DAGGETT TAKES HELM OF GEORGIAN RUGBY TEAM

John Daggett has taken over the coaching reins of the Georgian Grizzlies men's rugby team from Kevin Gillan, who stepped down citing family and work commitments.

Daggett is a familiar face to the Grizzlies, having served as the team's assistant coach for the past three seasons. He also coaches the senior men's team in the summer with the North Simcoe Dingos Rugby Football Club in Orillia.   

Georgian College Manager of Athletics Michele McConney said, "We are excited to have John on board as our new men's rugby coach. He is extremely qualified and will bring a wealth of passion and knowledge that will build our program as we make the jump to Division I."

"We feel it will be a smooth transition for him and are confident in his abilities to lead the team," added McConney.

During his tenure with the Grizzlies, Gillan's teams captured five silver medals and saw the growth of the sport at the collegiate level from its beginnings as a tournament format to a league structure that will see 11 teams participate this fall.  

"Kevin has been the face of Georgian College rugby for the past 14 seasons and will be sorely missed," said McConney. "He has done an incredible job building the sport on campus, in the community and within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)."

"I am very excited about this opportunity to continue the tradition that Kevin started," said Daggett. "I am glad to be able to provide some continuity through this coaching transition and hopefully it helps make the changes easier on the student-athletes and our program."

The team will conduct tryouts starting on September 4, followed by the home opener on Wednesday, September 19 against the Sheridan Bruins.

Source: Georgian College