Condors Cricket Forge Team Identity on Path to OCR Rec Cup Championship
In a nail-biting 48–47 finish over perennial rivals Humber North, the Conestoga Condors Men’s Cricket team etched their names in program history as the 2024–25 Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) Rec Cup Champions. The dramatic victory in the championship final, held March 5 at Cambrian College, capped off a season defined by consistency, growth, and a shared commitment to excellence.
From their season opener in September to the final showdown in March, the Condors demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit at every stage.
“Every single tournament that we participated in, we reached the finals,” said Head Coach Ankur Jhaveri. “So that itself tells me that we're moving in the right direction.”
2024–25 Conestoga Condors Cricket Season Results
September 26–27, 2024 – CCUC National Championship
Third Place Finish – A podium finish on the national level
October 22, 2024 – Indoor Tournament at Georgian College
Champions – Defeated Humber North 47–36 in the final
November 1, 2024 – Tournament at Humber College
Second Place – Lost final to Humber North, 44–59
November 7, 2024 – Tournament at Conestoga College
Champions – Narrow victory over Fanshawe, 29–28 in the final
January 23, 2025 – Tournament at Conestoga College
Champions – Defeated Seneca 58–27 in the final
January 30, 2025 – Tournament at Fanshawe College
Champions – Defeated St. Clair 56–20 in the final
February 26, 2025 – Regional Rec Cup at Fanshawe
Second Place – Lost final to Mohawk, 30–49
March 5, 2025 – OCR Rec Cup Championship at Cambrian College
Champions – Defeated Humber North in a dramatic 48–47 final
Reflecting on the team's incredible year, Andrew Bates, Director of Sport and Recreation at Conestoga, praised the Condors' achievement:
“Congratulations on winning the Rec Cup, which was a very fitting way to cap off your story-like season of making all seven tournament finals you played in, and winning five of them — this is truly a championship team that knows how to win.”
Built on Unity and Preparation
A culture of collective accountability, preparation, and mutual respect drove the Condors’ success this season. Under Coach Jhaveri’s guidance, the team embraced a philosophy that emphasized unity and shared responsibility above all else.
“The focus has always been for this group to play and behave as a team—on and off the field,” said Jhaveri. “It’s never been about one or two individuals. It's always been about the collective. If you move together, you’ll flourish always.” That commitment to togetherness paid dividends. Whether at home or on the road, in dominant victories or hard-fought battles, the Condors relied on their depth, adaptability, and discipline.
“The time that you put in before the tournament shows in the tournament,” Jhaveri reflected during the team’s post-season celebration. “So well done. Well done, everyone.”
He also acknowledged the athletes’ dedication throughout the year. “This term, for me as a coach, was actually kind of easy, to be honest. Because you guys listened, you implemented, and that made my life really easy.”
Reflecting on the program’s evolution, he added:
“Where we began initially with just a few indoor tournaments and minimal equipment... today, we’re taking a step forward. The college is super committed to growing this program.”
A Collective Journey, A Shared Dream
For team captain Aniket Kumar, the season represented personal growth, leadership, and a renewed appreciation for the game beyond the scoreboard.
“Earlier I was so much in the game, I didn’t see the other aspect—like, outside the game. There’s something behind the court as well,” Kumar shared.
Speaking to how passion fuelled his journey, he said:
“Being too passionate sometimes comes with its own disadvantages. But it also helped me grow as an individual.”
The championship win over Humber held special significance for Kumar.
“It was always my dream to win a big tournament against Humber,” he said. “And I’m really happy we did.”
Most importantly, Kumar emphasized the role his teammates played in his development and the team’s success.
“I still learned a lot from every single player,” he said. “So thank you so much for helping me grow. The environment with the team and coaches was so good… they were always by my side.”
Looking Ahead
The 2024–25 campaign will be remembered not just for its thrilling championship, but for the culture of humility, unity, and determination that fuelled it. With the program gaining momentum and a championship banner now raised, the future of Condors Cricket has never looked brighter. The Condors Cricket team kicks off their outdoor season with tryouts on Tuesday, May 13 and their first tournament of the summer on June 27th at Waterloo Park!
Congratulations, Condors—this is only the beginning!
StrivingToSoar | #CondorsCricket | #RECCupChamps
