ALGOMA UNIVERSITY BECOMES THE OUA'S LATEST MEMBER
HAMILTON, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce that the OUA board of directors have voted unanimously to approve Algoma University’s OUA membership application. The Algoma University Thunderbirds will begin athletic participation in the 2013-14 season in the sports of men’s and women’s basketball, curling, cross-country, nordic skiing and wrestling. The Thunderbirds will also field men’s and women’s soccer teams beginning in 2014-15.
Algoma University, formerly Algoma College, has competed in the OCAA since 2001. Basketball, curling and indoor soccer have been part of Algoma varsity sport programming for the majority of the last decade. As the requirement for OUA membership is to compete in six sports, the Sault Ste. Marie based institution selected to offer cross country, Nordic and wrestling based on facilities, support and success of local sports organizations, budget, and anticipated level of competitiveness in the OUA circuit.
The membership application was led by Algoma University President Dr. Richard Myers. Dr. Myers, along with Algoma University Athletic Director Mark Kontulainen, recognized that being part of OUA would provide student-athletes with a wider range of athletic opportunities and an increased level of competition. Algoma is also fortunate enough to receive tremendous support from both their on-campus and local communities.
"Varsity athletics is a key element of student life and a critical link between any university and its home community,” said Dr. Myers. “Our student-athletes will be thrilled to bring the highest level of provincial sport to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and to the members of the Algoma community."
Mark Kontulainen is equally excited to see the Thunderbirds enter OUA competition.
“Competing in the OUA will be a terrific experience for our student-athletes and coaches. Playing at the premier level of University sport in Ontario will be a tremendous opportunity for them to grow and excel. Both our new and existing programs have been busy preparing for their inaugural seasons in the OUA, and I have been impressed with their motivation to assemble competitive teams. Our students, staff, faculty and the greater community look forward to seeing our teams compete in the OUA.”
The last time a school was granted member status was in 2006, when the UOIT Ridgebacks entered the league. Since then the OUA membership application process has intensified. However the combination of strong academic programs, community support, and a willingness to be a respectful and accountable member in the league were some of the strong selling points that convinced the Board of Directors to expand the membership to 20 institutions.
“Algoma University has an impressive track record of providing quality varsity athletics programs that align with the vision and ideals of the OUA,” said OUA Executive Director Ward Dilse. “We welcome Algoma University to our membership, and are excited to count the Thunderbirds as our latest league member.”
