​Brian Duguay

Athlete | Mentor | Football Coach

Brian Duguay was a respected athlete, is a dedicated coach, and passionate mentor whose career spans from hockey, basketball and volleyball to competitive powerlifting and football. Growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Brian's journey in sports began in youth and continued in his teenage years at Grantham High School. His commitment to personal growth, discipline, and teamwork would become the pillars of his coaching philosophy.

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After attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he played both football and hockey, Brian's athletic pursuits led him into the world of powerlifting, where he became a competitive force in the Canadian Powerlifting community. He achieved notable success as a provincial champion, national competitor and record holder, showcasing his strength and competitiveness. Brian secured multiple provincial & national first-place finishes and an

impressive 7th place at the 1997 IPF World Championships in Czechia Republic for the Men'sOpen 275+ class.

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While powerlifting was a significant focus of Brian's career, his passion for football has also played a pivotal role in his life, he assisted in coaching at several high schools in the Niagara region: Grantham High School, West Park Secondary School, Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Denis Morris Catholic High School and Notre Dame Catholic High School, as well as Niagara Regional Minor Football, York University in Toronto and with Canadian Junior Football League's Hamilton Hurricanes, however, It is crucial to highlight his time with the Niagara Spears Football program. Brian's journey with the Niagara Spears Football organization has been one of both coaching and leadership, where he has made an indelible mark in shaping young athletes and cultivating a culture of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. As coach, president, and mentor, his influence

has shaped the program from inception in 2004, his involvement with the Spears has spanned many years, and he has held various coaching roles within the organization, including coaching positions at the junior and senior levels where his impact has been felt by hundreds of players. Beyond just the physical aspects of football, Brian's work with the Spears has been focused on building strong, resilient leaders. He takes great pride in helping young athletes develop a mindset of discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. Brian believes that football is more than just a game; it's an avenue for life lessons. Many athletes under Brian's coaching have gone on to not only play at higher levels of competition but also succeed in life, applying the leadership skills they developed on the field to their education and careers. Brian's commitment to the Spears is also reflected in his dedication to the Niagara community. He has been a mentor not just to the athletes but to their families as well, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Many athletes and parents have praised Brian for the positive influence he has had on their lives, both through football and his broader mentorship. His sense of responsibility to the community and the athletes extends beyond coaching; it is about building long-term relationships that last long after the players leave the program. Brian's leadership has helped the team draw athletes across the region, providing opportunities especially for players under-recognized in traditional high-school recruitment route. Brian is an inductee in the Niagara Spears Hall of Fame as part of the founding leadership but continues as the U18 Head Coach and organization President.

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Beyond the field and the weight room, Brian Duguay is first and foremost a devoted husband and father. He shares his life with his wife Kelly, who has been a constant supporter through his decades of coaching and competition. Together, they've built a family grounded in community, perseverance, and care for others - values that mirror Brian's coaching philosophy. Their daughter, Jocelyn Duguay Broom, carries forward that same sense of strength, leadership, and connection to sport that defines her parents. Brian and Kelly's late son, Zack, who tragically passed away. Zack, who shared his father's passion for football and strength training, was deeply influenced by Brian's coaching and mentorship. Their bond over sports went beyond just father and son; it was rooted in shared values of discipline, hard work, and mutual respect. Although Zack is no longer with us, his memory continues to inspire Brian in his coaching and mentoring work, and Brian has dedicated much of his life to honoring Zack's legacy in the football communities. The Duguay family's ties to the Niagara region run deep, extending well beyond football - through volunteer work, community involvement, and a shared belief in giving back.

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Congratulations Coach Duguay