Each year the University of Calgary Dinos host the Night of the Dino awards banquet, celebrating the performances, awards, and championships won in the previous season.
Here are descriptions and lists of the all-time winners for each award.
Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athletes of the Year
Dennis was the first Athletic Director and first football coach at the University of Calgary. He joined the university in 1964, leaving the university in 1985 to join the Calgary Olympic Development Association. Dr. Kadatz was instrumental in having the Jimmie Condon Awards approved by both the Alberta government and U SPORTS for student-athletes competing in varsity athletics. He is a member of the University of Calgary and University of Alberta Halls of Fame. During his tenure as Athletic Director, he was Treasurer of U SPORTS, President of Calgary Booster Club, and involved with numerous Canada West committees.
Bill Popplewell Rookie of the Year Awards
These awards are presented to the University of Calgary's most outstanding male and female Dinos in their first year of eligibility. The awards are named after Bill Popplewell who, in his position at Husky Energy, was instrumental in the sponsorship of numerous Dinos events.He has continued to do so in his new position with Cochrane Toyota. A tireless supporter of Dinos Athletics for two decades, Bill's involvement has included sponsorship of various U SPORTS championships and the Husky Dino Cup, along with other promotions. Dinos coaches nominate their athletes for the award, and a selection committee narrows down those nominations to a maximum of three male and three female finalists. The nominees receive the Freshman Award of Merit.
Murray Fraser Awards
The Murray Fraser Awards are presented to two winners who exemplify the attributes of a true volunteer. Murray Fraser served as President of the University of Calgary from 1988 until his retirement in 1996. A dedicated supporter of the Dinos, Murray and his wife Anne were at numerous events supporting all teams during and after his tenure as President. Murray was a firm believer in student involvement in campus life and a total university education; thus this award for volunteerism.
Dr. Lou Goodwin Award
The Dr. Lou Goodwin Award honours the male who has provided the most outstanding service and support to the Athletic Department. Dr. Lou, as he was affectionately known, was the first Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education, the forerunner of the Faculty of Kinesiology. He served the city, school system, and university for more than 45 years. A founding member of the Faculty, he served as Professor, Department Head, and Dean from 1961 until 1978. In the early 1960s, he also coached the Dinos hockey team when the school was still the University of Alberta, Calgary. He was Calgary Sportsman of the Year in 1977, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1980, and is a member of the Dinos Hall of Fame.
Margaret Southern Award
The female who has contributed the most exceptional service and support to the Athletic Department is annually presented with the Margaret Southern Award. Mrs. Southern was the first female instructor in the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Calgary. She is the wife of well-known Calgary businessman Ron Southern of ATCO and Spruce Meadows fame. She and her husband were inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Marg and Ron were the Calgary Booster Club Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year in 1986.
Charlesglen Toyota Coach of the Year
The Charlesglen Toyota Coach of the Year is presented to a Dinos coach that demonstrates excellence in coaching and leadership. Charlesglen Toyota – Alberta's Celebration Destination – is proud to be an official partner of the University of Calgary Dinos.
Senate Student-Athlete Community Leadership Award
The Senate Student-Athlete Community Leadership Award recognizes a student-athlete who shows strong community engagement by demonstrating direct community involvement. Representing the University of Calgary Senate's vision of "Senate engaging community," the recipient is a student-athlete in good academic standing with a significant commitment and involvement in engaging with and improving their community.
Calgary Booster Club Scholar Athletes
The Calgary Booster Club Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented to two male and two female student-athletes who exhibit strong leadership, citizenship, and community service while demonstrating the highest degree of academic proficiency. Each winner receives a $1400 scholarship from the Calgary Booster Club.
Competitive Club Student-Athlete Award
The Competitive Club Student-Athlete Awards will recognize one male and one female student-athlete in a Dinos competitive club program. Selection is based on athletic performance and leadership, academic performance, and community involvement, recognizing student-athletes that have made a significant contribution to the competitive club system at the University of Calgary.
