Ray Sarkis, a staple with the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) over the past two decades, is retiring.
Sarkis, who served as the CCAA’s Men’s Volleyball Convenor from 2011-23, was honoured this week at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was appropriately held in Niagara Falls.
The long-time Intercollegiate Coordinator at Niagara College is officially retiring later this month after 44 years of service at the institution.
Sarkis’ first introduction with the CCAA’s Board and operations was in 2001 when Niagara College hosted the AGM; it is only fitting that 22 years later, as he retires, the AGM is being hosted in his backyard.
Sarkis always gave 100% in every role he took on for the CCAA, according to Sandra Murray-MacDonell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the Association.
“The CCAA relies on its volunteer workforce and dedicated individuals, like Ray, to ensure the Association functions effectively,” said Murray-MacDonell. “Ray always did what was needed, went the extra mile, when required and because of that, the CCAA always knew it was in good hands when he was at the helm.”
Prior to his 12-year run as national convenor, Sarkis served as CCAA VP Programs from 2009-11.
In addition to representing the CCAA as convenor at numerous Men’s Volleyball National Championships, Sarkis was also a key member of the host organizing committee as Niagara hosted CCAA Golf in 2004, Women’s Basketball in 2011, Men’s Volleyball in 2013 and Women’s Volleyball in 2019.
To say he will be missed at Niagara College would be an understatement; Sarkis has been employed at the college for nearly half a century.
“Ray has given his blood, sweat and tears to our Knights program,” said Michele O’Keefe, Athletic Director at Niagara College. “As he rides off into the sunset, we must all recognize and appreciate the work that Ray has done to build this program to the incredible reputation we all enjoy.”
Sarkis has left his imprint on every facet of Niagara College Athletics & Recreation and has certainly made an impact in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and the CCAA as well.
“His support and contributions to the OCAA and CCAA have been made without hesitation and his love of sport, not just volleyball, has given Ray the right recipe to be successful,” said O’Keefe.
Over the years, Sarkis has been a valuable resource for CCAA hosts with his extensive volleyball knowledge and experience in the sport.
Since 1985, the CCAA has only had three Men’s Volleyball Convenors. Fred Wannamaker (1985-92) and Leigh Goldie (1992-2011) preceded Sarkis.
Sarkis has also been a great leader for conference convenors as they have worked through rankings, seedings and rule changes, according to Goldie, a CCAA Senator who is currently serving as the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Convenor.
“Ray has led the way in advocating that volleyball be conducted with integrity and respect,” said Goldie. “He has made a major contribution to CCAA, and he’ll be missed.”
Thank you, Ray!
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The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport.
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