End of an Era: John Daggett Retires as Georgian Grizzlies Men's Rugby Head Coach

In the history of Georgian Grizzlies men’s rugby, the name John Daggett shines brightly. After a remarkable tenure spanning over a decade, Coach Daggett has decided to hang up his coaching boots, marking the end of an illustrious era.

Since taking control in the 2012-13 season, Daggett has been the guiding force behind the Grizzlies rise in the Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association (OCAA). Over his 11 seasons at the helm, Daggett's leadership has been nothing short of exemplary, steering the team to an impressive overall record of 58-20-2 including playoffs.

Under his leadership, the Grizzlies have become synonymous with excellence, capturing gold twice (2016, 2023), securing silver on five occasions (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and clinching bronze once (2017). Daggett's relentless pursuit of perfection has translated into a remarkable five West Division Coach of the Year titles and two OCAA Coach of the Year awards in 2016 and 2019.

What sets Daggett apart is not just his knack for winning, but his ability to nurture talent and mold champions. The Grizzlies, under his stewardship, never missed the playoffs.

Daggett's most enduring legacy lies in the players he's coached. A staggering 37 league All-Stars, three Players of the Year, and four Rookies of the Year. His impact echoes not just within the Georgian College, but across the Canadian rugby landscape, earning him accolades such as the Rugby Ontario Club Coach of the Year in 2016 and the prestigious Rugby Canada Male Coach of the Year award in the same year—a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport.

As Daggett says goodbye to coaching, the Georgian Grizzlies and the broader rugby community are left with a lasting impression of his legacy—a legacy built on resilience, dedication, and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence.