By Tatiana Martinez
Contributing Writer
For 55 years, Greenway's cross country coach has been a guiding force, inspiring generations of runners to chase their dreams and embrace the spirit of perseverance.
With 55 years of coaching experience, cross country head coach Scott Giddings has become a cornerstone of the Greenway school community, shaping not only the runners he trains but the culture of the program itself.
Athletic Director Jeff Feldman takes pride in his coaches and has seen Giddings grow over the years.
“You will not find many people that coach for that long ever,” Feldman said.
Giddings’ journey began in a manner that would resonate through his decades of coaching. Fifty-five years ago, his high school coach, Wendell Sheets, asked if he wanted to coach the freshman cross country team at Washington High.
“I had just finished college and had a few months before going to basic training for the Army Reserves, so I said yes,” Giddings said.
Little did he know that this decision would lead him on a lifelong path of mentorship and community impact.
Giddings has witnessed significant changes in cross country such as the sport gaining more women and respect across the sport in general.
“The sport has increased in notoriety, respectability, quality, and participation,” Giddings said.
At the beginning of his coaching career, there were only a few invitationals, whereas now there are multiple invitationals every weekend. Technology has also revolutionized how results are tracked as you can get your times immediately after a race.
“In the old days, you’d wait hours for results; now runners can check their times and splits on their phones immediately,” Giddings said.
Giddings highlights the growth of girls’ cross country, which has become just as competitive as boys’ programs.
“Back in the day, girl’s cross country didn’t really come in until the late 1970s. Now, it’s thriving,” Giddings said.
Despite the changes in the sport, Giddings' coaching philosophy has remained the same throughout the years. His philosophy is to help runners achieve their potential, enjoy their running experience, and develop a strong work ethic. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, and reminds his athletes that you’re only as strong as your fifth runner.
Respect and camaraderie are also central to his approach. “I want them to value the worth of every teammate and respect their contributions. They are students first and athletes second,” Giddings said.
Every coach faces challenges, and for Giddings, the 2012 season was particularly trying. His team had lost three of their top five runners to season ending injuries. Despite the setbacks, he rallied his team with the BTO (“Beat The Odds”) chant, inspiring them to defy expectations and qualify for the state meet.
Giddings takes immense pride in the success of his athletes, including standout runner Jeff Cannada, who earned seven individual state championships.
“One achievement I’m most proud of is that he held the 1600 and 3200-meter records for 25 years,” Giddings said.
As he looks ahead, Giddings acknowledges the challenges that lie before the Greenway cross country program. Some challenges include program promotion, and getting members to join to keep up with other schools in their division.
“We need to promote our program more and engage with feeder schools to keep our numbers up,” Giddings said.
Despite concerns about enrollment, he remains optimistic about the school’s cross country program to thrive.
Being a coach can come with many rewards. For Giddings, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is the relationships he builds. Recently, he received a heartfelt picture from the Washington runners of the class of 1974 during their 50th reunion.
“The fact that they would still do that for their coach makes it so rewarding to be a coach,” Giddings said.
He finds joy in witnessing the growth of his athletes, like Alexavier Martinez, who recently won the Sectional Championships.
“Seeing the smile on runners’ faces when they achieve their goals is priceless,” Giddings said.
Senior cross country athlete, Alexavier Martinez, has been part of the program for four years. Martinez has grown as an athlete through his years and explained his love for the program and Giddings.
“Coach Giddings guides me and pushes me as an athlete. He has taught me some very valuable lessons throughout my years here that I will carry with me after high school,” Martinez said.
As Giddings continues to guide the Greenway cross country team, he not only shapes competitive athletes but also instills values that will serve them for a lifetime. He is a mentor, a leader, and a beloved figure whose influence will resonate for years to come.
Through his constant support and commitment to his athletes, he has fostered an environment where young runners can thrive, both on and off the course, leaving a legacy that transcends the sport itself.
“I’ve never had trouble staying motivated. It’s just what I do. I love the challenge of seeing how far I can help a team go,” Giddings said.
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