Former Columbus East coach Bob Gaddis coaches the Olympians against Whiteland in 2018.
It’s no secret that Bob Gaddis left a legacy not only from coaching football, but for all of Columbus East athletics.
The legendary Hall of Fame coach and former athletics director will be honored with a ceremony Aug. 29 prior to the kickoff of the Olympians’ rivalry game against Columbus North. There will be a barbecue cookout at 5:30 p.m. to raise money for an entryway to the field, and then in the middle of the field before kickoff, there will be a dedication for Gaddis to celebrate all of his accomplishments at East.
“The reason why we wanted to name the stadium after him is really to cement his legacy at Columbus East,” East athletics director David Miller said. “Columbus East has been blessed with two legendary football coaches with John Stafford and Bob Gaddis, and of course John Stafford’s name is already on the field, so we thought honoring coach Gaddis with the stadium named after him was fitting and obviously well deserved.”
Gaddis is one of the all-time winningest coaches in Indiana football history with a 330-143 record in 42 years overall as a coach, the last 20 coming with the Olympians before retiring after the 2020 season. During his time at East, Gaddis went 212-43 while winning 11 sectional, 10 regional, three semistate and two state championships. His teams also won 17 consecutive Hoosier Hills Conference titles and 96 straight HHC games.
Gaddis led East to a Class 4A state championship in 2013. They were runners-up in 5A in 2016 and won the 5A state championship the next year.
“It’s a way for current student-athletes and former student-athletes and the alumni of Columbus East to really honor and recognize a coaching legend in coach Gaddis,” said Miller, who served as Gaddis’ offensive line coach for most of his tenure. “He has done so much not only in football but the Columbus East community. It’s a great way for current student-athletes and alumni to recognize him and understand his legacy.”
