Brian Filion

Brian Filion was born September 29, 1956 and spent all of his life in Glengarry County, with the exception of his years away at school. After graduating from Glengarry District High School, Brian attended Waterloo University and graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology. He later added to his education with a B.ed from Queen’s University. These credentials helped him become a well-respected teacher and coach for GDHS.

As a young boy, and then a teenager, Brian was a sports enthusiast, participating in track and field, basketball, volleyball, football, hockey and soccer. As captain and MVP in hockey for the 1974 Junior B Glens, Brian wore the jersey #3, which has been retired in his honor. He was also awarded the Jim McCaffrey Memorial Trophy at the Lion’s Club Banquet in 1973 as Glengarry’s top Athlete. Brian excelled at soccer early on. In 1973, at age 16, he was named rookie of the year as a member of the Senior Men’s Greenfield Soccer Club. In addition to many other honors, Brian led Greenfield to seven championships in ten years.

Many would agree that Brian’s greatest contribution to sports in Glengarry was his years as coach at GDHS. In 1989, he started out coaching the Gaels Junior Boys soccer team, leading them to five SD&G championships and one EOSSA Championship. In 1994, Brian became coach of the Gaels Senior Boys soccer team. During these years, the senior boys won five SD&G championships and three EOSSA championships. In 1999 they made it as far as the provincial championships at EOSSA where they won the silver medal.

Unfortunately, Brian encountered various health problems throughout his life and he passed away in August of 2000. His leadership and guidance to his students will not be forgotten and his contributions to Glengarry sports and community life will be forever remembered in the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame.