LETHBRIDGE - Pronghorn Athletics hosted the 57th Blue and Gold Awards ceremony on April 9, celebrating the remarkable achievements of student-athletes during the 2023-24 season. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Chris Alexander and Delaney Lehman from Swimming, who were awarded the titles of Male and Female Athlete of the Year, respectively. The night marked a special occasion, the presentation of the inaugural Pronghorn Athletics Coach of the Year Award to Dave Waknuk, Women's Basketball Head Coach. and his wife Bev Gallimore, Terry Whitehead, University of Lethbridge Chancellor; and Dr. Digvir Jayas, University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, and other esteemed university senior executives including Dr. Michelle Helstein, Nancy Walker, Dr. Dena McMartin, Kathy Greenwood and Kathleen Massey. The event also welcomed Pronghorn Athletics builders, Dr. Gary Bowie, Knud Petersen, George Gemer and Dr. Dennis Connolly, as well as valued award donors, including Pronghorn alumni, whose contributions have played a vital role in the success of Pronghorn Athletics. The evening was a testament to the dedication, talent, and excellence exhibited by the Pronghorn student-athletes both on and off the field.
Female Athlete of the Year
Delaney Lehman, Swimming
Female Athlete of the Year, Delaney Lehman, showcased her talent and tenacity at the Canada West Championships, securing a silver medal in the 50m Breaststroke and a bronze in the 400m Freestyle relay, all while emerging as the highest point scorer for the team. Her achievements extend beyond the pool, as she shattered six Pronghorn Swimming records, two of which were individual records in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, and the remaining four in relay events. At U SPORTS, she continued to impress, placing in the top 10 in the 50m Backstroke and reaching the finals in all four individual events.
Male Athlete of the Year
Chris Alexander, Men's Swimming
Pronghorn Athletics' Male Athlete of the Year, Chris Alexander, left a lasting mark on Pronghorn Athletics with his exceptional performances in the pool. At U SPORTS, he claimed gold in the 50m Backstroke for the second consecutive year. At Canada West Championships, he captured the gold medal in the 50m Back and silver in the 100m Back, solidifying his dominance in the conference. As he concludes his Pronghorn career, this individual leaves the programs as the highest decorated Pronghorn Swimmer of all-time, earning 6 U SPORTS medals including 3 gold medals and 10 Canada West medals. Not only has he excelled athletically, but he has also maintained his Academic All-Canadian standing, highlighting his dedication to excellence both in and out of the pool.
Coach of the Year
Dave Waknuk, Women's Basketball
Established by University of Lethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead, the inaugural Coach of the Year Award stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and excellence within our coaching ranks. The creation of this prestigious award would not have been possible without the visionary craftsmanship of artist Niall Donaghy from the Faculty of Fine Arts, whose exquisite design captures the essence of athleticism and endurance.
Dave Waknuk has been a guiding force within the Pronghorn Athletics community, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to the growth and success of their team, reaching the playoffs in 4 of their 5 seasons. Throughout his tenure as Head Coach of Women's Basketball, he has consistently fostered progress and camaraderie within the program, earning the admiration and respect of their players.
Pronghorn Citizenship Awards
Parker Allen, Track and Field
Kimoya Edwards, Track and Field
Laura Pizarro, Track and Field
Teagan Viney, Women's Rugby
Pronghorn Community Service Awards
Tom Denness, Men's Soccer
Kennedy Blaskin, Women's Basketball
Alumni Leadership Awards
Shae Gibb, Men's Basketball
Dani Nadeau, Women's Basketball
Mahon Family Sport Awards
Kymani Pollard, Men's Basketball
Dani Nadeau, Women's Basketball
Will Hughes, Men's Soccer
Hailey Slobodian, Women's Soccer
Molly Aellen, Women's Rugby
Tristan Bennett, Men's Swimming
Makena Wood, Women's Swimming
Lauchlan Irish, Men's Track and Field
Kimoya Edwards, Women's Track and Field
Team MVP Awards
Jack-Henry Fox-Grey, Men's Basketball
Tobore Okome, Women's Basketball
Will Hughes, Men's Soccer
Lucy Mundy, Women's Soccer
Jada Holtkamp, Women's Rugby 15s
Kenya Richards, Women's Rugby 7s
Chris Alexander, Men's Swimming
Ryenne Katterhagen, Women's Swimming
Lauchlan Irish, Men's Track and Field
Kimoya Edwards, Women's Track and Field
