Celebrating the life and legacy of Coach Ric Suggitt

A continued commitment to athletic excellence and community building

Rugby is a sport that attracts people with big personalities – players, spectators and coaches alike. Ric Suggitt was a prime example of the larger-than-life types the sport attracts.

Suggitt took over the Pronghorn women’s rugby program in 2015 and coached two seasons before his sudden passing in 2017. Although his time at ULethbridge was short, Suggitt left an indelible mark not only on those he coached, but on students and staff all across campus. To honour his memory and contributions to the University, a scholarship in his name recognizing Pronghorns women’s rugby student-athletes was established.

“This award speaks to everything we value and is a true reflection of Ric’s character,” says Neil Langevin, (BA/BEd ’91, MEd ’10), Executive Director, Pronghorn Athletics. “Everyone who knew him felt his commitment to helping others improve. This award continues that work. Each recipient will know who Ric was and the responsibility that comes with being selected as the honoree.”

Suggitt first rose to prominence in 1999 with the national women’s rugby team, which he coached until 2003. Afterwards, he was appointed head coach of the national men’s program, leading them to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Upon joining the Pronghorns, Suggitt led the women’s rugby program to the national championship tournament. Yet with all this success, it was Ric’s influence off the field that set him apart.

“Ric’s drive to help everyone he met grow into their potential is something that will live on through this award,” says Langevin. “He was a larger-than-life figure who demanded the best from everyone but gave back all he had in return. Recipients of this award are role models and team players, which is exactly what Ric was and believed in.”

Boulet family donates to the Suggitt Award

The Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award received a gift of $20,000 from Bernadine (Bernie) (BEd ’88 and Co-Chair of the current drive for student scholarships) and Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04), made in memory of their son, Logan – a member of the Humbolt Broncos hockey club who was tragically killed in the team bus crash in 2018.

“Ric was incredibly special to Logan. He offered to train him and three of his buddies just to be helpful and maximize their potential as athletes,” says Toby Boulet, Logan’s dad.

“The opportunity to create an endowment honouring someone Logan deeply appreciated and admired is a profound way to remember both Logan and Ric and make a difference in the lives of others at the same time.”

Anyone interested in donating to this award can give by visiting the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award webpage.