SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY DISCONTINUES FOOTBALL PROGRAM
Photo: SFU
BURNABY, B.C. – Simon Fraser University has discontinued its football program, school president Joy Johnson announced Tuesday.
Simon Fraser was slated to play this season in the Lone Star Conference. However, in February the conference announced it would not be renewing its football affiliation with the Red Leafs past the 2023 campaign.
Simon Fraser posted a 1-9 record last year. But in March, the football team promoted Eric Taylor to offensive coordinator and hired Samuel Richard as its special-teams coordinator.
“Given Simon Fraser University’s long and proud football history, this is a difficult decision, and not one taken lightly,” Johnson said in a statement. “I want to thank all the student-athletes and coaches, past and present, for being part of that history.
“However, the football landscape has changed significantly in recent years and we no longer believe we are providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes.”
The Red Leafs moved to the Lone Star Conference in 2022.
“The B.C. Lions are deeply saddened and disappointed to hear the news about Simon Fraser University’s football program,” the CFL club said in a statement. “Today’s news impacts several dedicated individuals, in particular the student-athletes, coaches, staff, countless volunteers, parents and, of course, alumni, who tirelessly dedicated themselves to the SFU program.
“The long and rich history included a very proud chapter that highlights its bond with our team and league. Lui Passaglia, Rick Klassen, Nick Hebeler, Glen Jackson, Sean Millington and Angus Reid are just a few of the greats who came through SFU, building a tradition that continues today with current Lions Michael Couture and Jordan Herdman-Reed. The B.C. Lions will continue to do everything we can to support amateur football at all levels in this province.”
Jim Mullin, the president of Football Canada, was also very disappointed with Simon Fraser’s decision.
“The SFU administration did not contemplate their student-athletes’ future, which is perplexing,” he said. “Players are left scrambling for opportunities via social media.
Simon Fraser has had a football team since 1965.
(Canadian Press)
Why is this a shock? I have said for 5 yrs that u sports teeter on the brink. U of r has a massive deficit and hates sports U have a cfl commissioner that can’t prove he has CTE but can’t disprove it. Rather than get u sports, Jr football to grass roots all aligned knowing that’s the life blood of a ratio. What does he do? Let’s see if we can get more Mexican football leagues aligned. That was the 1st domino. They play 4 down football in b.c and Quebec on CFL field with 12 men. Institutions rot… Read more »
No loss there. The decision makers at SFU were sabotaging the CFL by playing with American rules.