BURNABY, B.C. — James Knibbs said the decision by Simon Fraser University (SFU) earlier this month to cancel its varsity football program came as a shock to him and everyone involved with the program.
The university, located in Burnaby, B.C., said earlier this month that it was ceasing the Red Leafs football program, even though SFU has produced more CFL players than any other Canadian university program.
The Red Leafs played in the NCAA Division 2's Lone Star Conference, making them the only Canadian university in the NCAA. Knibbs was the first football player to come out of Estevan to garner an NCAA scholarship.
"This is a difficult decision, and not one taken lightly," said SFU president Joy Johnson in a news release. "With the recent announcement that the team has not been invited to continue in the Lone Star Conference, we do not have a conference to play in beginning in 2024. The ongoing uncertainty creates an unacceptable experience for students. The university has carefully considered all available options and as a leadership team, we concluded that football is no longer a feasible sport for SFU.
"We made this decision now to give students time to make other plans for their athletic careers if they so choose. All students impacted are being supported with one-on-one guidance regarding next steps. We will support football athletes who want to explore options outside of SFU, and will honour athletic scholarship commitments for those who choose to remain at SFU and meet eligibility requirements for the 2023-24 school year."
Knibbs, who plays defensive lineman and linebacker, said there was no indication that SFU was getting out of football.
"Nobody had any prior knowledge, including our entire coaching staff and support staff, even the media team," said Knibbs. "Nobody except the upper administration knew that this was under consideration."
Knibbs is wrapping up his third year at SFU, where he is majoring in business, with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship.
His first year at the university was in 2020, which was scuttled by the COVID-19 pandemic. They practised but didn't play. The Red Leafs have played the last two seasons, with 2022 being the first in the Lone Star Conference. Knibbs said it was "definitely a different level of competition", and while they won just once, they were competitive most nights.
"It looked like we had a lot of potential going into next season," said Knibbs.
He saw an increase in playing time last season.
The schedule for the Lone Star Conference had already been established for the fall of 2023, he said. He doesn't know what the next step will be for Red Leafs' football, but he is hopeful SFU will be a team this fall, as he believes the alumni will be able to restore the program. He also noted an interim injunction has been filed to keep the team going for 2023.
Knibbs has enjoyed his time at SFU and would prefer to finish his studies there. But he also wants to continue to play football.
"It's been an incredible blessing to do both," he said.
Knibbs is grateful for the support the football team has received since the program was cancelled, with alumni, the football community and people across the country expressing their support.
"I think it's really inspiring and I hope we can restore this program," said Knibbs.
He has also received a lot of support from people in the community.
"I know people in Saskatchewan, as well as the people in Estevan, have voiced their support, and I'm thankful for that," said Knibbs.
