(Sault Ste. Marie, ON November 28, 2023) – Sault College Athletics is thrilled to announce its entry into the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), marking a historic moment for Sault College and the community of Sault Ste. Marie. The newly formed team, the Sault College Cougars, is set to kick off its inaugural season in the summer of 2025, bringing the excitement of college football to the heart of Northern Ontario.
The Sault Cougars will compete in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) of the CJFL where they will face impressive opponents, including the Quinte Skyhawks, GTA Grizzlies, St. Clair Saints, London Beefeaters, Hamilton Hurricanes, and the Ottawa Sooners. The competition is fierce, with the winner of the OFC advancing to the Canadian Bowl for a shot at the National Championship battling the top teams from the Prairie Conference and the BC Conference.
Sault College is committed to building a competitive athletics program, and the Sault Cougars will feature a sixty-five-man roster. Student athletes will be eligible from ages 18 to 23. The selection process for the coaching staff and player recruitment is underway, with Sault College’s Director of Athletics and Student Experience, and former Associate Head Football Coach at the University of British Columbia, Paul Orazietti, set to lead the program in its initial seasons.
"Our goal at Sault College is to invest in sports programs deeply rooted in the local community, and football complements this," said Paul Orazietti. "Sault Ste. Marie boasts incredible local talent, and with this addition, we hope to provide our local high school players with the opportunity to pursue both a postsecondary education and a postsecondary football experience while remaining in their hometown or in Northern Ontario.”
The College envisions football becoming a major cornerstone of campus life contributing to the vibrancy of student engagement. The sport will also be a primary focus for the new turf field and track planned at Sault College creating a dynamic space for both athletes and fans.
“The addition of our new football team not only elevates our athletics programming, but it also offers our students an opportunity to engage in high-level sports while pursuing their academic goals.This aligns with our commitment to providing students with educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. We are excited to see how the Sault College Cougars will enhance our campus life, foster community engagement, and open new avenues for student growth," added Sherri Smith, Vice President, Academics, Innovation and Student Success.
For more information, to volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Paul Orazietti, Director of Athletics and Student Experience, Sault College at athletics@saultcollege.ca.
–30 –