History of Briercrest Athletics

Athletics has long been an important part of student life at Briercrest College, providing opportunities for competition, character development, and community building. From its early years, Briercrest has emphasized athletics as a way to develop teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship alongside academic and spiritual growth.

Briercrest began competing in organized intercollegiate athletics at a regional level before joining the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) in 1996. This marked a significant milestone for the program, as Briercrest became the only institution outside of Alberta to compete in the ACAC, while also participating at the national level through the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

Since joining the ACAC, Briercrest Athletics has continued to grow in both competitiveness and scope. Briercrest has fielded teams in sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other conference offerings, consistently competing against some of the top college programs in Western Canada. Now, Briercrest Athletics is home to three conference sports, hockey, basketball, and volleyball.

Throughout its history, Briercrest Athletics has remained committed to excellence on and off the court. The program emphasizes integrity, discipline, and servant-hearted leadership, reflecting the college’s Christian mission while striving for success in collegiate sport.

Margaret P. Reimer Memorial Gymnasium 

In 1946, Briercrest purchased the former airbase in Caronport and began transforming military structures into spaces for education and community life. Among these buildings was a drill hall used for military training, which now serves as our gymnasium. While it's purpose has changed, the building continues to be a place of teamwork, discipline, and physical readiness.

History of the ACAC

The ACAC has a rich history that dates back to 1963, when it was founded as the Western Inter-College Conference. In 1968, the league adopted its current name, and by 1970 it had partnered with college athletic conferences in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to form the 4-West Conference for regional championships.

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association was established in 1974, the same year the first CCAA National Championships were held. That year also marked a major milestone for the ACAC, as Camrose Lutheran College captured the conference’s first national title by winning gold in men’s ice hockey.

In 1979, the ACAC chose to end participation in the 4-West Conference and began sending its own conference champions directly to CCAA National Championships—a structure that remains in place today.