OATCCC Hall Of Fame
Roger Whittaker

Roger Whittaker exemplifies dedication to the sport of Women’s Track & Field through his 43 coaching tenure at Gahanna Lincoln High School. Few coaches ever match the longevity, commitment and overall success he has achieved as a member of the Gahanna Lincoln Women’s Track & Field program since he began coaching in 1981. Roger began as an assistant coach before eventually being selected as head coach of the women’s program in 1989. Since taking over at Gahanna Lincoln he has continued to build upon and maintain one of the top women’s programs in the State of Ohio. The Golden Lions of Gahanna Lincoln have been super successful under the leadership of Coach Whittaker. The women’s program has captured 15 Ohio Capital Conference – Ohio Division team titles, 14 District titles, 10 Regional titles, 2 Division 1 Women’s State Track & Field Championship 3rd Place finishes (2014 & 2019), 3 Division 1 Women’s State Track & Field Runner-Up finishes (2016, 2017 & 2021), 4 Division 1 Women’s State Track & Field Championships (2015, 2018, 2022 & 2023). In addition to the outdoor accomplishments the Golden Lions of Gahanna have 3 OATCCC Indoor Women’s State Track & Field Runner-Up finishes and 6 OATCCC Indoor Women’s State Track & Field Championships. Roger has coached 350 plus that have qualified to the state championships while over 100 have earned All-Ohio honors and 5 have earned High School All-American honors. He has coached four individuals that have captured 8 individual state titles. MI Angel Daniels – 100 Hurdles (2016), Camden Bently – 100 Hurdles (2022, 2023 state record) – 300 Hurdles (2021, 2022 & 2023), Andi Lyons – 400 M Dash (1989), Madison Martinez – 800 M Run (2018). Coach Whittaker has also coached 11 state champion relays teams. 4x200 M Relay (2015, 2022), 4x400 M Relay (1981, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2023), 4x800 M Relay (2016, 2018 state record). In addition to the accomplishments of his athletes and teams Roger has earned multiple individual recognitions and honors. He was selected by the OATCCC and served as a coach on the staff of the Ohio Senior All-Star Team at the Midwest Meet of Champions. He has been selected as the Ohio Capital Conference Coach of the Year and District Coach of the Year honors on several occasions. He has been selected by the National Federation of State High School Associations as the Ohio Track & Field Women’s High School Coach of the Year 3 times. In addition to those honors he has been selected by the National Federation of State High School Associations as the National Track & Field Women’s High School Coach of the Year in 2018 and again in 2022. In recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of Coach Roger Whittaker the OATCCC is honored to recognize him as a 2024 OATCCC Hall of Fame Inductee. Congratulations Coach Whittaker!