Townsend’s Jacob Foster Pitches Fanshawe Falcons to OCAA Gold as Simcoe Athletes Capture Bronze
It was a championship weekend filled with pride for local athletes, highlighted by Townsend’s Jacob Foster, who helped the Fanshawe Falcons capture the OCAA Baseball Championship in Windsor. Meanwhile, several Simcoe athletes also left their mark on the podium, as the Lambton Lions baseball team and Durham Lords softball team — both featuring local players — earned hard-fought bronze medals after entering the weekend as top-ranked programs.
For Foster and the Falcons, the gold medal marked the culmination of a dramatic climb from a fifth-place finish last season to the top of Ontario collegiate baseball this fall. Starting on the mound in the championship game, Foster anchored a deep and balanced Falcons roster that blended pitching depth, timely hitting, and elite defense to outlast the field.
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Foster credited Fanshawe’s development and depth. “Definitely being a complete roster, having guys that are ready to go in any situation from the bench or on the field,” he said. “Our all-stars stepped up huge, and the coaches put us in a good spot to win. Our jump is a big part of recruiting and finding more depth by our coaches to support our already talent-filled roster.”
He also praised the coaching staff’s championship strategy, saying their planning and in-game adjustments gave the team the best chance to succeed. “That’s all the coaching staff right there,” Foster said. “If everybody’s working hard all season, then it’s easy for them to make those choices for our team to be in a spot to win.”
Fanshawe’s championship run showcased just how complete their program has become. The Falcons had great regular season before delivering their best when it mattered most, sealing the gold with poise and execution from top to bottom. For Foster, who grew in Townsend, it’s a storybook moment — starting a provincial championship game and walking off the field a champion.
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Simcoe Athletes Shine with Bronze Medals
While Fanshawe captured gold, Simcoe’s connection to OCAA medal performances didn’t end there.
In Windsor, the Lambton Lions baseball team, featuring Simcoe’s Jeryn Shortt, Mikey Walker, and Aidan Littler, capped off a remarkable year with a bronze medal finish. The Lions entered the weekend as the #1-ranked team in Ontario, following a dominant 12–6 regular season. Lambton opened the tournament with a tough loss to St, Clair, the defending champions, they rebounded with a walk off win over the Durham Lords, but their tournament ended with a loss to the Fanshawe Falcons earning them a bronze medal — a strong result that confirmed their place among the OCAA’s elite programs.
Lambton’s season included several memorable moments, from early winning streaks to clutch late-season victories that secured their top seeding. The Lions’ success has been built on balanced pitching, timely hitting, and a group of players who’ve grown together under a culture of accountability. Though the team fell short of gold, finishing with bronze after a long and competitive tournament still represents another major step forward for the program.
In softball, the Durham Lords, powered by Simcoe sisters Makayla and Jess Benz, also finished their OCAA Championship weekend with a bronze medal. The Lords came in ranked #1 in the province, looking to defend their 2024 title after last year’s undefeated season. Despite a few tough bounces in the playoff bracket, Durham finished the weekend with a bronze-medal — through steady pitching, strong defense, and clutch hitting.
For the Benz sisters, it was another proud showing in green and gold. Jess continued to shine as one of the most reliable shortstops and offensive leaders in the OCAA, while Makayla’s pitching and composure in key innings helped keep the Lords in every game. Durham’s podium finish reinforces their position as one of Ontario’s top collegiate softball programs and sets the stage for another run next fall.
A Golden Weekend for Local Talent
Between Jacob Foster’s gold-medal start and the bronze finishes for Lambton and Durham, this OCAA Championship weekend underscored just how deep the talent pool runs across Norfolk County.
Local athletes aren’t just participating — they’re leading their teams at the highest level of Ontario collegiate sport. Whether it’s Foster’s steady hand in the title game, Lambton’s top-ranked season, or Durham’s continued excellence, these performances reflect years of development on hometown fields and diamonds.
For Fanshawe’s Falcons, it’s a gold medal built on depth, coaching, and belief. For Lambton and Durham, it’s bronze medals earned through perseverance and teamwork. For Simcoe and Townsend, it’s another reminder that big-stage success often begins in small towns.
