Conor Allin, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK

Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.

This week, we feature Chatham’s Conor Allin.

A former OUA basketball player for the University of Windsor, where he won an OUA championship alongside his brothers, Allin is now married and living in Chatham-Kent where he manages the Chilled Cork.

Here are Conor’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:

1. Where did you grow up?

The best place on earth, Chatham-Kent!

2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?

Too many to choose from. As a kid growing up it was always a fun time to be a part of the various summer festivals (Festival of Nations, Highland Games, Heritage Days – Fair at the forks). Always being a part of many different sports camps was something I always looked forward to (Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Soccer, Swimming). Of course you can’t talk about favourite past times in Chatham-Kent without mentioning corn detasseling, hard to say you’re from CK without working in the fields!

3. What did you do after high school?

Went to the University of Windsor where I had the opportunity to play varsity basketball with a couple of my older brothers. We went on to win the OUA Championship in my first year at Windsor (first time for the University in over 30 years)

4. What are you doing now?

I’ve been at Chilled Cork Restaurant and Lounge and Retro Suites Hotel for the better part of the last 9 years. Managing the restaurant while working together with our sales team, events and catering.

5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?

One of the best things for sure is being surrounded by a lot of family and friends. Having worked in the downtown core for the last decade, it’s nice to see all the local businesses supporting one another and giving back to Chatham as a collective group. The community of CK has a unique way of making you feel like everyone is a part of your family and friends.

6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?

That Chatham-Kent is one of Canada’s best kept secrets. We have such great amenities within the community, whether you seek sandy beaches, boats and/or fishing trips out to Mitchell’s Bay, Erieau, or Rondeau Provincial Park. Or if you’re looking to work up a sweat/be active we have multiple outdoor sporting facilities (basketball courts, beach volleyball, tennis etc.) along with some really nice golf courses amongst other things. We get the true four seasons weather wise, but fortunately for us a very mild winter compared to close by towns. Chatham-Kent is also known for its low cost of living with a very affordable housing market that allow many locals to still be able to afford trips with their families or friends and toys (boats, four wheelers, snowmobiles etc.)

7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?

Chatham is home. Most of my family and core group of friends reside here. I was able to find a job that I’m passionate about. My wife Erin is also from Chatham-Kent and most of her family also lives here. We live in such a diverse area that I’m super proud to call home.

8. Describe your current sports involvement?

I used to run a men’s sports league (for 5 years) called ‘Old Man Gym Class’. It was a 32 man league, 4 teams of 8, that played a different sport each week. Currently over the winter months I’ve turned into an avid Curler, such a fun time with a great group of people over at Chatham’s Granite Club. In the summer I get together with Erin and a group of our friends and play in the beach volleyball league over at Southside or I get out on the links for a round of golf with some of the guys. I have been a member at the local YMCA for the past 8/9 years as well, such a nice gym with the upgrades they have done in the last year. The staff there is super friendly and just awesome in general. They are super accommodating and always asking members for better ways to improve their gym/facilities or just our input in general. Hoping to get back into coaching the near future!