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 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.
AWARD WINNERS - 58th ANNUAL NIGHT OF THE DINO:
Elizabeth Latulippe | Wrestling | Medicine | Chilliwack, B.C.
Joining the two-time defending conference champions, Latulippe made an immediate impact in her rookie season. She reached the top of the podium at the Canada West Championships, winning all three of her bouts, including two by superiority. In addition to her success on the mat, she was also recognized with the Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award. At the U SPORTS Championships, Latulippe won her first four bouts before going the distance in the gold medal match, concluding her first season as a Dino with a national silver medal.
Zion Grant | Football | Open Studies | Pickering, Ont.
Grant enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Dinos. He recorded two receptions in his first university game before breaking out in Week 4 at UBC with six catches for 139 yards and his first career touchdown. He followed that performance with a season-high seven receptions and another touchdown against Saskatchewan, before adding a 78-yard catch-and-run major at Manitoba to record his second 100-yard receiving game of the season. Grant's rookie campaign culminated in being named Canada West Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Dino to earn the honour since 2018.
| YEAR |
MALE |
FEMALE |
| 2026 |
Zion Grant (football) |
Elizabeth Latulippe (wrestling) |
| 2025 |
Nicholas Duncan (swimming) |
Mackenzie Cayer (wrestling) |
| 2024 |
Nick Hooper (wrestling) |
Alexanne Lepage (swimming) |
| 2023 |
Carl Tetachuk (hockey) |
Sydney Mercier (hockey) |
| 2022 |
Kundai Dziwa (soccer) |
Eilidh Wist (wrestling) |
| 2021 |
not awarded |
not awarded |
| 2020 |
Eryk Kobza (soccer) |
Tayler Guy (field hockey) |
| 2019 |
Tyson Philpot (football) |
Marit Anderson (swimming) |
| 2018 |
Frederik Kamminga (swimming) |
Erin Geddie (wrestling) |
| 2017 |
Bori Falaye (soccer) |
Danica Ludlow (swimming) |
| 2016 |
Callum McNeice (wrestling) |
Tianna Kennett (wrestling) |
| 2015 |
Lars Schlueter (basketball) |
Kate Pexman (volleyball) |
| 2014 |
Chris Collins (hockey) |
DaLeaka Menin (rugby) |
| 2013 |
Brett Blaszko (football) |
Tianna Rissling (swimming) |
| 2012 |
Teigan Zahn (hockey) |
Amanda Reason (swimming) |
| 2011 |
Eric Dzwilewski (football) |
Jenna Smith (hockey) |
| 2010 |
Linden Gaydosh (football) |
Allison Long (swimming) |
| 2009 |
Chris Hoag (volleyball) |
Erica Morningstar (swimming) |
| 2008 |
Tyler Fidler (basketball) |
Breanna Hendricks (swimming) |
| 2007 |
Dalin Tollestrup (football) |
Genevieve Haley (wrestling) |
| 2006 |
Travis Friedley (hockey) |
Tanis Bartolome (field hockey) |
| 2005 |
Scott Talbot (hockey) |
Lauren Perry (volleyball) |
| 2004 |
David Gruninger (football) |
Laura McDougall (wrestling) |
| 2003 |
Geoff Kerr (cross country) |
Janelle Findlay (volleyball) |
| 2002 |
Joe Bentley (wrestling) |
Natalie Schwartz (volleyball) |
| 2001 |
Whit Hornsberger (basketball) |
Kristy Cameron (swimming) |
| 2000 |
Trevor Phillips (track and field) |
Amanda Moppett (volleyball) |
