Janet Ganzer stands in MHC's new fitness facility, which opened in the Co-op Wellness Commons.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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Medicine Hat College is shining the spotlight on a former graduate who championed the creation of many house leagues, including badminton, basketball and volleyball during the 1960s when the new Medicine Hat Junior College first opened its doors.
Janet Ganzer, joined the Faculty of Education in 1965 in the early days of the college after graduating from Medicine Hat High School, and brought her passion for sports to the college after she joined the Student Council, Athletic Board and Scheduling Committee with a goal to offer more sports on campus.
“I had been very active in high school, and they wanted to create activities through the student council,” said Ganzer.
During her time learning to become an educator, Ganzer helped introduce house leagues for badminton, basketball, cross county, football, tennis and volleyball open to any student who was interested in participating.
In those days the college had a formal men’s basketball team named the Antelope. Ganzer was responsible for recruiting members to the women’s team, named the Kudus.
“I would ask people, ‘Did you play basketball in high school?’ and if they said yes, I would say, ‘Great, you’re part of the team.'”
After completing her studies in 1966, Janet transferred to the University of Calgary, earning a Bachelor of Education degree, with a major in French.
She taught at Connaught School before moving to Calgary to teach full time, but returned to Medicine Hat in 1992 to work as a substitute teacher until retirement.
Since returning to Medicine Hat, Ganzer has also become involved in MHC’s athletics by joining the Booster Club, raising money for athletic scholarships by selling 50/50 and raffle tickets, as well as working casino and bingo nights.
“It’s an opportunity for students to offset their expenses. It can be so costly to go to school, and if you have that financial backing, it takes the pressure off,” she says. “We also act as moral support for the kids, cheering them on and offering them encouragement. I think athletes can feel when the crowd is with them.”
She is also an active volunteer at annual college sporting events, including the Rattler Run.
“I’m proud that Medicine Hat has an institution like this and I hope it continues to grow. There are so many opportunities available for young people to stay home and not have to go to a large campus right away,” says Ganzer.
