Over 600 hundred students from across the Golden Horseshoe spent a day at Mohawk College learning what it means to be a varsity athlete.

On Tuesday, both of Hamilton’s biggest post-secondary institutions faced off in a rival basketball game.

The game gave visitors a chance to hear from coaches and players and learn what it means to be an athlete.

“I think the goal today is to have a reflection of that Hamilton basketball community for years and years and years from now,” Adam Cholewka, the lead assistant coach for the Mohawk men’s basketball team, said.

It was a day that wasn’t lost on Harpreet Gill, a power forward and center for the Mohawk men’s squad.

“It’s incredible. I started my journey here three years ago, I was a rookie and one of these guys at a time,” he said of the many spectators. “Looking back on my time here, it’s incredible to see. It’s great to give back to the community that I call home now.”

“It’s a great opportunity to see two local teams,” said Noah Smart, a student at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School.