Kodiaks showcase athletic achievements
A new gift to Lethbridge College will help honour the past, while also looking to the future.
It is in the form of a $55,000 trophy case donated by locally based Millwork Innovations 3 (MI3), located on the second floor of the Physical Education Building leading into the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
The case, unveiled during a ceremony Thursday morning, is designed to allow people to see the many awards and accolades Kodiaks teams and individuals have earned during 60 years of competition.
It also pairs well with the recently added Kodiaks Hall of Fame for a new “social hotspot,” says Todd Caughlin, manager of Kodiaks Athletics.
“Since 1964, the Kodiaks have done a lot of great things, but unfortunately we’ve never really been able to honour them,” he said.
“Now, as you can see behind me, we’ve got a display case that everybody when they’re coming in and out from our games will be able to see some of the history we’ve been able to collect. Our student-athletes have brought so much pride to our college over the years, and this is a way to make sure their achievements are properly celebrated,” Caughlin continued.
“We thank MI3 for recognizing those accomplishments and using their immense skills to build a showcase piece that will become a key part of our athletics facilities. As soon as we presented the idea to MI3, they were all over it. They have that personal history with us.”
MI3, which was founded in 2007 and is known for its architectural woodwork, has been involved in several Lethbridge College projects. They include building kitchens in student residences, completing woodwork in the new Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility, and providing “live-edge” woodwork in the new Founders’ Square.
The company has also employed more than a dozen Lethbridge College alumni from the Interior Design and Drafting Technology, Business Administration, and Carpenter Apprenticeship programs.
“(We are) hugely proud and super excited,” said Willy Reger, owner of MI3.
“It has been a focus of our company to support the local community in many different ways and this is an extension of that. We are honoured to donate this trophy case and we look forward to seeing it filled with many proofs of great achievement. Skills being perfected at Lethbridge College are being used every day in our workplace and we are proud to continue our partnership with the college and the Kodiaks.”
Reger also has a personal connection to Kodiaks Athletics, as his son Nils competed for the Kodiaks men’s volleyball team for four seasons, from 2013 to 2017, serving as team captain during his final season.