Otton's impact more than just winning games

Gail Wood | The Olympian • Published August 21, 2009

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I found out this week that heroes don’t only run into burning buildings to save a life.

They also run out onto a football field and coach football.

Sid Otton never pulled anyone from a fire. But he’s salvaged plenty of lives.

Since 1974, Otton has coached football at Tumwater High School, shaping a team and molding lives.

For the past 35 years, as Otton piled up all those victories that’s made him the winningest high school football coach in state history, his message hasn’t changed. Be accountable. Be dedicated. Be loyal. Give it your best shot. And never give up.

As I watched Sid at practice this week, putting another team through drills, I thought about his impact. But it’s not just the words of Tumwater’s only head football coach nearly four decades that’s had such an influence. It’s also his life, his commitment and his loyalty.

All along, Otton has been the coach, molding and shaping lives with words and actions. That’s not the same as rescuing someone from a fire. But it’s just as heroic.

posted by Gail Wood