SAYING GOOD-BYE TO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
TRAILBLAZER,
EARL BEGG I
n January, long-time Mohawk Women’s Basketball Coach Earl Begg passed away at age 86. A trailblazer for women’s sports in Ontario and Canada, Earl was inducted into the Mountaineer Hall of Fame, Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame, and Basketball Ontario Hall of Fame for the recognition he brought to women’s basketball at the college-level and beyond. Earl holds the Mohawk record for most wins with 316 victories during his incredible career. His teams won six OCAA Championships in 1981, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1991. They also captured two national bronze medals in 1986 and 1990. Earl was named OCAA Coach of the Year in 1987, 1990 and 1991, and was honoured by the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) as National Coach of the Year. “At the time, no one brought greater recognition to their sport and our female student athletes than Earl Begg,“ said Laurie Cahill, retired manager of athletics for the college. “The fact that he has been acknowledged by Mohawk College, OCAA and Basketball Ontario, for his contributions to women’s basketball is legendary. But his greatest legacy is his commitment, sacrifice and service to literally thousands of young women, who Earl encouraged, motivated and mentored through basketball, to succeed on and off the court. For more than 20 years Earl represented Mohawk College with dignity, class and respect for everyone he met that is unparalleled in Ontario.“
“Earl was a passionate and dedicated coach. He inspired his players and pushed them to work harder. He made me want to be a better player.“ – Mary (Gallagher) Begadon ‘89
30 INTOUCH | Spring 2019
