The late Bob Laycoe completed his Masters degree in Physical Education (Kinesiology) in 1969. That same year outside the classroom, he was an inspirational player on the Thunderbird football team while competing on UBC’s wrestling team, a team that won Western Canadian and Canadian university championships.
In 1973 after serving four years as head football coach and Athletics Director at the University of Saskatchewan Bob returned to UBC to join the staff at the school of Physical Education where he was involved in the academic planning for the school. At the same time, he was named head coach of the UBC wrestling team and offensive co-ordinator of the Thunderbird football team. From 1973 through 1979 Bob guided the wrestling team to four Western Canadian titles, in 1978 being named CIS Wrestling Coach of the Year. In addition, he was selected to coach Canada’s wrestling team at several international wrestling events.
From 1973 through 1987 Laycoe teamed 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. Hall of Fame coach Frank Smith has nothing but praise for Bob.
Laycoe left UBC for the University of Toronto where he coached the Blues football team to the 1993 Vanier Cup. Later, in 2019, Bob was selected for induction into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame. Former UBC QB Danny Smith feels, “UBC should be very proud to include (Laycoe) as an alumnus.”
