2026 ACAC Indoor Track Runners of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 18, 2026) –
WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK RUNNER OF THE YEAR, ASHLEE WALKER:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Ashlee Walker of the CUE Thunder Indoor Track team selected as the 2026 ACAC Women’s Indoor Track Runner of the Year.
Walker delivered a dominant indoor season for the Thunder, highlighted by two individual gold medals at the 2026 ACAC Indoor Track Championships. She captured gold in the 600m with a time of 1:35.80, setting a new ACAC Championship record, and followed it up with another gold medal performance in the 1500m (4:58.20). Her success extends beyond the indoor season, as Walker also earned ACAC Cross Country Runner of the Year, ACAC All-Conference recognition, and individual gold at the ACAC Cross Country Championships, showcasing her versatility and excellence across endurance disciplines.
"Ashlee has proven herself to be an incredibly well-rounded and determined athlete, " said Athletic Director Nathaniel MacLellan. "Her ability to compete at a championship level across multiple events and seasons speaks to her work ethic and commitment to excellence."
Walker is in her second year of a Bachelor of Arts at Concordia University of Edmonton and is originally from Sherwood Park, Alberta. This prestigious award was recognized at the 2026 ACAC Indoor Track Championships, hosted at the Kinsmen Sports Centre in Edmonton.
MEN'S INDOOR TRACK RUNNER OF THE YEAR, NATHAN WOYESSA:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Nathan Woyessa of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Men’s Indoor Track Runner of the Year.
Nathan delivered a dominant and unforgettable indoor season, earning Runner of the Year through exceptional performances at the championship level and a consistent ability to rise when it mattered most. At the Indoor Track Championships, Nathan captured gold in both the 3000m and 1500m events, showcasing his endurance, tactical intelligence, and explosive finishing speed. He also added a silver medal in the 1000m, further demonstrating his versatility across multiple distances. His outstanding results earned him the highest point total on the men’s side, making him one of the most impactful athletes at the meet.
Nathan’s performances were instrumental in the overall success of the men’s team, playing a significant role in helping secure the Indoor Track Men’s Team Championship for the second consecutive year. His ability to deliver points across multiple events gave the team momentum and confidence, and his presence on the track consistently elevated the competitive standard. Nathan proved time and again that he is one of the fastest and most reliable competitors in the field.
Beyond the results, Nathan is known for his calm, cool, and collected approach to competition. He competes with quiet confidence, maintaining focus under pressure and executing his race strategy with precision. His composed demeanor, combined with his elite speed, makes him a formidable competitor, he’s a steady influence within the team environment. Nathan’s Runner of the Year recognition reflects not only his championship success, but also his leadership through performance and his ability to deliver excellence when it counts most.
"Nathan possesses a calm yet fearless spirit that allows him to push boundaries in every race. His determination and persistence are what set him apart from the other runners in the conference, making him a truly deserving runner of the year!” – Coach Deon Flynn
Nathan Woyessa is a 3rd year student-athlete from Calgary, AB, currently enrolled in the Software Development program.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
emilyp@acac.ab.ca