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, Laird has led Williamsport to numerous championships and countless invitational victories, mentoring thousands of students along the way.

In honor of this milestone, Williamsport Area School District along with his fellow coaches have recognized him with this commemorative trophy, for his 50 years coaching middle school track and field student-athletes.

“Coach Laird built more than a winning program, he built a community,” Williamsport 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.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport Middle School track and field coach Randy Laird is honored during Monday’s home track and field meet for his 50 years of coaching.

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 Laird’s guidance.

Kelly Titus-Smith, assistant coach noted “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,” Titus-Smith said. “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.”

“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,” Williamsport boys track and field coach Jeremy Steppe. “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.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport Middle School track and field coach Randy Laird is honored during Monday’s home track and field meet for his 50 years of coaching.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport Middle School track and field coach Randy Laird is honored during Monday’s home track and field meet for his 50 years of coaching.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport Middle School track and field coach Randy Laird is honored during Monday’s home track and field meet for his 50 years of coaching.