Welcome to Durham Region; Welcome to Oshawa; and Welcome to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology – THE PROUD HOME OF THE RIDGEBACKS!

The UOIT Ridgebacks take their proud place among Ontario University Athletics (OUA) opponents beginning in the fall of 2006. The UOIT Ridgebacks will be the 19th university to join the OUA.

WARNING! Beware when you visit Durham Region, that you are now entering RIDGEBACK TERRITORY. Extreme caution should be taken. Enter at your own risk!

A Ridgeback is a large and well muscled hunting dog that is legendary for its ability and use in hunting down lions. Strong and extremely competitive by nature, the Ridgeback is also lightning quick and deftly alert while constantly paying attention to its surroundings.

Known as a dominant dog with aggressive instincts, the Ridgeback moves, not only, like a hunting dog, but like a dog of prey. It is strong willed and confident and thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities. It is equally as tough in the water as it is on land.

Ridgeback also proudly relates to the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine located just north of the UOIT campus. This makes our nickname doubly impressive and appropriate.

The Ridgebacks will initially field teams for men and women in rowing, tennis and ice hockey. Look for the UOIT Ridgebacks to fiercely challenge the Lions, Golden Hawks, Marauders, Rams, Gryphons, Mustangs, Thunderwolves and other worthy opponents as they set out to build a winning tradition in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) as well as nationally in the CIS.

WHO LET THE DOG OUT!!!
My name is Hunter and I am the world’s biggest Ridgeback fan!!!. Born in February of 2006, I was named by our awesome students at UOIT who are all just as excited as I am about our varsity teams! I am a large and well muscled hunting dog that is legendary for my ability in hunting down lions. I am very strong and extremely competitive by nature which adds to my lightning speed and am deftly aware of my surroundings.

I am instantly recognized as a symbol of Ridgeback Athletics wherever I go. I make all kinds of appearances at community events, schools, hospitals, libraries, parades as well as all of the Ridgeback home games. I am looking forward to seeing you at our games cheering like crazy with me for our varsity teams and helping to continue our tradition of spirit and enthusiasm at UOIT. My best friend is Lord Durham and you will also find me out to watch the Durham Lords play if you would like to help me cheer his teams on too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I see you dancing at the games all the time. Is it hard to dance with your big feet? How big are your feet anyway? (Emma St.Aubin, Courtice,ON)

My feet are huge aren't they? I actually measured my feet once, and they are size 26 !!! Pretty big huh? But, to answer your question, no it's not hard to walk and dance, I will show you at the next game. We can show the crowd together!

Q: Hey Hunter, what is your favorite food? (Braden Babcock, Oshawa ON)

Hmmm...Well Braden, it all depends on what's in season. I have a keen taste for Lions, and other large animals Mustangs or Thunder wolves, but I especially enjoy those small little Badgers; they are really easy to catch! However, I can only get those when they are in season, so I often devour my all time favorite at Winston Shagwells on the Ridge ( our arena sports bar) : A Hunter Hotdog

Q: Hunter, I am a huge fan! Where do you live? I would like to come and visit you. (Quinn Muylaert, Port Perry ON)

Quinn, (that's a pretty name), I live at the Campus Athletic Centre, but have secret tunnels underground that I dug to get me to the Tennis Centre, Arena and Residence. I have a house down below, near the locker room and I keep watch over things. It is realy nice having the whole place to myself. I can run and play as much as I want and sometimes the Coach and athletes will come over and watch TV with me.

Our goal at UOIT will be to attract the best staff, coaches and student-athletes to our campus with the common focus on excellence for everyone. The vision includes our campus as being Canada’s leader in athletics, recreation and wellness programs, combined with top flight athletic facilities. All of which will enrich the overall post-secondary experience for our students.

We intend to deliver a top rated, first class Varsity Athletic program as a proud member of the OUA. This will build a sense of pride on campus and in the community and will support the additional recruitment of our students. The sense of pride and school spirit will also be emphasized with Varsity and Intramural programs and will create an atmosphere of an active and vibrant campus.

The birth of University Athletics at UOIT (Canada's newest fully chartered University) is an exciting venture. We have put the groundwork and foundation in place to offer a first class program and be successful. In short time we expect everyone will want to become a Ridgeback! This is an historical moment in time. When choosing a post-secondary institution, be sure to make UOIT your #1 choice. For a campus visit, please contact the admissions office at 905-721-3190 or e-mail to admissions@uoit.ca