U of L Pronghorn Jada Holtkamp powers through the U of A Pandas’ defense at the U of L Community Stadium on Oct. 5. The Pronghorns’ women’s rugby team won the game 34 – 12 and were awarded the Suggit Cup, named in honour of Rick Suggit, a coach who passed away in 2017.
The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby team won back a meaningful trophy recently.
The Suggit Cup is a series played between the Pronghorns and the University of Alberta Pandas, in memory of a coach who passed away suddenly two years ago.
“He’d walk into a room and it didn’t matter whether he knew you or not. He just made you feel like you were the most important person in that room. So, he had a huge impact – positive impact – on the players,” said Tiffany Wideen, an assistant coach for the U of L.
Rick Suggit left a mark on both programs, who keep his memory alive by playing for a trophy named in his honour.
“His presence is always felt, especially in that game because he used to coach up in Edmonton as well. It’s a pretty heartwarming thing for both teams to be a part of,” said Wideen.
The first half of the match was close, but the home team pulled away in the second half and won 34 – 12 to bring the cup back to Lethbridge.
“I think it took a lot of emotional dialling in. We had to really invest in this game, we couldn’t just sit back and let it happen. The Pandas wanted this win obviously and we had to get emotionally involved,” said flanker Carolyn McKee, who was named player of the game.
The win comes from a team missing several key players due to injury.
“We put a lot of our finishers, so our girls who are on the bench to start, into the game. That can sometimes be a challenge,” said Wideen.
The assistant coach also said she was pleased with how the team has coalesced and stopped playing as individuals.
The team’s next game is against the University of Calgary Dinos, before resting up for the Canada West Championship.
As hosts, the Pronghorns automatically qualify for the tournament, although they have secured a spot in the top four.
“You get your fans cheering, you get your loved ones, it feels like you’re playing for more than just each other and your team. But at the end of the day, we have to tune a lot of that stuff out to focus on our game,” said Wideen.
The Canada West Championship will be held on Oct. 18 and 20 at the U of L Community Stadium.
“We’re looking forward to coming out on top,” said McKee.
If the Pronghorns win that tournament, they will move on to nationals in Ottawa at the end of the month, according to the University of Ottawa.