Student-athletes from the University of Lethbridge were celebrated at the recent Blue and Gold Banquet. The 59th annual event was held on April 9.
The banquet brought teachers, coaches, the community, and varsity athletes together to celebrate athletic and academic achievements.
Awards were presented for each of the U of L’s seven varsity teams, with this year introducing new male and female Rookie of the Year awards. The new award celebrates a first-year student-athlete under the age of 21 who is competing in their first season of eligibility in Canada West and U SPORTS while enrolled full-time at the U of L.
“The Blue and Gold Banquet is a celebration of everything that defines Pronghorn Athletics, excellence in competition, commitment in the classroom, and leadership in our community,” said Spencer Pommells, director of Athletics.
“This year’s group of student-athletes has continued to raise the bar across all areas, and it’s especially exciting to recognize new award winners alongside those who have built on our proud tradition. We are incredibly proud of what this group has accomplished and the standard they continue to set.”
Men’s soccer player Xander McIntyre was named the Male Rookie of the Year.
“Winning this award means a lot to me as a kid from Lethbridge and I’m honored to be named the Male Rookie of the Year,” McIntyre said.
“Thank you to my coaches, teammates, and family for believing in me. This is just the beginning – I’m ready for what’s next.”
Swimmer Grace Hitchcock won Female Rookie of the Year.
Hitchcock set multiple program records in her debut year and finished as the top rookie points scorer at the Canada West Championships.
Other award winners included men’s basketball guard Kymani Pollard for Male Athlete of the Year, and track and field star Jinaye Shomachuk as Female Athlete of the Year.
Shomachuk set a new U SPORTS record in the women’s weight throw, remained undefeated in the event and won gold medals at both the Canada West Championships and U SPORTS Nationals, where she won Female Field Athlete of the Year honours. Shomachuk also captured gold at Canada West and silver at the national level in shot put.
Larry Steinke, head coach of the track and field team, was named Coach of the Year.
The full list of award winners is available on the U of L Pronghorns website.
