A delay in the start of college varsity sports is not stopping Cambrian College from gearing up for a new season.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, college varsity sports remain on hold.
However, the Cambrian Golden Shield have made some coaching changes as part of a rebuild of its soccer and volleyball teams.
The long-time coach of the Golden Shield women’s volleyball team, Dale Beausoleil, 29 seasons in all, will also take over head coaching duties for the men’s squad.
The men’s soccer team also has a new head coach, Jason Garforth, who brings 20 years of hands-on experience as a head coach and 42 years’ experience as a player, including four years as a professional.
Garforth has coached internationally in England and the United States and has helped with soccer programs in Nigeria.
“I am excited to change the philosophy of the program and make changes to existing structures,” says Garforth. “My goal is to bring the Golden Shield to the provincial championships within three years.”
“Dale Beausoleil has been a fantastic coach and recruiter for our women’s program, and we look forward to him picking up the reins of the men’s squad as well,” says Tim Yu, Cambrian’s Manager of Athletics. “We’re also excited to have Jason Garforth leading the men’s soccer team. He will bring a new perspective to the game and we believe he has the tools to help our student-athletes reach their potential.”
The Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) will meet in October to decide if varsity sports can resume this academic year. In the meantime, Cambrian’s athletic facilities remain closed, and the Golden Shield coaches and athletes are focusing on in-home individualized training.
Cambrian College has varsity teams in men’s and women’s badminton, cross-country running, soccer, and volleyball.
