Despite the age-old question of whether Commerce or Engineering is better, the faculties sided together in the fight against cancer this week.
On Oct. 19 the faculties of Commerce and Engineering went head-to-head at the Leon’s Centre in the second annual Tricolour Classic basketball game. This year, the game raised $185,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) research in palliative care.
The game started with a video displaying a childhood cancer story, which was followed by a ceremony where the final amount of money raised was given to CSS.
Doug Kane, director of Independent Fundraising and Sports Alliances for the CCS was one of the representatives in attendance.
“We love these rivalry events. It’s phenomenal to see the passion and the energy coming out of the students and the philanthropic heart that they have,” Kane said. “They’ve embraced fundraising, and they’ve embraced the idea of having an impact on people’s lives. I can guarantee that the impact from tonight will be generational.”
As the players started to lineup, based on the crowd size, sound, and overall atmosphere, Engineering was clearly in the lead, but this game isn’t defined by the people in stands, but those on the court.
The Commerce team won the first tip off, and saw their name on the score sheet first with a three-point basket about 40 seconds in. Engineering was within one point shortly after a foul which awarded the Engineering team a two-point from the free throw line.
By the middle of the first quarter the teams were briefly tied, sitting at a score of 11-11. The tie didn’t last long as Engineering quickly took the lead.
On both sides, the crowd erupted with every single move, shot, block, and take-away. After a back-and-forth first quarter, Engineering was up 21-16.
Right out the gate in the second quarter there was no way to tell which team was going to take the game, and neither looked like they were willing to back down or give in to any mistakes.
By half-time, Engineering managed to maintain their 43-33 lead.
The Queen’s Pom Team made an appearance at the half-time show, followed by a presentation by Jordan Kilganon, a world-class dunker who excited the crowed by showing off his skills. Oil Thigh Designs then took to centre court where they were celebrated for their donation of $25,000.
As the third quarter came to a close, the game swayed in the direction of Engineering, who led the 73-52 score.
With two minutes left in the game, Engineering was up 91-72. Though acceptance settled in amongst the Commerce crowd, their team wasn’t backing off. Unfortunately for commerce, the game came to an end and the Engineering team won with a score of 93-72.
Simon Bailey, Sci ’25, was named the MVP for Engineering. Bailey reflected on the night in a post-game interview with The Journal.
“It was awesome coming out here and playing for a good cause,” Bailey said. “I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, and this has been for the best reason possible. This is a great cause and I’m just honoured to be a part of this.”
For Commerce, the Most Impactful Player award went to Mason Carlson, Comm ’27. He shared his thoughts on the game as well.
“Look at the atmosphere around, there’s so many people coming together, not only for the rivalry, but to support such great cause. I think it’s an amazing event that people have fun [at],” said Carlson.
Tricolour Classic Co-Chair Nathan Gori, Comm ’24, told The Journal how it felt to have a successful night after all the work he and the rest of the Tricolour Classic executive team did in preparation for the game.
“Everyone has put in hours and hours, it’s just so great to see the fruits of your labour come to fruition, I couldn’t be happier with how it went,” Gori said. “Honestly, nothing could have gone better than that. I’m ecstatic.”
Hunter Sterling MacKinnon, the man who created the Tricolour Classic just last year, was also in attendance.
He mentioned the difficulties and risks associated with starting the event last year, such as finding sponsors, pushing for attendance, and transporting a basketball court to the Leon’s Centre. This year, he was happy to see the event grow to the level he was hoping for.
“It’s incredible to see and it’s amazing just what students can do,” he said. “If there’s one thing to remember for the Homecoming weekend this year, it’s the amazing effort Queen’s students do. I think that should be the takeaway.”
Tags
Basketball, Canadian Cancer Society, Commerce, Engineering, Tricolour Classic
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