A record-breaking swim season and a historic curling championship collided in celebration as the University of Calgary Dinos crowned Alexanne Lepage and Kenan Wipf as Athletes of the Year. The honor came during the 58th annual Night of the Dino at Jack Simpson Gym, spotlighting standout performances that defined the 2025 to 2026 varsity season.
The awards night also recognized rising stars, scholar-athletes, and coaching excellence, reflecting a year filled with breakthrough moments and national success for the Dinos program.
Record-breaking season lifts Lepage to top honor
Swimmer Alexanne Lepage delivered one of the most dominant seasons in recent Dinos history, earning her place as Dr. Dennis Kadatz Female Athlete of the Year.
Her performances at the national level were nothing short of elite. Lepage set multiple Canadian senior records during the U SPORTS Swimming Championships, including a landmark swim in the 100 metre breaststroke that broke a national mark held by Olympian-level competition.
She also captured multiple gold medals across breaststroke and individual medley events, while contributing to relay success that pushed Calgary into strong team standings.
Her season was defined by speed, consistency, and pressure performance at national championships.
Lepage, a student in engineering, balanced academic demands with elite competition, reinforcing her reputation as one of Canada’s most promising young swimmers.
Key highlights of her season included:
- Multiple Canadian senior records in breaststroke events
- Four individual gold medals at U SPORTS championships
- Relay medals that boosted Dinos team standings
- Consistent podium finishes across Canada West and national meets
Her dominance not only earned individual recognition but also strengthened Calgary’s national reputation in varsity swimming.
Wipf delivers historic curling breakthrough
On the men’s side, curler Kenan Wipf was named Athlete of the Year after leading the Dinos to one of the most important seasons in program history.
Wipf guided Calgary to a breakthrough Canada West title, ending a long championship drought for the program. His leadership continued at the national stage, where the team carried its momentum into U SPORTS competition.
The defining moment of the season came in the championship final, where Wipf delivered a clutch winning shot in extra ends to secure a national title for Calgary curling.
That victory marked a historic milestone for the Dinos curling program, establishing them as a national force in the sport.
Wipf’s season stood out for leadership under pressure and championship execution.
His achievements included:
- Canada West championship title as team skip
- U SPORTS national championship victory
- First national curling title in program history
- Selection as a First Team All Canadian performer
His performance elevated the program and cemented his status as one of Canada’s top university curlers.
Rising stars and breakout athletes recognized
While the spotlight focused on the top athletes, the Night of the Dino also highlighted emerging talent across multiple sports.
Football receiver Zion Grant and wrestler Elizabeth Latulippe were named Bill Popplewell Rookies of the Year, recognizing immediate impact in their debut seasons.
Grant made an instant impression with explosive receiving performances, including multiple 100 yard games and key touchdowns in conference play. Latulippe, meanwhile, captured gold at the Canada West level and earned a national silver medal in wrestling competition.
Other major recognitions included:
- Scholar-athlete awards for excellence in academics and sport
- Community leadership awards for student engagement
- Competitive club athlete honors for skiing and ringette
- Multiple coaching and service awards across programs
These awards highlighted the depth of talent within the Dinos system, extending beyond varsity stars to student leaders and support staff.
Coaching impact and program growth
The 2025 to 2026 season also showcased strong leadership from the coaching staff, with women’s basketball head coach Sarah Besselink earning Coach of the Year honors.
In her debut season, Besselink guided her team through a remarkable run that included a long winning streak, a conference championship, and a deep postseason push against top ranked national programs.
Her recognition reflected a broader theme across the Dinos organization, where coaching development and athlete performance aligned to produce one of the program’s strongest collective seasons in recent years.
Support staff and development programs were also acknowledged, reinforcing the importance of medical, academic, and leadership roles within varsity sport.
A night that defined a season of excellence
The Night of the Dino ultimately served as a celebration of more than trophies. It reflected a season where records were broken, championships were won, and young athletes stepped into leadership roles on and off the field.
From Lepage’s record-setting swims to Wipf’s championship-winning shot, the evening highlighted defining moments that shaped the identity of Dinos Athletics in 2026.
As the program looks ahead, the performances recognized on this night set a high standard for future teams and athletes to follow.
