The NFHS is proud to name Stanley Goodell of Grants Pass High School in Grants Pass, Oregon as the 2017-18 Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year!

"It's the climbing that makes an athlete, getting to the top is just an extra reward." - Coach Stanley Goodell of Grants Pass High School in Grants Pass Oregon, 2017-18 Girls Cross Country NATIONAL Coach of the Year

The NFHS is proud to support and congratulate Coach Goodell on his accomplishments. Coaches like him are constantly working to turn out well rounded, hardworking individuals at the high school level. Congratulations Coach Goodell!

School: Grants Pass High School

Seasons Coaching : 36 | State Championships: 7

Coaching Highlights: Skyline Conference Coach Of The Year-Girls (1996-97, 2002, 2005-06, 2008, 2010) Skyline Conference Coach Of The Year-Boys (1994, 1996-97, 2004, 2007-08) Oregon High School Coaches Association Coach Of The Year-Girls (1996-97), Oregon High School Coaches Association Coach Of The Year-Boys (1994-95, 2008), Oregon High School Coaches Association All-Sport Coach Of The Year-Girls (1995), Grants Pass High School All-Sports Coach Of The Year - Girls and Boys Cross Country (2018)

Girls Conference Champion Coach (1991, 1996-97, 2002, 2005-06, 2008, 2010

Boys Conference Champion Coach (1991, 1994, 2004, 2007-08)  

Philosophy of Athletics

Athletics, what are they really? Although they appear to be physical games and challenges in the literal sense, there is also another sense that plays an integral role in why an athlete will do what they do regardless of the sacrifice. Be you the best or the worst on the team in any sport, you still have the ability to contend and "contender" is a very meaningful title that can go along with any form of athletics.

Simply put, Coach Goodell believes that a true contender is a person who knows there is more to the athlete than the naked eye can perceive there to be. A true contender is the athlete climbing up, the athlete who knows there's a good chance he/she will never get to the top but still willing to sweat, bleed, cry and to get up countless times to go as far as the body will take them and as far as the heart, soul, and mind are willing to take them. Truly put, it's the climbing that makes an athlete, getting to the top is just an extra reward. 

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