In March of this year, Kevin Giddens of Colquitt County High School was given two tremendous rewards for his dedication and sacrifice that he puts forth on a daily basis. At the Georgia Athletic Directors Association’s annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, Giddens was named the Region 1-AAAAAA Athletic Director of the Year, as well as the Class AAAAAA Athletic Director of the Year. Wrapping up his second year as the AD for the Packers, In the Game Magazine was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Giddens and discuss the road taken to triumph and his future plans for Packer Nation.
Building a Winner
After playing football at Georgia Southern University and earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education, Giddens credits his upbringing for getting him to the position that he enjoys today.
“I had a great home life,” he said. “My father taught me the value of hard work.”
After college, he spent time as a physical education instructor, and also worked at Long County and Coffee County High Schools. It was through his daily routine that Giddens gained an understanding of the importance of motivating and supporting children in reaching their dreams through athletics.
“Even though we’re doing fitness, team sports, and all the curriculum, I was getting paid to do what I loved,” he says. “A young guy (at 22 years old), I was enjoying what I did, and getting paid for it.”
It was also in Long County that Giddens met his wife, Lynn.
“I met the greatest woman in the world in Long County,” he says. “She is one of my biggest supporters, and because of her I have the greatest children in the world as well.”
Hard Work Pays Off
Giddens arrived at Colquitt County High School in the summer of 1994, accepting a position as an offensive line coach; coincidentally, the Packers fought their way to an undefeated season (15-0) and a state title during his inaugural year.
“I always tell the guys that I was the missing link to a championship,” he says with a laugh.
In between stints with the Packers, Giddens spent time as the head football coach of the Coffee County High School Trojans. It was in Douglas that he realized that, while coaching may not be his calling, the position of athletic director allowed him to still do what he loves: make an impact in the lives of student-athletes, their families, and their community. He returned to Colquitt in 2001 as an assistant principal, and has been a staple of Packer Nation athletics ever since. When the AD position opened up in 2013, he jumped at the opportunity.
“To develop a program, and make it a winning program, takes work,” he says. “It takes hard work and grind. But my job is easy. I’ve got great parents, coaches, student-athletes, and a great community to do all of this in. None of this is possible without them.”
Two decades later, the 2014 Packers would complete another undefeated season and hoist another state championship trophy, and the pride came from a common source.
“There was no greater feeling than to look up in those stands at the Georgia Dome and see our Colquitt faithful there to support us,” he said. “That’s what makes this great; the level of support that we have here cannot be replaced.”
Adding to the Foundation
Giddens is excited for the future, and pays a great deal of respect to the staff for the future possibilities. The Packers’ have reached six consecutive state playoff semifinal games (culminating in a 2015 championship).
“I can’t do this alone,” Giddens says. “Former coaches, student-athletes, and administration; they make this possible. They laid the foundation. I’m just here to continue in the tradition of what has made this community something to be proud of.”
Other sports are seeing success as well; freshman Parker Hardigree hoisted a state diving championship in February. Packer Park is steadily growing as it accommodates more and more of Colquitt County’s athletic teams.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about doing what you love,” he says. “We have fun because we love what we do. I don’t look at it as a job; I’m having fun. That is where success comes from; enjoying what you do.”
South Georgia/June 2015
Kevin Giddens
Colquitt County High School
Moultrie, Ga.
by James Washington
