Spring Sessions in the City: ACAC Gathers in Calgary

(May 13, 2025) – ACAC Spring General Meetings and 2025 AGM Recap – May 6–8, 2025 | St. Mary’s University, Calgary
To wrap up the 60th Anniversary season, the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gathered in Calgary at St. Mary’s University from May 6–8 for the 2025 Spring General Meetings and AGM. Representatives from across the conference came together to review key reports, discuss current challenges, and shape the future of post-secondary sport in Alberta.
The meetings featured comprehensive updates from the Executive Committee, ACAC staff, and SPAR, as well as detailed reviews of 2024–25 ACAC Championship reports. Each standing committee presented on their semester’s work, showcasing ongoing progress and collaboration.
Innovation and leadership were on full display through the approval of several new sport membership applications:
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Ambrose University – Cross-Country Running
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Concordia University of Edmonton – Men’s and Women’s Futsal
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NAIT – Indoor Track
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Northwestern Polytechnic – Golf and Women’s Hockey (beginning 2026–27)
The conference also welcomed Burman University into the ACAC as a new guest member in badminton—congratulations and welcome to the ACAC!
The new sport of Beach Volleyball was also explored and will be competed on an exhibition basis in the summer of 2025, with a review to follow in December.
Roundtable discussions addressed pressing institutional topics, including budget constraints, staffing changes, and the evolving impact of international student restrictions. Constructive conversations around futsal focused on format proposals aimed at ensuring the sport’s long-term sustainability and growth.
Rivur/AO2 provided an overview of their first year as the ACACTV streaming service partner, which was approved for extension.
ACAC Championship hosts for 2025–2026 were confirmed, CCAA Championship host updates were presented, and 2026–2027 CCAA Championship hosts were selected:
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Lakeland Rustlers – 2025-2026 ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship
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Red Deer Kings – 2025-2026 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship
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Medicine Hat Rattlers – 2025–2026 CCAA Golf Championship
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NAIT Ooks – 2025–2026 CCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship
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NAIT Ooks – 2026–2027 CCAA Men’s Soccer Championship
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Concordia Thunder – 2026–2027 CCAA Cross-Country Running Championship
The ACAC Executive Committee welcomes Nathaniel MacLellan (Innovation and Leadership), joining President Jim Knight (Portage College), Sport Sustainability Director Todd Caughlin (Lethbridge), Communications and Marketing Vice-President Dave Ritz (University of Alberta – Augustana), and Compliance and Governance Director Colin Kubinec (Ambrose). New to the Executive are Finance and Operations Director Terry Ballard (Medicine Hat College) and Member-at-Large Jordan Richey (NAIT).
Top Row from Left: Todd Caughlin, Mark Kosak, Colin Kubinec, Jim Knight
Bottom Row from Left: Nathan Ruff, Terry Ballard, Jordan Richey, Dave Ritz
St. Mary’s University hosted a hospitality night where members had the opportunity to connect. During the event, ACAC Al Bohonus Recognition Awards were presented, celebrating outstanding service within the conference for those leaving leadership roles. Congratulations to Nathaniel MacLellan for receiving the award for his service as Golf Convenor, and to Nathan Ruff for his contributions as a member of the ACAC Executive Committee. Nathan Ruff was also named ACAC Athletic Director of the Year, recognizing his exceptional leadership and commitment to collegiate athletics.
Athletic Director of the Year, Nathan Ruff (Right) presented by Jim Knight (Left).
The ACAC also took time to thank Allan Ferchuk for his dedicated service as interim ACAC Commissioner this past season. His commitment to the conference is deeply appreciated, and his involvement this year has made a lasting impact on the ACAC community.
Allan Ferchuk (Left) and Mark Kosak (Right)
The ACAC thanks St. Mary’s University for hosting this year’s meetings and all members for their continued commitment to excellence in collegiate sport.
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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