Steve Del Col: From Gridiron Glory to ​Entrepreneurial Success

Steve Del Col’s journey from the football fields of ​Canada to the bustling entrepreneurial world is a story ​of passion, determination, and adaptability. Born on ​December 6, 1959, in Toronto, Ontario, Del Col's early ​years were steeped in football lore, thanks to his ​father's vivid tales of Simon Fraser University and the ​Toronto Argonauts. These stories ignited a spark in ​young Del Col, setting him on a path that would see him ​fulfill his dreams both on and off the field.

Del Col's football career began to take shape at Victoria ​Park Collegiate, where he played tight end. His ​admiration for Mel Profit, a former Argonaut great, was ​so profound that he adopted Profit’s number 75 ​throughout his playing days. This early devotion to the ​game and his heroes foreshadowed his future ​accomplishments. Del Col's talents and hard work ​earned him a spot at Simon Fraser University (SFU), ​where he played for the Clansmen at the defensive end ​position. His performance at SFU did not go unnoticed, ​and in 1982, he was selected by the Toronto Argonauts ​as one of their two territorial exemptions, a drafting ​mechanism designed to bring local talent into the ​league.

Joining the Argonauts was a dream come true for Del ​Col, a native of Toronto who had grown up idolizing the ​team. His versatility on the field was a significant asset, ​as he occasionally lined up at tight end, despite ​primarily playing as a defensive end as well as taking ​over the long-snapping duties midway through the ’84 ​season. Del Col's presence was felt on both sides of the ​ball, contributing to the Argonauts' success in various ​capacities.

One of Del Col's most memorable moments came in the ​1983 Grey Cup. The Argonauts clinched the ​championship, ending a long drought and delivering an ​unforgettable experience for Del Col and his ​teammates. He vividly recalls the deafening noise at ​B.C. Place and the unique challenge it posed. "When I ​lined up at tight end for a few plays, Condredge ​Holloway said, 'you're going to have to know the count ​from the vibrations of your fingers on the turf because ​you won’t be able to hear me,” Del Col recounted. This ​moment encapsulates the intense atmosphere and the ​extraordinary effort required to succeed at the highest ​level of Canadian football.

Apart from the Grey Cup, another standout game for ​Del Col was a regular-season clash in Hamilton against ​the Tiger-Cats. The Argonauts had struggled at Ivor ​Wynne Stadium, but on that day, they turned the tide. "I ​remember the one game vividly when we hadn't won in ​Ivor Wynne Stadium in a long time, and Holloway ​comes out and throws three or four touchdown passes ​in the first quarter," Del Col reminisced. This victory ​was not just a triumph on the scoreboard but a ​symbolic overcoming of past challenges.

However, Del Col's football career was cut short by an ​injury. In the last regular-season game of 1986 in ​Montreal, he tore ligaments in his ankle. This injury ​forced him to reconsider his future. With a house, a ​baby on the way, and bills to pay, Del Col decided it was ​time to move on from professional football. He ​transitioned smoothly into a new chapter of his life, ​focusing on his family and exploring new business ​ventures.

Settling in Vineland, a small town near St. Catharines, ​Del Col and his wife, Jacquelene, embarked on an ​entrepreneurial journey. They opened several ​businesses in the region, combining their passions for ​fashion and food. Their ventures include Tintern Road ​& Jack Style Collective, a boutique specializing in ​women’s and men's wear. For 18 years they also ​operated Zooma Zooma Resto and Wine Bar, a market ​restaurant known for its fresh, casual dining and vibrant ​atmosphere. They now operate Zooma Caters, a small, ​focused catering business that works with a handful of ​local wineries and offers group dining experiences in ​their century-old barn.

The Del Cols' businesses reflect their dynamic ​partnership and shared passions. Jacquelene, an ​aspiring clothing designer and former fashion and ​sports photographer for the Toronto Sun, brought her ​creative vision to their enterprises, while Steve's ​interest in the restaurant industry found a perfect outlet ​in Zooma Zooma. Their combined efforts have created ​unique shopping and dining experiences in Jordan ​Village, attracting both locals and tourists.

Their dedication and innovative approach have not ​gone unnoticed. The Del Cols have received multiple ​accolades, including a nomination for the Niagara ​Entrepreneur of the Year and recipient of a Top ​Business Under 10 Employees Award. Zooma Zooma ​was also recognized as one of CBC Radio 3's top 50 live ​music venues in Canada, highlighting the couple's ​commitment to providing a lively and engaging ​community space.

Steve Del Col's post-football life is a testament to his ​ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. His ​entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to pursue his ​passions have led to a fulfilling second career. Despite ​the fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry, Del Col ​thrives on the excitement it brings, drawing parallels ​between the rush of game day and the hustle of running ​a successful business.

With two children, Dominique and Taylor, who are now ​forging their paths, the Del Col family continues to be a ​vibrant part of the Niagara community. Their story is ​one of resilience, creativity, and the ability to turn ​dreams into reality, both on the football field and in the ​world of business.

From his days as a defensive lineman for the Toronto ​Argonauts to his current role as a successful ​entrepreneur, Steve Del Col's journey is a remarkable ​example of how passion and determination can lead to ​success in multiple arenas. His story serves as an ​inspiration to anyone looking to transition from one ​career to another, proving that with the right mindset, ​it’s possible to achieve greatness in diverse fields.