TORONTO - The Centennial College Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the signing of Alex Macdonald as its inaugural head coach of the varsity men's baseball program.

Centennial will play 2018-19 as an exhibition season before formally applying for membership into the OCAA for the 2019-20 season. Throughout this season, Macdonald will assess talent through a series of exhibition contests against OCAA and junior competition to determine the viability of a full membership bid in 2019-20.

"We are extremely excited to hire Alex as Centennial's first head coach as we introduce a varsity baseball program at the college and within the OCAA," said Darcy Brioux, Manager of Athletics and Recreation.

"Alex is a tremendously experienced baseball coach and brings his extensive knowledge of the game as a former player and coach," noted Brioux. "He has had great success with 18 to 21-year-olds with the Newmarket Junior Hawks. This, along with his positive energy, will benefit our student-athletes and help us develop our baseball program for future success."

Macdonald grew up in Newmarket, Ont., starring for the Newmarket Junior Hawks organization. Macdonald played his entire career with the Hawks including his final season of senior baseball in the Greater Toronto Baseball League (GTBL). He later attended Seneca College but his studies predated varsity baseball in the OCAA.

In an effort to remain in the game, Macdonald turned his focus to coaching. He became an NCCP provincially certified coach and for the past eight seasons has coached with the Newmarket Junior Hawks. In those eight seasons, the Junior Hawks have consistently been one of the most competitive teams in Ontario.

"I am very honoured and excited to be leading the Centennial Colts baseball program into its inaugural season," said Macdonald. "This is a rare opportunity to be able to build a sustainable program from the ground up. I look forward to the many challenges ahead in bringing Colts baseball to the top of OCAA baseball."

Tryouts will be held throughout August and September as an exhibition schedule is put together. The Colts will challenge a variety of teams from colleges, universities and clubs from Ontario and beyond.

Source: Centennial Colts