Traditions

Robert Young

Robert Young formerly of St.Catharines, Ontario, and currently living in Thorold, came to Niagara College in 1974 as an expert in advertising from the Toronto industry. He spent his next 20 years as a member of faculty in the School of Business. In 1976, Robert volunteered to be the coach of the Niagara Knights Curling Team and would spend the next 16 years (1976-1992) as the Head Coach of the Curling program with an objective to encourage a life long activity as well as developing co-operative and competitive skills. Under Robert's direction, the Curling team developed into a very competitive program which represented Niagara College in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Southern region and provincial championships many times over. The program developed many talented teams which won provincial gold in 1992 as well as many local, college, and university bonspiels. It was a joy for Robert to work with the student curlers and he's very proud that two former student curlers became head coaches at Niagara College after his retirement.

Robert also initiated the staff/faculty Curling league which grew to 10 teams. The league ran for several seasons and was enjoyed by many. It was very gratifying to Robert in that he introduced many new curlers to the sport who are now active in various clubs. In 1993, Robert was presented with the Athletic Award of Excellence in recognition for the 16 years of dedication to the Curling program. The translation for the term bonspiel means "good game". So whatever your game is, Robert would like to propose a toast - "To jolly old bonspiels".