Leader and Legend - Remembering Robert Laycoe

Images above taken from UBC School of Kinesiology and UBC Sports Hall of Fame

BC Wrestling mourns the loss of Robert Laycoe, a leader and legend in wrestling in British Columbia. Inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, Laycoe led many sports teams to success on the wrestling mat and on the football field.

In the wrestling room, "from 1973 through 1979 Bob guided the wrestling team to four Western Canadian titles, and in 1978 he was named CIS Wrestling Coach of the Year. And from 1973 through 1987, Laycoe partnered with head coach Frank Smith to coach some of UBC’s best football teams including the 1982 and 1986 national champions. Bob is still lauded by coaches and players for his strength and conditioning program, his thoroughness, his motivation and his meticulous preparation," (UBC School of Kinesiology, 2021). On the football field, "from 1973 through 1987 Laycoe was well known as a football coach, most notably as a defensive coordinator with some of UBC’s best football teams under head coach Frank Smith. These teams included both the 1982 and 1986 Vanier Cup champions and the first UBC team to reach the Vanier Cup in 1978," (UBC Sports Hall of Fame, 2019).

Laycoe's dedication to sport on and off the mats will never be forgotten. Passing December 28th, 2020 at the age of 73 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Laycoe's legacy will continue to thrive throughout the sport community.

To learn more about​ Roberts amazing contributions to sport, visit:

​- In Memoriam: Robert Laycoe - UBC School of Kinesiology

- UBC Sports Hall of Fame