Concordia Stingers Varsity Athletics
The Concordia Stingers represent the pinnacle of athletic competition at the university, competing under the Varsity 1 designation. This elite tier of sports includes both men's and women's programs across a variety of disciplines, including basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Concordia Stingers Football
The Stingers football program, currently led by coach Brad Collinson, calls the Concordia Stadium its home. The team has a storied history in Canadian collegiate football, most notably appearing in the Vanier Cup—the national championship of U Sports football—in 1998, where they faced the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Regionally, the Stingers have proven their strength by winning the Dunsmore Cup (the Quebec provincial title) on three separate occasions. While they have faced challenges in recent years, losing their last five appearances in the Quebec title game, they remain a competitive force in the league.
Concordia Stingers Basketball
The basketball program is divided into men's and women's teams, currently coached by Aleks Mitrovic and Tenicha Gittens, respectively. The program has a history of leadership, including former coach John Dore.
Men's Basketball Performance
The men's basketball team is recognized as a perennial championship contender, with their most recent Quebec title victory occurring in 2019. The program frequently tests itself against high-level international and American competition.
On August 1, 2024, the Stingers achieved a significant milestone by defeating the Air Force Falcons 71–55 in a preseason exhibition match. This marked the team's first victory over an NCAA Division I squad (the top tier of US college athletics) since 2019, when they defeated the Quinnipiac University Bobcats 98–90.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Coaching Staff and Expertise
The coaching staff brings a wealth of professional and international experience to the court:
- Aleks Mitrovic (Interim HC): A former player for the McGill Redbirds and University of Mount Olive Trojans, Mitrovic has professional experience in the Japanese B.League and currently plays for EPIC.EXE in the Japanese 3x3.EXE premier league.
- Damian Buckley (AC): A former Concordia standout and U Sports First Team All-Canadian who played professionally for the Montreal Jazz of the NBL Canada.
- Jay Prosper (AC): A two-time RSEQ Player of the Year and former Second Team All-Canadian who played for Concordia and the UQAM Citadins.
- Michel Enanga (AC): Brings experience from the US collegiate system, having played for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers from 2012 to 2017.
Key Facts
- Varsity 1 Sports: Includes Basketball, Football, Ice Hockey, Rugby, and Soccer for both men and women.
- Football Milestone: Appeared in the 1998 Vanier Cup national championship.
- Football Success: Three-time winners of the Dunsmore Cup.
- Basketball Achievement: Defeated NCAA Division I Air Force Falcons 71–55 in August 2024.
- Basketball Title: Last won the Quebec title in 2019.
Men's Basketball Roster Highlights
The current roster features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars from across Quebec, Ontario, and internationally.
| Player | Position | Hometown | Key Accolades/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaheem Joseph | G | Ottawa, ON | USports Second Team All-Canadian; RSEQ First Team All-Star |
| Sami Jahan | G | Hamilton, ON | Two-time RSEQ First Team All-Star |
| Alec Phaneuf | G | Gatineau, QC | 2024-25 RSEQ Second Team All-Star |
| Junior Mercy | G | Roxboro, QC | 2024-25 RSEQ Second Team All-Star |
| Yohan Leger | F | Laval, QC | 2024-25 RSEQ All-Rookie Team |
| Owen Soontjens | G | Belgium | 17th ranked Belgian player in FIBA 3x3 circuit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who coaches the Concordia Stingers football team?
The football team is currently coached by Brad Collinson.
What is the highest national achievement of the football team?
The football team appeared in the Vanier Cup national championship in 1998.
When did the men's basketball team last win the Quebec title?
The men's basketball team last won the Quebec title in 2019.
Has the basketball team ever beaten an NCAA Division I team?
Yes, they defeated the Air Force Falcons 71–55 on August 1, 2024, and the Quinnipiac University Bobcats 98–90 in 2019.
Which sports are included in the Varsity 1 category?
Varsity 1 includes basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer for both men and women.