There are many reasons why Brock students should support the school’s varsity teams this season. As a new student to Brock, having the opportunity to support the Badgers and be a part of Brock sports’ history is something that students shouldn’t take lightly.
When the Badgers’ women’s volleyball team captured their third straight Quigley Cup Championship last season in front of an exhilarating Brock crowd, students, faculty members and fans alike witnessed history as they became the first team to win three consecutive titles in 20 years.
Decked out in red, white and navy blue – the colours of the Brock Badgers – students showcased their school spirit and Brock pride. With over 1,000 people inside the sold-out gymnasium and many more watching online at oua.tv, a free streaming service for all OUA games, the entire Brock University community came together to celebrate that moment.
“It was surreal being at the [Bob Davis Gymnasium] watching our women’s volleyball team beat rival McMaster to win another championship,” said a now second-year student. “I can’t wait to watch Brock’s best athletes again next year,” they added.
Luckily, students don’t have to wait much longer to watch the Badgers in action as they begin the 2024/25 season.
The Brock men’s and women’s soccer teams open the Badgers’ season with a doubleheader against the Laurier Golden Hawks on Aug. 30th at Brock’s Alumni Field.
In rugby, the women’s squad – led by 2023 OUA Player of the Year Paige DeNeve – begins their season against the reigning OUA Champion, Queen’s Gaels, in Kingston on Aug. 31st, while the men’s rugby team starts their quest for the Turner Trophy on Sept. 7th at home against the McMaster Marauders.
On the ice, the puck drops on a new season on Oct. 3rd and 11th for the men and women respectively, but not before the Steel Blade Classic returns for its 24th edition.
In what has become a hallmark event of homecoming weekend, especially for first-year students, the Brock community fills the Meridian Centre – the home of the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs – to support the Badgers men’s hockey team as they battle the Guelph Gryphons.
This year, on Sept. 20th, the two squads renew their historic rivalry as the Badgers seek their 15th win in Steel Blade Classic history. They’ll need your support as they “Surgite!” – the university’s motto meaning “push on” – to victory. Be sure to show off your favourite Badgers’ hoodie, t-shirt and hat, and maybe you’ll meet a few (or 4,000) new friends along the way.
In January, that same electrifying atmosphere will return for Paint the Meridian Red, as the Badgers’ men’s and women’s basketball teams battle their McMaster Marauders counterparts at the Meridian Centre on Jan. 17th.
But before the two teams look ahead to January, they will first seek a strong start to the season when they host the Gryphons on Oct. 24th.
The men’s team will be looking to avenge their heartbreaking OUA Final loss from last year and hoist the Critelli Cup for the third time in program history. On the women’s side, 2024 OUA MVP Madalyn Weinert and company look to begin the Shae Dheensaw era on a high note as the new coach begins her first season at the helm of the Badgers’ women’s basketball program.
Sticking on the hardwood, the men’s volleyball team begins their first full season under Ian Eibbitt on Oct. 25th in Kingston against the RMC Paladins. Meanwhile, the back-to-back-to-back women’s volleyball provincial champions will look for a fourth straight title as their Quigley Cup defence begins at the Bob Davis Gymnasium on Nov. 1st against the Gaels.
On top of all that start-of-season excitement, students can enjoy all exhibition and regular season home games free of charge, with tickets to those events available at brocku.universitytickets.com.
There’s no better way to start your Friday and Saturday evenings in St. Catharines than attending a (free) game in support of one of the province’s best athletic programs.
Many athletes, such as Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals), Connor Ungar (Edmonton Oilers), Sara Rohr (FC Porto), Sauli Lianga (Uppsala) and others have gone professional, showcasing the strong contingent of Brock athletes and the strength of the Badgers program. On a nightly basis, students are privy to watching tomorrow’s professional superstars don the Badgers logo across their chest today.
With many reasons to support your Badgers this season, we look forward to seeing you flaunt your Brock swag as the teams seek an unforgettable season full of victory and triumph!
From post-game analysis to pre-game previews and everything in between, The Brock Press is the home to everything Brock Badgers. Stay up to date with weekly articles detailing the fate of the Badgers all season long.