The Official Website of The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association - District IV
Legendary Middle School Track & Field Coach Recognized with 50 Years of Excellence
By: Williamsport Area High School | PIAA District IV | May 6, 2025 | Photo courtesy Brett Crossley
Williamsport, PA - After five decades of unmatched dedication, passion, and success, Coach Randy Laird is being recognized for coaching middle school track and field for the Williamsport Area School District during the past 50 years, building a legacy that has inspired generations of student-athletes and shaped the culture of Williamsport athletics.
Coach Laird began coaching at Roosevelt Junior High School in 1975, quickly establishing a reputation for leadership, sportsmanship, and a deep commitment to helping young athletes discover their potential both on and off the track. Over the course of 50 seasons, Coach Laird has led Williamsport to numerous championships and countless invitational victories, mentoring thousands of students along the way.
"Coach Laird built more than a winning program, he built a community," said athletic director, Sean McCann. "What stands out most isn't just the championships and trophies, but the character, confidence, and sense of team that Coach Laird instilled in every athlete."
Coach Laird is known for his dedication, commitment, personal encouragement and creative workouts with his teams. Former athletes often cite his influence as formative in their personal development as an athlete and a student. Alumni have gone on to excel in high school and collegiate athletics, often returning to express their gratitude for the life lessons they learned under Coach Laird's guidance.
Kelly Titus-Smith, assistant coach says, "Randy has been an inspiration for all of his athletes as well as fellow coaches. He sees talents and abilities in his athletes they did not know they had as well as pushes them to do their best without them even realizing. Over the past 50 years Randy has developed a very successful program, which is a product of his dedication to the sport and students. He also has a way of transferring his passion for track to anyone he interacts with. I know he has helped me develop my coaching skills, especially with the ins- and outs of hurdling. I truly enjoyed watching him interact with the students as well, especially how excited he gets when his athletes are successful. I am very grateful to have crossed paths with him and hope I can one day have a legacy as grand as his!"
In honor of this milestone, the Williamsport Area School District along with his fellow coaches have recognized him with this commemorative trophy, for his 50 years coaching middle school track student-athletes.
Millionaire head boys' track and field coach, Jeremy Steppe relays, "Over the course of his career, Coach Laird has ignited a passion for excellence in our track and field athletes. The success of our high school program is due in large part to the strong foundation he built within those middle school athletes. I began my own coaching journey alongside Coach Laird, and he exemplified the qualities of an outstanding coach—qualities I continue to aspire to every day."
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