42 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022
AThLETICS
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Georgian Grizzlies men's varsity rugby team at J.C. Massie Field, Barrie Campus
The Georgian Grizzlies men's varsity rugby team is
celebrating a six-season winning streak under the
leadership of John Daggett, who signed on as head coach
in 2012. They won the gold medal at the Ontario Colleges
Athletic Association (OCAA) championship in 2016, silver
in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021, and bronze in 2017, setting
a team record for consecutive wins.
Yet medals aren't the motivator for John, who believes the
true value of rugby lies in how it helps young people.
"It teaches players discipline, commitment and
teamwork," says John. "Medals are great – absolutely. But
at the end of the day when we look at success, we look
at things like graduating on time, being a good human
being and supporting others, starting a career after
graduation, and being successful in that."
John's commitment to championing young people began
decades ago in Toronto through his work with vulnerable
youth at the YMCA, and continued throughout his tenure
in the co-op department at Centennial College.
"I always had a soft spot in my heart for youth. That age
group is really interesting to me," he says.
After attending a professional workshop at Georgian in
the early 2000s, John knew he wanted to get involved
with the college. He joined the staff in 2003 and moved
his young family to Orillia.
"An opportunity came up and I jumped all over it," he
says.
Award-winning rugby coach
reflects on success and teamwork
