While the first day of school may be more than a week away, the University of Victoria Vikes athletes are back in action.
While the women’s field hockey team heads to the U.S. to take on squads from Yale, Harvard and Brown this weekend, men’s soccer returns to Victoria with two home exhibition games on Field 4 adjacent to Centennial Stadium. Play kicks off tonight (Friday, Aug. 25) with a 7:15 p.m. match against the Trinity Western Spartans. On Saturday, Aug. 26, the Vikes face the Fraser Valley Cascades, also at 7:15 p.m.
With the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball team coming to UVic for training camp Sept. 26 to 29, ticket information for the Sept. 28 intrasquad game is expected to be released in early September via the Vikes’ mailing list – learn more at govikesgo.com/raptors.
Turning to Victoria and District Cricket, as Div. 1 league play draws to a close, Oak Bay heads to Beacon Hill Park Saturday, Aug. 26 to face Albion, while the St. Michaels University School pitch hosts the Incogs and United. Both games start at noon. Sunday takes the University team to Metchosin to face the Alcos.
The coming Labour Day weekend means fall ball isn’t far behind. Carnarvon Ball Club will field teams for both baseball and softball, with play continuing for about six weeks. Players should register in the division they played in 2017 spring season. Learn more at carnarvonballclub.com.
Fall softball is open to all girls born between 2004 and 2011 and welcomes those of all experience levels. Coaches are required for this fun-filled short season, organizers note. Learn more online or email plagan@shaw.ca.
The 2017 Baseball Canada Men’s National Championships, featuring the top men’s baseball teams in Canada, continue through Aug. 27 with games at Royal Athletic Park and Lambrick Park. For scheduled and ticket information visit harbourcats.com.
It’s the week hockey fans have been waiting for: the Victoria Cougars return to the ice with their first two exhibition games of the season. The Cougars host the Saanich Braves at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 at Archie Browning Arena, before welcoming the Kerry Park Islanders at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, also at Archie Browning.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Mt. Doug Secondary graduate.