Runners mourn loss of Windsor coach Gary Malloy

Windsor Lancers cross-country head coach Gary Malloy passed away suddenly on Thursday evening in Oregon. Malloy was with the Windsor Lancers for over 20 years, working with Dennis Fairall until Fairall retired and left the program to Malloy.

Malloy was part of 24 OUA and 14 U SPORTS championships with the cross-country and track programs.  He also coached numerous U SPORTS all-Canadians in cross-country and track and field.

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The University of Windsor wrote, “We are deeply saddened by Gary’s passing,” said Director of Athletics Mike Havey. “Beyond being a wonderful coach, teacher and mentor, Gary was a tremendous person and friend to all of us. His impact on our campus and in our community goes well beyond the track and field. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the Lancer Family.”

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Alex Cyr, a former student-athlete of Malloy’s says that he was more than a coach. “Gary and I were tight beyond the coach-athlete relationship. I didn’t ever get to run for the Lancers in my time there, but our relationship went beyond the track.”

Cyr says that it took a special person to take over after Fairall left. “The spirit of running is very much alive in Windsor. It took someone very special to fill in for Dennis, and Gary was the right person. I ran my best times under Gary. He was someone that you wanted to make proud, but you weren’t worried about disappointing. He volunteered in the community in many capacities. His death has touched many people in many ways.”