Photo by: Laura Burnside
OTTTAWA (Mar. 2. 2020)
After taking over the reigns of the Carleton University Ravens baseball team in late October and leading the squad to an improbable OUA Silver Medal finish, Head Coach Daylon Courchene has been quietly assembling his staff for the 2020 season.
Courchene, who has been involved in competitive baseball with the Ottawa Knights organization and has managed Ontario’s Indigenous baseball team for the North American Indigenous Games, identifies as “a player’s coach”. The makeup of his staff reflects that sensibility – almost exclusively made up Ravens baseball alumni.
“I believe in tapping into the resources we have. Nothing compares to the commitment level of a Raven who has already been there for us” said Courchene.
Michael Heffer will take over infield and 1st base coaching responsibilities. The Whitby, Ontario native played 3B for the Ravens from 2014-2018. Heffer, got his first taste of coaching in 2019 when he stepped in as Courchene’s assistant, helping the Ravens on their silver medal drive.
John Kalivas will be responsible for the outfield and will also take on the hitting coach role. Kalivas, another Carleton graduate, spent 3 seasons with the Ravens from 2017-2019. The Brockville, ON, native continues to play ball after school and competes internationally for the Greek National Baseball team.
Kalivas says he has seen the talent of the team up close and is “excited to see the Ravens carry their momentum into the 2020 OUA season.”
Jordan Harcourt will also assist the outfield and will be stationed at 3rd base. Harcourt, who has been running the Jr. Ravens hitting camp this winter, patrolled the outfield from 2014-2018. He has coached baseball and other sports in the Ottawa area for the last 3 years.
The only non-Raven joining the staff is Scott Bent who has coached in the Ottawa area for the last 12 years. Bent is involved in the Ottawa travel baseball scene as a Director for the Ottawa Knights where Courchene has coached for the last 4 four years. Scott will fill in at 3rd base as needed and, importantly, will be Courchene’s bench coach.
“It’s pretty clear Daylon is going to proven leaders who are already invested in the success of the team” said team President Prof. George Rigakos. “It’s hard to beat that kind of leadership.”
Courchene says he “may not be completely finished” adding pieces to round out his staff including the possibility of a dedicated pitching coach but, for all intents and purposes, “we’re set to take on 2020,” he said.
The Ravens will kick off their sophomore OUA season in September 2020.
2019 Team Awards