The NFHS is proud to name Roger Whittaker of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio as the 2017-18 Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year!

Coach Roger Whittaker is truly a "jack of all trades" - throughout his time in the Gahanna Jefferson School District he has stepped in to coach basketball and football, supervised the elementary school safety patrol and been an academic tutor, among many other roles. Gahanna Lincoln High School should be proud to have the 2017-18 NATIONAL Coach of the Year for Girls Outdoor Track and Field! Great job Coach Whittaker!

School: Gahanna Lincoln High School

Seasons Coaching: 30 | State Championships: 6

Coaching Highlights: 

2018: OATCCC Indoor Ohio Girls Team State Champions, Outdoor League, District, Regional,Outdoor Ohio State Champions, League Coach of the Year, USTFCCCA State of Ohio Girls Coach of the Year, USTFCCCA Candidate for National Girls Coach of the Year, NFHS State of Ohio Girls Coach of the Year

2017: OATCCC Indoor Ohio Girls Team State Champions, Outdoor League, District, Regional Champions, Outdoor Girls Ohio State Runnerups, League Girls Coach of the Year, Ohio District 10 Girls Coach of the Year, Inducted into Gahanna Lincoln HS Athletic Hall of Fame

2016: OATCCC Indoor Ohio Girls Team State Champions, League, District, Regional Champions, Outdoor Girls Ohio State Runnerup, League Girls Coach of the Year, Ohio District 10 Girls Coach of the Year

2015: OATCCC Indoor Ohio Girls Team State Champions, League, District, Regional, Outdoor Ohio State Champions, League Coach of the Year, District 10 Girls Coach of the Year, USTFCCCA State of Ohio Girls Coach of the Year, USTFCCCA Candidate for National Girls Coach of the Year

2014: League, District Champions, Regional Runnerup, 3rd Place Ohio Girls State Championship, League Coach of the Year

2013: League, District, Regional Champions, League Coach of the Year

2011: Ohio Division 1 Coaching Ethics Award winner

2010: League, District Champions

2008: League Champions

2007: League, District, Regional Champions

2005: District Champions

Philosophy of Athletics

To build a strong student/athlete foundation through hard work, discipline and focus. Coach Whittaker wants athletes to strive to be the best student/athletes they can be in the classroom, on the track and in the field as they push towards the highest level they can achieve in each area. The goal is to reach and exceed the high standards the team holds itself up to and to meet challenges head on. The hope is to provide post high school opportunities for athletes by attending high exposure meets but ultimately student athletes from the program learn successful life lessons which provide a solid platform for continued success moving forward no matter the chosen path.

See all of the 2017-18 National Coach of the Year recipients by viewing our press release.