Former McGill Redmen, '87 Vanier Cup MVP Michael Soles named co-president of honour for the 50th TELUS Vanier Cup
MONTREAL - During the 50th TELUS Vanier Cup, the Montreal Alouettes will honour and recognize the career of former player Michael Soles. Montreal's one-time number 22 has been named co-President of honour for the national Canadian University championship being held in Montreal for the very first time in its storied history. The matchup will pit the Université de Montréal Carabins against the McMaster University Marauders at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson has also been named co-President of honour.
Courtesy of www.MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL - During the 50th TELUS Vanier Cup, the Montreal Alouettes will honour and recognize the career of former player Michael Soles. Montreal's one-time number 22 has been named co-President of honour for the national Canadian University championship being held in Montreal for the very first time in its storied history. The matchup will pit the Université de Montréal Carabins against the McMaster University Marauders at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson has also been named co-President of honour.
In 1987, Soles propelled the McGill Redmen to a stunning 47-11 upset over the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, rushing for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries en route to capturing the Vanier Cup and the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game's MVP. Following his amateur career, Soles played 11 seasons in the CFL, including four with the Alouettes from 1996 to 1999.
Since 2005, the Pointe Claire, QC native has been engaged in a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The Alouettes and CIS are proud to honour Michael Soles's outstanding contribution to the game at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, where he last played professional and amateur football.
"For us, there is no question that the TELUS Vanier Cup is the very best possible opportunity and moment to showcase the career exploits of Michael Soles. Our organization is thrilled that Michael is one of two co-Presidents of honour," said Alouettes President and CEO, Mark Weightman.
To honour his incomparable contributions both on and off the field, McGill University has established the Michael Soles Football Award, an endowment fund given annually to deserving student athletes to promote the lasting excellence of the McGill Redmen sporting family. An inaugural goal of $80,000 was set and shattered to the tune of $202,000 at the time of this release. This generous sum was collectively donated by those wishing to commemorate the man locked in a relentless fight for his life today.
For more information on the Michael Soles Football Award, visit: https://www.mcgill.ca/seedsofchange/project/michael-soles-football-award