May 4, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College men's golf coach John Forton has announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025 season, capping a remarkable 10-year run at the helm of one of the most consistently dominant programs in the region.

Forton's leadership has helped shape GRCC into a powerhouse in collegiate golf. Under his guidance, the Raiders recently clinched their 16th consecutive conference championship and 12th MCCAA title — milestones that speak to both sustained excellence and a culture of winning.

During his tenure, Forton's teams have won more than 60 MCCAA conference and state invitationals, qualified for 10 straight NJCAA Division II National Golf Championships, including an 11th place finish in 2021. 

His coaching accolades are numerous:

• 9-time MCCAA Western Conference Coach of the Year
• 4-time MCCAA Coach of the Year
• 4-time NJCAA Region XII Coach of the Year

Forton has mentored countless standout student-athletes, including:

• 3 Regional Medalist winners
• 4 MCCAA Medalist winners
• 7 Conference Medalist winners
• 17 All-Region golfers
• 21 All-MCCAA golfers
• 33 All-Conference golfers
• 5 Conference Freshman of the Year honorees
• 30 Academic All-Conference athletes
• 8 Academic All-Americans

Forton's final season is far from over. The Raiders are currently preparing to compete for their 11th regional title on Monday and Tuesday, aiming to cap his career with yet another championship run.

Lauren Ferullo, GRCC's Director of Athletics, shared her appreciation for Forton's years of service:

"On behalf of GRCC Athletics, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to John for his unwavering dedication and leadership. His passion for the game, commitment to the student-athletes, and years of service have left a lasting impact on our golf program and the entire GRCC community. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement — he will always be a part of the Raider family."

As GRCC begins its search for a new leader to carry on Forton's legacy, the men's golf head coach position is now open. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at:
GRCC Careers – Men's Golf Coach Position

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.