2023 ACAC Golfers of The Year
Edmonton, AB (September 29, 2023) –
Male Golfer of the Year | MICHAEL VALK | Medicine Hat Rattlers:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is delighted to announce that Michael Valk of the Medicine Hat College Rattlers has been named the 2023 ACAC Male Golfer of the Year.
This season, Michael won both regional events leading up to the ACAC Championships. During the Championships, Michael maintained the lead from start to finish, securing a gold medal with a score of -8, which was five shots better than the next closest competitor. In seven rounds throughout the season, Michael was over par on just two of them and didn't shoot below par in the Championships when it mattered most. His best round of the season came at the ACAC Championships when he shot -4 in the second round of the event, tying for the low round of the tournament. He also shot a 68 at the North Regional in the first round for a -3 score that day.
Manager of Athletics & Recreation, Terry Ballard, says, "Medicine Hat College and Rattlers Athletics are extremely proud of Michael. He has established himself as the top male golfer in the ACAC with some outstanding rounds and scores. Michael is a dedicated student-athlete working towards a diploma in Power Engineering and is preparing to participate in the 2023 CCAA Golf National Championships. We look forward to seeing the results from that event."
Michael is originally from Medicine Hat, AB, and is in his first year of Power Engineering, with his second year of eligibility. In addition to his accomplishments in the ACAC, he has also achieved success outside of it, winning the 2020 Alberta Amateur Championships (69, 70, 65), tying for 3rd at the 2021 Glencoe Invitational (72, 72, 75), placing 6th at the B.C. Amateur (69, 68, 66, 76), and winning the 2023 Victoria Day Classic (71, 68, 67) and the 2023 Davis Invitational (71, 68, 71).
Female Golfer of the Year | ELLA GIFFORD | Concordia Thunder:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is delighted to announce that Ella Gifford of the Concordia Thunder has been named the 2023 ACAC Women’s Golfer of the Year.
Ella Gifford's exceptional talent and dedication on the golf course have set her apart this season. As a key member of Concordia University's women's golf team, she has achieved remarkable success.
Ella's consistency and skill have been on full display throughout the 2023-24 ACAC Women's Golf season. At the North Regionals, she shot an impressive 86 on day one and followed it with a stellar 78 on day two, leading the women's individuals. At the South Regionals, she continued to dominate, shooting +10 on the first day and +11 on day two, maintaining her lead among the women's individuals. Her excellence continued at the ACAC Championships, where she recorded scores of 76, 80, and 80 in Rounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for a total of 236, earning her the gold medal in the women's individual category.
Director of Athletics & Recreation, Nate MacLellan, praises the work ethic displayed by Ella this season, stating, 'Ella Gifford's exceptional dedication and skill on the golf course have been a source of pride for Concordia University. Her unwavering commitment and outstanding performance not only exemplify her as an athlete but also as a leader within our team. Ella's journey to becoming the ACAC Player of the Year is a testament to her hard work and the spirit of excellence she embodies.'
Currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science program at Concordia University, Ella Gifford exemplifies the student-athlete ideal. Hailing from Beaumont, AB, she has not only excelled on the golf course but also demonstrated academic excellence.
– 30 –
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca
Nate MacLellan, Concordia University of Edmonton
Director, Athletics & Recreation
780-479-9322
nathaniel.maclellan@concordia.ab.ca
Terry Ballard, Medicine Hat College
Sports & Wellness Manager
403-529-4823
tballard@mhc.ab.ca