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Evangeline Zeyha (L) & Emma Werklund (R)

Logan Hladchuk

Coach, Evan Lloyd (L) & Manny Iloka (R)

Festival of Gold, the biggest event in the Wolves calendar, took place on April 6, 2024, with athletes, coaches, and fans gathering to celebrate the Wolpack's spirit of sportsmanship and dedication over the 2023/4 season.

As is tradition, we spotlight student athletes who have gone the extra mile, inspired their teammates, and achieved athletic success on the pitch, trail, court, and track. Read about them below.

2023-24 Recipients

Female Rookie of the Year – Emma Werklund

Emma had a fantastic season as a first year indoor track athlete. Her competitive drive saw championship podium results, placing top 8 in every individual race she ran. While most ACAC track athletes transition naturally from cross country running to indoor track, Emma had a later start to the season. Not allowing lost time to win out, she dug into training and competition, and at the March 2024 ACAC Indoor Track Championships, Emma brought home bronze medals in the Women's 60m (8.48 sec) and 300m (46.11 sec) events.

Female Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year – Evangeline Zeyha

Evangeline had an outstanding season with the Wolves, making an immediate impact on the women's volleyball program and the ACAC. With dedication and discipline, she improved her level of play both physically and mentally. Starting in 17 of 19 conference matches, Evangeline closed out her rookie year with 118 kills, 32 solo blocks and 21 service aces, earning her the ACAC Rookie of the Year Award and an ACAC All-Conference Team nomination.

Male Rookie of the Year - Logan Hladchuk

Logan had an outstanding season as a first-year player, starting in 18 of 19 matches and accumulating 54 Kills, 28 stuff blocks and six service aces. Even though he was new to playing in the middle position and was undersized by league standards, he managed an impressive season. Logan has a great work ethic and a passion to improve. Accepting the role of a new position in team sports is what great players do to make teams better. They are "willing to give up the me for the we."

Male Athlete of the Year – Emmanuel Iloka

Manny had an outstanding season! He set career highs in almost every stat category, boosting the team to a 3rd place finish in the North and a playoff spot in the 2024 ACAC Men's Basketball Championship. He has consistently demonstrated his talent, dedication, and loyalty to the team and program, and his unwavering commitment to NWP and the community has been truly inspiring. Manny rounded off the season with an ACAC First Team North All-Conference Award after chalking up 1327 points, 900 rebounds, 201 blocks, and 110 steals over his four seasons with the Wolves.

Contact Us

For more information about the Festival of Gold event, please contact:

Barb Shmyr Office Assistant, Sport and Fitness
	Office: K111C Email: BShmyr@nwpolytech.ca