Elizabeth Chapman - 2025 Recipient

I am continually inspired by the incredible caliber of athletes on the University of Saskatchewan wrestling team, and this year was no exception. Coach Daniel Olver selected Elizabeth Chapman as the recipient of Brian’s award, and I couldn’t be more proud. Elizabeth truly reflects the essence of what Brian stood for—unwavering strength, relentless determination, a positive spirit, exceptional athleticism, and an infectious joy for life. These qualities will guide her through every challenge and adventure that comes her way.

The award was presented during one of the team’s practices, and I was fortunate to capture a photo of all the recipients of Brian’s award. Each of them continues to inspire me with their drive, commitment, and passion for the sport.

Elizabeth also wrote me a beautiful note that I’d love to share with you:

Thank you for generously presenting me with the Brian Lee Memorial Scholarship. I am deeply grateful and honored to be a recipient of this award. Learning about Brian’s life and the incredible spirit that continues through this scholarship inspires me greatly. The immense challenges Brian faced with such courage and selflessness are truly remarkable.

As a wrestler, I’ve learned that to become one of the best, you must embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with the sport. These challenges impact every part of life. By facing those challenges head-on and using them to grow, I have come to believe that if I can be a wrestler, I am strong enough to handle whatever life brings. Brian embodies this mindset, and his perseverance, strength, and courage through adversity are qualities I am to carry with me every day.

Brian’s story moved me, and the quote, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow,” reminds me how fortunate I am to do what I love and motivates me to work even harder. To me, this attitude is more than a mindset; it is a lifestyle. Brian embodied that lifestyle through his spirits, and I am excited to carry that forward into my rookie season as I pursue new goals.

These goals extend beyond the mat; I strive to stay hardworking and dedicated in school, friendships, family, nutrition, and faith, and all areas of life. Receiving such a meaningful scholarship reinforces these goals and fuels my determination to keep pushing forward just as Brian did.

Below are some photos from my life that I wanted to share. After learning about Brian and his story, I’ve reflected on how this strength and attitude inspire me in my own journey, and how certain parts of his story resonate with me.

Brian’s love for exploration and trying new things reminded me of these two photos. One where my brother and I are exploring the hiking trails in Banff, and another where we are eating snow cones in Hawaii.

The photos of Brian pursuing his passion for cycling reminded me of these photos with my Dad. Brian is doing what he loves with supporters in his pictures. My data, along with many other people in my life, have supported me through everything I have done from a young age.

These two photos are of my family and me. The video of Brian’s family finishing his race reminded me of my people who would finish any race for me.

Lastly, I wanted to show this photo because it reminded me of the photo on the homepage of the Brian Lee Memorial Scholarship. Brian’s photo of his arm being raised gave me a feeling of unity. This photo of me is very similar and makes me realize that though we have different stories, I can relate to him through the opportunity I get to carry on Brina’s spirit through this sport and life.

Once again, I thank you deeply.

I want to thank all of you that have donated to Brian's scholarship. Your generosity grows every year and is greatly appreciated by me, my family, and the wrestling community.

Cheers to 2026!