MBB | Valgardson joins Kodiaks, follows in parent’s footsteps

Oct. 8, 2020 – It could be said the latest Lethbridge College Kodiaks recruit is returning to his natural habitat. Karson Valgardson, whose parents are both members of the Kodiaks Hall of Fame, has committed to the Kodiaks men’s basketball team.

Kodiaks head coach Ryan Heggie is excited to add Valgardson to his program for the 2020-21 season. A recent graduate of Chinook High School (CHS), Valgardson is a 6-foot-5 forward who earned a 4A first team all-star nod with CHS last season. Born and raised in Lethbridge, Karson Valgardson is the son of Jason and Carmen (Knutson), who were both members of Kodiaks basketball teams now enshrined in the Kodiaks Hall of Fame. 

“Karson is a very coachable player who excelled at CHS both on the court and in the classroom,” says Heggie, noting that Valgardson was a Rutherford academic recipient throughout high school. “He’s a bit of a throwback player that can score and defend several positions. His mid-range game and scoring around the rim is on-point and he has the ability with his length to defend the wing effectively.” 

Valgardson describes himself as a strong mid-range player who isn’t afraid of knocking down a big three or running the floor. 

“It’s a great honour to be part of a program that has enjoyed so much success and produced so many great players,” says Valgardson. “I am looking forward to playing at the next level, playing for coach Heggie and getting to know my new teammates.”  

Heggie says Valgardson oozes passion for the sport, which will make for an easier transition to college basketball. 

“He’s a great kid who loves the game tremendously,” says Heggie. “In my opinion this is extremely important due to the highs and lows that come with post-secondary basketball. We are thrilled to have Karson join the Kodiaks.” 

Following in his parent’s footsteps

Valgardson’s parents were both key members on some of the most successful basketball teams in Kodiaks history.

His mother, Carmen captured back-to-back CCAA titles in 1989 and 1990 with women’s basketball teams coached by the legendary Johnny Jasiukiewicz. Meanwhile, his father, Jason earned a CCAA silver medal in 1989 while playing for the men’s squad under coach Tim Tollestrup. Jason also coached the Kodiaks to an ACAC title in 1994. Both Carmen and Jason were part of teams inducted in the Kodiaks Hall of Fame in 2017.

Although the 2020-21 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season has been delayed, one can only imagine Karson is itching to get on the court and start carving out his own legacy with the Kodiaks. 

The Valgardson File

Karson’s favourite NBA team is the Phoenix Suns, although he models his game after Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics…Coach Heggie adds he’s not surprised Karson has developed such a strong basketball IQ after playing for Coach Tim Rollingson at Chinook High School…Valgardson has enrolled in the college’s Business Administration program this fall.

ACAC Schedule Update

The 2020-21 ACAC basketball season has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with sights set on a winter semester launch. Updates will be posted on the Kodiaks official website when available.