Ward Bros. Construction has been named the title sponsor for the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's and women's basketball teams. Over the next five years, the Lethbridge-based general contracting and construction management company is donating $125,000 to the basketball program, and $25,000 to the Ken Olynyk Endowment fund, which was matched by the University of Lethbridge's Board of Governors, bringing the total to a $175,000 donation to the program over the contract term.

As a renowned company with five decades of experience delivering commercial, institutional and industrial projects, Ward Bros. is known for its commitment to community partnerships and has worked on multiple University of Lethbridge expansion projects, with the most recent being the Southern Alberta Medical Program.

The long-standing history between Ward Bros. and ULethbridge doesn't stop there. Darren Boras (BMgt '91), Chief Financial Officer for Ward Bros. is a former member of the Pronghorns men's basketball team. He played from 1985-1990 and was a part of the team that was inducted into the Pronghorns Hall of Fame for winning the 1985-86 Canada West Championship.

When asked why Ward Bros. decided on being the title sponsor, Boras touched on the hardships that student athletes face financially and how he hopes the donation can lessen the load on players who are giving it their all on the court.

"The entire team at Ward Bros. is excited about our partnership with ULethbridge," says Boras. "We have been involved in many community building projects, and throwing our support behind the Horns is another way for us to enhance our community along with the student-athlete experience at the University. Teams are like families, and we are thrilled to add the Horns to the Ward Bros. family, and look forward to contributing to their success now and into the future."

Kristen DeMone, manager of Development and Sales for Pronghorn Athletics, says the partnership is special because of the history the company has with the athletics program, and what it could mean for the program's future in conference and league play.

"Partnering with Ward Bros. is very special to us, because they demonstrate the same values of integrity, quality and hard work in their field that our athletes mirror on the court," says DeMone. "It means a lot to us to have the support of an alumnus and former Horns captain, Darren, who embodies the Pronghorn spirit. Having this partnership come together is a game changer and enables our small institution to compete with the best in U SPORTS."

The Horns are back at home this weekend and will hit the court for their first game of the new year on Friday against the Grant MacEwan Griffins. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men follow at 8 p.m. Get your tickets now at www.gohorns.ca/tickets