Boys' Cross Country Coach Ed Springstead, pictured right, was honored for his 50 year commitment to coaching cross country during the Shaker Invitational on Saturday, September 8.

September 12, 2007 – Shaker High School Boys' Cross County Coach Edwin Springstead was honored for his dedication and contribution to the sport of cross country during the Shaker Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 8.

"Coach Springstead has personally touched the lives of many people throughout his teaching and coaching career," said North Colonie Girls' Cross Country Coach Marbry Gansle. "He has taught commitment, discipline, dedication, character and how to persevere. We are extremely grateful for his dedication and commitment to our cross country program."

Springstead is currently the Boys’ Section 2 Cross Country Coordinator, and this fall marks his 50th year as a cross country coach. In appreciation for his outstanding career, the Shaker Invitational has been renamed the Springstead Invitational. 

Springstead began his physical education teaching career at Kingston High School in 1956. In the fall of 1958, he began teaching and coaching cross country at Colonie High School where he coached Barry Brown, an Eastern State Champion who went on to be a world-class athlete in steeplechase and the marathon. In 1962, Springstead's team won the State Championships. Frank Myers, Paul Gansle, Ray VanEpps and Ed Green ran for him at Colonie.

In the fall of 1966, Springstead began teaching and coaching cross country at Shaker High School. Although he retired from teaching in 1989, Springstead continues coaching cross country and outdoor track and field. During his tenure at Shaker, Springstead has coached many fine athletes including: Scott Barbuto, Gary Bergel, Mark Bergel, Matt Bogdan, Chris Breslin, Steve Buff, Keith Cooper, Justin Corelli, Doug Davidson, Mike Duffney, Vince Falbo, Scott Ferguson, Greg Fowler, Steve Hart, Shawn Higgins, Ken Johnson, Scott LeMay, Steve Marthy, Steve McElwain, Jared Paul, Tim Quinn, Eric Rampolla, Todd Rogers, Rob Saba, Mike Sgambelluri, Josh Sperber, Mike Springstead, Vito Stellato, Tony Treffiletti, Tim Watkinson, Brian Weidmann, Todd Weiss and Kevin Woods.