A record 185 golfers hit the links Tuesday at The Hawk Golf Club for the 2026 Niagara College Golf Classic, presented by CIBC.
“Seeing so many golfers come out to support NC student-athletes is a great reflection of the strength of our donor community,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, External Relations. “The annual Golf Classic helps provide scholarship support to students as they work toward their credentials and compete as Knights.”
The tournament raised over $125,000 for athletic scholarships and bursaries, pushing the event’s 24-year fundraising total past $1.1 million.
For varsity athlete Keira Teske, that support has a direct impact.
“Receiving a scholarship not only allows me to focus more fully on my academics and my athletics, but it is also a reminder that people are committed to investing in long-term successes for students like me,” said Teske.
The second-year Early Childhood Education student is a member of the Knights women’s varsity basketball team. During the school year, she balances classes and placements with two-hour practices five days a week, strength training twice a week and games during the season. She travels between the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland campuses and works full-time for Niagara Parks during the summer to help support herself through the school year.
“I work throughout the summer, right up until the new school year starts, and it makes me realize how valuable scholarships are. They help athletes ease the financial pressure during the season.”
Funds raised through the Golf Classic will help establish new, and support existing, scholarships and bursaries for student-athletes representing NC in basketball (men’s and women’s), curling, golf, soccer (men’s and women’s), and volleyball (men’s and women’s).
“Keira exemplifies the dedication and determination of the many Knights who benefit from these important scholarships,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “By reducing financial barriers, scholarships help create opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive and achieve their academic, athletic, and personal goals at NC.”
Keira Teske shared her NC experience with donors and golfers during the tournament dinner. “I want to thank everyone who supports student-athletes and makes opportunities like mine possible,” she said. “Your contributions support our athletic achievements, but more importantly, our personal growth and development.”
For Teske, the Knights experience has given her plenty to take with her beyond basketball. Her first day at Niagara College felt overwhelming until she realized she had the Knights community behind her. Through basketball, she has developed new skills, built lasting friendships, and learned how to work through injuries and other challenges.
Her coaches have become mentors, helping her recognize what she is capable of achieving.
“Being a Knight has taught me about time management, leadership on and off the court, and how to stay resilient through injuries and through challenges,” said Teske. “I have built lifelong friendships through basketball because of shared experiences and time spent training together.”
Teske plans to continue her education at Niagara University next year, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in teacher education.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love while pursuing my education simultaneously,” said Teske. “It feels fulfilling that my dedication to being a student-athlete and training is being recognized.”
Teske also makes time to give back, helping with fundraisers such as the Golf Classic and working with younger athletes who are developing their own skills.
Knights from NC’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams join their coach in giving back by volunteering at the golf tournament.
NC’s Golf Classic provides all student-athletes an opportunity to connect with community members and contribute to the event. More than 35 students from various program and both campuses volunteered throughout the day, while members of NC’s varsity golf team challenged tournament participants in “Beat the Athlete” contests.
“Having our Knights involved in the Golf Classic gives them an opportunity to use their skills in a different setting and to be part of a community event that directly supports them and their peers,” said Michele O’Keefe, Senior Director, Athletics & Student Engagement. “It’s also a chance for our athletes to meet the donors behind the support they receive throughout the year.”
The day also gave golfers plenty of opportunities to compete, with players vying for the tournament title and a number of individual honours, including Most Honest Team, Longest Drive for men and women, Closest to the Keg for men and women, and the Putting Competition.
2026 Tournament Results
Tournament Winner: Vista Security & Investigations
Most Honest Team: Global University Systems Canada
Longest Drive – Female: Melissa Stack
Longest Drive – Male: Jay Borelli
Closest to the Keg – Female: Melissa Stack
Closest to the Keg – Male: Brandon Large
Putting Competition: Robin Alakas, Aaron Jones
The 2026 Niagara College Golf Classic was made possible through the support of sponsors, donors, golfers, and community partners who came together to support student-athletes.
2026 Golf Classic Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: CIBC
Ace Sponsors: Rankin Construction, TD Insurance
Eagle Sponsors: Campus Living Centres, E.S. Fox Constructors Ltd., FirstOntario Credit Union, Hallex Engineering Ltd., Kraun Electric, Meridian
Birdie Sponsors: AOS, BorderPass, Canadian Tire Financial Services, Chartwells, Deloitte, Garland Canada, Global University Systems Canada, Hyatt Regency Fallsview, IMT, NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), PenFinancial Credit Union, City of Port Colborne, RBC, Scotiabank, Serianni Construction, TD Bank, Telcon Datvox, Vintage Hotels, Vista Security & Investigations
On Par Sponsors: HOPA Ports, City of Welland, The Printing House
Mark your calendars for next year’s 25th anniversary
In 2027, the Niagara College Golf Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Departments across the College, including Athletics & Student Engagement, Community Relations & Events, and Development & Alumni Relations, are already working together again to plan an unforgettable NC experience for donors, golfers, sponsors, and participants. More details coming soon.
In the meantime, relive the highlights from this year’s event by visiting the photo gallery.
About the Together campaign
Making college education more accessible is a key priority of NC’s Together campaign, a multi-year, $50-million fundraising campaign focused on expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they will serve as graduates. The campaign prioritizes scholarships and bursaries, as well as addressing workforce shortages in healthcare and the skilled trades, creating equitable and diverse learning environments, building cultural awareness and global competencies, and advancing research, creativity and innovation.
To learn more about the Together campaign and how you can help expand access to a Niagara College education, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.
