History of Wolves Athletics

Northwestern Polytechnic was founded in 1966 as Grande Prairie Junior College, before going by Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) for over five decades. From the beginning sports have played an important role as part of student experience. In the early years the teams were known as the Cougars and Cubs as they participated in local leagues in sports such as basketball, football and hockey. The original leader of the physical education and athletic program was Dr. Bob Waldenberger. He was soon joined by Hideo Fukushima and together they developed the program and coached several of the teams along the way.

In 1971-72, GPRC was admitted to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association (ACAC) as an associate member. In 1972-73 the College became a full member of the ACAC and fielded men’s and women’s basketball teams. Around that time a name change was necessary as Mount Royal College had the rights to the name Cougars. GPRC teams thus became the Nordic Cubs and Nordic Wolves with the colors of brown and gold. Over the next several years, GPRC competed in several league and tournament sports including volleyball, basketball, wrestling, golf, bowling, canoeing, alpine skiing, cross-country running, badminton, curling and hockey. 

The Wolf Pac Booster Club, comprised of community and College members, was formed in 1982 and became an important group in supporting Wolves Athletics through their fundraising efforts.

Over the years the name Nordic Cubs and Nordic Wolves evolved into the current version known simply as the “Wolves”. In 1988 the Wolves colors changed once again to the red, grey, black and white that we now wear today. 

Under the 1990 college expansion the Wolves moved into the current gymnasium and the gymnasium that was the Wolves original home was renovated and is now the library. 

NWP is a proud member of the ACAC and CCAA and continues to produce All-Conference players, All-Canadians and Academic All-Canadians. The Wolves have won numerous medals in a number of sports and have also hosted many memorable CCAA National Championships including Women’s Basketball in 1989, Badminton in 1994, Men’s Volleyball 1998, 1999 and 2000 and Women’s Volleyball in 2001, 2002 and 2018.

The Wolves Athletics Program has had a tremendous effect on the growth of our student-athletes as well as helping to develop sport in the Peace region through its camps, clinics and tournaments. We are proud of where we have come from and excited for the future!

Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf