University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics is honoured to announce that the department is renaming its Academic All-Canadian Scholarship to pay tribute to the late Debby Steacy.

Steacy, a longtime supporter of Horns Athletics, passed away suddenly in April 2014 at the age of 58.

Each year, more than 20 per cent of Pronghorn athletes earn CIS Academic All-Canadian (AAC) honours. The Pronghorn Booster Club, with funds generated from Operation Red Nose activity, partner with the athletics department to help fund the AAC Award.

A long-time booster club member and volunteer coordinator for Operation Red Nose, Steacy was a huge advocate for using the funds raised through the booster club to recognize not only athletic achievement but academic excellence. Sandy Slavin, Pronghorn athletic director, and Travis Grindle, president of the Pronghorn Booster Club, agreed that it was only fitting that the Pronghorn Academic All-Canadian scholarship should bear her name, to honour and recognize her commitment and dedication to Pronghorn Athletics.

Operation Red Nose was a program that Steacy held close to her heart. She worked tirelessly for Operation Red Nose, organizing more than 600 volunteers for the annual 12-night campaign, and ensuring that the program ran as smoothly as possible.

Having been a successful CIAU varsity athlete herself, Steacy understood the value of being a student-athlete. She supported all three of her children’s university and athletic careers. Each of Jim, Sean and Heather Steacy were highly decorated Pronghorn Athletes. Jim and Heather each reached the pinnacle of the track and field world representing Canada at the Olympic Games in the hammer throw. Jim, a two-time Olympian, competed in Beijing (2008) and London (2012), while Heather joined Jim in London. Ji is currently representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Beginning in fall 2014, athletes achieving Academic All-Canadian status will receive a Deb Steacy AAC Scholarship on behalf of Pronghorn Athletics.