An outstanding player during his undergraduate years at McMaster, winning three OUA championships, to transitioning into an outstanding coach, earning the OUA Coach of the Year award in his first season at the helm - Dan Pletch has come through for the rugby program time and time again.  The men's rugby Head Coach is the walking image of how far hard work, and dedication to your craft can get you. Earning 31 caps as a prop for the Canadian National team, and playing professionally abroad for some years in France, his tutelage towards his athletes has been invaluable.

In his six seasons with the Maroon, his athletes have gone on to earn 18 OUA All-Star nods, one Community Service Award and two Rookie of the Year Awards, while the team  captured two OUA bronze medals and one Canadian National Championship bronze.

As part of National Coaches Week, we took the chance to ask some of our head coaches a few questions to dive a little deeper into who they are. Here are Dan's answers:

How long have you been coaching at McMaster?
6 years.

Favourite Food?
Pizza.

Favourite Movie or TV show?
Invictus.

Favourite actor or actress?
Harrison Ford.

What is the one thing you always do after a win? Or a big win?
Buy a beer for the opposing coach.

What is the last book you read?
You Are Not So Smart, David McCraney.

What's one thing 2020 has taught you?
It's important to slow down sometimes, and focus on what's really important to you.

Who continues to inspire you, or who do you look up to?
My parents.

What is your most memorable coaching moment thus far?
2017 National Championship Bronze Medal.

There are 3 types of people in the morning, those who drink coffee, tea, or water. Which one are you?
Water, then lots of coffee.

If you could max out your credit card at any store, which store would it be?
I don't really go shopping.

Would you rather watch a regular season game courtside or a high-stakes playoff game from the rafters?
Regular season courtside seats.

Would you rather have a shoe brand (like Jordan) named after you, or an award? 
Award.

What is the one quality you look for in an athlete?
Commitment.

If we asked your athletes, "what is your coach's favourite saying or phrase?", what would they say?
Train hard.

In your eyes, what does it mean to be a Marauder? 
Someone who truly embraces the spirit of being a student-athlete, who will stop at nothing to help their team, and help those in the community.

Stay tuned throughout the week to read more about our amazing coaches.