The announcement that Simon Fraser University (SFU) has cancelled its football team for the 2023 season has sent shockwaves through the community. This decision comes after years of financial struggles and declining player interest. In response, SFU has announced that it will appoint a ‘special advisor’ to examine the future of the program and make recommendations on how the university can better support its student-athletes moving forward. This article will explore the reasons behind the cancellation, the impact on players and fans, and what SFU’s next steps will be.
Simon Fraser University football alumni had their hopes dashed on Thursday when the school released a statement confirming that SFU’s varsity football team would not be reinstated for the 2023 season. The statement added that a “special advisor” would be appointed to review and make recommendations for potential sustainable opportunities for football at the school. SFU president Joy Johnson and other officials had already met with the alumni earlier that morning. Johnson had announced the team’s dismissal on April 4, citing “ongoing uncertainty” following the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference’s decision to drop SFU football starting in 2024. SFU senior athletic director, Theresa Hanson, also informed players that the decision was not finance-driven and that joining another conference other than the Lone Star Conference was a complex process.
Following the announcement, SFU’s Football Alumni Society filed an injunction application in the BC Supreme Court, claiming that the school had breached its contract with five scholarship players. The injunction application hearing is scheduled for May 3, and if successful, the courts could order SFU to continue the program. News of the elimination of the 57-year-old football program has been met with widespread support from the Canadian football community and beyond. B.C. Lions owner, Amar Doman, has pledged to match donations to SFU Football to the tune of $500,000 per year for five years, and he is calling for donations on April 25th, which he has dubbed “Save SFU Football Day.” Football lawyer and former player, Glen Orris, stated that he believes that if the program is reinstated, it will come back better and stronger than ever before.
It is certainly disappointing news for fans of the Simon Fraser University football team, as the cancellation of the 2023 season will leave a void in the college sports calendar. However, with the appointment of a “special advisor” to help guide the future of SFU athletics, there is reason to believe that brighter days may be on the horizon. It remains to be seen what changes may be in store for the football program, but one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of SFU athletes, coaches, and fans will continue to shine through, regardless of these setbacks. Here’s to hoping for a successful and exciting future for SFU sports.
