Longtime ECHS Track, Cross Country Coach Inducted Into IATCCC Hall Of Fame

Steve Cotherman is deserving of the honor.

Steve Cotherman. Photo provided.

(St. Leon, Ind.) - Steve Cotherman can call himself a Hall of Famer.

The longtime track and field coach was inducted Saturday into the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (IATCCC) Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

"I was appreciative and humbled to be inducted into the Indiana Association of Track & Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame," said Cotherman. "This honor was unexpected, but one I'll always cherish." 

Cotherman started his career as a teacher of physical education and health in 1972. He would go on to teach in the Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corporation for 44 years.

In 1979, Cotherman became the assistant boys track & field coach at East Central High School. A year later he was the head coach and remained in that position until 2016.

During his time as track coach, his teams totaled totaled 51 invitational championships, 19 conference titles, 19 sectional wins, 23 individual state qualifiers, five relay state qualifiers, and two individual state champions. His girl teams won 21 invitationals, 12 conference titles, 13 sectional championships, and a total of 10 individual and 11 relay state qualifier

Cotherman also coached the East Central girls track team from 2003 to 2016, leading the Lady Trojans to 21 invitational championships, 12 conference titles, 13 sectional championships, 10 individual state qualifiers, and 11 relay state qualifiers. 

He currently coaches the boys and girls cross country team at East Central High School, leading both the boys and girls to numerous championships. 

In addition to teaching and coaching, Cotherman has served as a sectional rep for the IATCCC since 1990, is a past Vice-President and President of the IATCC, and was the head coach and coordinator of the Indiana Men’s Track All-Star Team from 1998 to 2016.

See the full IATCCC Hall of Fame Class of 2021 here.