Retiring Vanier coach Keith Coffin was chosen national coach of the year. Coffin told the Montreal Gazette he was shocked, having finished in second play in the RSEQ regular season. “In fact, we (Vanier) voted for Steve (Abbott coach Steve Seabrooke),” Coffin, referring to himself and Vanier Athletic Director Alex Sedorenko, told the Montreal Gazette. It’s the first year we didn’t vote for the winner. “I was honored, particularly since the selection is made by your peers.” Coffin assumed the Vanier helm in 1983-84. His Cheetahs won the provincial championship his first season despite a record of 19-15. They won the league title in his second season, and in 1986-87, they went 29-7 and won the national championship. In the past two seasons, Vanier has gone 22-16 and 25-14. “The best team I had in terms of talent, was the ‘87 team that won the nationals,” he said. “We had such players as point guard Perry Douglas, centre Dino Perrin, Ernie Rosa, Robert Ferguson and Donald John. But for character I’d take this team.”