Niagara College is proud to announce that it has been selected to host the 2015 Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) Golf Championship and the 2016 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.
This will mark four consecutive calendar years that Niagara College will host a major intercollegiate athletic championship following the 2013 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship, and the 2014 OCAA Men’s soccer Championship.
“The ability to compete for a provincial championship at home represents a fantastic opportunity for our student-athletes,” said Matthew Davies, Niagara College’s director of athletics and recreation. “Niagara College has a tremendous history in regard to hosting championship-level events and we look forward to giving our Knights the opportunity to compete for provincial medals in front of the entire Niagara College community.”
The 2015 OCAA Golf Championship will take place from September 28-30 at Hunters Pointe Golf Course in Welland, Ontario. Hunters Pointe also served as the venue for the OCAA Golf Championship in 2009 -- the last time Niagara College hosted the event.
“This is the second time that Hunters Pointe has been fortunate enough to play host to an OCAA Championship,” said Shawn Raimondo, golf operations manager for Hunters Pointe Golf Course. “We are looking forward to showcasing our unique links-style layout and welcoming back some of the best collegiate golfers in the nation. As always, Hunters Pointe will be playing favorites and rooting for the City of Welland and the Niagara College Knights.”
The Niagara College golf team has a long history of success at the OCAA Championship earning a total of 27 medals. Most recently the Knights captured back-to-back men’s team bronze medals in 2012 and 2013, and last season women’s golfer Lorelle Weavers captured the individual women’s OCAA silver medal. Weavers, who will return for the 2015 season, went on to capture the 2014 CCAA women’s golf individual national championship.
The 2016 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship will take place from March 3-5, 2016 at Niagara College’s Welland Campus athletic centre. Niagara College served as the host of the 2011 CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, and last hosted the OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2008.
As Championship host, the Niagara College women’s basketball program will automatically qualify for the event. The Knights will be joined by seven other teams that will earn entry via regular season standings or by winning a playoff qualifying game.
“It’s going to be an exciting season” said Niagara College women’s basketball head coach Mike Beccaria. “Competing on your home court in front of your home fans is always a good feeling. But regardless of where the event is being held our goal remains the same; win, qualify for the playoffs, and compete for an OCAA medal.”
The Knights are coming off a season that saw the program finish with a record of 11-7. The team defeated the Loyalist Lancers in their playoff qualifying game, before falling to the eventual gold medalist Humber Hawks in their opening game of the 2015 OCAA Championship.
For more information regarding the 2015 OCAA Golf Championship or the 2016 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championship please contact Ray Sarkis, championship chair, at (905) 735-2211 ext. 7583 or rsarkis@niagaracollege.ca.
Niagara College's intercollegiate athletics program was formed in 1969 and has won seven national championships and 32 provincial championships. More than 120 student athletes compete as members of Niagara College's six varsity sports programs, including men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's volleyball. Niagara College athletics also includes the three tournament sports of golf, cross country, and curling.
Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest continuing education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
