Cape Breton University's 50th Anniversary celebrations continue to make waves this season as the varsity soccer teams proudly don their retro jerseys at the Caperfest Home Opener Weekend on September 7 and 8 at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field. Following in the footsteps of the basketball teams, who unveiled their retro jerseys earlier this year, the CBU Capers men's and women's soccer teams will wear their retro jerseys for the 2024-2025 season.
For Ness Timmons, head coach of the Capers Women's Soccer program, the retro jerseys hold a special place as they connect directly to the Island's heritage, a tradition rooted in his own playing days. "On our team, we always start with tradition," Ness shares. "The jersey will serve as a reminder that when our athletes play for the Capers, they represent more than themselves and more than just this year's team."
Robert White, assistant coach of the Capers Women's Soccer team, echoes this sentiment. As the co-creator of the new women's retro jerseys, Robert emphasizes the significance of the original Capers' orange and green colours. "Those colours are the heart of what CBU athletics was built on originally, and those same colour combinations shine bright in stadiums across the country when we are representing the school to this day," says Robert. "We preach to our student-athletes that they are not only representing CBU, but Cape Breton Island wherever they go, so to have the retro island logo on these jerseys is something special to wear over their heart."
The retro jerseys also hold a personal meaning for Deano Morley, head coach of the Capers Men's Soccer program. Deano believes the retro jerseys are more than just a throwback and provide an opportunity for the players to learn about CBU Capers' history, the program's roots and the hard work and sacrifice that have shaped the University, the Island and the team. "It is magical to see the old logo on our chest. It is the badge we wore when I played, so it has a special place in my heart," he shares.
The men's retro jerseys feature the initials "RC" on the arm, a tribute to former head coach Robbie Chiasson. "He is a true pioneer of men's soccer at the University and community soccer on the Island," Deano adds. "We carry that with pride."
Deano sees the retro jerseys as a powerful symbol that reflects on the past while looking ahead to the future. The jerseys serve as a message that the CBU Capers coaching staff try to instill in the teams each year. "You do not play for the number on the back of your jersey, to fight for the badge on the front," says Deano. "The more the players understand that, the more powerful the culture becomes."
As the team's head coach, Deano expresses deep pride and a strong sense of responsibility in representing the Island and its people. He feels it's important to give back to the community that has given him so much and hopes the team and the community both recognize this commitment. The special retro jerseys, designed to honour the past, further emphasize the team's profound connection to the Island.
Show your support for the Capers as they sport their new retro jerseys and be a part of the celebration at the Caperfest Home Opener Weekend on September 7 and 8 at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field.
Games will take place on Saturday, September 7, as the CBU Capers take on the Dalhousie Tigers, with games beginning at 1:00pm (Women's) and 3:15pm (Men's) and the following day, Sunday, September 8, with the Capers going head-to-head against the Acadia Axewomen and Axemen, with games taking place at 1:00pm (Women's) and 3:15pm (Men's).
To stay up to date on the 50th celebration, visit cbu.ca/50.
