After a successful coaching career at the club level that included a winning percentage of 85%, Earl Begg took over as coach of the Mohawk women’s basketball team in 1978. This began a twenty-year history of success that included 316 career victories and OCAA gold medals in 1981, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1991. In 1986 and 1990, Mohawk won bronze medals at the CCAA Championships.

Begg’s excellence was recognized in 1987, 1990, and 1991 when he was named OCAA Coach of the Year, and also in 1987 when he was CCAA Coach of the Year. In 1985 Mohawk College presented Begg with an Award of Merit, and in 1990 he received a national Coaching Recognition Award from 3M. He has received a variety of awards from the three levels of government, including Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada for his contributions to the community.