James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School is proud to announce that Williams I., one of the school's premier student/athletes, has officially signed an athletic scholarship with Sault College, becoming part of the historic launch of the Sault College Cougars football program. The Cougars are set to make their debut in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) in the summer of 2025, bringing high level college football to Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario for the very first time.
This moment not only represents a personal triumph for Williams but also highlights the incredible momentum building within the JCM Football program. Despite having only one season of varsity football in school history, JCM has now proudly produced two football scholarships in back to back years, a testament to the school's vision and commitment to its student/athletes.
Under the leadership of Principal Tony Bisceglia and Coach Vescio, JCM's football dream began long before the first snap in 2024. In 2023, JCM did not have a football team, but rather than let talent go to waste, Coach and Principal Bisceglia encouraged Williams to transfer to Brebeuf College School so he could pursue his new passion for football after switching over from soccer. They also connected him with the Toronto Jr. Argos of the OSFL to gain summer playing experience.
Special thanks go out to Carlo Oranati of the Jr. Argos and Coach Hughes of Brebeuf College School, whose partnership and mentorship were instrumental in Williams' development and football journey. These key community connections built through JCM's expanding network of sport partnerships, are central to the school's growing ability to offer year round opportunities to its athletes, across multiple disciplines.
It was this very commitment that drove the school to launch its first-ever varsity tackle football team in 2024, ensuring that future student/athletes would never again have to leave their school to pursue their dreams. "We didn't want to lose our kids just because we didn't offer a sport," said Coach Vescio. "We built this program to foster the talent in our community."
Despite his temporary move, Williams' heart never left JCM. He returned to graduate with his peers, and today, that loyalty came full circle as he signed his official letter of intent with Sault College. Fittingly, the event was shared with his fellow JCM football players and his brother, Lawrence, also a member of the Wolfpack Football team.
Currently rated as the #1 high school defensive tackle in Ontario, Williams has proven that potential, opportunity, and support can unlock something extraordinary. His scholarship to Sault College is the 10th athletic scholarship JCM has celebrated in the last three years, a remarkable figure that reflects the school's emerging status as a powerhouse in nurturing elite student-athletes.
JCM congratulates Williams on this incredible achievement and thanks every coach, mentor, teammate, and staff member who helped make this day possible. As the Sault College Cougars prepare to make history in the CJFL, we know they are getting a game-changer, on and off the field.
Congratulations, Williams, your JCM family is beyond proud!
