Did you know that until recently there was a Canadian college football team in the NCAA?
• Also read: NCAA: A Quebecer follows in Glen Constantin’s footsteps
On Tuesday, the Red Leafs organization at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia announced it was cutting its football program after being rejected by the NCAA.
She had decided to leave the Canadian varsity league (U Sports) to join the Lone Star Association of the American University Circuit in 2010. Since then, the Red Leafs have maintained a poor record of 18 wins and 99 losses against American teams playing in the NCAA Division Two.
Last February, Lone Star decision makers notified SFU that they intended to end their association after the 2023 season, ending the football program after 53 years of existence.
“Uncertainty creates an unacceptable experience for students,” SFU President Joy Johnson said in a statement. The university has examined all options. As leaders, we have come to the conclusion that playing football at SFU is no longer possible.”
Bad news for a Quebecer
PHOTO PROVIDED BY Camera_Zeevat
The end of the soccer program at SFU will have a direct impact on a coach back home. In fact, Quebec native Samuel Richard had recently accepted an offer to become SFU’s special teams coordinator. He would have become the third man from Belle Province to lead the NCAA, after Jacques Dussault (1979) and Glen Constantin (1995). However, Richard must put that dream aside and find a new opportunity.
In addition, many in the country have expressed disappointment at the end of football activities at SFU. This applies in particular to the organization of the BC Lions.
“Today’s news [mardi] impacts many dedicated individuals, particularly student-athletes, coaches, staff, a large number of volunteers, parents and alumni who have worked tirelessly for the SFU program,” the Canadian Football League club said in a press release.