Gerry Couch

Class of 1970 At OTHS, Gerry Couch was a highly accomplished crosscountry runner, accumulating 36 dual meet titles, ranking him 5th all-time in the State of Illinois. He finished 4th in the IHSA State Meet his Junior year, the highest finish in OTHS history. He set 8 course records during his career. In Gerry Couch’s Senior year, he finished first in 15 of his 18 races, and finished in 14th at the IHSA State Meet. He qualified for the State Finals in each of his four years on the Cross Country Team, finishing 131st, 12th, 4th, and 14th in the IHSA State Meet during his career. He was also an outstanding distance runner for the OTHS Track Team, holding OTHS records at both the JV and Varsity levels in the ½-mile, 1-mile, and 2-mile distances. He achieved the fastest time in the nation, for a freshman, at the 1967 IHSA State Track Meet and broke the State record for the 2-mile distance. He has donated innumerable hours developing young local golfing talent. He is currently assisting the OTHS golf team, which in 2024 became IHSA State Champions.