Hall of Fame
Longtime cross country and track coach Robert C. Goodell, who worked in school districts including Greece, Newark, Red Jacket and Victor during his four-decade career, died Nov. 30, 2018 at his home in Farmington, Ontario County. Bob was a true legend.
Mr. Goodell graduated from Red Jacket High School in 1967 and later completed a master's degree in biochemistry at the State University College at Brockport. Bob, an Advanced Placement biology and chemistry teacher, began his teaching and coaching career at Greece Olympia High School in 1975.
An excellent cross-country runner, Bob once tried out for the Olympics and still holds the 2-mile record at Red Jacket High School. He was inducted into the Red Jacket Hall of Fame in 2006, the Section V Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Section V Cross Country Hall of Fame in 2016.
He took over as coordinator of Section V cross country in 1982, and in 1994 began a cross country program in the Red Jacket Central School District.
Reflections about Bob are filled with gratitude, respect and admiration from former students, athletes and colleagues. "You were a very inspirational and dedicated coach that will never be forgotten," wrote Robert Grasso.
Former Victor athlete Mike Drock wrote: "This is to the man who shaped the person I am today. Bob Goodell had such a positive impact on so many lives and it is hard to fathom a world without him. He will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten."
Runner Sarah Shellard said Mr. Goodell was her "mentor, supporter and motivator." She said he had a significant impact on her decision to run track at the collegiate level while she was a student at the State University College at Cortland. "He helped me realize my potential, and to this day I have him to thank for that."
Bob is survived by his wife, Bernice, children Robert Goodell and Paula Goodell-Laursen, and four grandchildren, siblings and extended friends and family.