Hall of Fame
In 1977, Randy Gray began teaching science while also coaching football and baseball with Little Miami Schools. Gray’s prolific career in education has spanned nearly five decades (47 years) as he’s taught physical science, CP biology, advanced anatomy & physiology, chemistry, honors physics, honors chemistry, and AP chemistry during his partnership with the LMHS. However, Gray’s commitment to Little Miami did not stop when the school day ended, as he dedicated six seasons to LMHS baseball as the JV head coach from 1978-80 and again from 1987-88. Gray was elevated to the varsity head coaching post in 1989 and 1990. On the gridiron, Coach Gray joined hall of fame coach Barry Schaad in 1981 and held various coaching roles in 39 seasons of Panther football until 2023. He was the freshman head coach from 1981-83, and a varsity assistant coach from 1984-98, 2000-05, 2007-2012, and 2016-2023. Coach Gray called the Little Miami defensive during three stints as the defensive coordinator from 1991-98, 2002-05, 2007-09 and 2011-12. He also held the head football coaching position during the Panthers 2006 campaign. Additionally, Gray umpired baseball games for four years during the 1980’s and was tabbed a ‘Warren County Teacher of the Year’ in the 1990’s. Gray currently resides in West Chester with his wife of 38 years, Patricia.
What was your most memorable season? “The 1992 season has a special place for me - a 10-0 regular season record, making the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and winning the First-Round game against London High School in a comeback win after being down 14-0, early. The loss in the regional finals against Valley View was another close game that they won in the final minutes. There have been many outstanding high school football players that have come through the program during my years of coaching, but that team was a collection of some of the best players the school has seen.”
What was your most memorable game? “I have been involved in many great football games through the years. Including many with exciting overtime wins (and losses) including schools like our rival Kings. However, winning a game that on paper we should have never been able to brings me to our Round 1 playoff game in 2022 as the No. 16 seed at the No. 1 seed Xenia. Winning that game with a field goal in overtime was a culmination of our players playing their hearts out and the excellent coaching staff working together to create a great game plan.”
Who were some impactful colleagues you've coached with during your time at Little Miami? "I have had the good fortune to work with many great coaches through the years here at Little Miami. But at the start of my career, three coaches really influenced me: Barry Schaad for bringing me on board and showing me what a great coach should be like; Terry Sheehan for all his extra time put in to mentoring me; and Tim Martin - we worked close together as a team with our coaching staff to put together a great football program."
Football – 39 years
Baseball – 6 years
