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Former Student-Athlete Looks Back on MHC’s First Year

In the early days of Medicine Hat College (MHC), students throughout southeast Alberta finally had access to post-secondary education close to home. Among the first enrolled was Janet Ganzer (Bray), who joined the Faculty of Education in 1965.

As a graduate from Medicine Hat High School, she appreciated the ability to remain at home while attending college for her first year.

“I could not afford to go to a big university, so Medicine Hat College was a wonderful opportunity. I would have been overwhelmed at a bigger institution, so it was nice to transition slowly.”

She brought her high school passion for sports to college, where she quickly joined the Student’s Council, Athletic Board, and Scheduling Committee. Her goal was to energize campus through sport.

“I had been very active in high school, and they wanted to create activities through the student’s council,” says Janet, who helped introduce house leagues for badminton, basketball, cross country, football, tennis, and volleyball. The leagues were open to any student who was interested in participating.

At the time, the college also had a formal basketball team. The men’s team was named the Antelope and the women’s team was named the Kudus. Her role was to recruit for the women’s team.

“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.’”

She adds that sports provided an opportunity for her to make friends and help her with school financially through scholarships.

From its humble beginnings, sports have since grown at MHC. Student-athletes are now known as the Medicine Hat College Rattlers and are now members of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), providing competitive opportunities for students in basketball, cross-country, futsal, golf, volleyball, and women’s hockey.

Janet stands in MHC's new fitness facility, which opened in the Co-op Wellness Commons in 2022. 

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. When she started her family of eight children, Janet decided to leave teaching temporarily. In 1992, she returned to Medicine Hat and worked as a substitute teacher until retirement.

She credits the ability to obtain her education at MHC for enabling her return to the profession.

“Getting an education opens doors for you. For myself, I left teaching to have my family, but I had the opportunity to go back when I was ready. It helps you get back into the work world and contribute to your family because you have that education to back you up.”

Returning to Medicine Hat, she became involved in MHC’s athletics by joining the Booster Club alongside her high school teammate, Peggy Kelly, who both continue to be members. Their roles include raising money for athletic scholarships by selling 50/50 and raffle tickets, working casino and bingo nights, and volunteering at annual events, such as the Rattler Run.

“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,” says Janet. “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.”

As an MHC alum, Janet says she is most proud of the way the institution has grown.

“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 Janet.

“It’s great that the education program here is now a four-year degree and there’s a number of opportunities for adults too,” noting the importance of trades apprenticeships and career programs for students in southeast Alberta.

Among the students who have registered this fall are Janet’s grandchildren, making them the third generation in her family to attend the college.

“I am so grateful for the visionaries who laid the groundwork for a postsecondary institution in Medicine Hat. I wouldn’t have been able to start my plan to become a teacher if MHC had not been available to me directly after graduating from high school. Medicine Hat College has opened the opportunity for more people to receive education and I am forever thankful for that.”