George Guins (2013)
About George Guins
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, George Guins was everything to young men and women entering the new sport of cross country. A 1961 graduate of Olmsted Falls and a soccer goalie for Ohio State before graduating in 1966, George started the men’s cross country program at Bucyrus HS in 1967 followed by the women’s program in 1970. George’s own running took off about this same time running the Boston Marathon for the first time in 1969. He missed the 1970 marathon but then began a 29 year streak at Boston including a 2:34 PR which ranked him the 17th American and 75th in the world. In 1978, George took over the programs at Galion High School and has been there since. In a coaching career that has spanned over 90 seasons of track and cross country, George’s influence on young runners and on coaches around the state has been great. He has served on numerous District and Regional games committees and has been the District 6 Coach of the Year on several occasions. George was the Mid East Cross Country Coach for a three year period. Back when there was a demand for qualified people, George became an official and helped start meets for the next 27 years. Over the years, he promoted running by founding the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival “Brattie Run,” sponsoring 24 Hour Relay running events for team fund raisers, and helping found the Galion Invitational – the same course that hosted one of the best District Cross Country Meets for years. Finally, George’s athletes have achieved on the track. His teams have won numerous NOL titles in both men’s and women’s competitions. They have won several District titles and two Regional titles (Cross Country in 2005 and Track in 1995) as well as advanced to the State Championship eight times with the highest finish of 4th coming in 1995. Notable Galion athletes under George’s coaching have included All-Ohio Jessica Strickler in cross country; Baldwin-Wallace All-American, Jessica Carmona; and nine time Malone College All-American, James Zeuch. Numerous other relays and individuals have also earned All-Ohio honors across the years. George, retired from teaching at Galion, still coaches Track, and spends winters in Florida
