Lara Denbow and Tyrell Davis of the Bisons track and field team were named 2025-26 Athletes of the Year as the Herd celebrated a stellar season with the annual year end athletic banquet over the weekend. Overall, 11 awards were handed out on campus. 

It's the first time in 23 years that both the male and female Athletes of the Year (Tammy Mahon and Peter Turpin, volleyball being the last) have come from the same program. 

Denbow became the ninth member of the Bisons track and field program to be named Female Athlete of the Year in the award's 63-year history. A high jumper from Neepawa, Manitoba, she was undefeated in Canada West competition this season, capping a stellar year with her third consecutive national gold. Denbow is the only female in the history of the program to win gold at nationals in an individual event in three consecutive seasons, and she also tied the school record in the high jump this year with a leap of 1.80m at the Jim Daly Bisons Classic in February. 

Davis became the tenth member of the Bisons track and field team to be named Male Athlete of the Year. Undefeated during the season in the 60m, he made history at nationals, becoming the first male within the program to win gold in the 60 and as part of the 4x200 relay team. Davis' time of 6.59 seconds in the 60m broke his own school record, while Manitoba's quartet of Davis, Noah Curtis, Roy Tambal Musa and Gavin Moore set a new Bisons record in the relay at 1:26.42. Davis' time of 6.59 also qualified him for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, and he is currently training with Team Canada's relay team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Four other major awards were presented on Sunday. Spencer Grahame of the men's volleyball team earned the Spirit of the Bison Award, while Lupo Ludwig, also of men's volleyball, was named Coach of the Year. The Female Rookie of the Year was Julia Martens from women's volleyball and the Male Rookie of the Year was Lucas Brenton from men's hockey. 

Grahame, the Herd's team captain, tore his shoulder labrum late last season. Facing an arduous journey ahead that affected his final year of eligibility, he continued to lead by example on and off the court. His presence and guidance were key in helping Manitoba win their first medal at nationals in 14 years. Grahame is the first member of the 'Zoons to receive the Spirit of the Bison Award. It was established in 2023 to recognize and honour Bisons athletes who have demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of adversity. 

Ludwig became the 11th different individual to be named Coach of the Year in the award's 24-year history. He helped guide Manitoba to their first medal at nationals in 14 years. The program’s regular season record of 14-6 and Canada West silver medal finish were also the best result in nine years.

Martens became the fifth member of the women’s volleyball program to be named Rookie of the Year in the 16-year history of the award. She started 20 matches for Manitoba, and was the nation’s top rookie in assists per set, with 9.34. That total also ranked third of any player in U SPORTS. 

Brenton became the second member of the men’s hockey team to be named Rookie of the Year. He finished second in Canada West in points amongst rookie defenders, with 18, and tied for first in even strength points. His 15 total assists were second amongst all Bisons. 

Other award recipients during the event were Alex Witt (men's volleyball) and Alainna Melnyk (track and field), who received the Male and Female Leadership and Community Development Awards, along with Paris Sidhu (women's soccer) for Teammate of the Year, Jim Grape (women's volleyball), who was honoured with the Pat Gill Legacy Award, and Lyndsey Janes, who took home Assistant Coach of the Year.