Walburger shines on the hardcourt for Kodiaks

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On January 16, Lethbridge College student Dray Walburger was named one of two Canadian Brewhouse Kodiaks Student Athletes of the Week.

“I feel pretty good about it,” said Walburger when asked how he felt about the honour. “I feel honoured and I’m grateful for the award.”

Currently in his first year of Business Administration Management at Lethbridge College, Dray recently showed his skills as a Kodiak when he played his first post-secondary games and picked up 36 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists during that time.

“Basketball in my opinion is the greatest sport there is and I love the game,” said Walburger. “I’ve played it ever since I could even hold a ball as a little kid, so me and basketball go way back. I have had great mentors and coaches who have helped me get to where I am and overall the Kodiaks program is amazing and their involvement in my athletic and academic pursuits support me a lot!”

Walburger says that he spent his last two years of high school in Magrath, and it was awesome for him because Magrath is an amazing community with some of the best people he knows. 

“In the two years I spent there they took me in as one of their own and I still have many close friends from that town,” said Walburger. 

Aside from his accomplishments at the college, Walburger says, he’s had a few summer jobs doing construction for a couple companies, a sales job going door-to-door, a job doing farm work for family, and he just returned from a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is also very optimistic, an avid chess player, has started his own business and has a very supportive family.

“My family is very happy about my achievements,” said Walburger. “They are my number one supporters and I’m grateful for them and love them lots. My dad is from Mountain View and my mom is from Raymond. I’m the oldest of seven children and my life motto is ‘carpe diem’ which means seize the day. I’ve had many life experiences that have helped shape me into who I am today. Lots of those experiences have built my faith in Jesus Christ. Putting my faith first has helped me achieve my goals.”

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