Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards - Announcement of Winners

Lethbridge, Alberta – The Lethbridge Sport Council is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the 15th Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to sport in Lethbridge. These awards celebrate excellence, dedication, and fair play—both on and off the field—honouring individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on the local sport community.

Lethbridge Sport Council Executive Director Susan Eymann said, "We are thrilled with this year's winners. I was especially pleased to see the number of female nominations this year, particularly in the Junior Female Athlete category. We are honoured to recognize achievements in sport across all categories, including the invaluable behind-the-scenes roles that make sport possible."

We are pleased to announce the 2024 Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Award winners:

• Junior Female Athlete - Payton Shields
• Junior Male Athlete - Nathan Morris
• Senior Female Athlete - Delaney Lehman
• Senior Male Athlete - Coby Iwaasa
• Amateur Team - LCI Varsity Girl’s Clippers Volleyball Team
• Coaching Excellence High Performance - Graeme Moffat
• Coaching Excellence Community Coach - Lexi Zeeb
• Volunteer in Sport - Chris McIntyre
• Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence - Green and Gold Wrestling Tournament
• Sport Organization - Lethbridge Roller Hockey
• Sport Administrator - Taylor Penney
• Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport - Tyler Swag
• Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen - Brooklyn Lynch

Award ceremony information:

• Wednesday, April 9th - doors open 6:00 PM, program 7:00 PM
• VisitLethbridge.com Arena, Canadian Western Bank Lounge
• Tickets: $25.00 (12 and under $10)

To purchase tickets visit https://lethbridgesportcouncil...

For further information, please contact:

Tanya Whipple
Communication Manager, Lethbridge Sport Council
[email protected]
403-320-9371

Recipient Biographies

Junior Female Athlete - Payton Shields

A multi-sport high school athlete, Payton Shields continues to build her legacy. As a member of the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) wrestling program, she won three medals at the national championships (one of which was above her age category). Payton, who went on to wrestle with the University of Lethbridge in 2024, also mentors youth wrestlers and participated in outreach sessions on nearby First Nations reserves. She was a member of the Tier 1 provincial high school 15s rugby champions and was the league MVP. Payton was named LCI’s Grade 12 Female Athlete of the Year for her accomplishments in wrestling, rugby, and cross country.

Male Athlete - Nathan Morris

Nathan Morris is being recognized for his accomplishments in high school football. A member of the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) Rams, he was named the league’s MVP in 2024 as well as an all-star running back. Playing running back and wide receiver, he led the Rams in rushing yards and total touchdowns and even contributed as a passer. Nathan was identified by the Alberta International Selects program as a player likely to receive a National Collegiate Athletic Association scholarship offer. Although his high school career has ended, he remains active with the local football community, mentoring younger LCI players.

Senior Female Athlete - Delaney Lehman

Delaney Lehman has made a splash in the pool as a member of the University of Lethbridge swim team. She was named Pronghorn Female Athlete of the Year for the 2023-24 season, winning a silver medal in the 50m Breaststroke and bronze in the 400m Freestyle Relay at the Canada West Championships. Delaney also set six Pronghorn swim records, including individual marks in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, while contributing to four relay records. At the U SPORTS Championships, she placed in the top 10 in 50m Backstroke and reached the finals in all four of her individual events.

Senior Male Athlete - Coby Iwaasa

Coby Iwaasa continues to cement his position on the world racquetball stage. In 2024, he and his partner, Samuel Murray, became the first-ever Canadians to win gold in men’s doubles at the World Championships. Coby also won silver in the men's team event and bronze in the overall combined team event. He competed at and won silver at the Pan American Championships in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, and bronze in the team event, and earned silver in men’s singles at the 2024 national championships. Coby was able to achieve all this, while also completing and graduating from Chiropractic school

Amateur Team - LCI Varsity Girl's Clippers Volleyball Team

The Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Varsity Girl’s Volleyball Team made an historic run in 2024. The Clippers became the first-ever 4A Girls Volleyball provincial champions in the school’s history, sweeping their finals opponent, and capping a season in which they won 58 of 66 matches. The team went undefeated in winning the league championship in the inaugural season of the Prairie Sky Conference and captured its second South Zone championship in consecutive years prior to hosting provincials. The Clippers also competed in seven tournaments, reaching the finals six times while winning three.

Coaching Excellence High Performance - Graeme Moffat

Graeme Moffat was named Canada West Women’s Rugby Coach of the Year in 2024, a testament to his ability to navigate a challenging season with a relatively young and less experienced University of Lethbridge team. His guidance fostered a strong sense of resilience, determination, and unity, which led to marked improvements throughout the season and a bronze medal at the Canada West Championships. By setting ambitious standards and creating an environment where athletes can thrive, Graeme promotes a team-first mentality and ensures each player feels valued. In addition to coaching Pronghorn rugby, he is the University’s Manager of High Performance Coaching.

Coaching Excellence Community Coach - Lexi Zeeb

Lexi Zeeb is committed to continuous growth, whether it is the skill development of young badminton players or her own coaching expertise. With the Lethbridge Badminton Club she coaches players across multiple programs, from beginners to competitive athletes, ensuring each feels supported and challenged. Lexi is building strong connections within the badminton community, coaching Zone 1 players at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games, training young players through University of Lethbridge Horn Recreation badminton, and volunteering at the school level. As a young coach, she is eager to expand her knowledge and recently completed her National Coaching Certification Program Regional Coach certification.

Volunteer in Sport - Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre has helped ringette players achieve their best both on the ice and off. A frequent nominee for Lethbridge Ringette Association Coach of the Year honours, he has guided teams to a pair of provincial championships. Chris is also a proponent of teaching players the value of giving back to their sport, as well as their community. He integrated charitable initiatives into the U19 Rattlers’ activities, including a food drive for the Veterans Association Food Bank. He also spearheaded an annual game for the Rattlers against a U18 hockey team to collect donations for the Lethbridge Food Bank.

Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence - Green and Gold Wrestling Tournament

The Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) Green and Gold Wrestling Tournament, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, exemplifies the values of community, tradition, and excellence. It is one of the most prestigious wrestling competitions south of Calgary, attracting hundreds of athletes from across Alberta. Hosted by LCI and the Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association, the event fosters growth in the sport and serves as a key development opportunity for athletes. Initiated by individuals including Brian Donaldson and Vern Hansen, the Green and Gold tournament continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of coaches, volunteers, school staff, and athletes.

Sport Administrator - Taylor Penney

Taylor Penney has played a key role in the success of University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics events through her leadership and organizational skills. As organizer of the Horns Triple Header, her efforts have created an inclusive and memorable experience for all attendees and a vibrant community celebration that draws in families, alumni, and students from all corners of the university and the city. Taylor has also managed major events including the Blue and Gold Athletic Awards, Pronghorn Gala and Cabaret, and Pronghorns Hall of Fame, setting a new standard for university sport events while building a strong sense of school spirit.

Sport Organization - Roller Hockey Lethbridge

The Roller Hockey Lethbridge has raised the profile of the sport while taking steps to ensure its continued growth in the community. The association realized a 60 percent increase in youth registrations in 2024, with 149 players, after boosting numbers by 86 per cent the year previous. The organization is dedicated to removing barriers to participate, by accessing grants to make the sport financially accessible and collaborating with partners to provide equipment for new Canadians. The RAHL also fosters youth development and leadership by providing young players with opportunities to referee and mentor others.

Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport - Tyler Swag

Tyler Swag has managed to blaze a trail toward a healthy lifestyle in short order. A dedicated fitness trainer, hockey skills coach and advocate for healthy living, he founded the Indigenous-owned health and wellness company, Good Movement, in 2023. Tyler’s goal is to provide positive paths forward through fitness, sport, nutrition, and traditional Indigenous ways to allow both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to experience the impact it has on mental health. He fosters confidence, inclusivity, and resilience by providing sport programs for youth and fun and informative fitness sessions for youth and adults.

Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen - Brooklyn Lynch

Brooklyn Lynch is making a name for herself as an ambassador for the sport of ringette, despite her youth. She has made meaningful contributions to the Lethbridge Ringette Association for the past decade as an athlete, official, junior coach, and volunteer. As captain, Brooklyn led her U16 team to a first-place standing, and as a referee has earned respect for her fairness, level-headedness, and knowledge of the game. A junior coach for a U10 team, Brooklyn serves as a role model by demonstrating commitment, responsibility, and passion, while helping to grow the sport by volunteering at introductory ringette events.