The Journey of Running and the People You Meet
Coach Gutridge, out of Grafton High School, names the people he’s met through running as the greatest gift he received from the sport. His high school coach, Larry Hinders, first convinced him to begin running on the team. At the time running was the one weakness Gutridge consistently displayed in his other sports, but with the unwavering motivation and confidence of Coach Hinders, Gutridge succeeded on the track. This has encouraged Coach Gutridge to “look everywhere for athletes.” While others may focus on the most promising incoming freshman, his attention is also shared with the lacrosse player who is only running to stay in shape. Now that lacrosse player is preparing for a running career in college. Coach Hinders was also a key component in Gutridge’s decision to pursue teaching and coaching. Coach Gutridge is a 9th Grade teacher, dealing with students transitioning from middle school to high school. T...
