1969 - Algoma University College began offering athletics and recreation programming. Early sport and recreation offerings by Algoma University College included competing in Sault Ste. Marie's municipal sports leagues. The specific sports were Basketball, Ice Hockey, Slo-Pitch, Badminton, Volleyball, and Ball Hockey.
1972 - Algoma University College Alpine Ski Team wins Ontario Universities Athletic Association (OUAA) Alpine Ski Provincial Championship. The Gold Medal team consisted of four local athletes: Norman Coulter, Paul "Finn" Saarinen, Don Shushkewich and Tim FitzGerald, who began studying at Algoma College in the 1970s, along with team alternate Laurentian based skier, Peter Kotyk, who rounded out the team and Head Coach Brian Mealey. This decorated team of downhill skiers earned the Shell Cup Trophy and competed under the name of affiliate Laurentian University, will all finishes and medals being awarded to their home institution, Algoma University College.
1986 - Athletics and Recreation Director George Leach was instrumental in creating and developing athletics programming at the University from 1969 until his death in 1986. During his tenure, Leach had constructed an outdoor hockey rink, a slo-pitch field, an outdoor fitness course and a "Fitness Lab". To make these activities possible, he rented gym facilities from the Public School Board as well as city-owned rinks. Some of these activities continue today, including Men's Ice Hockey. George also initiated the first National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) courses in Sault Ste. Marie. The campus Athletic and Recreation facility built in 1992 bears his name.
1988 - Nordic Skiing was added as a sport. This could be considered the first Varsity team from Algoma University College to join in name to an association as our Student-Athletes competed in the National Collegiate Ski Association (NCSA) and later the United States Collegiate Ski Association as an affiliate member. The team also competed in local citizen ski races and loppets as well as in events throughout Northern Michigan and Ontario. Scott Jones and Kitty Dustin were Coaches in the late 1980's and early 1990's.The Nordic Ski team existed from 1988 to 1999, at which time the team was phased out in order to focus on participating in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) which did not offer Nordic Skiing in its sport competitions.
1992 - The 39,000 square foot George Leach Centre (GLC) for Recreation and Fitness, the home of Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics, was completed. The GLC houses a 36,000 square foot field house that includes three full size courts which accommodate Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Indoor Soccer, Badminton, and other sports. The GLC also has an aerobics studio, a weight room, a squash court, a cardio machine room, a massage therapy room, and change rooms with saunas. The need to rent City and School Board facilities was eliminated and intramural sports like Volleyball, Floor Hockey, and Basketball could now be held on campus. The opening of the GLC also permitted the University to initiate its Summer Camps program, which includes Basketball along with other sports. These camps have featured many CIS and OUA Head Basketball Coaches. The impressive list of featured coaches includes: Guy Vetrie, Bob Bain, Ken Schildroth, Tom Oliveri, Ken Olynyk, Dave Smart, and Chris Oliver.
1993 - The Ontario Provincial Gymnastics Championships were held at the GLC. Outdoor tennis courts are erected due to generous donation from local business men.
2000 - The GLC hosted the Ontario Winter Games. The GLC was a venue for Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline, and Tumbling.
2001/02 - The Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program became members of Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA) and the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA). , Algoma began to compete in the OCAA with Men's and Women's Basketball Teams. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Simone Taylor (Women's Basketball) and Jeff Giovanatti (Men's Basketball).
2002/03 - Greg Sirie was named an OCAA West Region First Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Sarah Miller (Women's Basketball) and Greg Sirie (Men's Basketball).
2003/04 - The Algoma University College Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program began to compete in the OCAA in Curling, Cross-Country Running and Men's Indoor Soccer. Men's Curling Team skipped by Brad Jacobs wins Provincial Gold Medal. Other Team members include Andrew Silk, Scott Seabrook and Matt Seabrook along with Head Coach Ross Boston.Brad Jacobs is currently playing in the Pro Curling Tour, has won the Brier, an Olympic Gold Medal and placed second at the World Championships. Roberta Reid was named an OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Women's Basketball and Jason Trinier is named an OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Kristan Chaimbrone (Women's Basketball) and Scott Seabrook (Men's Curling).
2004/05 - Matt Chaimbrone is named an OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Sarah Medaglia (Women's Basketball) and Matt Chaimbrone (Men's Basketball).
2005/06 - The GLC co-hosted the week-long OCAA Annual General Meeting with Sault College.Jessica King is named West Region First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Jennifer Muio (Women's Basketball) and Adam Carpenter (Men's Basketball).
2006/07 -Thunderbirds Women's Basketball Team won OCAA Provincial Silver Medal. Danielle D'Ettorre was named OCAA and CCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year as well as CCAA All Canadian. She also won OCAA west regional and league scoring title (26 ppg an OCAA record which still stands today!). Danielle and Lara Stilin are named OCAA West Region First Team All-Stars for Women's Basketball. Women's Curling Team won OCAA Silver Provincial Medal.skipped by Cassie Heppner. Other Team Members were Andrea Boyd, Kelsey Janveau and Stephanie Sammon. Head Coach of the Team was Wayne Heppner.George Leach Centre obtains first wooden portable basketball floor previously used by Auburn University. OBA Juvenile Boys and Midget Girls Basketball Championships held at Steelback Centre and the GLC. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Danielle D'Ettorre (Women's Basketball) and Patrick Murray (Men's Basketball).
2007/08 - Thunderbirds Men's Basketball Team won Provincial Silver Medal. Vyron Phillips is named OCAA West Region First Team All-Star and Robbie Green is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Lara Stilin was named OCAA West Region First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. The Women's Curling Team skipped by Stephanie Sammon won OCAA Provincial Silver Medal. The other team members were Amy Higginson, Andrea Boyd and Jamie Sammon along with Head Coach Bob Lewis. OBA Midget Girls and Juvenile Boys Basketball Championships held at the GLC. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Lara Stilin (Women's Basketball) and Patrick Murray (Men's Basketball).
2008/09 - Mixed Curling Team skipped by Clint Cudmore won OCAA Provincial Gold Medal. The other team members were Sara Bennett, Kelsey Janveau. Jamie Sammon and Brendan Hodgson along with Head Coach Ross Boston. Pat Murray is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Chelsea Nekuliak is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. NOSSA Chelea Nekuliak (Women's Basketball)Championships held at the GLC. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Chelea Nekuliak (Women's Basketball) and Patrick Murray (Men's Basketball).
2009/10 - Algoma University co-hosted the OCAA Provincial Curling Championships with Sault College. Mixed Curling Team skipped by Clint Cudmore won OCAA Provincial Silver Medal. The other team members were Sara Bennett, Jamie Sammon and Brendan Hodgson along with Head Coach Ross Boston. Brianna Mandolesi was named OCAA West Regional and League Rookie of the Year in Women's Basketball. Carolyn Fragale is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. Pat Murray is named OCAA West Region First Team All-Star and Dele Oworu is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Ray Barsanti (Men's Basketball) and Dave Bourgeault (Women's Basketball) were inducted to the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Coach category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Carolyn Fragale (Women's Basketball) and Patrick Murray (Men's Basketball).
2010/11 - Algoma University hosted the 2011 OCAA Men's Basketball Championship. All games were played at the Essar Centre, including the opening game featuring the Algoma University Thunderbirds against the Sheridan Bruins, in front of over 4500 fans. Former Detroit Piston and NBA Champion Rick Mahorn was the guest speaker at the tournament banquet. Dele Oworu is named West Region First Team All-Star and Pat Murray is named West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Carolyn Fragale is named West Region First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. Tannis Olsen is named to the West Region All Rookie Team. Mixed Curling Team skipped by Clint Cudmore won OCAA Provincial Bronze Medal. The other team members were Jamie Sammon, Nicole Dugas and Brendan Hodgson along with Head Coach Ross Boston. Former Athletics Director George Leach was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Builder category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Carolyn Fragale (Women's Basketball, Curling and Indoor Soccer) and Patrick Murray (Men's Basketball).
2011/12 - Jovain Wilson-Cutter won OCAA and CCAA Men's Basketball Player of the Year. Jovain is also named CCAA All Canadian as well as OCAA West Region First Team All-Star. Dele Oworu is named OCAA West Region Second Team All-Star for Men's Basketball. Corina Bruni is named a CCAA All Canadian and an OCAA West Region First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. Kayla Kiessig is named OCAA Second Team All-Star also for Women's Basketball. Both Misaki Kawai and Amanda Orr are named to the OCAA West Region All Rookie Team. Ryan Vetrie is named OCAA West Region Coach of the Year Women's Basketball. 2004 OBA U 15 Midget Girls Basketball Championship held at GLC. The 2003 04 Men's Curling Team consisting of Brad Jacobs, Andrew Silk, Scott Seabrook and Matt Seabrook along with Head Coach Ross Boston were inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Athlete category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Corina Bruni (Women's Basketball) and Jovain Wilson (Men's Basketball).
2012/13 - Algoma University hosted the OCAA Cross Country Championships at Hiawatha Highlands on the Pinder Trail System. Algoma University joined the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Corina Bruni is named CCAA All Canadian and OCAA West First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball for second year in a row. Laura Cooper is named to OCAA Women's basketball West Region Second Team All-Star and Karissa Kajorinne is named to the OCAA West Region All Rookie Team.Ryan Vetrie is named OCAA West Region Coach of the Year Women's Basketball for second year in a row. Samy Mohamed is named to the OCAA Men's Basketball West Region All Rookie Team. Samy also sets OCAA Men's Basketball record for most 3 point shots made in game of 14 which still stands today! Algoma University and the GLC hosted the OUA Women's All-Star Game on April 27, 2013. Pat Murray (Men's Basketball) was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Athlete category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Corina Bruni (Women's Basketball) and Daniel Scarpino (Men's Cross Country Running & Men's Soccer).
2013/14 - Algoma University began competing in the OUA. Algoma University also joined the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), on a two-year probationary period. Student-athletes began competing in the CIS. Algoma University also began competing in the OUA sports of Cross Country Running, Curling Nordic Skiing and Wrestling. President Celia Ross was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Builder category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Natasha Doroodian (Women's Wrestling) and Brett Zufelt (Men's Basketball).
2014/15 - Wrestler Natasha Doroodian wins OUA Provincial Championship Silver Medal (63 kg category), CIS National Championship Silver Medal (63 kg category), an OUA Second Team All-Star, a CIS Second Team All Canadian as well as the H.P. Broughton Award for Sportsperson of the Year in Sault Ste. Marie. Algoma University starts competing in OUA Women's and Men's Soccer. George Leach Centre expansion is completed at a cost of 4.5 million dollars. Brad Jacobs, Ryan Harnden, EJ Harnden and Ryan Fry were inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Athlete category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Natasha Doroodian (Women's Wrestling) and Sean Clendinning (Men's Basketball).
2015/16 - Andrew Johnstone, men's soccer goalkeeper is selected as OUA Men's Soccer Second Team All-Star. Algoma University hosts first OUA Provincial Championships in Wrestling at the George Leach Centre. Algoma Wrestler Noodin Shawanda rceived the OUA Community Service Award at the championships. George Leach Centre obtains game basketball floor from the 2016 NBA Basketball Game held in Toronto. Dr. Lou Lukenda was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Builder category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Karissa Kajorinne (Women's Basketball) and Andre Barber (Men's Basketball).
2016/17 - Algoma University becomes full members of the OUA as well as U Sports. Algoma University Students' Union was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Builder category. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Karissa Kajorinne (Women's Basketball) and Aksel Pollari Men's (Cross Country Running & Men's Wrestling).
2017/18 - Four wrestlers medal at OUA Wrestling Championships: Natasha Doroodian (63 kg category), Broderick Collison (54 kg category), and Bryce Davis (68 kg category) win silver and Riley Tubaro (51 kg category) wins bronze. Doroodian, Collision, and Davis are named OUA Second Team All-Stars. Algoma University hosts OUA Provincial Curling Championships at Community First Curling Centre and first U Sports National Wrestling Championship at the George Leach Centre. Bryce Davis wins U Sports Wrestling bronze medal as well as the R. W. Pugh Fair Play Award. Algoma Athletics initiates new Varsity Athletics Council. The Algoma College 1972 Alpine Ski Team consisting of Norman Coulter, Paul "Finn" Saarinen, Don Shushkewich and Tim FitzGerald along with Head Coach Brian Mealey and Alternate Peter Kotyk were inducted to the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the Athlete category. The Alpine Ski Team were the Ontario University Athletics Association Provincial Champions and Gold Medalists that year The roadway on campus is named in honour of Brad Jacobs and Team Jacobs Olympic curling team - "Team Jacobs Drive". Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Natasha Doroodian (Women's Wrestling) and Bryce Davis (Men's Wrestling).
2018/19 - Two wrestlers medal at OUA Wrestling Championships hosted by Guelph University: Riley Tubaro (51 kg category) and Broderick Collison (54 kg category) win silver. Tubaro and Collison are named OUA Second Team All-Stars. Riley Tubaro, Broderick Collison and Bryce Davis (72 kg category) qualified for the U Sports National Wrestling Championships hosted by the University of Calgary where they placed 5th, 7th and 6th place respectively. The 2006-2007 OCAA Silver Medalist Women's Basketball Team was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame in the athlete category. Kristy Aloe, Miranda Chaimbrone, Kristen Conway, Danielle D'Ettorre, Abby DiDonato, Alicia Miller, Jennifer Arbour (Muio), Jessica King, Megan Turcotte (Petingalo), Lara Stilin, and Melissa Turgeon (Stumpo) studied at Algoma University in competed in OCAA competition. The team championed by Head Coach Ed Green and Assistant Coaches Ken Hamilton and Robbie Green earned the title of West Region Champions and a trip to the Provincial playoffs where they defeated the Humber Hawks 50-47 in the Quarterfinals and the Algonquin Thunder 69-66 in the semi-final. The team was up against the Seneca Sting in the OCAA finals and lost 75 to 56 but earned the first OCAA Provincial Silver Medal for Algoma University. Danielle D'Ettorre was named OCAA and CCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year as well as CCAA All Canadian. She also won OCAA west regional and league scoring title (26 ppg an OCAA record which still stands today). Danielle and Lara Stilin are named OCAA West Region First Team All-Stars for Women's Basketball. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Riley Tubaro (Women's Wrestling) and Nathan Riley (Men's Basketball).
2019/20 - Three wrestlers medaled at OUA Wrestling Championships hosted by Guelph University. Broderick Collison (54 kg category) won gold, Emily Duchesne (51 kg category) won bronze as well as Bryce Davis (68 kg category) won bronze. Broderick Collison was named an OUA First Team All-Star. Emily Duchesne, Broderick Collison, Bryce Davis, Stephen Kreyenbuhl (120 kg category) and David Serra (72 kg category) qualified for the U Sports National Wrestling Championships hosted by the Brock University. Broderick Collison won bronze, Bryce Davis and Stephen Kreyenbuhl finished 6th, Emily Duchesne finished 7th and Davis Serra finished 8th. Algoma University and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club co-hosted the 2020 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Nordic Ski Championships at Hiawatha Highlands. Eleven nordic ski teams from across the province participated, including the Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, Lakehead Thunderwolves, Laurentian Voyageurs, McMaster Marauders, Nipissing Lakers, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen's Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, Waterloo Warriors, and the Algoma Thunderbirds. The event included 130 competitors along with 104 volunteers due to the Soo Finnish Ski Club. The event was a huge success and Carleton Ravens won both the women's and men's team titles. The Algoma University Mixed Curling team consisting of Clint Cudmore (skip), Sara Bennet, Jamie, Sammon, Brendan Hodgson, Kelsey Janveau, Nicole Dugas and Head Coach Ross Boston were inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame. The Student-Athletes of the Year were Karly Fracalanza (Women's Basketball) and Broderick Collision (Men's Wrestling).
2020/21 - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic both OUA and U Sports competitive seasons were canceled. Despite the cancellation many of our varsity Student-Athletes continued to train following the University and Algoma Public Health COVID guidelines. No Student-Athletes of the Year recipients were selected as varsity sport seasons were cancelled due to COVID 19.
2021/22 - Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Emily Duchesne (Women's Wrestling) and Maxime Bellony (Men's Basketball) Algoma Thunderbird Wrestler Natasha Doroodian was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame.
2022/23 - The 2007 - 2008 Silver Medalist Men's Basketball team was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame (pictured). This team finished fourth in the OCAA west region with a record of 11 & 7 that year. They were the first Algoma U team to qualify for the OCAA Men's Basketball playoffs. Their playoff run included: defeating Loyalist College Lancers 82-66 in the playoff qualifying game, Centennial College Colts 67-44 in the quarterfinal and the St. Lawrence Vikings 79-68 in the semi-final. In the OCAA Men's Basketball final they lost to Sheridan by a score of 81-63 claiming the silver medal - the first for Algoma U. Vyron Phillips was a West Region First Team All-Star and Robbie Green was a West Region Second Team All-Star.This team consisted of the following players and coaches: Peter Chapman, Robbie Green, Andy Haidar, Patrick Murray, Andrew Turgeon, Ryan Vetrie, Igor Vukovic, Vyron Phillips, Zach Wright, James Tusingwire, Garnet Cory (Manager), Winston Ivey (Assistant Coach) and Thomas Cory (Head Coach). Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Faith Holmes (Women's Soccer & Cross Country Running) and Kyle Price (Men's Wrestling).
2023/24 - Algoma University hosted the OUA Provincial Wresling Championships on February 10th, 2024 at the George Leach Centre. Three Algoma U wrestlers medaled at the championships: Kyle Price (90 kg category) won Gold, Lilah Fraser (83 kg category) and Anthony Nighbor (72 kg category) won Bronze. Corina Bruni was inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame. Corina competed on the Algoma Thunderbird Women's Basketball team for the 2011/ 2012 and 2012/13 seasons while the team was part of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. In the 2011 12 season, Corina had an amazing year as she accumulated these statistics: In 18 games she scored 264 points in the regular season with 84 assists and 65 steals. In the playoffs that year she scored 39 points. She was named a CCAA All Canadian and an OCAA West Region First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. In the 2012 13 season, she performed even better in the regular season. In 18 games she scored 281 points with 101 assists and 71 steals. In the playoffs that year she scored 18 points but was unfortunately injured in the second game and could not continue. She again was named a CCAA All Canadian and OCAA West First Team All-Star for Women's Basketball. Corina was the Algoma U Female Student-Athlete of the Year as well as the Women's Basketball Team MVP for both the 2011 12 and 2012 13 seasons. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Lilah Fraser (Women's Wrestling) and Kyle Price (Men's Wrestling).
2024/25 - Jaden Timmis, men's soccer defender is selected as OUA Men's Soccer Second Team All-Star. Algoma University hosted the OUA Provincial Wresling Championships on February 8th, 2025 at the George Leach Centre. Lilah Fraser (W83kg) won an OUA Bronze Medal. Algoma University and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club co-hosted the 2025 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Nordic Ski Championships at Hiawatha Highlands on February 21st to 23rd. Participating universities included: Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, Lakehead Thunderwolves, Laurentian Voyageurs, McMaster Marauders, Nipissing Lakers, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen's Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, Waterloo Warriors, and the Algoma Thunderbirds. The Carleton Ravens won the Women's Team Title and the Lakehead Thunderwolves won the Men's Team Title. The 2006 07 & 2007 08 Thunderbird Women's Curling Teams were inducted into the Thunderbird Wall of Fame. These teams won "back to back" OCAA Provincial Silver Medals. The 2006 07 team consisted of Cassie Heppner (skip), Andrea Boyd, Kelsey Janveau, Stephanie Sammon as well as Head Coach Wayne Heppner. The 2007 08 team consisted of Stephanie Sammon (skip), Jamie Sammon, Andrea Boyd, Amy Higginson and Head Coach Bob Lewis. Algoma Thunderbird Student-Athletes of the Year were Kaila Fong (Women's Basketball) and Jaden Timmis (Men's Soccer).
