"They wouldn't know it, but they've had such an influence on my life . . ." |
|
|
Hello Mama?s Family!
We're thrilled to continue our Spotlight Series, highlighting our current coaches. In this edition, we highlight a new-ish coach in our program: Dr. Jon Grgat.
Jon started with the team in the 2024-25 season after moving to Bloomington for work. After some subtle recruitment tactics by head coach, Pretty, we got him. |
|
 |
Coaches Pretty and Jon, discussing strategy at Sectionals 2026. |
|
|
|
|
|
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do for work and for fun when not coaching?
I'm Jon. A 5'10" green eyed cat dad. Professionally, it's Dr. Jon working as an electrical engineer. For fun, I'm still playing frisbee at the club level with Indy Spectre in the mixed division. Previously, I played for other nationals caliber club teams like the Cleveland Crocs. I've been bit by the golf bug (disc and ball), and will play any game under the sun. Please don't look up my PDGA rank. |
|
|
 |
Coach Jon in an end-of-season huddle with the team after regionals 2026. |
|
|
How long have you been coaching and how did you find you wanted to be a coach?
Just finished my 2nd season with the Mama's, but started my coaching career the year after I graduated undergrad at John Carroll University (go Thor). |
|
|
|
I love talking shop when it comes to ultimate and coaching scratches that itch. It's been such a privilege being a part of this organization. They surprise me every practice with their dedication, intensity, and comradery that they display every day. It's been a treat. (Don't tell them I said that. I have a reputation to uphold.)
Why did you want to coach the IU Ultimate program?
Pretty was Pretty convincing during a golf round, but I knew I wanted to get involved in the community as soon as I moved here. |
 |
Jon Grgat, left, smiling with the 2026 Mama?s after Sectionals. |
|
What's your role on the coaching staff? Do you focus more on offense or defense, team strategy, skill development, or something else?
My primary role is a D-line coach, but ultimately it goes both ways. I like to think my role is to teach the players where the dangerous space is, how to defend and exploit it, point out tendencies in body mechanics, and preach why the break space is where games are won. |
|
|
|
What has been one of your favorite game day tournament memories since coaching with the team?
Sectionals 2025. The kids dug deep as a whole unit. I cried. Shout out to Big Country - His play alone convinced me not to retire. |
|
 |
Coach Jon throwing a disc during downtime. |
|
|
|
What do you enjoy most about working with this current group of players? Any particular strengths or team qualities that make coaching fun?
These kids bought in. It's something you always hope for, but rarely see. The slack channel speaks volumes regarding their effort and teamsmanship. I'm proud of all of them and wish I had eligibility. My only gripe is that some players don't believe in the Sun. |
|
|
 |
Jon smiling for the camera. |
|
What has been one of your favorite non-tournament memories with the team? Hotel story? Eventful practice? Ran into a player at the bars?
Eastern Qualifiers. A young man flew too close and almost beat the egg record. He still owes me 25 bucks.
You spend a lot of time teaching the team. What have the Mamas/Daddys taught you?
We got a word limit? I'll keep it brief. Resolve, kindness, love, friendship, and grit. They wouldn't know it, but they've had such an influence on my life, including the coaches. They accepted me for who I am, and the words to encapsulate that simply don't exist. |
|
|
|
|
