Heading North: OFC Welcomes Sault College Cougars For 2025 Season

The Ontario Football Conference is set to welcome a dynamic new addition in 2025 – the Sault College Cougars. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the conference, now boasting seven teams, and signifies a momentous return of OFC football to Sault Ste. Marie. The Cougars are poised to make an impactful debut under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Orazietti, the Athletic Director at Sault College.

The decision to have the Cougars' take to the field in 2025 and not next season is a calculated move according to Orazietti, focusing on meticulous preparation and organization. Orazietti emphasized this strategy, saying. “We wanted to make sure that if we were going to get in [to the OFC], we did it right. We had all of the nuts and bolts, all the equipment pieces ordered and in place. We had the volunteers and the infrastructure completely ready to go. We just didn't want to fire first and then aim later... I think it makes more sense to be organized, competitive, and have all those things in place before we get on the field.”

The Cougars' arrival signals more than just a new team; it's a commitment to the local community and Northern Ontario. Orazietti's vision for the team extends beyond the field, aiming to nurture local high school talent and provide them with opportunities to excel in both football and academics. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for local high school kids who want to further their football careers and get an education at the same time... I see this as being a way to give Northern Ontario student-athletes the opportunity to play maybe a little bit closer to home,” Orazietti explained.

Sault College's involvement goes beyond sponsorship. They are deeply invested in the success and growth of the Cougars, with plans to upgrade their athletic facilities. “The college is very supportive of it... We just announced about a month ago that we received approval for a committee to begin to look into the cost of a turf field and facility,” Orazietti shared, highlighting the college’s commitment to enhancing student life through sports. 

The introduction of the Cougars into the Ontario Football Conference has been met with widespread enthusiasm and anticipation. Conference President Darren Cocchetto shared a sense of anticipation and optimism about the Cougars joining the league, highlighting their well-thought-out approach and commitment to high standards. “We're very excited to have a team up in Sault Ste. Marie. It's clear that there's a plan in place and to do things first class and first rate.” Cocchetto went on to say that this expansion marks a significant step towards a truly provincial representation in the league. “It's truly becoming a provincial wide Ontario Football Conference which is great. We have a team in the nation's capital, so we're east, a team in Windsor to the west and south and now north in Sault Ste. Marie, so it's very exciting.”

As the OFC continues to evolve into a truly province-wide organization, the excitement for what lies ahead is palpable, setting the stage for a vibrant and dynamic future for football in Ontario.