Carleton U hires Sumarah to head new football program

Carleton University has hired Steve Sumarah as the head coach of its football program.

"This is an important milestone on the road to bringing football back to Carleton University," school president Roseann O'Reilly Runte said in a statement. "We are pleased to announce that Steve Sumarah will coach the Ravens from their first year.

"Coach Sumarah has an outstanding record of mentoring student-athletes and working with the community. We look forward to watching him build on Carleton's tradition of excellence in varsity sports."

Carleton is scheduled to resume playing football in 2013. The program was cut following the 1998 season due to poor performances and a plan by the school's athletic department to invest more funds in other sports.

Sumarah heads to Carleton after six seasons as head coach of the Saint Mary's University Huskies. He posted a regular-season record of 35-12 over the span, leading the team to four straight AUS titles (2007-2010), a Uteck Bowl championship and a trip to the Vanier Cup (2007).

Sumarah was also named the AUS coach of the year three times (2007-09) and received the Frank Tindall Trophy as Canadian university football's top coach in 2009.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Ravens football program into its new era," he said. "Carleton University, the Old Crows and I share the same vision for the program that Ravens football will be a championship quality team that provides its student-athletes with exceptional academic and athletic opportunities, while fostering the principles of good citizenship and lifelong learning."