Ray Sarkis and Kaitlyn McKenna have left a legacy of dedication and passion for sport at Niagara College, and that legacy has been forever enshrined into the OCAA Hall of Fame.
On May 8, in the presence of family and friends, Sarkis and McKenna were inducted at the 2019 OCAA Hall of Fame Gala ceremony at the Holiday Inn Toronto Airport.
Sarkis, NC’s intercollegiate coordinator, was honoured in the builder category, and McKenna, alumnae and former Knights women’s basketball standout, was awarded for her athletic achievement.
“This is an incredible achievement for Ray and Kaitlyn, both of whom are outstanding in their own rights, have the utmost of respect from their peers, and have wholly earned this recognition,” said Michele O’Keefe, NC’s associate director, Athletics and Recreation. “Their win is a win for the NC Knights family.”
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- Pictured from left to right: associate vice-president Academic and Learner Services, Dave Taylor; Steve Hudson, senior vice-president Academic and Learner Services, Ray Sarkis, intercollegiate coordinator, Athletics & Recreation; Michele O’Keefe, associate director, Athletics & Recreation.
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- Ray Sarkis joined by friends and family, including wife Marilyn and daughters Hillary and Ava, at the OCAA Hall of Fame Gala Ceremony in Toronto on May 8.
Long-time member of the NC athletics community hailing from Leamington, Ontario, Sarkis just celebrated his 40th year with the Knights. Sarkis began his tenure with the OCAA in 1996 as men’s volleyball senior convenor and on the marketing committee. In 2003, he became the first vice-president of the OCAA board of directors. Sarkis held the position for two years before becoming president of the board until 2007.
During his tenure at NC, Sarkis led many projects to success, including the Niagara College versus Brock University United Way Campaign Charity Basketball game, initiatives to raise money for athletic scholarships, the Varsity Coaches and Intercollegiate Guidelines for educating coaches and athletes, OCAA policies, and as administrator of the Niagara Knights Hall of Fame.
A very nice reception by the @TheOCAA family at tonight’s Hall of Fame banquet as Ray made his way to the stage to accept his Class of 2019 HOF induction in the ‘Builder’ category 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/7Okfe8YFof
— Niagara College Knights (@NC_Knights) May 9, 2019
McKenna played five seasons for the Knights between 2005 and 2011, earning four MVP titles. From NC Rookie of the Year to CCAA All-Canadian (and the first female NC athlete to hold the title) and several other awards in between, McKenna is one of the most decorated Niagara College athletes on record.
McKenna finished near the top of the OCAA leaderboards in scoring through five seasons. In 2007-2008, she led the OCAA to a stunning 230 points. To close her Knights career, McKenna came in with 970 points, an all-time leading score. Academically, McKenna was a top-tier student in the General Arts and Science and Business Accounting programs, named both an OCAA All-Academic and a CCAA All-Academic while at NC.
Congratulations, Kaitlyn! #KnightsLife @NC_Knights pic.twitter.com/laHpnwWZci
— Michele O'Keefe (@mokeefe64) May 9, 2019
