The Trent Excalibur look poised to dominate the 2015/16 season with a robust coaching staff, talented new incoming athletes, new campus recreation activities and a roster of home varsity games that will have local fans cheering the green and white.

“This year’s varsity program is stronger than ever,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director of Athletics and Recreation at Trent. “Our players are trained and excited to wear the green and white as they proudly represent Trent and the community as a whole. We encourage everyone to become a Trent Excalibur fan this season.”

Highlights of the Trent Excalibur program for the year ahead include:

Trent Excalibur Go for Gold

Varsity season at Trent University has arrived and the first games of the season get underway Saturday, August 29 as both the Excalibur women’s and men’s varsity soccer teams take on Laurentian University at Justin Chiu Stadium at 12:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. All members of the community are invited to come out and support the teams. 

Trent Excalibur has a strong history of competition in interuniversity sport. For the 2015/16 season, Trent’s 16 varsity teams in rowing, golf, cross country, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and curling will once compete in three leagues: OUA (Ontario University Athletics), OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association), and CUFLA (Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association). For a full list of Trent Excalibur varsity home games, visit: http://www.trentvarsity.ca/files/VarsitySchedule.pdf

Star Athletes

Among a full roster of new star athletes coming to Trent to compete with the Excalibur this season, are two local students, Lexi Hill and Mikayla Hicks, joining the Trent Women’s Lacrosse team. Both Ms. Hill and Ms. Hicks are recipients of the Green and White Athletic Scholarship, a financial scholarship available to entering student athletes who have achieved an average above 80% and have been recruited for their athletic skills and abilities.

"Lexi and Mikayla are dedicated, and driven student-athletes that are going to be huge assets to our program over the next four years,” said Tori Wasson, co-coach of the Excalibur lacrosse program. They both have a great knowledge of the sport and excellent leadership qualities on defense and in the midfield. We are very lucky to have these local athletes continue to develop at the next level at Trent University."

Strong Coaching Staff

Along with star athletes, Trent Excalibur will be welcoming back 45 coaches this season and is looking forward to having Craig Barclay, the new women’s volleyball head coach, join the Excalibur coaching team. Mr. Barclay joins Trent Excalibur following his first full season as the head coach of the Fleming College women’s volleyball team. Previous to his local coaching experience, Mr. Barclay was a volleyball player for 15 years, most recently with Humber men’s volleyball team where he led the team through a successful season, earning an OCAA silver medal and CCAA bronze medal.  

Campus Recreation Additions

Trent students will be provided with more options than ever this season when deciding how to get involved in campus recreation. Trent Athletics has added Beach Volleyball, Badminton and a unique sport called Tchoukball, to the roster of new programs for the year ahead. For all campus recreation news and updates or to register your team, visit: https://www.trentu.ca/athletics/campusrec/