For Cameron and Jordan Thin, being a part of the Niagara College intercollegiate athletics program will seem like familiar territory beginning this season. The two brothers and local Fonthill natives have accepted head coaching positions with the Knights effective immediately, with Cameron leading the golf team while younger brother Jordan will lead the curling team.
Cameron first gained experience with the Knights last season assuming the interim head coach position for the Knights golf team half way through the competitive season. Jordan meanwhile competed as a member of the Knights curling program during the 2000, 2001, 2006, and 2007 seasons.
Cameron is looking forward to spending a full season leading the Knights. "I joined the team mid-way through last competition season, and it was a bit of 'trial by fire'. This year I look forward to being involved right from the beginning of the season and helping to put our student-athletes in the best possible positions to succeed."
Cameron who serves as an Associate Golf Professional at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, enjoyed an early taste of success in 2014 as third-year women's golf standout Lorelle Weavers (Burlington) captured a CCAA National Championship.
Jordan meanwhile returns to a strong Knights curling program that has captured 13 OCAA medals including six in the last eight seasons. Most recently, the 2013-14 Knights women's curling team captured the OCAA gold medal.
"This is a truly exciting opportunity," said Jordan. "It's something that I always had visions and hopes for during my time playing for the team. I'm happy and honoured to be selected as the head coach of such a strong OCAA competitor."
The OCAA golf season consists of tryouts in late August, a series of invitational events, and the OCAA Championship being hosted by the Niagara Knights from September 28th to 30th at Hunters Pointe Golf Course in Welland.
Cameron continued, "We are looking forward to hosting the other teams this season at a wonderful venue at Hunters' Pointe Golf Club. For us to practice and compete for provincial medals at our home course allows our athletes to build a comfort level with the course that they typically don't have at this level of event. It's a significant competitive advantage for us."
Tryouts for the Knights curling program get underway on September 23rd. The Knights will host an OCAA Bonspeil on January 23rd before heading to Thunder Bay from February 11-14 for the OCAA Championship.
In addition to creating a fun and competitive team atmosphere around the Knights curling team, Jordan feels "the teams' goal will be to get to nationals. This is an opportunity that was never available for me personally and one that will be a great experience for the members of our team."
Cameron echoed the sentiments of his younger brother when discussing the expectations for his golfers heading into the 2015 season.
"On the men's side, between the returning players who are all very talented and the recruits I have been in contact with, tryouts are shaping up to be extremely competitive. Obviously the women's side begins with the return of Lorelle Weavers and she is excited to return to competition this year. I look forward to helping her in the defense of her National Championship. "
With both coaches entering the season with high expectations for their respective programs, family and Niagara College Athletics bragging rights appear to be firmly on the line. To help settle the sibling rivalry Jordan pointed out that "there may or may not be a bet for a nice steak dinner already in place."
