Condors Cricket: Fostering Growth, Building Communities, and Embracing Diversity

Conestoga's Athletics & Recreation department sees the game of cricket as much more than just a sport; it is an expedition that fosters discipline, camaraderie, and inclusion. The Department’s cricket program and extramural team have emerged as a critical component of the educational experience. Outside of the classroom, these programs provide students with a distinct opportunity to learn valuable life skills, develop a passion for the game, and to build a dynamic community. We would like to share the growing importance of Conestoga’s cricket programs. 

The Journey of Our Cricket Program Growth 

Over the past decade, Conestoga's Athletics & Recreation department has seen a marvelous evolution in its recreational programming, but specifically in the world of cricket offerings. Conestoga’s journey towards developing a booming cricket program began well before the COVID-19 pandemic. This evolution was a response to the aspirations and needs of our student population. The extraordinary growth Conestoga has seen in this field can be attributed to the determined support and leadership of its remarkable student leaders. The student leaders have played a dominating role in bringing cricket into our North American facilities, utilizing innovative approaches such as creating an indoor version of the game and transforming our softball diamonds into a special cricketing space. However, modifying the game of cricket to our existing resources and facilities has had its challenges. It was in response to these challenges that our extramural cricket team came to fruition, allowing much greater community involvement and growth on and off campus. 

Conestoga's Athletics & Recreation department’s dedication to enhancing the recreational opportunities for its students encompasses the broader Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) programming that has seen remarkable success for over a decade. OCR provides structured tournaments for Ontario College members to participate, that focus on a safe, fun, and inclusive sport environment. Although cricket has been being played at the collegiate level for some time the growth in cricket programming across Ontario colleges has taken off post pandemic. During this transformative path, Kristen Bolliger, Recreation, Performance, Health & Esports Manager and Rory Cooper, Supervisor of Recreation and Health, have been key figures in the overall growth, by actively engaging in the OCR Committee, where they encourage and create meaningful development in the game of cricket to provide an optimal student experience both at Conestoga and across the province.   

A notable milestone in Conestoga’s cricket journey has been the establishment of the competitive extramural cricket team, this development commenced in September 2022. The Condors extramural cricket team competes against college and university teams throughout the province. Notably, this past summer the extramural cricket team had several accomplishments: they competed in the Waterloo Cup, placing 2nd, they won an OCR tournament, and they also hosted a four team OCR tournament. The Condors have enlisted the services of a non-student professional head coach and an assistant coach, to create a more competitive and skilled team, as well as bring in true cricket expertise. These experienced coaches, including a former Condors cricket captain, demonstrate the Condors commitment to the program’s success. By committing these resources to our programs, Conestoga's Athletics & Recreation department is setting new standards, standing out from other educational institutions, and reiterating their position as a leader in developing top quality cricket programs. 

What our Cricket Team Has to Say 

In speaking with Ankur Jhaveri, Head Coach of Condors Cricket, he highlighted the growing popularity of Conestoga’s cricket programs and emphasizes the importance of allowing international students the opportunity to express themselves through sport. He stated that sports, “Sports, like cricket, foster a sense of community, contribute to character development, and promote team building.” Coach Jhaveri places a very strong emphasis on how the college’s support has been instrumental in the sustainable growth of cricket, noting, “We are deeply appreciative of the resources and ongoing support provided.”. Moving forward, Coach Jhaveri aspires to maintain this positive momentum, particularly in an outdoor setting. His dedication and ambition align with the school’s commitment to nurturing a thriving cricket community with hard working players. 

Deepansh Mehta, the current captain of the cricket team, reflects on his time with the cricket initiatives at Conestoga College, he mentions his gratitude, stating, “I am truly grateful for the chance to participate in diverse tournaments against numerous universities and colleges.” Deepansh cherishes fond memories of triumphant wins during the last summer term, particularly against Sheridan and Seneca College. 

He continues to emphasize the invaluable professional benefits of being part of this team, stating, “Being a part of this team has offered me a great networking opportunity that has helped me in my professional journey.” Deepansh’s heartfelt appreciation extends to the program, which not only allows him to pursue his passion for cricket but also contributes significantly to his personal happiness, fostering a connection between his roots and current pursuits.