Woodmont honors Candler naming press box in his honor

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By David Meade

During halftime of the Woodmont – Wren football game, Woodmont HIgh School honored legendary player, coach, and athletic director Steve Candler by naming the press box in his honor.

Caandler was recognized for his accomplishments as a Coach and Athletic Director during his time at Woodmont and was also recognized as one of the first inductees into the Woodmont High Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Candler served as Woodmont High Athletic Director for 24 years and taught PE/Health, driver’s education, and coached sports including varsity football, varsity girls basketball, golf and wrestling.

He was named Greenville County Football Coach of the Year in 1985 and was assistant coach for the 1989 North football team at the North/South All Star football game in Myrtle Beach.

During that year, under the direction of Candler, the Wildcats won their first conference championship competing in the Peach Blossom Conference.

He was a member of the first eighth grade class to attend the newly constructed Woodmont High School in 1965.

The school was formed by the merger of Ellen Woodside High School and Piedmont High School.

Candler participated in football as a quarterback, basketball as a guard and baseball as a pitcher and second baseman. He was named All Region in football and basketball his senior year.

Candler graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s of Science in PE and Health.

He began his teaching and coaching career at Woodruff High School in 1976. While at Woodruff High, he coached JV and Varsity football, Varsity boys basketball, baseball and golf.

In 1980, at the age of 28, Candler was offered the opportunity to return to Woodmont High as a teacher coach and athletic director.

According to the program, Candler felt that the numbers in the win/loss columns were important, however he realized that they were not the most important factor in a student athlete’s life. “Coach” felt that the most important role he had was to encourage good sportsmanship and character in each athlete.

Coach Candler retired in 2004 and is currently employed at Piedmont Tire Company.

Pic – Friday night was a very special night for the Woodmont Wildcats! During halftime of the Woodmont- Wren football game, Woodmont honored legendary player, coach, and athletic director Steve Candler by naming the press box in his honor.