Jim BaggotOne of Colorado's finest basketball coaches, "Jolly Jim" Baggot served as coach for 29 years at four different high schools, including 22 at Greeley High School, and he served as athletic director for an additional 12 years. His professional career spanned 37 years.
Baggofs teams won five state championships (1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1962) and finished second twice (1951, 1953) in 16 state tournament appearances. His teams posted a lifetime record of 423-105, an average of 14.5 wins per season. His teams won 11 consecutive conference championships.
He was also an assistant coach on Greeley's 1951 state football championship team.
His coaching style of pressing defense and fast break basketball changed the style of the game in Colorado. His book Pressing Defense and Fast Break Basketball became required reading for coaches in the state and across the country, as well. Baggot continues to assist at coaching clinics.
"High School activities are a real opportunity for young people to participate. Athletics are a stepping stone which helps students find themselves and gain confidence to move on in life,"' Baggot said. "This award is a real honor. There is a great need for coaches to be recognized."
A member of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (1982), Baggot was a five-time coach of the year (1956, 1957,1959,1960, 1962) and was named "All time best prep basketball coach" by the Denver Post.
