Larry Haylor

Larry Haylor
Name	Larry Haylor
Birth date	1945-02-21
Birth place	Fort Knox, Kentucky
Death date	2017-11-25
Death place	Guelph, Ontario
Occupation	Football coach
Years active	1970s–2006
Known for	Head coach, Guelph Gryphons

Larry Haylor

Larry Haylor was a Canadian university football coach notable for his long tenure with the Guelph Gryphons and influence on CIS (now U Sports) football. He led teams to multiple championship appearances, contributed to coaching development across Ontario, and received several national honors. Haylor's career intersected with prominent institutions and figures in Canadian football and Canadian university athletics during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Early life and education

Haylor was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky and raised in a setting connected to Fort Knox and regional communities, later relocating to Canada where he pursued education at institutions that included the University of Toronto and University of Guelph. During his student years he engaged with programs related to Canadian university athletics and regional athletic organizations such as the Ontario Student Athletic Association and worked alongside coaches from programs like the Queen's Golden Gaels and Western Mustangs. His formative years placed him in contact with coaching traditions linked to figures from the Canadian Football League and NCAA influences.

Coaching career

Haylor's coaching career began with positions at high school and university levels, including roles connected to the University of Toronto and the Guelph Gryphons. He became head coach of the Guelph Gryphons in 1987, succeeding predecessors connected to the Ontario University Athletics network and competing against teams such as the McMaster Marauders, Western Mustangs, Queen's Golden Gaels, Bishop's Gaiters, and Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. Under his leadership the Gryphons competed in Yates Cup and Vanier Cup play, facing opponents from conferences like the Canada West Universities Athletic Association and the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ). Haylor also participated in coach development initiatives with organizations such as the Canadian Football Coaches Association and worked alongside notable coaches from the Canadian Football League and U Sports programs.

Achievements and honors

Throughout his tenure Haylor accumulated records and honors, including leading the Guelph Gryphons to conference championships in Ontario University Athletics competition and appearances in the national Vanier Cup. He received coaching awards from bodies such as the CIS and the Ontario University Athletics association, and was recognized by halls of fame including the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame and provincial or national institutions that honor figures in Canadian football. His teams produced players who advanced to the Canadian Football League and earned individual distinctions from organizations like the Canadian Football League and U Sports All-Canadian lists. Haylor's career milestones were acknowledged by municipalities such as the City of Guelph and academic institutions like the University of Guelph.

Personal life

Haylor's personal life intersected with the Guelph community and broader networks in Ontario; he maintained connections with alumni from the University of Guelph, former players who joined the Canadian Football League, and colleagues in organizations including the Canadian Football Coaches Association and Ontario University Athletics. Family and community engagements involved local institutions such as the Guelph Gryphons athletic department, regional sports foundations, and civic groups in Guelph, Ontario. He participated in community events alongside representatives from the City of Guelph and partnered with educational initiatives tied to the University of Guelph and provincial athletic organizations.

Legacy and impact

Haylor's legacy includes a lasting impact on the Guelph Gryphons program, influence on coaching standards within U Sports and Ontario University Athletics, and mentorship of players who progressed to the Canadian Football League. His tenure helped elevate competitive profiles of teams like the Guelph Gryphons, influenced scheduling and rivalries involving programs such as the McMaster Marauders, Western Mustangs, and Queen's Golden Gaels, and contributed to coaching education through the Canadian Football Coaches Association. Institutional recognitions from the University of Guelph and local halls of fame reflect his role in shaping regional sports culture in Guelph and Ontario.

Death and tributes

Haylor died in Guelph, Ontario in November 2017, prompting tributes from the University of Guelph, the Guelph Gryphons, former players in the Canadian Football League, and organizations such as Ontario University Athletics and the CIS community. Memorials and statements came from municipal officials of the City of Guelph, athletic departments at institutions including the University of Guelph and peer universities, and from alumni groups tied to the Guelph Gryphons and provincial athletic networks.

Category:Canadian football coaches Category:University of Guelph people Category:1945 births Category:2017 deaths