CCAA recognizes Lethbridge College Kodiaks tradition of excellence
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, CCAA organized a series of special events and initiatives – and two Lethbridge College Kodiaks teams were among those honoured this past week.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) organized a series of special events and initiatives – and two Lethbridge College Kodiaks teams were among those honoured this past week.
The CCAA awarded “sport supremacy” honours to the top member institutions in each sport, recognizing them for their achievements and dedication to excellence. Kodiaks cross country was named the No. 1 cross country team, while women’s basketball finished third. The CCAA also announced the top 50 overall CCAA supremacy schools based on points earned over the past 50 years, and the Kodiaks were ranked 17th.
Ada Larson, coordinator of Athletics and Recreation Services, represented the college during the June 11 Gala event and accepted the CCAA supremacy banner.
“The CCAA put on a wonderful celebration of collegiate athletics and the outstanding achievements of the CCAA over the past 50 years,” says Larson. “It was an honour to be a part of this milestone event and accept the supremacy in cross country award on behalf of Kodiaks Athletics.”
Throughout their history, Kodiaks cross-country running teams captured three national women’s team titles (2003, 2004, 2019) and five men’s team titles (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009). In addition, the teams have had four female and five male individual national champions.
“What an incredible recognition for our cross-country programs and all those who have been a part of them over the years,” says Todd Caughlin, Kodiaks athletics director. “The Kodiaks have a rich tradition of success, and this is another great example of that!”
In the early years of the CCAA, the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) was the predominant conference, with teams from Lethbridge and Augustana claiming many spots on the podium across all four disciplines. As participation in the sport grew, SAIT, Red Deer and GPRC also emerged as top Alberta programs.
Kodiaks women’s basketball teams won national championships in 1989, 1990, 2004 and 2017.