Press Release - Sault College

Sault College is making history with the launch of its very first varsity football team, the Sault College Cougars. As the college enters the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) and competes in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) for the 2025 season, Cougar pride has never been stronger. This initiative not only expands the athletics program but also offers local and regional students new opportunities to engage with sport while pursuing academic excellence.

The Cougars' initial football program is fielding an impressive 67-man roster, representing a diverse group of athletes from across Western Canada, Southern and Southwestern Ontario, and the local community. The coaching team has worked to recruit both experienced and emerging talent to form a dynamic and competitive squad. Student-athletes are eligible between the ages of 18 and 23, providing a platform for both recent high school graduates and young postsecondary athletes to participate at a high level.

Led by Director of Athletics and Student Experience, Paul Orazietti, a seasoned football coach and former Associate Head Coach at the University of British Columbia, the program's mission is to develop a competitive team rooted in the Sault Ste. Marie community. The addition of football is designed to foster school spirit, enhance campus vibrancy, and offer an athletic pathway for students who want to balance their academic pursuits with high-level sports participation.

"Our goal at Sault College is to invest in sports programs deeply rooted in the local community, and football complements this. Sault Ste. Marie boasts incredible local talent, and with this addition, we hope to provide local high school players an opportunity to pursue both a postsecondary education and a football experience." — Paul Orazietti, Director of Athletics and Student Experience

• Campus Life: Football is poised to become a cornerstone of campus events and student engagement.

• Community Connections: The team enables local athletes to stay in Northern Ontario while advancing in both academics and athletics.

• Athletics Programming: The football program joins other growing varsity sports at Sault College, supporting the institution's drive to offer a holistic student life.

The Cougars kick off their debut OFC season in August 2025. Excitement is high as the team prepares for key matchups, including opening on the road against the GTA Grizzlies and hosting rivals at the newly developed Rocky Dipietro Field.

• August 1: GTA Grizzlies (away)

• August 23: Hamilton Hurricanes (home)

• September 6: London Beefeaters (home)

• September 13: St. Clair Saints (home)

• October 4: Quinte Skyhawks (home)

Season passes can be purchased here: Sault College Football - Season Ticket Access Card Tickets, Fri, 1 Aug 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite

Let's show our Cougar pride and make this inaugural season unforgettable!