VICTORIA - Three generations of Vikes cross country and track will come together at this year's 19th annual Vikes Championship Breakfast.

UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee Trish Wellmann-Fougner, current Vikes head coach and two-time Olympian Hilary Stellingwerff, and recent graduate Gabe Van Hezewijk will share the stage on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7:00 a.m., offering three perspectives shaped by different eras of the program.

For nearly two decades, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has helped create opportunities for student-athletes through scholarship support that continues to impact generations of Vikes. This year's panel will spotlight the remarkable legacy of the Vikes cross country and track program and explore how their time with the Vikes shaped their careers, relationships and lives beyond university.

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"I'm incredibly excited to bring our Vikes community together this October to hear from three remarkable individuals. They represent the past, present, and future of our program, and each has a unique perspective on the impact of athletics, education, and community," says Nick Clarke, director, varsity performance sport.

"Each has a unique story to tell, but together they reflect the passion, resilience, and sense of belonging that define the Vikes experience. Their journeys highlight not only what can be achieved through sport, but also the profound impact that scholarships and donor support have on helping student-athletes pursue their goals."

Stellingwerff brings both an athlete's and coach's perspective to the conversation. A two-time Olympian and 10-time Canadian national team member, Stellingwerff is coming off a historic season, leading the Vikes to two Canada West titles, the women's team to the U SPORTS cross-country championship and earning Canada West and U SPORTS Coach of the Year honours.

A Vike from 1982-88, Wellmann-Fougner is one of the most accomplished middle-distance runners in program history. The UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductee helped establish a standard of excellence that continues to influence the program, with several of her records still standing decades later.

Recent graduate Van Hezewijk will offer a more recent perspective on the Vikes experience and the opportunities that come with being a student-athlete at UVic.

Moderating the panel will be veteran broadcaster Mira Laurence, a cherished fixture of Victoria's media landscape for over 25 years.

Over the past 18 years, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has welcomed inspiring speakers including Simon Whitfield, Lindsay Bergen, Adam Kreek, Stephanie Dixon, Gareth Rees, Nancy Mollenhauer and Bob Lenarduzzi. More importantly, it has helped provide critical financial support for student-athletes pursuing academic and athletic excellence.

Last year's event raised $819,012 in support of UVic student-athletes, helping ensure future generations of Vikes can continue to compete, learn and lead at the highest level. The university contributes $250,000 annually.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Vikes Championship Breakfast.

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2025: Jaclyn Sawicki (women's soccer alumna), Moreno Stefani (men's soccer alumni), Fin Tugwell (men's soccer) and Tracy David (women's soccer coach). Moderated by Jason Pires (men's soccer alumni, Global BC Morning News Anchor).
2024: Mike Holmes (men's rugby alumnus), Carissa Norsten (women's rugby), Brittany Waters (women's rugby alumna)
2023: Adam Donaldson (men's rowing alumnus)
2022: Kathleen Leahy (women's field hockey alumna)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (men's rugby alumnus)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (women's basketball alumna)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (swimming alumnus), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer alumna) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich – rowing alumna)
2018: Gareth Rees (men's rugby alumnus)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (men's basketball alumnus)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (women's field hockey alumna)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic triathlete, UVic alumnus)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (women's rowing alumna)
2013: Dr. Paul E. Zehr (UVic professor and author)
2012: Pierre Lafontaine (former swimming Canada CEO)
2011: Adam Kreek (men's rowing alumnus)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (women's swimming alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (men's basketball alumnus)

BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2025: $819,012
2024: $821,727.
2023: $746,823
2022: $807,256
2021: $707,590
2020: $630,000
2019: $550,000
2018: $604,000
2017: $595,050
2016: $503,909
2015: $466,756
2014: $482,640
2013: $492,086
2012: $426,606
2011: $424,685
2010: $377,405
2009: $338,196
2008: $330,961