The Niagara college golf team will formally open the 2015 season on Saturday, September 19th when the team travels to London for the annual Fanshawe Invitational. The Knights are coming off a season that saw Lorelle Weavers (Burlington) capture the women's individual CCAA National Championship.
This summer the Knights hired new head coach Cameron Thin (Thin served as interim head coach during the second half of 2014) and tryouts for the 2015 squad were extremely competitive. "We have cut down to nine men's players and two women's players" said Thin. "We are an extremely deep team this year, so competition during our three invitational events will be intense as players try to position themselves for one of our five spots (in the men's division)at provincials and nationals."
The format for OCAA golf consists of a series of invitational events (the Knights will compete at Fanshawe and Georgian, as well as host their own event). Teams are not restricted to the number of players they can enter into an invitational event. At the provincial and national championship, teams are limited to five entries (men's) and three entries (women's). The four best (men's) and two best (women's) scores are totaled to determine placement in the team competition while individual scores are also used to determine individual medals.
The Knights finished in 8th place at the 2014 OCAA Championship, while Weavers captured an individual silver medal. Weavers went on to win gold at the 2014 CCAA National Championship in Quebec City.
On the men's side the Knights will return 2014 MVP Zack Bankuti (Brampton), 2014 Rookie of the Year Nick Schepens (London), Evan Littlefield (Thunder Bay), and Cory Vaillancourt (Chelmsford). The returning veterans will be joined by newcomers Josiah Dixon, Mark Wikkerink, Logan Lammerant, Thomas Brown, and Ben Kenel.
"We return a strong core group of players from 2014. Zach Bankuti is a very strong player and was our MVP last season. His return is significant" added Thin. "Of our incoming players, Josiah Dixon possesses an excellent golf pedigree; Mark Wikkerink is an outstanding athlete who also competes on our men's volleyball team; Thomas Brown barely missed out on making the provincial team last year; and Ben Kenel and Logan Lammerant are both individuals that have enjoyed strong golf careers."
On the women's side the return of Weavers is key. In 2014 she was named an All-Canadian, Academic All-Canadian, and Niagara College female athlete of the year. She competed as the Knights lone female golfer in 2014. This year is joined by newcomer Katie Copeland. Copeland is a native Indiana, and is entering here first year in the Niagara College landscape technician program.
"With the depth and talent of our men's team we have the ability to contend for the overall title at both the provincial and national championships" said Thin. "I fully expect Lorelle to mount a strong defense of her national championship, while the addition of Katie gives us a strong overall entry into the women's team division."
Adding to the excitement surrounding the 2015 Knights golf team is that the 2015 OCAA Championship will be contested at their home course Hunters Pointe Golf Course in Welland. The event will take place from September 28-30
"Hunters Pointe will provide an excellent test for OCAA players this year" said Thin. "It takes time to learn the nuances of a golf course, and our players will definitely have an advantage having played so many rounds at home.
Tee off for Saturday's Fanshawe Invitational is set for 12:20 pm. The Knights will host their home invitational event on Monday, September 21st. Tee for Hunters Pointe is also set for 12:30pm.
