Greg Cotton


High School Honors
1-year Letterman each in Football, Basketball, and Cross Country.3-year Track & Field Letterman, PIL Champion Pole Vault, Grant record holder, Senior; State Decathlon Champion, Senior.
Post-High School Career
Graduated Linfield College; Track & Field Team Captain, placed in top three in various decathlon events. Competed in four NAIA National Championship decathlons. Taught High School Math. Assistant Track & Field Coach at Oregon City, Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Marshall 1985-90. The last 18 years at Grant High School as Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach. Had 14 teams trophy at the State Cross Country and Track & Field Championships.
Commentary
Looking back on walking the halls, gyms, and fields of Grant High School for over four decades, I have great memories of being a General. I am the son of a teacher and coach, I was a student and an athlete, and I was a teacher and coach. What did I learn from all those years?
First, be true to the Blue and Gray. Grantonians support each other and are proud of both the academic and athletic programs of the school.
Second, athletics start in the classroom. I had many great teachers. They inspired me to get a great education, go on to college, then return to become a teacher at Grant.
Third, the coaches made the athletic programs successful. They taught me great fundamentals, how to work hard, and how to win with humility. They were great role models. Coaches Ed Rooney, Gary Noble, and Mark Cotton (my father) helped mold me into the man I am today.
Fourth, the team was number one. Each athlete was an individual, but we learned we could accomplish so much more by working together. We pushed each other in practice and in competition. I remember the bus rides, the celebrations of victories, and the defeats. Together we became stronger.
Nominate a Hall of Famer
Help us celebrate the incredible athletes who have made their mark in the PIL. Submit your nomination today and ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
