Golden Gala Celebrates Year of Firsts

The Ambrose Lions celebrated a season of firsts and multiple major achievements during 2018-19 Golden Gala.

Among those achievements was the “kick off” for both men’s and women’s outdoor soccer teams who competed in their first ever Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) seasons. Both teams saw great success during this transitional season.

Both soccer teams not only saw success on the outdoor field but also saw success in their respective futsal seasons. The women’s team capped off their historic season by winning the ACAC 2019 Futsal Championships. This was the first ever ACAC championship won by any Lions team.

This year was also a year of growth for the volleyball and basketball teams as they continued to establish themselves in the competitive ACAC South Division. This year was the first time an Ambrose team has been ranked nationally within the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

Both the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams received national recognition for their outstanding play throughout the year. Both of these teams also qualified for playoffs this season.

For the women’s volleyball team. It was the first time Ambrose University hosted the ACAC Championships. Additionally it was the first time the men’s basketball team qualified for the ACAC playoffs.

We are incredibly proud of our athletes for their hard work and dedication during this year of firsts.

Below is a summary of the award winners from the 2018-19 season.

Athletes of the Year

Josh Daniel – Men’s Basketball
Willow Lewington – Women’s Volleyball

Mel Sylvester Christian Leadership Award Winners

Lucas Reimer – Men’s Soccer
Janelle Perry – Women’s Soccer

Team Awards

Team Academic Award (Highest cumulative GPA): Women’s Soccer          

Women’s Soccer

Most Improved: Karina Kurtzweg
Most Valuable: Bethany Herman
Most Inspirational: Rachel Wolf

Men’s Soccer

Most Improved: Regan McCaffrey
Most Valuable: Lucas Reimer
Most Inspirational: Matthew Wideman

Women’s Basketball

Most Improved: Daniella Matich
Most Valuable: Caitlyn Hetrick
Most Inspirational: Paige Goertzen

Men’s Basketball

Most Improved: Isaac Gray
Most Valuable: Josh Daniel
Most Inspirational: Sylvan Lombo

Women’s Volleyball

Most Improved: Makayla Beisal
Most Valuable: Willow Lewington
Most Inspirational: Somer Bartel

Men’s Volleyball

Most Improved: Adam Morris
Most Valuable: Ryan Andres
Most Inspirational: Adrian Strandberg