Bay College Head Softball Coach John Garris has died. The college made the announcement on Saturday, saying only that he died "suddenly".
"Bay College and Norse Athletics is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Coach Garris," said Norse Athletic Director Matt Johnson. "In his short time here, he showed his passion and enthusiasm not only for the game of softball, but for life in general. Our thoughts and prayers are nbwith his family at this time."
Garris took over a Norse program in 2024 that struggled for the past couple of seasons, both in on-field performance and in the number of women coming out for the team. When he took over, the Norse literally did not have enough players to field a team. They did not take their annual Spring Training trip south, and recruited several Norse basketball players to fill out the roster.
Despite this, Garris vowed to build the program back to competiveness, and even though his team went 1-32 in 2025, he was in the process of recruiting more players to improve on that in 2026.
Garris coached college softball for more than 30 years, most recenlty at the University of Maryland, where he has served as an assistant coach since 2021.
Garris's death is a shock to the Bay College community, where he was more than "just a softball coach." He was involved in all of Bay's athletic teams, servig as the Compliance Director, but also helping out on basketball game nights and other athletic functions.
Many in the Norse athletic community took to social media on Saturday as news of Garris's death started to spread.
“Truly a great coach and human,” Norse pitcher McKayla Mott posted on Facebook. “I can’t thank him enough for giving me one last opportunity to play the game that I love at a competitive level. He will be deeply missed.”
“When I found out, my heart broke this man had done so much for me to set me up for my future as a coach and just to be a better human,” former Norse catcher Ava Mottin wrote. “I just can’t believe he’s gone. I know he is in a better place and I send prayers out to his family and our Bay family.”
“I know it will be tough to go into the office next week and know he won't be there asking which place we are going to for lunch,” said Norse Baseball Coach Mike Pankow, who's office is across the hall from Garris's. “ An absolutely genuine and honest soul that was always out to do good by the people he was around. I only knew him for a short time, but my life is better for knowing him. He leaves a big hole at Bay.”
And Johnson, who had the official job of breaking the news to the world, shared his personal feelings about the loss to this very tight-knitted athletic community.
“John was an incredible man, literally one of the best human beings I have ever met. He was the first person to lend a helping hand, he would go above & beyond to make anyone & everyone feel special,” Johnson wrote. “I am going to miss the stories and conversations. Lord knows he could tell a great story!”
“His time at Bay and with our department may have been short, only 1 year. But the impact he made in our department, on our campus, and across our community is unbelievable,” Johnson continued. “He showed passion and enthusiasm not only for the game of softball, but for life in general. Bay is a better place because of our time with Coach G. We lost a good one yesterday, but I feel very fortunate that God allowed our paths to cross. I have so many memories."
And on and on it went, more tributes, some short, some long, for the man with the thick southern accent and infectious personality that embraced the Escanaba community.
"Bay College has experienced a huge loss with the passing of Coach Garris. He brought a sense of pride, great enthusiasm, and uplifting energy to both our campus community and the athletic department. His passion for student success was evident in everything he didalways going above and beyond to ensure our students felt supported and valued. His warm smile and unmistakable Southern drawl will be profoundly missed by all," said Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes.
Garris's death comes as the softball team prepares for its fall season in less than one month.
