Sunday afternoons on high school campuses are usually quiet. This Sunday in Rock Hill the Northwestern High School campus was different.
The Northwestern cafeteria was full of friends, coaches and family for a surprise announcement to retired Northwestern Trojans cross country and track and field coach Calvin Hudgins on Jan. 4.
The 2026 York County Sports Hall of Fame visited the school to announce Hudgins as the latest inductee.
Hudgins retired four years ago from the cross country and track and field coaching after a career as a runner and then coach that started in 1988.
Brandon, one of Hudgins' children, said after the announcement in a post, "It's an honor to carry his last name. It's an honor to be a part of this community." "If you get a chance to hug your favorite coaches. Tell them thank you. We all love watching you grow and flourish" - Brandon Hudgins
Hudgins was inducted into the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) in 2006 and Northwestern in 2023.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for later this year.
Related: 30 years later - Calvin Hudgins to retire (2023 article)
Below: 2019 video with Calvin Hudgins
Awards and honors
2014 USTFCCCA Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year
Four-time South Carolina Track & Field Coach of the Year
2006 inductee into the South Carolina Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Nine-time Rock Hill Herald All-Area Coach of the Year
2023 inductee into the Northwestern High School Hall of Fame
Team achievements as a coach Two SCHSL Girls Track & Field State Championships (2003, 2004)
Boys Cross Country State Championships (2004, 2005)
Girls Cross Country Individual State Champions (2001, 2007)
Between 1993 and 2022, his athletes won more than 40 track and field individual state titles.
The York County Sports Hall of Fame concluded in its announcement online, "Through his mentorship, leadership and character, Coach Hudgins has influenced generations of athletes, leaving a lasting impact on track and field and cross country across South Carolina and propelling many of his athletes to further success as collegiate athletes and coaches."
