Statement from Sumarah regarding SMU release

Former Saint Mary’s Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah released a statement on his thoughts of the university’s decision not to renew his contract in Halifax this afternoon. Sumarah’s contract expires on March 1, 2012; however, he was informed on Monday of the university’s decision.

The following is the statement from Sumarah:

“I am extremely disappointed with Saint Mary’s decision not to extend my contract as the head football coach after 13 years of dedicated service. Prior to being advised on Monday that my contract would not be renewed I had received no notice of any threat to my continued employment as Head Coach.”

“I believe that my record shows that I was successful at SMU by having a 42 – 18 overall winning record, 3 AUS Coach of the Year awards and in 2009 the CIS Coach of the Year award. Saint Mary’s tradition of excellence has always been the driving force behind my desire to succeed.”

“I am a home grown coach; born and raised in Halifax. I am proud of this city and the program that I represented for the past 13 years. The success of a program cannot only be measured by the wins and losses on the field but by the success of the players in the classroom and their strong community involvement. SMU football was the first CIS program to create a full time
academic facilitator to help my players succeed in the classroom. As one of many community initiatives over the years creating the 13th man with the Special Olympians this past was one of the most gratifying partnerships we developed.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with great young men that I have had the honor to call my players. I would like to thank my family and friends for their continued support of myself and my team over those years. A big thank you is humbly given to the coaching and support staff for all your countless hours of hard work and dedication. Many of whom are volunteers.”

“My thanks as well to the Old Dogs for their support to the program that allowed us to remain competitive in an ever changing CIS football culture, also to all my co-workers past and present. The team is only as good as those who support it.”

“It was not my decision to move in a different direction but I am a firm believer that when one door closes, another one opens. I look forward to the challenges and will face each and every one of them with the same enthusiasm and determination that I have displayed while at Saint Mary’s.”

“Thank you Saint Mary’s University for the opportunity to represent you on a national and international level.”

“Finally, let me offer that my goal was not just to be a success on the field but to also to succeed in seeing young men become part of something bigger than just themselves and build confidence and pride in themselves so that they will carry on the Huskies tradition of not just winning but also making our community a better place.”

(photo courtesy of Eric Wynne, the Chronicle Herald)