Swimmer Alexanne Lepage and Curler Kenan Wipf Named Dinos Athletes of the Year
Record-setting swimmer Alexanne Lepage and national champion curler Kenan Wipf were honored as the 2025-26 University of Calgary Athletes of the Year during the 58th annual Night of the Dino awards ceremony. The prestigious event took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Jack Simpson Gym, celebrating outstanding achievements across Dinos Athletics.
Comprehensive Recognition Across Athletics
The evening highlighted numerous accomplishments beyond the top athlete awards. Football receiver Zion Grant and wrestler Elizabeth Latulippe were named Bill Popplewell Rookies of the Year, recognizing their exceptional debut seasons. Additional honors were distributed to scholar-athletes, coaches, student leaders, and key contributors to the athletic department.
Academic excellence was prominently featured through the Calgary Booster Club Scholar-Athlete Awards. Recipients included Amélie Collin from basketball, Kristen Fox from track and field, Erik Godwin from volleyball, and Ky Macaulay from curling. These awards underscore the balance between athletic performance and scholarly dedication.
Leadership and Community Impact Awards
Leadership and community engagement were also celebrated. Track and field athlete Georgia Oland received the Senate Student-Athlete Community Leadership Award for her significant contributions beyond competition. In coaching honors, women’s basketball head coach Sarah Besselink was named Charlesglen Toyota Coach of the Year in her inaugural season leading the program.
The Margaret Southern Award, which acknowledges substantial female contributions to Dinos Athletics, was presented to curling program director Jocelyn Peterman. Meanwhile, wrestling assistant coach Gord Peavy earned the Dr. Lou Goodwin Award for outstanding male service, and women’s volleyball assistant coach Katerina Dolguikh received the Murray Fraser Award for exceptional student service to the athletic department.
Special Announcements and Scholarships
A notable announcement during the ceremony revealed that the Competitive Club Student-Athlete Award will be renamed the Michael Boyles Club Athlete of the Year. This change honors Dinos associate athletic director Mike Boyles, who is set to retire in June after decades of dedicated service.
Further recognition included MedWest Athletic Therapy Scholarships awarded to Natalie Bergeron for clinic work and Ivana Franco for field contributions, supporting future professionals in athletic therapy.
Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athletes of the Year Details
The Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athlete of the Year awards, named for the University of Calgary’s first athletic director and football coach, celebrate excellence in varsity sports during the competitive season. Winners become the Dinos’ nominees for the national U SPORTS athlete of the year awards, highlighting their potential for broader recognition.
Alexanne Lepage’s Record-Breaking Season
Alexanne Lepage, a third-year Schulich School of Engineering student from Vernon, B.C., delivered an extraordinary swimming season. At the Canada West championships, she secured gold medals in the 50, 100, and 200-meter breaststroke events, as well as the 400-meter individual medley, while contributing to three silver-medal relay finishes.
Her success continued at the U SPORTS championships, where she set new Canadian senior records in the 50 and 100-meter breaststroke, surpassing previous marks held by Canadian Olympians. Lepage concluded the national competition with four individual gold medals and three relay silver medals, cementing her status as a dominant force in collegiate swimming.
Kenan Wipf’s Championship Performance
Curler Kenan Wipf, celebrated alongside Lepage, achieved national champion status, contributing significantly to the Dinos’ athletic prestige. His performance throughout the season exemplified the dedication and skill that define top-tier university athletes, earning him this distinguished honor.
The Night of the Dino not only recognized individual achievements but also reinforced the University of Calgary’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in both athletics and academics, inspiring future generations of student-athletes.
