Michael Soles
| No. 32 | |
| Date of birth | November 8, 1966 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1996–1999 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1996 |
| CFL East All-Star | 1995 (North) |
| Awards | 1996: Lew Hayman Trophy |
| Honors | 1993: Grey Cup Champion 1987: Vanier Cup: Ted Morris Memorial Trophy |
Michael Soles (November 8, 1966 – July 7, 2021) was a Canadian professional
Early life and collegiate football career
Soles was born in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, on November 8, 1966.[1][2] He attended St. Thomas High School in his hometown, where he played high school football.[2] He studied history and economics at McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1989.[1] As a Redman, he was honoured as a conference all-star three times and was a two-time All-Canadian.[1][2] He also rushed for a then-team record 2,231 yards in 20 regular season games.[3] The highlight of his university football career came in the 1987 Vanier Cup, when he led the underdog McGill team to an upset 47–11 victory over the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, who were the favourites. He rushed for 203 yards and had 2 touchdowns, and won the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game MVP.[1]
Professional career
Soles practiced with the
After becoming a free agent, Soles signed with his hometown Montreal Alouettes in 1996. On November 2, 1997, he scored the franchise's first touchdown at the Percival Molson Memorial Stadium after their re-establishment.[2] Paired with the all-time CFL rushing great Mike Pringle, Soles became a blocking back, leading the way for Pringle and catching many short yardage passes.[4][7] He was honoured as a CFL All-Star in 1996 and won the Lew Hayman Trophy that year as best Canadian player in the East.[2] When he retired, Pringle paid him a supreme compliment, saying he would have never gained the yards he did without Soles' blocking.[8]
Soles finished his 11-year career with 3,007 rushing yards, 3,501 receiving yards (on 325 catches) and 45 touchdowns.[2]
Personal life and death
Soles was married to Catherine until his death. Together, they had three children: Anthony, Matthew, and Justine.[2][4] Matthew followed his father's footsteps to collegiate football when he was recruited by McGill in August 2019.[9]
After retiring from football, Soles worked in finance. He and his family resided in the
He died on July 7, 2021, at Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire. He was 54 years old.[2][4]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Michael Soles (2000) – Hall of Fame". McGill University. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "CFL, Als mourn the passing of Michael Soles". Canadian Football League. July 8, 2021. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ McGill University Sports Hall of Fame: Michael Soles
- ^ a b c d e Zurkowsky, Herb (July 8, 2021). "Courageous Pointe-Claire football great Michael Soles dies at age 54". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ "Miners searching for CFL gold in first year". Medicine Hat News. July 6, 1993. p. 11. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ "Soles proud to be part of Montreal's football renaissance". Montreal Gazette. November 18, 1998. p. C14. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ Kovac, Adam (July 8, 2021). "Former Montreal Alouette Michael Soles dies after battle with ALS". CTV News. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ Alouettes mourn loss of ‘a true soldier’ following passing of FB Michael Soles
- ^ a b Zukerman, Earl (August 29, 2019). "Matt Soles, son of football hall-of-famer Michael Soles, recruited to McGill". McGill University. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ Montreal Gazette. Retrieved February 3, 2013.