Calgary’s Gabriella Durante maintains a hectic pace. Summers mean twice-daily workouts for sprint-canoe events. Winters mean tending the nets of the UCalgary Dinos hockey team, plus a full course load. And she refs. And she coaches. “It’s exhausting physically, mentally, emotionally … (but) it’s on me.”
Retired as an accomplished triathlete and still only 29 years old, Calgary’s Ellen Pennock is enjoying the next phase of her life — living and coaching in Victoria, working as the creative director of Feisty Media, and, yes, still running very fast. “I have things I’m excited about, which is great. This is definitely the best I’ve been in a long time.”
Calgary’s Jordan Jensen-Whyte reflects on a basketball season that saw him win an NBLC championship with the London Lightning and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal with Team Canada. “I’ve had a really interesting and unique career. I’m really excited about what’s going to be happening next. But, as I’ve learned over the years, things can change.”
Brodie Shields-Tyler rises to the occasion for the SAIT Trojans, capturing the ACAC men’s championship, the biggest victory of his golfing career. “It’s definitely awesome to have it on the resume.” Now the Calgarian is preparing for the national showcase.
Melanie Scholz, former star of William Aberhart High School and the UCalgary Dinos, made her Team Canada debut this summer at the Commonwealth Games field-hockey tournament in England. The experience left an impression. “Overwhelmingly, the craziest event I’ve been to. Even going to opening ceremonies, it just gives you chills. It was so cool.”
Calgary’s paratriathlon ace, Stefan Daniel, recently broadened his athletic horizons, entering his first half-ironman and placing an impressive 12th in the men’s professional division in Santa Cruz, Calif. “It was more to do something different … and it was a good time to do it.”
For outfielder Alejandro Cazorla Granados, the Okotoks Dawgs’ championship run capped a remarkable turnaround on the field and off of it. “From where I was six months earlier to that moment? It was the complete polar (opposite). It meant the world — and not just because we won at the end. A very special year.”
Sport’s foothold in the community is well-established, its reach undeniable. Recognizing the reach, the Calgary Booster Club appreciates the positive impact of sport on social, mental, and physical well-being.
Sarah Orban, in her 20s, decided to embrace track cycling. Now racing on the international stage, the Calgarian has her eyes on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. “It’s been quite the journey. At this point, I feel like I’ve been a cyclist forever.”
Mitchell’s memorial service is set for Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall (225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB). The tribute begins at 2 p.m.
One of golf’s biggest hitters, Irene Crowchild reflects on a journey filled with adversity and recovery and, ultimately, success. “Starting this whole long-drive stuff, I never thought I’d be here,” says the two-time Canadian women’s champion, who is entered in the upcoming world showcase in Japan.
Calgary kid — on the rise for his entire draft year with the USHL Sioux City Musketeers — jumps up the charts, surprises the pundits, gets picked 40th overall by Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings. “I was pretty shocked,” says Dylan James. “I didn’t expect to go that high, but I’ll take it, obviously.”
Justine Bouchard — thanks to a terrific career at UCalgary, in addition to international success — becomes the first female wrestler inducted into the Dinos Hall of Fame. “Honestly, I just feel so blessed that I’ve had the career I had,” says the Wetaskiwin native.
Local ultramarathoner discusses his record-breaking adventure, which included a likely case of COVID, a probable concussion, daily soul-baring updates on social media, hundreds of pavement-pounding hours, a never-ending interior dialogue.
Calgarian’s terrific career — which includes guiding his home-town squad from expansion franchise to championship winner — has landed him in the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. “I was surprised,” says Kaleb Toth. “I was kind of shocked, but definitely honoured.”
On Sunday, June 26, 2022 we held our 68th annual Sports Gala. This was the first in-person gala since 2019, and it was great to be back together in person!
The Calgary Booster Club congratulates the following individuals for winning the prizes indicated below.
Not only did Riley Fleming get married in 2021, he enjoyed a splendid stretch on the golf course, winning several events, including the PGA Championship of Canada. “I’ve never been more proud.” The Airdrie native, as the Calgary Booster Club’s male athlete of the year, lays claim to the Scott-Mamini Memorial Award.
The Calgary Booster Club is set to roll out the red carpet for its 68th annual Sports Gala on Sunday, June 26th.
The Calgary Booster Club’s female athlete of the year, Stephanie Labbé, led Team Canada to the top of the podium at the Tokyo Olympics. Now retired, the golden goalkeeper discusses the thrills of 2021, her final season of soccer.