Durham College (DC) varsity sports are back with a packed schedule of high-energy home games that promise thrilling matchups, fan giveaways and can’t-miss theme days. From annual traditions like Jersey Night to the excitement of the OCAA men’s rugby championships, these five events are set to define the season and bring the campus community together in support of the Lords. Mark your calendar for these must-see home games. Go Lords, go!
Men’s Rugby – OCAA Championship Semifinal
Saturday, November 8 @ 1 p.m. vs. Connestoga Condors
Thompson Rugby Park (110 Raglan Road W, Oshawa) Following a 6-0 season, the Lords finished the regular season as the only undefeated team in the OCAA, scoring 250 points (41.6 per game) and only conceding 106 (17.6 per game). As a result of finishing first place, the Lords earned a bye through the quarter-final round straight to the semifinals. Since launching the program in 2018, Durham’s men’s rugby team has become a powerhouse, capturing three gold medals and two bronzes, and continues to set the standard in OCAA competition.
Women’s Basketball – Jersey Night Hype
Friday, November 21 @ 6 p.m. vs. St. Lawrence Surge Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre, Oshawa Campus
The DC women’s basketball team opens this lineup of marquee matchups with a highly anticipated return to Jersey Night. After sweeping the St. Lawrence Surge in both meetings last season, including a dominant 35-point home victory, their largest win of the year, the Lords are ready to light up the court once again. Jersey Night is known for drawing one of the biggest crowds of the season thanks to an exciting grand prize giveaway. Last year, a fan walked away with Raptors tickets simply for showing up in a jersey, and this year’s prize is set to be just as impressive. The excitement continues with a doubleheader, as the men’s team tips off at 8 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball – Sweaters, Serves and Seasonal Spirit
Saturday, November 29 @ 1 p.m. vs. St. Lawrence Surge Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre, Oshawa Campus
The final home game of the fall semester brings festive fun as the women’s volleyball team hosts Ugly Holiday Sweater Day. Fans are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday knits and enjoy hot chocolate and giveaways while cheering on the Lords in their matchup against St. Lawrence. The action continues at 3 p.m. when the men take the court in the second half of the doubleheader.
Men’s Volleyball – Retro Day and Alumni Reunion
Saturday, January 17 @ 3 p.m. vs. Georgian Grizzlies Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre, Oshawa Campus
The men’s volleyball team returns to home court in style for their first game of 2025 with Retro Day / Alumni Day. Featuring throwback warmup gear, retro jacket giveaways and the return of former Lords to the stands, this matchup combines nostalgia with high-level competition. The Georgian Grizzlies make for a tough opponent, setting the stage for a thrilling second-half season opener. Fans can also catch the women’s game at 1 p.m. to complete the doubleheader experience.
Men’s Basketball – Staff Appreciation Night Showdown
Wednesday, February 11 @ 8 p.m. vs. Georgian Grizzlies Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre, Oshawa Campus
In what is expected to be one of the most competitive clashes of the season, the DC men’s basketball team takes on the Georgian Grizzlies in a rematch between last year’s top two teams in the OCAA east division. After a close race to the division title that went down to the final game, the Lords are hungry for redemption following a loss in Barrie that ended a five-game winning streak against Georgian dating back to 2022. This matchup also serves as College Staff Appreciation Night. The women’s team tips off the doubleheader at 6 p.m.
With high-stakes competition, fan-focused events and opportunities to connect with the DC community, these five home games promise unforgettable moments. Stay updated on themes, giveaways and team news by following @DurhamLords on social media.
When Durham College (DC) hosts the inaugural college/university sitting volleyball tournament next March, Ashley Green will hit the court with pride.
The first-year Recreation Therapy student is an enthusiastic participant in the sport, a modified version of volleyball primarily for athletes with a disability. During play, athletes sit on the floor and attempt to strike the ball over a lowered volleyball net.
At the ParaSport Ontario Awards Brunch earlier this summer, Green was officially introduced as the first member of DC’s sitting volleyball team.
“I’m honored to be the first Durham College student on the team,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the growth of the sport in the last six years, and I’m looking forward to getting to play competitively.”
All DC students are welcome to give the sport a try and tryouts begin this fall, and Green is excited to share it with new teammates and friends.
She initially took up the sport because it accommodated her disabilities.
“Even though I have had many good things happen to me, I’ve also had many obstacles thrown my way throughout my life, from having cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus to being partially paralyzed on the right side of my body. I’ve had several surgeries and SickKids Hospital has been like my second home,” she explained. “But I have never let anyone or anything get in my way or stop me from doing anything I want to do. I just never give up and do things to the best of my ability.”
That determination extends to her studies. She’s committed to giving back to SickKids and helping people deal with their own challenges by working in the healthcare sector. Having previously considered a career in nursing, she is now eager to learn all she can about recreation therapy so she can improve the quality of life for people of all abilities and ages. She believes her compassion, patience and calm demeanour make her ideally suited for the role.
“I love people, and I want to help them because it makes me happy when they’re happy.”
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