Kodiaks Athletics was built on a hunger for athletic prowess and academic excellence. Our history is dominated by championship wins, athletic awards and academic recognition. At Lethbridge Polytechnic, success is not only defined by athletic performance, but it is also measured by academic achievement.
The Kodiak bear was chosen as our mascot to recognize our relationship with the University of Alberta. It was the approval of the University of Alberta that moved the vision of a post-secondary institution in Lethbridge from a vision into a reality. In the same family as U of A’s Golden Bear, the Kodiak truly represents the spirit of our athletics program.
For more information, schedules and game results:
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Golf Tournament is officially making its return this August! We are excited to welcome golfers back to the course as we raise money to support our Kodiaks student-athletes.
Implemented by Athletics Manager Todd Caughlin, The Kodiaks athletics program is based on core beliefs represented by the Three Pillars:
- Academic Accountability – commit in the classroom. It’s you that controls your outcome.
- Athletics Excellence – leave it on the court, field and track competing the right way.
- Student Athlete Experience – get involved! Support those that support you.
Our Kodiaks teams are actively involved in the community, through various volunteer initiatives throughout the season, athletes and staff pride themselves on giving back to the community that supports them.
The Essence of Readiness
The institution unveiled its new Indigenous logo for its Kodiaks uniforms and the home court where student-athletes play in September 2022. The changes reflect the college’s commitment to recognizing and honouring its place on the traditional lands of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) people. “You are reminded you are on Blackfoot territory the minute you step onto the floor,” said Marni Hope, Indigenous student support and events coordinator. “Blackfoot people are known for being fierce, tenacious and resilient, and we can see all of those those qualities in our student-athletes as they play on the floor."
Elements of the New Design
AIKOWANIA (aa-KWON-nee-ah)
Aikowania, which appears on the floor of one side of the court, refers to body awareness and movement – the strength, stamina and sharp mind needed to be able to spring into action at a moment’s notice. It is the essence of readiness. Aikowania is at the heart of all Kodiaks student-athletes' accomplishments, both on and off the court, field and trail. It reminds all of everyone to be aware, and to be ready for what happens next. Whether applied to the tipoff of a basketball game, the extension of a bow while hunting food for winter, or the start of a final exam, Aikowania is a reminder that we are stronger and more successful when our minds are sharp and our bodies ready to act.
THE BEAR
The institution is proud to have hired artist Monte Eagle Plume to design the new Kodiak logo using traditional Blackfoot painting methods. At the heart of the logo is the small bear. In Blackfoot stories, the bear is the most powerful animal in the territory, so powerful that its true name is only spoken in prayers. The drawing of the bear, which is next to the word Aikowania, is purposefully not lifelike, explained Lowell Yellow Horn (Spiitawakasi/Tall Dear), who was manager of Indigenous Services when the logo was planned and revealed. He explained, the Blackfoot people believe that making something too lifelike will give it a spirit and make it come alive. The arrow starting at the mouth of the bear represents the lifeforce of the animal and all that it uses to sustain itself - the food it eats, the air it breathes and the water it tastes. The white dots represent the kidneys, which are one of the organs the Blackfoot people believe are the sources of the supernatural power the animal possesses.