AUSTIN RUSSELL
Head Coach
Former HarbourCat and WCL All-Star Austin Russell has been handed the reins of the Victoria Collegiate Cats of the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC), effective August 1.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to help build a Victoria Collegiate Cats program that the players, alumni and community can be proud of,” said Russell, who played with his brother Ty on the 2013 HarbourCats team.
“My time playing college baseball had a tremendous impact on my growth as a person, both on and off the field, and my priority is to provide these young men with that same opportunity — an experience they can look back on with pride and one that helps prepare them for success as they move forward in life.”
Russell, 34, was a member of the inaugural HarbourCats team and the outfielder was selected to play in the WCL all-star game in 2013. He also played summer collegiate baseball in Moose Jaw, and played collegiately at Colby Community College, Southern Polytechnic State, and MacPherson College.
Russell won conference awards as a player at Colby and MacPherson, and still plays in the Mavericks League locally. He represented Victoria in the 2018 Baseball Canada Men’s Nationals on home soil, earning a silver medal.
He coached for many years in the Victoria Mariners youth system, and is excited to return to the college level. Pitching Coach Darius Opdam Bak and Assistant Coach Colton O’Brien will return and round out the coaching staff.
COLTON O’BRIEN
Hitting / Outfield Coach
Colton has been with the Victoria Collegiate Program since inception as both a player and a coach. Born and raised in Victoria, he has been a part of Victoria Baseball for many years. He was a graduate of the Victoria Eagles PBL program in 2017 which included a Team BC selection in 2015.
After graduation, Colton spent time as a coach within the Eagles organization in 2017/2018. This included a role as an assistant coach within the 2018 Bantam AAA Eagles. At the announcement of the Golden Tide program Colton was currently enrolled at Camosun College and joined the inaugural Collegiate Cats (then the Golden Tide) team as an outfielder. After that season he transitioned into the role of Hitting/Outfield Coach which he still holds today.
Colton has also spent time in the organization as a youth training coach with the Victoria HarbourCats Youth Development Program (2022-2024), and had a small stint as an assistant coach with the Victoria HarbourCats of the WCL in the summer of 2024. He also holds a seat on the Board of Directors for the Victoria Mavericks Baseball Club, one of the oldest Sr. Men’s baseball programs in North America.
Colton brings a wealth of knowledge to the Collegiate and is constantly looking for ways to continue to develop his understanding of the game. His attention to detail and baseball IQ look to help the Collegiate Cats build a successful program for years to come.
DARIUS OPDAM BAK
Pitching Coach
Known for his technical insight and player-first approach, Collegiate Cats Pitching Coach Darius Opdam Bak blends experience as both a high-level player and a dedicated coach. He is driven by a commitment to athlete development, emphasizing biomechanics, arm care, and mental preparation for the demands of collegiate pitching.
Darius began his coaching career with the White Rock Tritons, where he spent two years working with some of British Columbia’s top high school athletes. During his time there, he focused on mechanical efficiency, individualized throwing programs, and helping pitchers transition to the next level of competition. His coaching is grounded in a kinesiology background, which informs his analytical approach to workload management, movement quality, and injury prevention.
As a player, Darius developed through the Tritons program and competed at the collegiate level with Douglas College. He later transferred to the University of Victoria, where he played for both the Golden Tide (CCBC) and the Victoria HarbourCats (West Coast League). His experience as a pitcher in both academic and summer league settings gives him a valuable perspective on the player journey and the challenges of balancing academics, training, and performance.
In 2015, Darius represented Canada at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, a formative experience that shaped his competitive mindset and appreciation for the team environment.
Today, Darius works closely with Collegiate Cats pitchers to develop individualized plans focused on long-term growth. His coaching combines biomechanics, modern pitch design principles, mental performance strategies, and a strong understanding of athletic development. He values building strong coach-athlete relationships and aims to help players grow not only as athletes but as teammates and leaders.