Butch Briggs
Grand Rapids
Impact Statement
“When I removed my ego from the team’s expectations and outcomes, the entire atmosphere was much more enjoyable and productive.” -Butch Briggs
Biography
This past season, Briggs led the East Grand Rapids girls’ swim team to its 23rd overall Michigan high school state championship. Briggs, who just completed his 45th season with the school’s girls’ and boys’ swimming and diving program, has now led EGR to four straight state titles — three in Division 3 and one in Division 2 in 2017.
Briggs has also led the boys’ program to ten state championships. Prior to the March state meet that were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, his boys’ team was ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 3.
“It’s still the best part of my day, and as long as that goes on and they will have me, I’d like to
continue,” said Briggs about being a coach during a 2015 interview with the School News Network. “I feel so blessed to have been able to do this. I’ve always felt like the Lord wanted me to be a coach and I’m supposed to be here.”
Since being honored, Briggs took over the boys program in 1972-73 season and the girls in 1974. He just celebrated his 50th year coaching in May of 2024. Overall, he has coached 102 seasons total, winning 26 MHSAA Finals championships with the girls and 12 with the boys.
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