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Donation helps Lethbridge College celebrate history of Kodiaks Athletics

Jan 13, 2018 | 6:43 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The championship history of Lethbridge College is now prominently on display, thanks to a donation from Millworks Innovations 3 (MI3).

The Lethbridge-based business donated a $55,000 custom-built trophy case, which sits just outside the second-floor entrance to the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.

Having done work for the college in the past including, MI3 owner, Willy Reger, said they were excited to get involved. Their history includes building kitchens in student residences, and providing wood work in the new Trades, Technologies and Innovation facility as well as Founders’ Square.

“My oldest son Nils, he has been playing for four seasons here, volleyball, and I’m, not a fanatic, but almost a fanatic at volleyball,” explained Reger. “When he was accepted here, I was basically [at] every game watching, and it was great. So, huge connection that way.”

Reger stated that when they discussed the idea with the college, he was told they had full control over the size and design. Noting how proud he has been to work on projects at the college since starting his business in 2007, Reger said there was no hesitation to go all out.

“Why would we just give them a little case in the corner? Might as well tell them exactly how we feel and how proud we are, and say ‘[Lethbridge] College, thank you,’” he said with a smile.

From the perspective of the college, Kodiaks Athletics manager Todd Caughlin, says this is something he wanted to do since he got to the college over three years ago.

“Since 1964, the Kodiaks have done a lot of great things, but unfortunately, we’ve never really been able to honour them,” he explained to the media. “And 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 our small history that we’ve been able to collect.”

He added that the timing was perfect – and lucky – as well, following the creation of the Kodiaks Hall of Fame.

“We kicked off the inaugural hall of fame this year, and just the amount of play and presence that has gotten with the alumni, because we have had a lot of student athletes come through this, and they have all left their impact. But, now we’ve got another way to honour those people that have done good things.”