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Reminiscing on my best cross-country coach: “He’ll always garner giggles from his athletes, even after grueling kilometer repeats.”

If you’ve spent time with Malloy, you’ve surely been a victim of his unrivaled whit. Laughter is always part of the schedule-- whether it’s at his own or someone else’s expense.

malloy
Photo: Keenen Geer

By Nick Falk 

They call him G-money.

If legendary coach Dennis “big dawg” Fairall is the godfather of the University of Windsor Lancers family, then Gary Malloy is the favourite uncle. With 18 seasons (and counting) with the university, Malloy has shaped and shared the successes of both the track and field and cross-country squads. With that, a story reminiscing on his excellence as a coach nearly writes itself.

RELATED: Reminiscing on my best cross-country coach: “Appropriately, his initials are PB.”

Anyone who has been part of the Lancer running scene over the past two decades has at least one classic “G-money” story. These tales serve as a testament to the Glasgow, Scotland native’s dedication both to his athletes and to his sense of humour.

I’m at a loss to sum up the man’s character. That’s probably because it doesn’t have to be done. If you’re one of the lucky ones who got the chance to work with Malloy, you know what kind of guy he is. He’s the kind who is reliable when it comes to tackling anything and who works beside, not above his athletes. He’s the kind who, even after 34 years of teaching and coaching at the institutions of Windsor, Ont., still brings wisdom, vigor and enthusiasm to his practice. And that’s just on the business side of things.

RELATED: Runners share how coach Dennis Fairall shaped their lives

If you’ve spent time with Malloy, you’ve surely been a victim of his unrivaled whit. Laughter is always part of the schedule– whether it’s at his own or someone else’s expense. Puns are his weapon of choice and he always has one locked and loaded for nearly any scenario. Mix in a cheeky Scottish accent and he’ll always garner giggles from his athletes– even after grueling kilometer repeats.

Now recently retired from his teaching career, which included his days in high school classrooms, this guru of a coach continues his unwavering commitment to the local harriers. That is when he’s not walking his frisky golden retriever, Lomond (yes, like the Loch Lomond in Scotland), or sharing a pint with a friend.

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