Two Lethbridge College Kodiaks alumni, two college instructors and one current student were among the 18 people honoured with Lethbridge Sport Council’s annual Achievement Awards this week.
Former women’s volleyball player Jamie Brown (Exercise Science 2023; Natural Resource Compliant 2020) and former men’s cross country and indoor track runner Cooper Williams (Wind Turbine Technician 2023) were recognized as the outstanding Senior Athletes for 2023. In addition, instructor Francis Rankin received the Officiating Excellence award, and Environmental Science chair and instructor Gord Cox received the Volunteer in Sport award.
The Lethbridge Sports Council Achievement Awards celebrate excellence and fair play on and off the field and are a testament to the hard work and dedication of each recipient.
"We are thrilled with this year's winners who are excellent role models for aspiring athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders,” says Lethbridge Sport Council Executive Director Susan Eymann. “Their dedication underscores the spirit of sport, inspiring others to get involved and do their best in their own activities."
Brown’s fifth and final year playing with the Kodiaks was an outstanding one. She was named the Alberta College Athletic Conference (ACAC) women’s volleyball player of the year and all-conference outside hitter; earning herself an All-Canadian and Academic All-Canadian honours. She played a key role in her team's successful season, contributing to their highest finish in program history during the ACAC championships. Her leadership and dedication make her a standout athlete in collegiate volleyball.
“I am so proud of Jamie and her accomplishments,” says Kodiaks women’s volleyball head coach Anna Schwark. “Jamie is a talented athlete, she is so well rounded and understands what it takes to be competitive and excel in sport but what is really important, and why I think she is so deserving of this recognition, is that she is a kind person, a fantastic leader and extremely hard worker. I am so excited to see where Jamie’s future takes her next!”
Williams also had an impressive 2022-23 season. In addition to making his collegiate debut as a student-athlete, he made waves in the conference. In cross-country he was honoured to the All-Conference team and earned a bronze medal at ACAC championships. In indoor track, he broke multiple school running records and helped his team to a championship banner. In addition, he was named as the ACAC Rookie of the Year for all sports. Williams’ leadership on and off the track, coupled with his outstanding academic achievements as a CCAA Academic All-Canadian, make him a role model in collegiate athletics.
“I had the pleasure of coaching Cooper last year during the Cross-Country Running and Indoor Track season,” says Kodiaks cross-country and indoor track head coach Simon Schaerz. “Cooper steadily improved during the Cross-Country season and continued his upward trajectory into the indoor track season. In the process, he broke several school records and helped his team claim the ACAC indoor track championship banner. Perhaps more importantly, Cooper demonstrated leadership and kindness throughout the season.”
In addition, Rankin was recognized for officiating excellence. Rankin has been a hockey official for more than 50 years. He is described as a tireless advocate for young officials, nurturing their talents and helping them grow into confident and skilled referees. The awards committee noted that “his integrity and inclusivity set the standard for sportsmanship, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected on and off the ice.” Rankin currently works as an instructor in the college’s Media and Design programs, including Interior Design Technology, Architectural Animation Technology, and Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Cox was recognized for his work serving on the Lethbridge Ringette board for six year. The awards committee noted that as the director of ice allocation, his efforts have optimized ice allocation and strengthened partnerships within the community. As a coach and official, Gord's integrity and fair-mindedness have earned him the respect of players and colleagues alike.”
And finally, Zane Chief Moon is a current student in Lethbridge College’s Wind Turbine Technician program. He is being recognized for achievements on and off the field. He is a Spirit North Youth Program Leader and Assistant Community Program Leader. His efforts have been particularly remarkable introducing young Indigenous players to the game of lacrosse. Zane is a mulitisport athlete, participating in lacrosse, baseball, and cross country, winning a bronze medal with his U19 lacrosse team at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.