October 6, 2022
Banner Season: Teams look to strike out qualifier competition to claim a spot in conference finale
Burlington, Ont. - Win and you're in. Four spots in the upcoming OUA Baseball Championship are up for grabs this weekend, as 14 teams span the provincial diamonds across four regional qualifiers. Ranging from two to three day endeavors from Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9, only each event's top team will punch their ticket to the upcoming conference finale, leaving a lot at stake for this weekend's regional festivities.
Regional Qualifier Details:
Regional (East):
When: Saturday, October 8 to Sunday, October 9 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: RCGT Stadium
Participating Schools (3): Carleton Ravens, Ottawa Gee-Gees (host), Queen's Gaels
Regional (Central):
When: Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Morris Kerbel Park
Participating Schools (4): Laurentian Voyageurs, Toronto Varsity Blues, TMU Bold (host), York Lions
Regional (West):
When: Friday, October 7 to Saturday, October 8 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Hastings Stadium
Participating Schools (3): Brock Badgers, Guelph Gryphons (host), McMaster Marauders
Regional (West):
When: Friday, October 7 to Saturday, October 8 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Libro Field
Participating Schools (4): Waterloo Warriors, Western Mustangs, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Windsor Lancers (host)
Student-Athletes to Watch:
Niko Kekatos, Toronto Varsity Blues | Last year's OUA most valuable hitter, Kekatos has continued to be a force for the defending champion Blues. His proficiency at getting on base has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers to face and the Toronto, Ont. native will look to continue his torrid pace at the plate in the hopes of leading his side to a second straight Jason Guindon Trophy.
Arthur Kowara, Guelph Gryphons | Bringing a spark at the plate for the Gryphons will be one of the premier power hitters in the conference. Kowara, a third-year standout from Etobicoke, Ont., produced big numbers for the host squad during exhibition play, including home run marks that not only led the Gryphons, but eclipsed totals from other OUA teams as a whole.
Reid Lunney, Brock Badgers | The young shortstop has been vital to Brock's success leading up the OUA Qualifiers, providing a solid defensive game in addition to leading the St. Catharines squad in hits and RBIs. Appearing in every game for the Badgers this season, the Holland Landing, Ont. native also has shown a keen ability to hit for power, with numerous extra base hits, including a home run, to his name.
Evan Morrison, Waterloo Warriors | Powerful at the plate and as a pitcher, Morrison has been a key cog across the board in a successful stretch of exhibition play for the black and gold. The Sebringville, Ont. native featured heavily in the team's run of eight consecutive wins earlier this fall, and did so not only with his ability to rack up the strikeouts, but also his knack for clutch hits (for extra bases, no less).
Shea O'Neil, Windsor Lancers | O'Neil, a native of Windsor, Ont., was the only Lancer to start all 19 games for his hometown team this fall, and he made the most of his time on the field, leading Windsor in hits, batting average, and on-base percentage during their exhibition slate.
Jack Symington, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks | After missing most of the 2021 season with an injury, Symington has had a huge bounce back year for the Hawks. Despite it being an up-and-down exhibition slate for the 2019 and 2020 champions, the Sarnia, Ont. native has been a consistent contributor at the plate, including belting a pair of home runs for the purple and gold.
Matt Tohana, TMU Bold | The fourth-year player from Toronto, Ont. is one of two upcoming graduates on the TMU team, and has made the most of his senior season. A dual-threat for the Bold at both the plate and on the mound, Tohana shone most this fall in the latter. He made three starts for his team, and in one, was able to author the program's lone perfect game to date.
Andrew Weber, Laurentian Voyageurs | The starting shortstop for the Voyageurs has put on a hitting clinic this year, pacing the Laurentian squad across the board offensively. Weber, the team leader in average, hits, runs, scored, walks, triples, and stolen bases (tied for top spot), will be looking to continue that offensive barrage that helped the team secure some quality wins this fall and bounce back from a loss against TMU last year that eliminated them from a shot at championship competition.
Storylines to Keep an Eye On:
Following last year's loss to McMaster in the regional final, the Brock Badgers are committed to returning to the OUA Championship. The roster possesses a good mix of young and veteran players, including six fifth-year players in the latter group. With two separate win streaks of four and five games during exhibition play, Brock has shown they can get hot at any time, and expectations remain consistently high heading into the weekend.
After putting together a program best mark in exhibition play, one that saw them rack up a 16-2 record during that span, the Guelph Gryphons are looking to continue their impressive momentum into regional qualifier play, especially after they were eliminated from championship contention in the same event a year ago.
With 10 rookies on the team, this year's McMaster Marauders team looks much different than last year's OUA silver-medal winning squad, but with key veterans returning - including a pair of 2021 first team all-stars - the Hamilton crew is poised to make another lengthy run for their first conference title in 14 years. They will also do so with the likes of Nicolas Velocci and Mark Zanette, who have both come back from their unfortunate collision at last year's qualifier to put together strong seasons for the maroon machine.
It hasn't been the smoothest of sailing for the Ottawa Gee-Gees since transitioning to OUA competition in 2019, but the youthful Garnet and Grey are hopeful heading into this weekend's action. The host squad finished their exhibition slate with their first win of the season and a pair of tight, one-run losses against a tough McGill squad, and they are now hoping to carry some of that recent momentum into an upset or two at this weekend's festivities.
The Queen's Gaels have proven to be a defensive juggernaut during their exhibition play this fall, with their pitching and team defence leading opponents to an average of just 2.3 runs per game against the Tricolour. The team has also seen three different pitchers throw a complete-game shutout (Jordan Leishman, Logan Blower, and Adam Bernicky), part of what has been a total of five shutouts in total from the Gaels.
One year after going undefeated en route to an OUA title, Toronto has seen a tale of two halves in their tune-up games this year. The Blues started the year by reeling off eight straight wins, but have since lost five of their last six. The team did manage to plate 21 runs in their last two games; however, as they look to re-capture that early offensive magic that got them out to such a strong start.
Following their first year of play in the coach-driven exhibition play, the Windsor Lancers were able to get a good look at most of the players on their roster. Having formerly played in the National Club Baseball Association in Michigan ahead of their OUA Championship participation, the team made the most of their play north of the border through the fall, and will hope that competitive experience lends itself to a strong showing as hosts of the Far West Regional Qualifier.
What They're Saying:
"What excites me most heading into regionals is how resilient this group is. There have been a few games where we haven't looked our best and we've been relentless and shown great character in getting wins. Our team has been extremely coachable and focused on fundamentals and building good habits week over week. You couple that with the level of talent on the roster, it should make for great baseball." - Dean Mariani, Head Coach, Guelph Gryphons
"We've adopted a true brotherhood mentality this season, and in a year where we continue to be overlooked, we bring belief every day. We're excited to prove some others wrong, but more importantly, prove ourselves right this weekend." - Aiden Perry, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"In a short season, we have focused on body and mind as a path to success. We are all looking forward to hosting the qualifiers and putting on the best tournament possible. Heading into the weekend, the team is ready to compete and contend for our ultimate goal of winning the OUA Championship." - Kevin Bly, Head Coach, TMU Bold
"We got exactly what we wanted from our team in the fall and moving into the OUA tournament, we are hopeful that our hard work will pay off." - Frank Jeney, Head Coach, Windsor Lancers
Regional Qualifier Details:
Regional (East):
When: Saturday, October 8 to Sunday, October 9 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: RCGT Stadium
Participating Schools (3): Carleton Ravens, Ottawa Gee-Gees (host), Queen's Gaels
Regional (Central):
When: Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Morris Kerbel Park
Participating Schools (4): Laurentian Voyageurs, Toronto Varsity Blues, TMU Bold (host), York Lions
Regional (West):
When: Friday, October 7 to Saturday, October 8 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Hastings Stadium
Participating Schools (3): Brock Badgers, Guelph Gryphons (host), McMaster Marauders
Regional (West):
When: Friday, October 7 to Saturday, October 8 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Libro Field
Participating Schools (4): Waterloo Warriors, Western Mustangs, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Windsor Lancers (host)
Student-Athletes to Watch:
Niko Kekatos, Toronto Varsity Blues | Last year's OUA most valuable hitter, Kekatos has continued to be a force for the defending champion Blues. His proficiency at getting on base has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers to face and the Toronto, Ont. native will look to continue his torrid pace at the plate in the hopes of leading his side to a second straight Jason Guindon Trophy.
Arthur Kowara, Guelph Gryphons | Bringing a spark at the plate for the Gryphons will be one of the premier power hitters in the conference. Kowara, a third-year standout from Etobicoke, Ont., produced big numbers for the host squad during exhibition play, including home run marks that not only led the Gryphons, but eclipsed totals from other OUA teams as a whole.
Reid Lunney, Brock Badgers | The young shortstop has been vital to Brock's success leading up the OUA Qualifiers, providing a solid defensive game in addition to leading the St. Catharines squad in hits and RBIs. Appearing in every game for the Badgers this season, the Holland Landing, Ont. native also has shown a keen ability to hit for power, with numerous extra base hits, including a home run, to his name.
Evan Morrison, Waterloo Warriors | Powerful at the plate and as a pitcher, Morrison has been a key cog across the board in a successful stretch of exhibition play for the black and gold. The Sebringville, Ont. native featured heavily in the team's run of eight consecutive wins earlier this fall, and did so not only with his ability to rack up the strikeouts, but also his knack for clutch hits (for extra bases, no less).
Shea O'Neil, Windsor Lancers | O'Neil, a native of Windsor, Ont., was the only Lancer to start all 19 games for his hometown team this fall, and he made the most of his time on the field, leading Windsor in hits, batting average, and on-base percentage during their exhibition slate.
Jack Symington, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks | After missing most of the 2021 season with an injury, Symington has had a huge bounce back year for the Hawks. Despite it being an up-and-down exhibition slate for the 2019 and 2020 champions, the Sarnia, Ont. native has been a consistent contributor at the plate, including belting a pair of home runs for the purple and gold.
Matt Tohana, TMU Bold | The fourth-year player from Toronto, Ont. is one of two upcoming graduates on the TMU team, and has made the most of his senior season. A dual-threat for the Bold at both the plate and on the mound, Tohana shone most this fall in the latter. He made three starts for his team, and in one, was able to author the program's lone perfect game to date.
Andrew Weber, Laurentian Voyageurs | The starting shortstop for the Voyageurs has put on a hitting clinic this year, pacing the Laurentian squad across the board offensively. Weber, the team leader in average, hits, runs, scored, walks, triples, and stolen bases (tied for top spot), will be looking to continue that offensive barrage that helped the team secure some quality wins this fall and bounce back from a loss against TMU last year that eliminated them from a shot at championship competition.
Storylines to Keep an Eye On:
Following last year's loss to McMaster in the regional final, the Brock Badgers are committed to returning to the OUA Championship. The roster possesses a good mix of young and veteran players, including six fifth-year players in the latter group. With two separate win streaks of four and five games during exhibition play, Brock has shown they can get hot at any time, and expectations remain consistently high heading into the weekend.
After putting together a program best mark in exhibition play, one that saw them rack up a 16-2 record during that span, the Guelph Gryphons are looking to continue their impressive momentum into regional qualifier play, especially after they were eliminated from championship contention in the same event a year ago.
With 10 rookies on the team, this year's McMaster Marauders team looks much different than last year's OUA silver-medal winning squad, but with key veterans returning - including a pair of 2021 first team all-stars - the Hamilton crew is poised to make another lengthy run for their first conference title in 14 years. They will also do so with the likes of Nicolas Velocci and Mark Zanette, who have both come back from their unfortunate collision at last year's qualifier to put together strong seasons for the maroon machine.
It hasn't been the smoothest of sailing for the Ottawa Gee-Gees since transitioning to OUA competition in 2019, but the youthful Garnet and Grey are hopeful heading into this weekend's action. The host squad finished their exhibition slate with their first win of the season and a pair of tight, one-run losses against a tough McGill squad, and they are now hoping to carry some of that recent momentum into an upset or two at this weekend's festivities.
The Queen's Gaels have proven to be a defensive juggernaut during their exhibition play this fall, with their pitching and team defence leading opponents to an average of just 2.3 runs per game against the Tricolour. The team has also seen three different pitchers throw a complete-game shutout (Jordan Leishman, Logan Blower, and Adam Bernicky), part of what has been a total of five shutouts in total from the Gaels.
One year after going undefeated en route to an OUA title, Toronto has seen a tale of two halves in their tune-up games this year. The Blues started the year by reeling off eight straight wins, but have since lost five of their last six. The team did manage to plate 21 runs in their last two games; however, as they look to re-capture that early offensive magic that got them out to such a strong start.
Following their first year of play in the coach-driven exhibition play, the Windsor Lancers were able to get a good look at most of the players on their roster. Having formerly played in the National Club Baseball Association in Michigan ahead of their OUA Championship participation, the team made the most of their play north of the border through the fall, and will hope that competitive experience lends itself to a strong showing as hosts of the Far West Regional Qualifier.
What They're Saying:
"What excites me most heading into regionals is how resilient this group is. There have been a few games where we haven't looked our best and we've been relentless and shown great character in getting wins. Our team has been extremely coachable and focused on fundamentals and building good habits week over week. You couple that with the level of talent on the roster, it should make for great baseball." - Dean Mariani, Head Coach, Guelph Gryphons
"We've adopted a true brotherhood mentality this season, and in a year where we continue to be overlooked, we bring belief every day. We're excited to prove some others wrong, but more importantly, prove ourselves right this weekend." - Aiden Perry, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"In a short season, we have focused on body and mind as a path to success. We are all looking forward to hosting the qualifiers and putting on the best tournament possible. Heading into the weekend, the team is ready to compete and contend for our ultimate goal of winning the OUA Championship." - Kevin Bly, Head Coach, TMU Bold
"We got exactly what we wanted from our team in the fall and moving into the OUA tournament, we are hopeful that our hard work will pay off." - Frank Jeney, Head Coach, Windsor Lancers
