Michael Soles was arguably one of the best football players ever to suit up for McGill. Born in Pointe Claire on Nov. 8, 1966, he graduated from McGill in 1989 with a bachelor's of arts degree, majoring in history and economics.
The three-time all-star and two-time All-Canadian won 48 awards over his three seasons at McGill, including 13 as a freshman when he captured the Peter Gorman trophy as CIAU rookie of the year in 1986. In his sophomore year, he led the Redmen to a stunning upset over Bishop's in the OQIFC championship game, a thrilling 30-29 win over St. Mary's in the Atlantic Bowl and a 47-11 rout over heavily-favoured UBC in the Vanier Cup. He won the Ted Morris trophy as most valuable player in the Vanier Cup game, rushing for a McGill playoff record of 203 yards in addition to scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Over his three seasons at McGill, he averaged 112 yards rushing per game, reaching the 100-yard plateau in rushing 19 times in 25 league and playoff games. He became the school's all-time leading rusher with 2,231 yards in 20 regular season contests, a record he held for 10 years until broken by Shawn Linden in 1998.
Soles tied the team's single-season record for touchdowns (10) and ran for 20 career touchdowns. He also had six TD receptions and passed for another major on a halfback option. Perhaps his most impressive statistic was that he handled the ball 559 times and was charged with only two fumbles, both being recovered by his teammates.
The first CIAU player selected in the 1989 CFL Draft, he went on to play 11 seasons for Edmonton and Montreal in the Canadian Football League and was a three-time all-star, winning the Grey Cup with the Eskimos in 1993.
Honours
Signed by a pro team (1989 Edmonton (CFL))
-played with Eskimos 1989-95
-played with Alouettes 1996-99
Drafted by a pro team (1989 Edmonton (CFL))
- was Edmonton's 1st pick (5th overall) in the 1989 CFL Canadian College draft
Forbes Trophy (1988-89)
Won the Forbes Trophy in 1988-89 as McGill’s Male Athlete of the Year.
Team Most Outstanding Player (1989-90)
Molson Cup Player of the Year
All-Canadian (1988-89)
CIS All-Canadian
Team MVP (1988-89)
Students' Society Trophy
Forbes Trophy (1987-88)
Won the Forbes Trophy in 1987-88 as McGill’s Male Athlete of the Year.
All-Canadian (1987-88)
CIAU All-Canadian
Team MVP (1987-88)
Students' Society Trophy
CIS Tournament MVP (1987-88)
- became the first McGill player to win the Ted Morris trophy as the most outstanding player in the Vanier Cup game
Team MVP (1986-87)
Students' Society Trophy
CIS Rookie of the Year (1986-87)
- became the first McGill football player to win the Peter Gorman trophy as CIAU Rookie of the Year
