On Saturday evening after the last game of the season for the Concordia Stingers football team, Gerry McGrath went into the locker room and told his players and coaching staff he is retiring as the team’s head coach.
It was an emotional time for all the members of the team as well as McGrath’s family who travelled to the final game in Sherbrooke, Que. to support him.
“Guys, I just want to tell you that I’m retiring,” he told the players gathered around. “I want to tell you I’m proud of you. We were 0-8, but we had a lot of fun.”
There was a group hugs and a few tears afterwards.
“It’s very emotional,” said senior linebacker Max Caron. “For me, Gerry’s been there my whole career. What I love about Gerry is that he really cares and he really wants to win. I'm really going to miss him.”
The university still plans to benefit from the veteran coach’s knowledge and expertise. McGrath has agreed to stay on with the Concordia Department of Recreation and Athletics as a consultant, helping to prepare for the 2014 football season and develop long-term plans for the program.
“Gerry has greatly influenced the development of our program and he will be instrumental in supporting our efforts to prepare for the 2014 season and in looking at how we can further develop our football program," said Patrick Boivin, Director of Recreation and Athletics.
The veteran coach took over the reins of the Stingers in the 2000 football season after serving as offensive co-ordinator for eight seasons under the tutelage of legendary coach Pat Sheahan. Together McGrath and Sheahan ran the best campaign in the history of Concordia when their 1998 team won the Quebec conference championship and the Atlantic Bowl before being edged out 24-17 by the Saskatchewan Huskies in the national championship game.
McGrath brought a wealth of experience to Concordia from his days as a kicker in the CFL (1980-86) with the Montreal Alouettes and Concordes, Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Rough Riders and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
He is regarded as an offensive genius, especially when it comes to the passing game. His innovations as a coach have heavily influenced the game in the province of Quebec. He is very adept at developing a pro style offence and preparing receivers to play at the professional level.
McGrath was named the Quebec university football conference Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2006. As well, several Stingers have won national recognition in the last 14 years, including four outstanding defensive players in the CIS: Mickey Donovan (2004), Patrick Donovan (2005 and 2006), Cory Greenwood (2009) and Max Caron (2011). Quarterback/receiver Liam Mahoney was the CIS Rookie of the Year in 2007 and defensive end Troy Cunningham was the outstanding lineman in 2004.
“I would like to thank Gerry for his long and distinguished service to Concordia and his contributions to one of our key varsity sports programs,” said Deputy Provost Lisa Ostiguy. McGrath’s career at the university has spanned 22 years, including 14 at the helm of the football program.
The search for a new head coach will begin shortly.
