The University of Winnipeg community came together in a spirited celebration at Alumni Night to honour the legacy of Bill Wedlake, a longtime coach and athletic director whose influence has shaped generations of Wesmen athletes.
The evening featured a presentation of the Bill Wedlake Athletic Award held between the men’s and women’s basketball games. One athlete from each team was recognized, with the inaugural recipients being Raia Guinto and Noah Kankam. This award is a tribute to Bill’s decades of dedication to the university’s athletic program and his unwavering commitment to student success both on and off the court.
Noah Kankam, a guard with the Wesmen men’s basketball team, said the award will continue to motivate him to work hard while at university. “I’m very grateful to be the recipient of this award, and it’s a blessing to be recognized for my works on and off the court.”
Bill Wedlake coached basketball for over 30 years at the high school and university level. He served as UWinnipeg’s Wesmen’s Men’s Basketball head coach for 16 years (1984-2000) and was the recipient of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 1992-93. In 2000, Bill was named UWinnipeg’s Athletic Director, where he spent eight years developing the Wesmen athletic program and ensuring its legacy of excellence.
I’m very grateful to be the recipient of this award, and it’s a blessing to be recognized for my works on and off the court.
Noah Kankam
“Bill and the Wedlake family serve the basketball community in so many ways,” said Cara Isaak, athletic director for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. “Bill not only wants to see current and future Wesmen athletes be successful, but he spent his career supporting and fostering growth of countless student-athletes across our city, province and country.”
The alumni night carried special meaning as it recalled the moment of Wedlake’s retirement in 2008 when more than 100 donors and community supporters came forward to honour him with the contributions. Among those donors was Ken Opalko (BEd 81), a former Wesmen player, Ring of Honour Inductee and member of the Manitoba Sport Hall of Fame and Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame who emphasized the importance of giving back.
“I got so much out of basketball,” said Ken, who shared how the experience of being a Wesmen athlete was life changing. “In my mind it was a no-brainer because I received so much here, that I felt that I wanted to give back. Any time I can help kids go to school and live out their dreams, that’s what I want to do.”
As the Wesmen move forward, the Bill Wedlake Athletic Award will stand as a lasting tribute to a coach, leader, and mentor whose influence reaches far beyond the basketball court. It celebrates not only the achievements of today’s athletes but also community spirit. In honouring Bill Wedlake, the Wesmen family reaffirms its commitment to excellence, and the power of sport to change lives.
