Sault College football expands into the CJFL

Sault College scores a touchdown Sault College Cougars to play in the Canadian Junior Football League. Mike McDonald reports.

Sault College is expanding its athletics program. The college is now affiliated with the Canadian Junior Football League and will play its first season in the summer of 2025.

The Sault College Cougars will feature a 65-man roster, with players ranging in age from 18 to 23. Paul Orazietti, the school’s director of athletics, told CTV News that they are looking to capitalize on the popularity of football in Sault Ste. Marie.

"Seeing Friday night football games with over a thousand people, that's a bit of a rarity as far as high schools around Ontario, and around the country to be honest," he said.

"So, there's great passion here."

Orazietti used to coach football at the University of British Columbia. He said there is plenty of preparation to be done ahead of the Cougars' first game – including recruitment of players and coaches, buying equipment and finding a place to play. To that end, the college is in the early planning stages for a new turf field on campus.

Orazietti said if the new turf field isn't ready for the 2025 season, there are other possibilities – such as the field at Superior Heights Collegiate.