Current River Lions player takes over Rao’s position at Niagara College. Pictured: Chris Rao.
As a follow up story from the Niagara Independent on Tuesday of this week, where it was said it was a double celebration for Niagara River Lions assistant coach and Welland native Chris Rao – the only Niagara native on the CEBL Champion River Lions coaching staff or roster.
Rao has been named Interim Head Coach of the Cape Breton University Capers Women’s Basketball team, taking over from Fabian Mackenzie, who is taking a medical leave.
Rao, who was in charge of the Niagara College Women’s Basketball program since 2019, is a two-time alumnus at Cape Breton and former assistant coach with the Capers.
“The Capers Athletics program has a strong history of bold leadership,” said University President David C. Dingwall. “For this reason, and his exceptional track record, we are thrilled to welcome Chris Rao back to CBU in this new capacity.”
“We look forward to cheering on the Capers Women’s basketball team under his guidance and wish Coach Fabe all the best as he takes the time he needs.”
Rao is ecstatic to be heading back east.
“I am very excited to rejoin the Cape Breton University community and Capers athletics,” Rao explained. “I am truly honoured that I got the call to be a caretaker for the program while Coach Fabe is away.”
“Returning to the school where I was a student is very special. Being a Head Coach at my alma mater is a dream come true and I’ll cherish it every day.”
Rao drove back to Cape Breton from the Rose City, arriving late Thursday afternoon.
So who will replace Rao at Niagara College with the Knight’s Women’s Basketball team on an interim basis?
None other than current River Lions fan favorite and team captain Kimbal Mackenzie, whom Rao had a large hand in convincing to stay in Niagara.
“Kimmel McKenzie is a brilliant basketball player and a great human being,” said Rao when contacted by The Niagara Independent.
“I’ve had the honor of working with him for three seasons, one with the Guelph Nighthawks (now Calgary Surge in the CEBL) and two with the River Lions,” Rao continued. “He’s talked about making the transition into coaching before, and this seems like a good first step for him. I wish him all the best. He has my support and the support of the Niagara College Athletics staff and department, and he’s going to do a great job.”
Fellow Welland native Michele O’Keefe is the Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at the college.
“We’re excited to have Coach Mackenzie join the Knights family,” O’Keefe said. “This young coach brings his excellent playing pedigree to our women’s team along with his very high basketball IQ. He will have to quickly learn the landscape of OCAA women’s basketball, and we are confident Kimbal is ready for the challenge.”
Now a resident of Grimsby, Mackenzie says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to settle down with his family and continue the winning culture that Rao has built.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Niagara College Knights family, and am fortunate to be given the opportunity to take over a program with a great culture and experienced and talented players.”
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
