Weekend Recap: Big moments brought big celebrations for the Kodiaks

Weekend Recap: Big moments brought big celebrations for the Kodiaks

March 10, 2026 – It was a week of big stages and even bigger moments for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks.

Men’s basketball battled their way to an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) silver medal and earned a spot at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship taking place March 18–21.

Kodiaks women’s basketball closed out their championship run with grit, putting up a strong battle against a veteran King’s University Eagles team that eventually went on to win the tournament. 

Both futsal teams delivered strong regional performances that earned them spots at the ACAC Championships next weekend in Medicine Hat.

To finish off the week, the Kodiaks indoor track and field program delivered strong performances, with the women’s team bringing home a conference banner and making history with the program’s first championship title.

Men’s Basketball Championships

Quarterfinals March 5 MBB | Kodiaks 75 vs NAIT Ooks 61

NAIT came out fast in the opening quarter and put the Kodiaks on their heels early, jumping ahead 8-0 before Levi Balderson (second year, General Arts and Science, Welling, Alta.) knocked down a three to get Lethbridge settled. From there, the Kodiaks gradually worked their way back into the game with Jackson Wright (third year, Business Administration, Claresholm) finishing twice at the rim, Randall Mongard (first year, Open Studies, Laval, Que.) adding a pair of layups and Nathaniel Hosannah (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) chipping in with six first-quarter points, including four free throws. Even with the Ooks controlling the early tempo, Lethbridge stayed within striking distance and closed the gap to a single possession by the end of the frame, with NAIT leading 21-20 after the first quarter. In the second, the Kodiaks took control. Balderson scored to give Lethbridge its first lead, Marley Kenion (first year, Child and Youth Care, Coventry, England) provided a major spark with four made field goals in the quarter, and the Kodiaks tightened up defensively to turn stops into offence. Mongard scored six points in the period, Hosannah added another bucket and Lethbridge’s pressure helped fuel a 20-point quarter that opened some separation heading into halftime. By the break, the Kodiaks had turned a one-point deficit into a 40-29 lead.

Lethbridge maintained that momentum coming out of halftime, even as NAIT tried to chip back into the game in the third. Balderson hit a three early in the quarter, Kenion kept producing around the basket, and Kade Lund (second year, General Arts and Science, Barnwell, Alta.) came off the bench with a steal and four key points to help the Kodiaks answer each NAIT run. The Ooks trimmed the margin at times, including a late three at the buzzer, but Lethbridge still edged the quarter enough to keep control of the game and carried a 53-45 lead after the third quarter. In the fourth, NAIT made one final push and cut the gap to three, but the Kodiaks responded with poise. Hosannah converted a key layup, Wright delivered several strong finishes inside, Balderson buried a clutch three and calmly hit free throws and Rhett Lewis (third year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) added a late three-pointer to help put the game away. Hosannah then punctuated the result with a dunk in the closing seconds as the Kodiaks closed out the quarterfinal with a 75-61 win after the fourth quarter.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #14 Jackson Wright

Semifinals March 6 MBB | Kodiaks 86 vs LAKE Rustlers 67

The Kodiaks wasted no time showing they were ready for the host-school challenge against the North Division’s top-seeded Lakeland Rustlers. Balderson set the tone early, scoring the Kodiaks’ first six points, while Hosannah, Wright and Mongard helped Lethbridge control the pace and turn defence into offence. The Kodiaks forced a string of Lakeland turnovers, got key transition baskets from Mongard, and closed the opening frame on a strong push to build an early cushion. By the end of the first quarter, Lethbridge held a 22-14 lead. In the second, the Kodiaks kept pressing the advantage. Hosannah opened the quarter with a three-point play, Balderson answered a Lakeland three with one of his own, and Lethbridge kept finding timely offence from throughout the lineup. Mongard added another inside finish, Lewis knocked down a late three, and Lund came off the bench with a basket as the Kodiaks maintained control despite a late Rustlers push. Heading into halftime, Lethbridge still had the game firmly in hand with a 44-32 lead after the second quarter.

Lakeland tried to make its move in the third, trimming the margin with a series of baskets in the paint and a couple of timely threes, but the Kodiaks consistently had an answer. Balderson kept producing offensively, Wright finished inside, Hosannah delivered a big three and Mongard stayed active on both ends with rebounds, steals and second-chance points. Even when the Rustlers got the game back within single digits, Lethbridge responded with poise and closed the quarter on a high note when Mongard scored at the buzzer. That gave the Kodiaks a 65-52 lead after the third quarter. In the fourth, Lethbridge never let the hosts seriously threaten. Kenion scored early to stretch the lead, Mongard kept attacking the rim, Hosannah added a key three-point play and Balderson buried a late three to keep the Kodiaks comfortably in front. Lewis added another basket in the closing minutes, Wright capped the performance with a late layup, and the Kodiaks finished off an impressive semifinal win over the No. 1 team in the North and tournament host, securing an 86-67 victory.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #7 Levi Balderson

Finals March 7 MBB | Kodiaks 79 vs KC Huskies 86

The Kodiaks found themselves chasing the game early in the gold medal final as Keyano opened with a 12-2 run and controlled the first quarter with second-chance points and transition offence. Balderson got the Kodiaks going with a pair of early finishes, Mongard and Hosannah each added baskets and Kenion provided a lift off the bench with five quick points, including a late three-point play. Hosannah then beat the first-quarter buzzer with a three to trim the deficit and keep Lethbridge within striking distance, but the Huskies still held a 26-18 lead after the first quarter. In the second, the Kodiaks settled in and chipped away possession by possession. Balderson caught fire offensively, scoring from inside and out, Mongard continued to finish around the rim and Kenion battled on the glass to create extra chances. Lethbridge gradually erased the gap with a series of timely baskets from Balderson and Mongard while Hosannah helped move the offence and create looks. Despite the push, the Huskies held onto a narrow advantage going into the break, with Keyano leading 43-40 at halftime.

The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle with both sides trading runs as the intensity climbed. Lewis opened the half with two free throws, Wright gave the Kodiaks a spark with a steal, a basket and an assist on one of Hosannah’s emphatic dunks and Lethbridge twice pushed its lead to seven. But every Kodiaks push was met by a Keyano response, and the Huskies’ work on the offensive glass helped them claw back in front late. Hosannah kept attacking, Mongard added another basket, Balderson continued to score in traffic and Lund delivered key points off the bench, but Keyano carried a narrow 66-64 lead after the third quarter. In the fourth, the Huskies slowly created separation while the Kodiaks struggled to string together enough stops and finishes to reclaim control. Hosannah and Wright kept Lethbridge close with baskets early in the frame, Mongard buried a late three to make it a five-point game and Kenion and Balderson added points in the final minutes, but Keyano answered each push with timely shots and free throws down the stretch. When the final horn sounded, the Kodiaks fell just short 86-79 earning a silver medal.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #7 Levi Balderson

Following the gold medal final, Balderson and Hosannah were both recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the weekend, earning ACAC Tournament All-Star honours. Balderson led the entire tournament in scoring, consistently delivering offensively for the Kodiaks while providing key perimeter shooting and timely baskets throughout Lethbridge’s run to the final. Hosannah was equally impactful on both ends of the floor, leading the tournament in minutes played as the only player to remain on the court for every minute of his team’s games, anchoring the Kodiaks defensively while contributing key scoring and rebounding throughout the weekend.

With the ACAC earning a wildcard berth to the CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, the Kodiaks have also secured a place on the national stage. Wildcard spots are awarded to CCAA member conferences based on their performance at national championships over the previous three years, allowing that conference to send a second team to the tournament. As a result, the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks will represent the ACAC at the CCAA National Championship from March 18–21 in Nanaimo, B.C., hosted by Vancouver Island University.

Women’s Basketball Championships

Quarterfinals March 5 WBB | Kodiaks 57 vs TKU Eagles 75

The Kodiaks opened their ACAC women’s basketball quarterfinal against the nationally ranked Kings University Eagles with plenty of confidence, trading blows early with the top team from the North Division. Nyomi Heins (second year, Therapeutic Recreation, Diamond City, Alta.) got the Kodiaks started with an early three, Summer Long (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) answered with a triple of her own and the home side stayed within striking distance thanks to baskets from Paighton Kumson (third year, Correctional Studies, Edmonton), Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) and another pair of threes from Heins. Long added a late jumper to keep Lethbridge close, but Kings used second-chance points and a late push to carry a narrow edge after 10 minutes, with the Eagles taking the first quarter 23-19. In the second, the Kodiaks briefly tightened the game as Long attacked the basket for back-to-back finishes, Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling, Alta.) and Chase Wells-Creighton (second year, Exercise Science, Standoff, Alta.) chipped in at the line, and Lethbridge got within a point at 27-26. From there, Kings’ pressure began to turn the game, forcing turnovers and converting them into a decisive run before halftime while Michelson scored the Kodiaks’ final points of the half at the stripe. The Eagles controlled the second quarter leading 45-29 at the break.

Out of halftime, Kings kept its foot down in the third, scoring on its first few possessions and stretching the margin before the Kodiaks could settle in. Z. Michelson knocked down a jumper, Long earned two free throws, and later buried a three, while Wells-Creighton added a late triple to help Lethbridge answer in spots, but the Eagles’ rebounding and ball movement kept the momentum on their side throughout the frame. Kings carried a 63-41 lead into the fourth. In the final quarter, the Kodiaks showed push despite the deficit, with Z. Michelson opening the scoring from deep, Long hitting another three, Heins converting a layup and adding four free throws, Power finishing at the rim and Ava Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling, Alta.) scoring the final point from the line. Lethbridge was sharper down the stretch and won the fourth quarter 16-12, but the Eagles’ earlier surge was enough to secure the 75-57 quarterfinal victory.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #9 Summer Long

Consolation semifinals March 5 WBB | Kodiaks 48 vs BC Clippers 55

The Kodiaks found themselves chasing early in their consolation matchup with host Briercrest, as the Clippers turned a handful of first-quarter turnovers into quick offence and built momentum from the perimeter. Heins got Lethbridge on the board at the free-throw line, Wells-Creighton answered with a layup off a Yar Biar (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) assist and Gianna Gammie (second year, General Arts and Science, Nanton, Alta.) briefly pushed the Kodiaks in front with a basket inside. Heins later added another layup, but Briercrest closed the quarter on a strong run to open up a nine-point cushion, taking the first quarter 17-8. In the second, the Kodiaks began to settle in and chip away at the deficit. Power and Long knocked down back-to-back threes, Z. Michelson added a jumper, Wells-Creighton attacked the paint and the free-throw line and Long scored both from deep and at the rim as Lethbridge steadily closed the gap. By halftime, the Kodiaks had turned it into a tight game, with Briercrest holding a 28-25 lead at the break.

The third quarter stayed tight for stretches, with Long drilling an early three to bring the Kodiaks within reach and Gammie knocking down two free throws before Long caught fire again with another three and a late layup. Even so, Briercrest answered key pushes with timely baskets to protect its advantage and edged the frame 11-10, carrying a 39-35 lead into the fourth. In the final quarter, the Kodiaks finally broke through as Wells-Creighton opened the scoring at the line, Heins buried a go-ahead three, Long converted through contact and another Heins triple gave Lethbridge a 45-42 edge midway through the period. But the Clippers responded with a decisive run, regaining control with back-to-back baskets and a late three, while the Kodiaks’ final push came from Kumson on a three-point play in the closing seconds. Briercrest took the game 55-48, ending the Kodiaks’ season.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #9 Summer Long

Futsal South Regional #2

March 6 WFUT | Kodiaks 0 vs SAIT Trojans 3

The Kodiaks women’s futsal team came up short against the SAIT Trojans in the opening match of the second South Regional. SAIT opened the scoring late in the first half, while Kodiaks goalkeeper Kiara Jankowiak (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) was busy throughout the match, making an impressive 30 saves to keep the Kodiaks within striking distance. The Trojans added a second midway through the second half and secured the result with another goal in the closing minutes. The Kodiaks generated several early chances but were unable to put one past SAIT’s goalkeeper.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #1 Kiara Jankowiak

March 7 WFUT | Kodiaks 9 vs AMB Lions 2

The Kodiaks women’s futsal team bounced back in a big way against the Ambrose University Lions as they struck early and often, building a commanding lead in the opening half and never looking back. Hannah Bradford (second year, General Arts and Science, Abbotsford, B.C.) opened the scoring just over three minutes into the match. Sophie DeMarsh (second year, Criminal Justice - Corrections, Calgary) doubled the lead shortly after. The Kodiaks continued to apply pressure as Brooke Barcelona (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Kelowna, B.C.) was able to put one away. Ambrose found the net once before the break, but the Kodiaks quickly responded with goals from Abigail Leusink (third year, Open Studies, Picture Butte, Alta.) and another from Bradford, to take a 5–1 lead into halftime. 

The Kodiaks kept their momentum in the second half. DeMarsh scored her second of the match, before Barcelona added her second goal. Jayna Timinski (fifth year, Child and Youth Care, Calgary) found the scoresheet as well with a goal to extend the lead. Ambrose managed one late goal, but Jordan Wright (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary) closed out the scoring shortly after.

In goal, Samantha Demchuk (fifth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Whitehorse, Yukon) recorded 17 saves to secure the win as the Kodiaks controlled the pace of play throughout the match.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #11 Hannah Bradford

March 7 WFUT | Kodiaks 7 vs OC Broncos 4

In the Kodiaks’ last match of the regional, they built an early lead over the Olds College Broncos with Timinski opening the scoring. Alexis Bradford (fourth year, Open Studies, Abbotsford, B.C.) doubled the lead shortly after. Timinski then added her second of the match to give the Kodiaks a two-goal cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, Barcelona extended the lead. Olds responded with a pair of goals to tighten the score, but the Kodiaks answered back as DeMarsh scored and A. Bradford found the back of the net. DeMarsh then capped off the scoring with another goal to seal the 7–4 win.

In goal, Demchuk made 18 saves to help the Kodiaks secure the victory.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #15 Jayna Timinski

March 6 MFUT | Kodiaks 6 vs SAIT Trojans 3

The Kodiaks men’s futsal team opened their weekend with a strong performance and controlled their match against the SAIT Trojans early. Lazlo Lorenzo (first year, General Arts and Science, Nelson, B.C.) opened the scoring just over a minute into the match. Emiliano Garcia Velarde (Second year, Agriculture Sciences – Animal Science, Saltillo, Mexico) doubled the lead midway through the half to give the Kodiaks a 2–0 advantage at halftime. 

The Kodiaks continued their offensive push in the second half as Robert McKinstry (second year, Business Administration - Management, Lethbridge) added another early goal. Moe Huska (first year, General Arts and Science - Kinesiology Certificate, Cranbrook, B.C.) extended the lead) before Jaxon Uhl (fourth year, Business Administration – Management, Lethbridge) also found the net. Huska then scored his second of the match shortly after to give the Kodiaks a commanding six-goal lead. SAIT managed three late goals in the final minutes, but the Kodiaks remained comfortably ahead to secure the 6–3 victory.

In goal, Tristan Martin (second year, General Arts and Science, Whitehorse, Yukon) recorded 16 saves to help backstop the Kodiaks to the opening win.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #6 Moe Huska

March 7 MFUT | Kodiaks 3 vs AMB Lions 3

In a redemption match between the Kodiaks and Lions, Ambrose was first to strike and found the net twice in the opening half to take a 2–0 lead into halftime. Lethbridge quickly shifted momentum after the break with Lorenzo getting the Kodiaks on the board with a goal. Moments later, Cristobal Jacob Pares (first year, Civil Engineering Technology, Nelson, B.C.) tied the match at 2–2. The Lions regained the lead midway through the half, but the Kodiaks continued to press for an equalizer. With just over three minutes remaining, Garcia Velarde converted a penalty to bring Lethbridge level at 3–3 and secure the draw.

In goal, Adam Krisko (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) made 21 saves to help the Kodiaks stay within reach and preserve the tie.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #21 Cristobal Jacob Pares

March 7 MFUT | Kodiaks 5 vs OC Broncos 3

The Kodiaks men’s futsal team finished out their regional with a match up against the Olds College Broncos. Olds opened the scoring early, but Lorenzo evened the match off a pass from Orien Domin (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Sparwood, B.C.). Domin continued to drive the Kodiaks’ attack as he set up Garcia Velarde for another goal to give Lethbridge the lead. Olds responded before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied 2–2.

The Broncos briefly reclaimed the lead early in the second half, but the Kodiaks answered back as Garcia Velarde scored his second of the match. Uhl then gave Lethbridge the lead with an unassisted goal, before Domin sealed the victory with a late marker.

In goal, Krisko recorded nine saves as the Kodiaks closed out the 5–3 win.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #2 Lazlo Lorenzo

With the results from this weekend, both the Kodiaks women’s and men’s futsal teams have secured the wildcard position for the 2026 ACAC Futsal Championships, hosted by Medicine Hat College from March 20–22. Wildcard teams are determined by winning percentage and tie-breaking procedures among teams that have not automatically qualified for the championship, with both Kodiaks squads earning their place through their performance during regional play. 

Indoor Track Championships

March 7–8 IT | ACAC Championships | at Kinsmen Sports Centre

The Kodiaks indoor track team delivered a historic performance at the 2026 ACAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Kinsmen Field House in Edmonton. The Kodiaks women captured the ACAC team championship with 73 points, marking the first indoor track championship banner in the women’s program history, while the men finished fourth overall with 52 points in a competitive field.

The Kodiaks women were powered by dominant relay and sprint performances throughout the championships. The 4x200 metre relay team of Hallee Pilling (third year, Exercise Science, Cardston), Hana Oikawa (second year, Renewable Resource Management, Lethbridge), Paighton Kumson (third year, Correctional Studies, Edmonton) and Hazel Baumbach (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) claimed gold with a time of 1:49.66, setting a new ACAC conference record in the event. The momentum continued in the 4x400 metre relay, where Pilling, Oikawa, Katrina Michel (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Okotoks) and Kate Block (third year, Business Administration – Management, Waldheim, Sask.) secured another first-place finish to close out the championships. Kumson also led the Kodiaks individually as the top point scorer for the women’s team, earning a silver medal in the 300 metre while Oikawa added bronze in the same event. In the distance events, Khloe Jankowiak (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) contributed with a bronze medal in the 3000 metre, helping seal the historic team title.

On the men’s side, the Kodiaks were led by strong sprint and distance performances. Owen Boucher (first year, Natural Resource Compliance, St. Paul, Alta.) highlighted the weekend with a silver medal in the 50 metre, while teammate Wayne Bauluck (second year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Moose Jaw, Sask.) added a fifth-place finish in the same race. The Kodiaks also secured a podium finish in the 4x400 metre relay, as Boucher, Shaun Geusebroek (second year, Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship, Lethbridge), Ethan Grasmeyer (third year, Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science, Smithers, B.C.) and Bauluck combined for second place. In the distance events, Grasmeyer delivered a standout performance with a bronze medal in the 1500 metre and another third-place finish in the 3000 metre, contributing key points to the Kodiaks’ overall result.

During the medal ceremony on the final day, both Kumson and Grasmeyer were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the season earning ACAC All-Conference honours.