CALHOUN, GA – Gordon Central High School Coach John Rainwater has been named the 2023 Gordon County Schools Coach of the Year.
Nominated by coaches across Gordon County Schools, Rainwater was recognized for his dedication to his students, coaching staff, school, and community. One nomination stated in part, “Over the years, I have seen the passion Coach Rainwater not only has for track and field but also for all of his athletes and coaches. It is truly a family atmosphere. The kids know that they are going to have to push themselves and work hard, but they also know that if they need anything at all (no matter how big or small) that Coach Rainwater will do whatever he can to help.” Another nomination also stated, “With Coach Rainwater, kids not only learn how to be better athletes, but they also learn how to persevere through hard times, strive and achieve goals, leadership, and how to work as a team.”
Total, Rainwater has spent the last 36 years serving as a coach, 31 years as an educator and has been serving the students of Gordon county Schools for the last 20 years.
During his time coaching, Coach Rainwater has helped his student athletes achieve numerous state titles including individual athlete track and field titles, three team state track and field titles, four state championship titles in the track and field boys wheelchair division, four state runner-up titles in the track and field girls and boys wheelchair divisions and thee state titles in boys basketball. Coach Rainwater has also been recognized with the Georgia Disability Sports Coaching Award.
Rainwater was surprised with the announcement on Thursday, April 20th, by Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Fraker, Assistant Superintendent Alice Mashburn, Gordon Central High School Principal Brian Hall, and Gordon Central High School Athletic Director William Shackelford.
Coach Rainwater holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Coaching from Georgia Southern.
Mr. Rainwater is married to Shannon Rainwater and together they have three children, John Victor Rainwater IV, Sydney Rainwater, and Landry Rainwater.
Rainwater will be honored by the Gordon County Schools Board of Education during its May Board Meeting.
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About Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.
Contact at Gordon County Schools:
Kendra Pannell
Communications Coordinator
Email: kpannell@gcbe.org
Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151
Website: www.gcbe.org