Durham Lords heat up winter with four stellar seasons

The student-athletes at Durham College (DC) proved they’re among the best in Ontario this winter.

All four of DC’s winter teams – men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball — finished in the top 10 of their highly competitive Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) provincial rankings. The Durham Lords were the only OCAA program to accomplish that feat.

“It is rare to see a college be so strong in a number of sports,” said Ken Babcock, director of Athletics and Recreation. “It has become a tradition for DC to contend in virtually all of our sports on an annual basis. The tradition and reputation earned by our players and coaches are held in high regard by all. We attempt to deliver the best varsity program possible for all our teams.”

This year’s teams were certainly an example of that.

The women’s volleyball team finished second with a sparkling 17-1 record, while the men’s volleyball team finished tenth with a 10-8 record.

On the basketball court, the women were a force to be reckoned with, their 12-2 record nabbing them a third-place ranking. The men’s 14-4 record was good for a fifth-place ranking.

All told, DC’s four teams combined for an amazing 53-15 record in conference play.

All four teams battled hard in the playoffs. Both basketball teams and the men’s volleyball team put in competitive efforts before dropping out in the qualifying round. The women’s volleyball team capped their nearly perfect season with a silver medal, making it to the finals before falling just short of toppling the undefeated Humber Hawks.

That silver medal was added to an impressive collection, as DC ranks third on the OCAA’s all-time list of championship medal victories.

“I am so proud of my staff, my coaches and all of our amazing student-athletes that represent our college so well,” said Babcock.

Looking ahead, he expects the 2023-24 season to be just as successful, with strong returning rosters in most athletic programs complimenting a highly successful recruiting drive.

Though he’s leaving his post as athletic director in June, he’ll still be cheering on the Lords next fall and winter as they continue to lead the way in collegiate athletics.

“I am excited as always to watch our teams and athletes compete in person.”