtwentieth century. In 1923, Judge Jackson (Special 2024) proposed the establishment of a speed skating club, as there were “many excellent skaters” in Lethbridge. Though no record of the club’s establishment has been found, local interest in the sport persisted, and travelling exhibitions such as the one featuring world speed skating champions, Art Staff and Gladys Robinson, entertained a Lethbridge crowd in December 1926.

By the early 1930s, provincial speed skating competitions had become established and in 1936, the Lethbridge Herald noted the formation of the Alberta Amateur Skating Association and its goal of fostering speed skating throughout the province. Though clubs emerged in several Alberta communities, it was not until 1952, that Lethbridge City Athletic Director, Ralph “Lefty” Eshpeter proposed the Lions Club sponsor a speed skating club to “embrace the many

youngsters not included on boys’ hockey teams.” By 1955, Eshpeter was still trying to garner interest as a club had not yet formed.

Though previous efforts to establish speed skating were unsuccessful, it was the awarding of the 1975 Canada Winter Games to Lethbridge that provided the impetus to establish the Southern Alberta Speed Skating Association in 1974. The concurrent construction of an outdoor 400m artificial ice oval next to the Sportsplex provided both the facility and public interest. Tony Stannard was the first president of the Association, and in partnership with the City of Lethbridge and the Province, a series of learn-to-skate clinics were offered to the community.

Following the Games, the oval remained as the only regulation facility in Canada, attracting the attention of the Canadian National Team, including 1976 Olympic silver medalist, Cathy Priestner, who trained in Lethbridge. Unfortunately, the chinook winds that had thwarted outdoor skating earlier in the century, proved to be the demise of the oval. The strong gusts not only made turning corners difficult, but the grit blown onto the ice dulled the athletes’ skates.

In 1978 the city voted to close the oval and the speed skating community dwindled into inactivity; however, the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary once again pushed the sport into the public eye. By 1990, the Lethbridge Speed Skating Club had re-emerged, led by siblings Noreen and Terry Nishida. The group revived local interest with ten active members who competed and who hosted annual clinics in partnership with the Lethbridge Elks.

The arrival of Tim and Nicole Cooney (Builders 2024) in 2002, reinvigorated the sport in southern Alberta and club membership reached fifty-five. Perhaps most importantly, a foundation was laid that has allowed the Lethbridge Speed Skating Association (LSSA) to train athletes and compete consistently for over the past twenty-years.

Tim Cooney (front)

IN LETHBRIDGE

Notable LSSA skater achievements over the past twenty years include:

KALEB MULLER

• Represented Canada at the 2018 Junior World Championships in long track speed skating in Salt Lake City, placing 8th overall.

• Competed at the 2015 and 2019 Canada Winter Games Long Track Speed Skating and the 2017 Canada Summer Games in mountain biking.

• Won two gold and two silver medals at the 2017 Canada Winter Games in long track speed skating.

• Member of the Alberta Development Team.

• Member of Team Canada Next Gen Team.

• Named both Junior (2014) and Senior (2019) Athlete of the Year by the Lethbridge Sport Council.

• In November 2005, he skated in his first short track speed skating National team trials finishing top 16 in the 500, top 24 in the 1000, and top 32 in the 1500 m.

PAUL COONEY

• He was awarded the Alberta Championship Shield as the top short track speed skater in Alberta for the 2005-2006 season KYLE

• Competed at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in short track speed skating.

• Placed 5th at the Canadian Junior Championships in 2023.

• Named 2021 Junior Female Athlete of the Year by the Lethbridge Sport Council.

ZAKHARY ADELMAN

• Won a bronze medal at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in short track speed skating.

MIKKA EAVES

• Competed at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in short track speed skating.

• Was the overall winner at the Canadian Youth Long Track Championships in Quebec City in 2022.

• Was the overall winner at the Canadian Youth Long Track Championships in Fort St. John in 2023.

• Was the overall winner at the Western Canadian Youth Short Track Championships in Saskatoon in 2023.

Kaleb Muller (front)

Paul Cooney (front)

Mikka Eaves

Zakhary Aldelman (front)

Gavin Ogilvie

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL TAMURA

The Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club is proud of your outstanding accomplishments in the sport of Judo. We are very grateful for your ongoing support to the Club and the Community and to your ongoing dedication to the development and growth of the sport of Judo.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME PAST AND PRESENT INDUCTEES

Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club was founded by Dr. Yosh Senda in 1952 and continues to be successful in the development of athletes from novice to the elite. Post-Covid we are continuing to grow in size. We were the #2 Club in Canada at the Elite Nationals for 2024.

Michael Tamura , Builder

Joining the Lethbridge Judo Club in 1974 started Mike Tamura on a long journey in the sport that has taken him from competing to eventually coaching, officiating and administering at the highest levels of judo.

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Tamura was seven years old when he first stepped onto a judo mat, and under coach Yosh Senda, he became an accomplished competitor. After his competitive career, which included a Canadian junior title in 1984 and participation with the Canadian National Judo Team, Tamura followed Sensei Senda's advice regarding the importance of giving back to the sport and became involved in teaching classes and helping to run the club. He eventually became president of the club. While attending the University of Lethbridge to study kinesiology, he joined the University of Lethbridge Judo Club, later becoming president of the club.

His involvement with the judo community led to a coaching role with Judo Alberta, and he served as president of the organization from 1997 to 2003. He later became involved with Judo Canada, for whom he held the post of vice-president from 2003 to 2012. In 2012, he was elected president of Judo Canada, a position he continues to hold.

In 2015, Tamura was instrumental in Judo Canada's partnering with the Lethbridge Judo Club and Judo Alberta to open the first regional national training centre in Western Canada. In 2017, he was involved in recruiting top judokan Christa Deguchi to the Lethbridge club. Deguchi is ranked No. 1 in the world in her weight class and is viewed as a good

bet to represent Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Tamura's influence has extended to the international level. After earning his sixth-dan (degree) black belt, he became an International Judo Federation (IJF) referee and obtained his NCCP Level III coaching certification.

He was elected to the IJF and was selected as a director in the Coordination Committee of Directors, a position he still holds. In 2021, he was elected to the IJF executive committee to serve as the sport director for the IJF, and still holds this position as well. Tamura also sits on the Pan-American Judo Confederation (PJC) executive and was the executive vice-president from October 2015 to April 2017. From May of 2017 to the present, he has served as the General Secretary for the PJC.

As president of Judo Canada and being involved with the IJF, Tamura succeeded in landing a major IJF World Judo Tour Grand Prix international competition in Canada in 2020. In August 2022, Judo Canada’s team competed in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, and Tamura participated as a technical delegate for judo. In December 2022, he was presented with the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal Award for his contribution to the province in helping build the sport of Judo.

Tamura continues to be involved with the Lethbridge Judo Club's day-to-day operations, and assists with the coaching of classes, passing along his vast knowledge of judo to the next generation.

On behalf of the LCI students, staff, and alumni, we would like to salute Randy Bardock on his longstanding participation and coaching the great game of soccer. Randy led the University of Lethbridge Men’s Soccer team for over 30 seasons. What outstanding dedication and perseverance! We applaud your induction into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame and would like to express how proud we are of you as a fellow educator in the Lethbridge School Division.

LCI would also like to praise Mike Tamura for his building and growing the sport of judo in the City of Lethbridge and beyond. Mike is respected worldwide and has been a contributor to the judo community for 40 plus years. Congratulations on being inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame as a builder. You have truly made a difference in the lives of so many young athletes.

Indoor Field Turf ideal for general sports training & pracƼces (eg. baseball/soũball, football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer) 2 MulƼ-Purpose Studios ideal for dance & movement Birthday ParƼes, Gatherings, MeeƼngs

Randy Bardock , Builder

Following a six-year playing career with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's soccer team that included the squad's inaugural exhibition season in 1982, Randy Bardock went on to devote himself to the program for more than 30 years as a coach while also contributing to the sport at the community, provincial and national level.

Bardock guided the Pronghorns through a trying period of budget cuts in the 1990s that saw all funding to the program cut, and his dedication is credited with not only helping the men's soccer program to survive to this day but thrive.

After concluding his Pronghorn playing career, Bardock served as an assistant coach with the team from 1988 to 1991 before taking over as head coach, a position he retained until 2022. In the early years, the U of L, as one of the smaller schools in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA), faced an uphill battle in competing with the bigger schools, particularly perennial national powers such as University of Victoria and University of British Columbia. But over time, Bardock turned the U of L into a program capable of holding its own in the tough Canada West conference.

In 2000, Bardock earned Canada West Co-Coach of the Year honours after leading the Pronghorns to the first playoff appearance in their 19-year history and a bronze medal. His respect in the Canada West conference was also evidenced by his team receiving the CWUAA Fair Play Award in 2003 and 2007.

Working to continually upgrade his coaching credentials, Bardock earned his National “B” coaching

licence in 2000 and his Advanced Diploma in 2014 in the United States. He served as an assistant coach from 2000 to 2001 with the Alberta Under-16 Provincial Select Team, then as head coach in 2002.

He travelled to Belgrade, Serbia in 2009 as an assistant coach with the Canadian men's soccer team which competed in the World Student Games, then served in the same role in 2013 at the World Student Games in Kazan, Russia, where Canada had its second-best finish in history.

Bardock piloted the Pronghorns to another Canada West playoff spot in 2016 after an 8-6-1 regular season, the most successful in the program's history. The Horns bowed out in the quarterfinals to perennial power UBC in a 2-1 thriller.

Besides his duties with the U of L, Bardock also coached other soccer squads in the community, including the Lethbridge Pronghorns (later Cosmos) in the Alberta Major Soccer League from 1990 to 1996. In addition, he has coached minor soccer with the Cosmos, LFC boys and girls at various levels and ages.

Bardock served as a scout in 2004 and 2005 with Sheffield United Football Club in the English Championship and spent two weeks at Sheffield United's Academy as a guest coach in 2004.

He has also held the role of Alberta and Canada Soccer Learning Facilitator and Coach Developer since 2012 and has been a Whitecaps Academy instructor since 2016. He was honoured with the Alberta Soccer Association Leadership in Coaching Award in 2018.

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

Origins of the Lethbridge Sports Hall

www.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, multisport 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.

INDUCTION CATEGORIES

Four categories were established for the purpose of recognizing excellence in sport as follows:

ATHLETE

PURPOSE: 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.

d) Have been retired for five years or more.

BUILDER

PURPOSE: To formally recognize the initiative, leadership and dedication of those individuals who participate in the development of sport.

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.

TEAM AWARD

PURPOSE: The Team Award provides 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.

SPECIAL AWARD

PURPOSE: 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.

NOMINATIONS

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 can be made via www.lethbridgesportshalloffame.ca or by 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 photograph 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.

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.

KINSMEN SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR

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

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 multi-purpose Cavendish Farms 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 Sportspersons 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.

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

BUILDERS

1985

Tony Bogusky (Boxing)

Edmond Bruchet (Multi-sport)

Stan Carmichael (Multi-sport)

Peggy Currie (Figure skating)

A.G. “Addie” Donaldson (Soccer, Hockey)

Jack Emery (Boxing, Track & field)

George Gemer (Track & field)

Dick Gray (Hockey)

Syd Hall (Hockey)

Harold “Babe” Harris (Multi-sport)

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)

Stan Siwik (Swimming)

Carl Trentini (Hockey)

Henry Viney (Multi-sport)

1986

Dave Allen (Multi-sport)

Leo Harrold (Hockey)

Bill Kucheran (Baseball, Hockey)

Frank Leffingwell (Marksmanship)

Jim Whitelaw (Multi-sport)

Miners’ Library Club (Multi-sport)

1987

Ron Boyce (Motor sports)

Les Colwill (Hockey, Baseball)

Doug Frier (Baseball)

Jack Kerr (Baseball, Hockey)

Sam Serbu (Baseball)

Lethbridge Elks Lodge #37 (Multi-sports)

1988

John Pahara (Boxing)

Mike Wyrostock (Softball)

Jim Gunn (Multi-sport)

Gordon Kay (Weightlifting)

Aldo Nechich (Soccer, Broomball)

1989

Doug Clark (Basketball)

Dr. Gary Bowie (Multi-sport)

Irene Karia (Multi-sport)

Reno Lizzi (Baseball)

Jim Szucs (Baseball)

1990

Thelma Coutts (Multi-sport)

Ralph “Lefty” Eshpete (Multi-sport)

Marilyn Snedden (Multi-sport)

1991

Marge Clark (Basketball)

Reed Spencer (Baseball)

George Swedish (Multi-sport)

1992

Ralph Guzzi (Multi-sport)

Dr. Richard King-Brown (Squash)

Bernie Ontkean (Rugby)

1993

Dan Bodell (Hockey)

Pat Hamilton (Motocross)

Peter Lewko (Multi-sport)

1994

Fritz Heinrich(Soccer, Broomball)

Joe Lakie (Multi-sport)

Jake Van Dyk (Multi-sport)

1995

Gordon Hoselton (Multi-sport)

Lewis Kennedy (Football)

Elwyn “Bush” Williams (Golf)

1996

Enso Baceda (Curling)

Don & Ethel Higgins (Figure skating)

Brent & Nancy Thorburn (Soccer)

1997

Gloria Gouthreau (Multi-sport)

Dr. Jan Harvey-Kilam (Swimming)

Dan Niehaus (Gymnastics)

George Yoshinaka (Baseball)

1998

Robert “Bob” Bartlett (Hockey)

Ed Henderson (Multi-sport)

Harold “Ted” Major (Multi-sport)

1999

Colleen Gunnlaugson (Figure skating)

John McLellan (Multi-sport)

Darryl Medoruma (Alpine skiing)

2000

Wally Pickett (Hockey)

2001

Gene Eisler (Soccer)

Ed Martyna (Badminton)

Wayne Petersen (Golf)

2002

Steve Arisman (Multi-sport)

2003

Tim Tollestrup (Multi-sport)

2004

Dawn (Fry) Keith (Basketball)

2006

Kevin Wiber (Football, Baseball)

2007

Sheila Buelow (Ringette)

2008

Bertril Johansson(Cross Country Running)

Blair Kubicek (Baseball)

2009

James Murphy(Tae Kwon-Do)

Daniel Shapiro (Tennis)

Don Chandler (Curling)

2010

Mal Clewes (Multi-sport)

LAA Pioneers (Hockey)

Florence Senda (Judo)

Sharon Chmielewski (Curling)

2011

Ron Jacobson (Football)

Bob Tinordi (Broomball)

Lethbridge Lacrosse Association Pioneers

2012

Brad Brown (Football)

2013

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)

2016

Lawrence Steinke (Track & field)

Neil Langevin (Rugby) 2017

Morgan Munroe (Multi-sport)

2018

Duane Konynenbelt (Multi-sport)

Steve Wilson (Volleyball)

2019

Ard Biesheuvel (Volleyball)

Bernhard Pohl (Mixed Martial Arts)

2020

Howard Rasmussen (Volleyball)

Eunice David (Figure Skating)

Cliff Nelson (Multi-sport)

Dr. Mary Dyck (Multi-sport)

2022

Scott Oikawa (Baseball)

Errol Smith (Soccer)

2023

Mitch Ball (Baseball)

Brian Donaldson (Wrestling)

2024

Randy Bardock (Soccer)

Mike Tamura (Judo)

Cooney Family (Speed Skating)

ATHLETES

1985

Glen “Jinx” Anderson (Multi-sport)

Robert “Scotty” Armitt (Soccer, Track & field)

Harry Blacker (Basketball)

Jim Furlong (Football)

Earl Ingarfield (Hockey)

Enid (Dowdle) Pepper (Multi-sport)

Marie Popson (Archery)

Tom Sindlinger (Basketball)

Vic Stasiuk (Hockey)

D. Logan Tait (Basketball, Racquetball)

Katie Wilson (Multi-sport)

Kai Yip (Boxing)

1986

Robert “Bobby” Dunlop (Multi-sport)

Sydney Emery (Boxing)

Eddie Foychuk (Softball)

James Freel Sr. (Multi-sport)

William “Billy” Gibson (Hockey)

Glen Hamilton (Multi-sport)

Barbara Horne (Golf)

Bus Murdoch (Multi-sport)

Richard Steadman (Badminton)

Gerald Ward (Track & field)

1987

Lavern Dzuren (Racquetball)

John Eccleston (Track & field)

Thomas Green (Multi-sport)

Marvin Kirchner (Multi-sport)

Evelyn Leffingwell (Marksmanship)

Allan “Chick” MacIntosh (Multi-sport)

Marty Maxwell (Baseball)

Stan Maxwell (Hockey, Baseball)

Charles “Bud” McKillop (Multi-sport)

Dianne Violini (Bowling)

1988

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)

1989

Doug Barkley (Hockey)

Jody Fry (Racquetball)

Tom Greenway (Judo)

John Klem (Baseball)

Ed Schwartz (Golf)

Jack Smeed (Bowling)

Alvin Tietz (Soccer)

1990

Rick Duff (Boxing)

“Aut” Erickson (Hockey)

Tim Filuk (Racquetball)

Harold Mandeville (Rodeo)

George Santoni (Baseball)

1991

Len Frig (Hockey)

Eddy LeBaron (Boxing)

Peter Slobodian (Hockey)

Fen Tunbridge (Bowling, Golf)

Stan Wills Jr. (Marksmanship)

1992

Stan Howard (Multi-sport)

Jim Kotkas (Baseball)

Marla Lawlor (Equestrian)

Scott Maxwell (Baseball)

1993

Phil Illingworth (Judo)

Bert Mezei (Bowling)

Dan Santoni (Baseball)

Joseph “Jocko” Tarnava (Multi-sport)

Francis Wright (Multi-sport)

1994

Lori (Parsons) McArthur (Equestrian)

Kathy McCune (Softball)

Scott McGeoch (Soccer)

Ken Moore (Football)

Gary Tunbridge (Baseball, Bowling)

1995

Clark Bosch (Baseball)

Jack Hebert (Baseball, Bowling)

Nan Iwaskiw (Baseball)

John MacMillan (Hockey)

Bill Persley (Multi-sport)

Cliff Stroh (Golf)

1996

Karen Ewashen (Powerlifting)

Bill Koskoski (Baseball, Bowling)

Bruce Lyon (Baseball)

Ralph Oler (Marksmanship)

Corrido Santoni (Baseball, Basketball)

1997

Lori Chaki-Farrington (Track & field)

Reginald “Junior” Olsen (Combatives)

Gary Simmons (Hockey)

1998

Sharon (Davies) Fogtmann (Badminton)

Tara Gemer (Track & field)

Suzanne Pecht (Track & field)

Garth Pilling (Multi-sport)

Guy Pomahac (Multi-sport)

Jason Zuback (Golf)

1999

Gregory Duce (Baseball)

Barb Halladay (Multi-sport)

2000

Don Cavers (Golf)

Lorraine Hill (Equestrian)

Rob Roy (Baseball)

Nick Saler (Soccer)

2001

Ian Balfour (Alpine skiing)

Brian Rossetti (Bowling)

2002

Perry Mirkovich (Basketball)

2003

Malcolm Jones (Rodeo)

Shawna (Molcak) Kolaczek (Basketball)

2004

Brenda Pennington (Multi-sport)

Jamie Pushor (Hockey)

2006

Trevor Hardy (Kick Boxing)

2007

Dennis & Jude Hooey (Archery)

Mike Marcinkowski (Weight lifting)

Clarence Yanosik (Baseball)

2008

Charlton Weasel Head (Basketball)

Tyler Birch (Alpine skiing, Bowling)

Rachel Evans (Volleyball)

2009

Dori Johnson (Basketball)

Danny Balderson (Basketball)

2010

Andrea Hlady (Basketball)

Tom Three Persons (Rodeo)

Bryan Maxwell (Hockey)

2011

Sarah (Joly) Nickolet (Soccer)

Phil Tolllestrup (Basketball)

2012

Jim Nakagawa (Multi-sport)

Gavin Edwards (Squash)

2013

Patricia Christiansen (Golf)

Ryan Watson (Hockey)

2014

Chad Murray (Swimming)

2016

Howard Yanosik (Hockey)

Laura Tsujikawa (Soccer)

2017

Mike Mezei (Golf)

Stacy Roest (Hockey)

2018

Carla Pavan (Skeleton)

Lauren Perry (Volleyball)

2019

Dawn Berry-Furtado (Golf)

Trevor McAlpine (Judo)

2020

Jolene Watson (Schweitzer)(Soccer)

2022

Dennis Chief Moon (Boxing)

Heather Steacy (Track & Field)

Jim Steacy (Track & Field)

Lanny Tron (Track & Field)

Ashley Patzer (Rugby)

2024

Brad Wall (Mixed Martial Arts)

Carmen Rinke (Boxing)

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)

1986

1947-49 Lethbridge Native Sons Juveniles (Hockey)

Betty Luco Rink (Curling)

1974-75 Lethbridge Y’s Native Sons (Hockey)

Barry Coleman Rink (Curling)

1979-80 Lethbridge Elks (Baseball)

Bill and Cori-Jo Petrunik (Figure skating)

Wayne Bowes & Bob Daku (Racquetball)

Lethbridge All-Star Tigers (Baseball)

Great West Tire Super Sam (Slo-pitch)

1946 Blenner-Hassett and Smith Dodgers (Baseball)

Greg & Mary Lazaruk (Darts)

Val Matteotti Suntanas (Slo-pitch)

1969 Lethbridge Sugar Kings (Hockey)

1969 Lethbridge Chargers (Soccer)

U of L Men’s Pronghorns (Hockey)

1972 Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club Relay Team (Swimming)

1994 LCC Women’s Kodiaks (Soccer)

1977 Lethbridge Norcrest Senior Little League (Baseball)

1982 Lethbridge Little League All-Stars (Baseball)

1979 Lethbridge Gotschna (Slo-pitch)

1990 LCI Rams (Football)

1989 Val Matteotti Golden Hawks (Hockey)

1963-65 Lethbridge Jr. North Stars (Fastball)

2003 LCC Women’s Kodiaks (Cross-Country Running)

2004 Kodiak Women’s Basketball 2010

2005-06 Lethbridge College Kodiaks Men’s Cross-Country Team

1971 U of L Chinooks Women’s Basketball

2007 LCI Rams Senior Boys Volleyball Team

2007-09 U of L Pronghorn Women’s Rugby 2013

1977 Lethbridge Norcrest Little League All Stars (Baseball) 2014

2011 Lethbridge Giants (Baseball) 2015

1966-1967 Lethbridge Junior College Men’s Kodiaks (Basketball) 2016

1963 Lethbridge Hungaria (Soccer) 2017

1985 Lethbridge Senior Little League (Baseball) 2018

1975 Lethbridge Chargers (Soccer)

2008 Senior Ladies World Curling Championship Team (Curling)

1981 Lethbridge Little League All-Stars Canadian Champions (Baseball)

2020

Schwartz Angels 1983 Canadian Slo-Pitch Champions (Slo-Pitch)

2023

1979 Lethbridge Senior Little League AllStars (Baseball)

Lethbridge Labour Club (Multi-sport)

AC “Andy” Anderson (Multi-sport) 1989

Val Matteotti (Multi-sport)

Al McCann (Multi-sport)

Don Pilling (Multi-sport)

Lethbridge Hockey Hounds (Hockey) 1991

George Wesley (Baseball)

Royal Canadian Legion (Multi-sport) 1993

Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association (Hockey) 1994

Mary Oikawa (Multi-sport)

Sven Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (Multisport)

Steve Fallwell (Multi-sport)

Keith Jorgensen (Multi-sport)

Gordon Orser (Hockey)

Vivien Goodrich (Equestrian)

Rich Sutter (Hockey)

Ron Sutter (Hockey)

Gus Herresvele (Multi-sport)

Max Gibb (Multi-sport)

Garry Allison (Multi-sport)

Sundown Hank Markus (Rodeo)

Jack Nagai (Multi-sport)

1975 Canada Games Society (Multi-sport)

Ron Bain (Running)

Yoshitaka (Taka) Kinjo (Karate)

Southern Alberta High School Rugby League Pioneers

Bryan Jeannotte (Multi-sport)

Harry Bentley (Multi-sport)

The Bascom Family (Rodeo)

Raymond Knight (Rodeo)

George Virtue (Multi-sport)

Colin Nonomura, Darin Gibson (Tae Kwon-Do)

David Wells (Multi-sport) 2017

Knud Petersen (Multi-sport)

Carol Thibert (Multi-sport) 2022

Jody Fisher Meli (Curling) 2023

Rufus Goodstriker (Multi-sport) 2024

Judge John A. Jackson (Multi-sport)

2024 SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

CONNER COOK

MALE SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR – LACROSSE

Conner Cook's passion for lacrosse propelled him to a history-making accomplishment in 2023 when he became the first Southern Alberta player selected in the National Lacrosse League draft.

Cook, who served as captain the past two seasons with the Calgary Junior A Mounties of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League, was chosen 49th overall by the NLL's Calgary Roughnecks in the league's annual draft last September.

A product of the Lethbridge minor lacrosse system, Cook helped the Mounties to a 7-7-1 record during the 2023 campaign, and when the division awards were handed out at the end of the season, Cook was an RMLL First Team All-Star selection on defence.

Cook's early development in the sport came under the guidance of local minor lacrosse coaches Chris Kukucha and Darren Andre, and when he was selected to Team Alberta in his second year of midget lacrosse, he came onto the radar of Mounties coach Cody Hawkins. Cook was named an assistant captain on the 2018 Alberta team which won the national tournament in Calgary.

After being drafted by the Junior A Mounties, Cook further elevated his profile in 2022 when he

helped lead the Mounties to a 12-3 record and was picked up by the Edmonton Miners for the team's Minto Cup quest. The Miners made history by reaching the Minto Cup final, falling one goal short in the third game.

Another strong season with the Mounties followed, where Cook was named his team’s coMVP alongside his brother, Carter Cook. With the Mounties reaching the Minto Cup championships in August of 2023, falling to the Miners in the quarterfinal, it provided another opportunity for Cook to showcase his skills before a national audience ahead of the NLL draft. He shone in the tournament and was named a first team tournament all-star.

When Cook was chosen in the draft, it wasn't a surprise to his former minor lacrosse coach, Chris Kukucha, who said in a Lethbridge Herald story following the draft that he expected to see Cook turn pro largely because of his coachability.

“Some players, you have to tell 45 times before they’ll do something right,” Kukucha told Herald sports editor Justin Seward. “You tell him once and he did it right. So, I knew he was going to be a really good player, and he was fast, and he was very skilled and very smart.”

LETHBRIDGE

LETHBRIDGE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ~ 2024 ~

2024 SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR

KACIE BOSCH and PAIGE CROZON FEMALE SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR – 3X3 BASKETBALL

Lethbridge-based Kacie Bosch and Paige Crozon continued to shine internationally with Canada's 3x3 women's basketball team in 2023, and their success has them on track for a possible trip to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The duo, both assistant coaches with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn women's basketball squad, form half of Team Canada in 3x3 women's basketball. The team, which also features twins Katherine and Michelle Plouffe from Edmonton, successfully defended its International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women's Series stop title in 3x3 basketball by winning the final September. 17, 2023 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

A buzzer-beating layup by Crozon gave Canada a 16-15 win over France in the final game, in which neither team led by more than two points. Team Canada came into the tournament as the top-ranked team by virtue of five previous stop victories on the Women's Series tour last season. Canada reached the final after dominating the United States 21-12, led by Crozon's sharp outside shooting. She was a perfect four-for-four from beyond the arc and finished with 10 points.

Team Canada wrapped up the year with a bronze medal at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which concluded December 3. Canada claimed the bronze with a 21-8 win over Chile, with Crozon pouring in 13 points to outscore the opposition by herself. It was the third medal in as many AmeriCup events for Canada, which won gold in 2022.

Bosch, a five-foot-nine guard, was a basketball star at Lethbridge's Chinook High School before going on to play two seasons with Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She returned home to finish her post-secondary career with the Pronghorns. Crozon, a six-foot-one forward, hails from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. and played college basketball at the University of Utah. The two were also honoured as the Kinsmen Female Sportspersons of the Year in 2022.

Team Canada is scheduled to participate in the FIBA Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 2 May 3-5 in Utsunomiya, Japan. The tournament is one of the events which will determine the final five qualifiers for the Paris Olympics July 6 to August 11. China, the United States and France have already earned Olympic berths.