To Sandy Valley head cross country coach Greg Howard, the name Ed “Lids” Lidderdale has long been synonymous with Sandy Valley athletics.
“When people hear Sandy Valley, they immediately think of Ed Lidderdale,” Howard said. “His influence runs that deep. He has given so much to this community, and there is no doubt that his legacy will continue to live on in Sandy Valley for generations to come.”
Former Sandy Valley runner and 2004 Division II 1600-meter state champion Mike Coates shared a similar sentiment, recalling the impact Lidderdale had on every athlete who crossed his path.
“I could talk all day about Lids,” Coates said. “He cared the same for every single student-athlete under his watch — regardless of their performance. Our team was a family, and he made everyone feel welcome. Although his accomplishments are many, Lids was far more than a good coach. He was a great man.”
The longtime track and cross country coach, whose name is etched into Sandy Valley history and the hearts of countless athletes, passed away early Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the age of 79. He was the 2004 Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year, the leader of a 1995 boys track team that finished state runner-up, and a 2015 inductee into the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) Hall of Fame.
Over 39 years, Lidderdale coached 74 state qualifiers, 32 state placers, and four state champions. The district named its annual track and field meet the Sandy Valley Lidderdale Invitational to honor his decades of dedication.
School district expresses condolences
In a statement Tuesday, Sandy Valley Superintendent David Fischer shared the district’s condolences with the community and urged parents to be attentive to their children as they process the loss.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the tragic loss of Coach Ed Lidderdale, Hall of Fame coach, former teacher, and devoted Sandy Valley community member,” Fischer said. “Such a loss affects us all. It is our hope that we can work together to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community through this difficult time.”
Though retired from full-time teaching, Lidderdale continued to coach middle school athletes in recent years, a reflection of his dedication to the sport and the next generation.
Coaches, athletes, and colleagues remember “Lids”
Minerva coach Olivia Scott recalled the encouragement she received from Lidderdale early in her coaching career.
“When I was a new coach years ago, even though we weren’t on the same team, he was one of the first coaches from another program to offer encouragement and guidance,” Scott said. “The number of athletes he helped shape over the years is truly remarkable. I will miss his friendly face and warm presence.”
Malvern coach Jeremy Maher described Lidderdale as a mentor whose kindness and generosity transcended team lines.
“Ed was like a mentor to me,” Maher said. “The best part about Ed was the way he treated all coaches and athletes. He wanted the best for everyone. Whether it was another team’s coach or athlete, Lids was there to help. We will really miss him.”
Carrollton track and field coach Mike Aukerman remembered Lidderdale’s trademark humor and personal warmth during their most recent conversation.
“Just talked to Lids last weekend at Claymont and his jovial self kept talking about my high school running days at East Canton and my head coaching start in 2006 at Sandy Valley,” Aukerman said. “He always liked giving me a hard time but would follow it up with ‘how is the family?’ and how he loved seeing my boys racing. Lids always had a laugh and quick comment that would put a smile on your face. We pray for peace for his family and know that Lids will be watching us all from above!”
Jenna Ayers, a former athlete and advocate for adaptive sports, highlighted Lidderdale’s role in advancing opportunities for student-athletes with disabilities.
“Thirteen years ago, Ed was the President of the State Coaches Association in Ohio. During his tenure, he was one of the core members working alongside the Ohio High School Athletic Association to integrate wheelchair track and field into existing high school programs,” Ayers wrote on Facebook. “Without Ed and his passion for advancing sport, I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would’ve looked like. The ripple effect he’s had on my life, from then, to now, and beyond, fills me with deep gratitude.
“I’m so thankful to Ed for so many great memories, laughs, and for always reminding me to smile. I feel peace knowing that Ed is now reunited with his wife in heaven and that he is truly resting in the glory of Our Lord. We will miss you greatly.”
A legacy that lives on
Known for his humility and tireless work ethic, Lidderdale was often the first to arrive and the last to leave at practices and meets. Generations of athletes came to know not only his coaching expertise but also his steady encouragement and kindness.
For Sandy Valley, his passing marks the end of an era. But through the invitational that bears his name, the athletes he mentored, and the countless lives he touched, the legacy of “Lids” will continue to shape the Cardinals’ program — and the community he loved — for years to come.
