2025 ACAC Men's Basketball Coaches of The Year
Edmonton, AB (February 26, 2025) –
North Male Coach of the Year | SHERAY THOMAS | Lakeland Rustlers:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce Sheray Thomas of the Lakeland Rustlers has been named the 2025 ACAC Men’s Basketball North Coach of the Year.
Thomas is a train to compete coach working to complete his NCCP Level 3 certification. During his 10 years as head coach of the Lakeland men’s basketball program he has guided his team to 3 ACAC medals and a National Championship appearance. This current season, the Rustlers men’s team finished the regular season with a 14 – 6 record. This will be Coach Thomas’s first ACAC Coach of the Year award.
“Coach Thomas has built a program the strives to compete at the highest level possible,” Athletic Director Alan Rogan said. “He instills a sense of pride in each one of the student athletes he coaches, and it shows each time they step on the court or whenever you talk to them.”
Thomas constantly stresses the importance of being a complete student athlete and excelling in the classroom as well as in competition. He also encourages student athletes to be involved in the community whether it is coaching basketball camps or visiting youth in local schools.
We are extremely proud of Coach Thomas and everything that he has built at Lakeland and will cheer on the team this weekend at the ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship being hosted in Caronport, Saskatchewan.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, Saskatchewan from February 27 - March 1, 2025.
South Male Coach of the Year | Shane Sowden | Briercrest Clippers:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce Shane Sowden of Briercrest College Clippers Men's Basketball has been named the 2024-2025 ACAC Men’s Basketball South Coach of the Year.
In his tenure as head coach, Sowden has transformed the Clippers into a top contender. Taking over a program that went winless the season before his arrival, he steadily built a culture of excellence. After a 2-19 season just two years ago, the team surged to a 14-7 record last year before achieving a remarkable 19-1 record this season. His leadership extends beyond the court, mentoring players to become men of integrity who make a positive impact in their homes and communities.
“Coach Sowden embodies what it means to be a transformational leader,” said Stephen Clements, Interim Athletic Director at Briercrest College. “His ability to develop both high-performance athletes and men of character makes him a deserving recipient of this award.”
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, Saskatchewan from February 27 - March 1, 2025.
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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 Beers, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca