Recent Ontario Conference News
In just their third season the Skyhawks take an important step
Photo courtesy of WJ Smith Photography
Loyalist College is investing in competitive athletics programming in the Bay of Quinte region by launching a new $50,000 sponsorship agreement with Quinte Skyhawks Football. This agreement strengthens Loyalist’s existing partnership with the Skyhawks.
Since 2021, Loyalist has been the official home of the Skyhawks, a Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) team that offers young athletes in Southeastern Ontario aged 18 to 22 an opportunity to play football at an advanced level of competition.
The sponsorship agreement includes a Skyhawks bursary fund to support learners completing their post-secondary education while pursuing their dreams on the football field. The bursaries will provide essential financial support to any Skyhawks player who is also a full-time registered student in good academic standing at Loyalist College.
“We’re proud to sponsor a community organization that is bringing growth and opportunities for youth to the Bay of Quinte,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Building on our partnership with the Skyhawks means more students across the country won’t have to choose between competing in a sport they love and pursuing their post-secondary education. Together, we will continue removing barriers for learners seeking a competitive athletic environment within our tight-knit, caring community.”
“Loyalist’s excellence in varsity athletics and student-centred philosophy makes it the perfect home for the Skyhawks,” said Peter Gabriel, President of Skyhawks Football. “As the team continues to grow and soar to new heights, we look forward to sharing the excitement of cheering on our region’s very own CJFL team with the entire Bay of Quinte community.”
Seven players with CJFL ties completed in the combine
The CJFL was very well represented at the CFL Invitational Combine with seven players completing among some of the best from US colleges and U-Sport programs.
Below are the final results from the seven players that took part:
| Players | Bench Press | 40-Yard | Vertical | Broad Jump | 3-Cone | Shuttle Run |
| Burgmaier, Donovan | 21 | 5.37 | 30 | 8'10 1/8 | 7.53 | 4.7 |
| Charles, Shawn | 4 | 4.92 | 28 | 8'11 7/8 | 7.94 | DNP |
| Hayes-Williams, Jared | DNP | 5.01 | 27 | 8'9 5/8 | 7.44 | 4.45 |
| Ricard, Andrew | 8 | 5.12 | 24.5 | 8'4 | 7.66 | 4.58 |
| Pingue, Jadyn | DNP | 4.95 | 31 | 8'8 | 7.71 | DNP |
| O'Shea, Mike | DNP | 4.86 | 34 | 9'8 5/8 | 7.26 | 4.4 |
| Oling, Ronnie | 11 | 4.78 | 32 | 9'2 3/4 | 7.32 | 4.37 |
Running back from the St. Clair Saints
The ground game for the St. Clair Saints is in good hands for the 2023 season with the return of MJ Doyle Marshall to the backfield.
He was a first-year star for the Saints in 2022 predominately running the football. He finished with 29 carries for 225 yards, averaging 7.8 yards a carry and scored a pair of touchdowns.
He gained valuable experience as the Saints ran the table last season and hosted the National Semi-Final game. On the national stage the rookie carried the rock five times for 33 yards.
He will no doubt be a major factor for the Saints this season as a member of the CJFL Class of 2023.
Watch his highlights below.
Class of 2023 - Richard Graham
- By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 02/22/2023, 6:00am PST
CFL Invitational Combine
- By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 02/07/2023, 6:00pm PST
Class of 2023 - LJ Dyer
- By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 02/06/2023, 7:30pm PST
A Look Back at 2022
- By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 12/31/2022, 11:00am PST
Hurricanes Open New Chapter
- By Supplied 12/07/2022, 7:00am PST