Ryerson Rams

Ryerson Rams. The Ryerson Rams are the varsity athletic teams that represent Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Toronto, Ontario. Competing primarily in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference of U Sports, the Rams field teams in a wide variety of sports. The program has grown significantly since its inception, achieving national prominence, particularly in basketball and volleyball.

History

The athletic program's origins are tied to the founding of Ryerson Institute of Technology in 1948, with early teams competing in local industrial leagues. Formal varsity competition began in the 1960s, with the Rams joining the Ontario University Athletics association. A major turning point occurred in 2012 with the opening of the Mattamy Athletic Centre, a transformative facility built within the historic Maple Leaf Gardens. This move, coinciding with the university's renaming to Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022, marked a new era of visibility and investment for Rams athletics. Throughout its history, the program has evolved from its technical school roots to become a competitive force in Canadian university sports.

Varsity teams

The Rams currently field varsity teams in numerous sports, competing in both OUA East Division and OUA West Division alignments. Prominent men's teams include basketball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, and wrestling. Women's varsity teams are equally robust, featuring nationally recognized programs in basketball and volleyball, as well as soccer, hockey, and cross country running. The Rams also compete in track and field, with athletes often qualifying for the U Sports Track and Field Championships. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association governs the curling teams, while rowing competes in events like the Canadian University Rowing Championship.

Championships and achievements

The Rams have secured multiple national and provincial championships, with the women's basketball team winning the inaugural U Sports Women's Basketball Championship in 2022 under coach Carly Clarke. The men's volleyball team has been a perennial contender, capturing the U Sports Men's Volleyball Championship in 2015 and 2016. In hockey, the women's team claimed the U Sports Women's Hockey Championship in 2019. At the conference level, Rams teams have won numerous Ontario University Athletics titles across sports like basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. Individual athletes have also earned prestigious awards such as the U Sports Player of the Year and Dr. James Naismith Award.

Facilities

The primary home for most Rams teams is the Mattamy Athletic Centre, located in the restored Maple Leaf Gardens. This facility features the Coca-Cola Court for basketball and volleyball, a hockey rink, and a fitness centre. The Downsview Park campus houses the Rogers Communications Centre for soccer and provides training grounds. The Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, built for the 2015 Pan American Games, is used for swimming, track and field, and wrestling. Additional training and competition venues include the Old Oak Sports Centre and the National Tennis Centre.

Notable alumni

Many Rams alumni have achieved success in professional sports, coaching, and broadcasting. In basketball, Aaron Best and Adika Peter-McNeilly have played professionally in Europe and the NBA G League. Women's basketball standout Marin Scotten has represented Canada internationally. Volleyball alumnus Lucas Coleman played for the Canadian national volleyball team. In media, former Rams hockey player and coach Graham Wise is a respected figure, while broadcaster David Amber is a prominent Sportsnet personality. Coaching alumni include Roy Rana, who led the Ryerson Rams men's basketball team to success before coaching the Canadian men's national basketball team.