E.D. White track coach Don Grabert is retiring; assistant Jordan Reed named replacement
After 38 years, Don Grabert has called it a career.
The E.D. White Catholic track and field coach announced his retirement but will remain as a teacher at the school. His former E.D. White athlete and current assistant coach Jordan Reed will be his replacement.
Grabert’s retirement comes after the boys team were second in the LHSAA Class 3A state meet Saturday.
“Thirty-eight years is a long time,” Grabert said Tuesday. “You get to a point where it’s time to move on. I’ve got grandkids now. It just felt like the right time. I’ve accomplished a lot in my lifetime.
“The E.D. White community has been awesome. To be able to coach here for the past 38 years, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I wouldn’t want to be in any other place.”
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK: E.D. White gets Class 3A girls state track and field runner-up trophy
Grabert has contributed to the success of many E.D. White teams as a coach, including track and field, football, cross country, soccer and basketball. The girls track team was runner-up in 2021. He won five state championships in cross country to go with four state runner-ups.
Grabert had a 244-144-25 record as girls soccer coach in 22 seasons until he stepped down in 2019. He guided the team to 10 district championships, numerous playoff wins, 10 quarterfinal appearances and three semifinal showings (2016, 2017 and 2018).
Grabert, who celebrated his 67th birthday on Wednesday, credits all of his former athletes and coaches for the success.
“We did it as a team,” Grabert said. “That’s what make E.D. White special is all the kids. I’ve had great athletes over the years. We’ve been blessed. It’s not about me. It’s the kids. It’s great to win at stuff, but just to see those kids accomplish what they did when they get to the state level has always been good.”
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK: How Vandebilt girls edged Northside to repeat as LHSAA Class 4A track champion
Reed, who graduated from E.D. White in 2009, said he is ready for the challenge of replacing Grabert. He has learned a lot about sports and life from his mentor. Reed helped E.D. White win three state cross country championships as a runner.
“It’s just about teaching them the sport and getting them to be the best they can be,” Reed said. “I always felt that as one of his athletes. Coming back and being part of the cross country and track teams with him, I’ve taken it all in. I feel like I’ve had the best mentors I could ever have.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: South Terrebonne baseball reflects on Hurricane Ida, wants to win LHSAA state title for community
"With the talent we have coming back, and the tradition that E.D. White track and cross country have, I’m excited and ready to hit the ground running. I thank Coach Grabert for everything he has done for me.”
Reach Chris Singleton at 985-857-2213 or chris.singleton@houmatoday.com and on Twitter @courierchris.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: E.D. White track coach Don Grabert retires; Jordan Reed is replacement
