Vic Grider, born on November 26, 1966, has left an indelible mark on high school football in Tennessee, culminating in his 2023 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. His career, spanning 30 years at South Pittsburg High School, with 22 of those years as the head coach, showcases a commitment to excellence and a legacy of success that few can match. Grider also served as the Athletic Director at South Pittsburg High School for over 15 years, demonstrating a profound dedication to high school sports beyond just the football field.

Under Grider's leadership, the football program flourished, achieving an outstanding overall record of 232-54. His coaching prowess led South Pittsburg to TSSAA State Football Championships in 1999, 2007, and 2010. Moreover, his teams were runners-up three times, in 2009, 2011, and 2020, alongside securing 14 Region titles. Such achievements underscore not only Grider's strategic acumen but also his ability to inspire and motivate his teams to perform at their peak.

Grider's contribution to high school sports extends beyond his immediate team, reflecting his service to TSSAA through the high standards he set and the competitive excellence he fostered within the association. His influence has undoubtedly helped elevate the level of high school football across Tennessee.

His familial ties to TSSAA further enrich his story; his father, Don Grider, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010, illustrating a deep-seated family connection to high school sports and to the TSSAA. Vic Grider’s induction into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame and his retirement in 2021 mark the culmination of a storied career dedicated to fostering talent, sportsmanship, and integrity in high school athletics. His induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2023 serves as a fitting tribute to his substantial contributions to high school sports in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2023
Category: Coach