Former U Sports Coach of the Year winner Ian Breck passes away

Former U Sports Coach of the Year, Ian Breck, passed away on Sunday, according to an announcement made by Bishop’s University.

Breck first began coaching with the Gaiters in 1984 under the tutelage of legendary coach Bruce Coulter. He took over as head coach of the program in 1988 and served for 11 seasons, posting an impressive 51-25-2 regular-season record.

Bishop’s made the playoffs 10 times during Breck’s tenure, winning the Dunsmore Cup as RSEQ champions three times in 1988, 1990, and 1994. He was responsible for coaching 25 All-Canadians, two President’s Trophy winners and one J.P. Metras Trophy recipient, as well as CFL stars like Leroy Blugh and Tommy Europe.

Breck was awarded the Frank Tindall Trophy in 1992 and inducted into the Bishop’s University Wall of Distinction in 2017.

After leaving Bishop’s, Breck turned to the high school ranks and helped rejuvenate the football program at Alexander Galt Regional High School in Sherbrooke. In 2000, he was the head coach of Team Canada’s under-20 national team, winning the gold medal over Team Europe at the NFL Global Junior Championship.

Breck would later return to the Gaiters as a volunteer assistant in 2011.