Mark Woods, Varsity Head Coach: MarkW@CentralChristianSchool.org
Cross Country Roster - 2025
Coach's Bio
Name: Mark "Woody" Woods
First Year Coaching at CCS: 2019
College/University Attended: Bluffton College
Notable Awards: Named Mid-Buckeye Conference Coach of the Year in 2022 (boys), 2023 (girls) and 2023 (boys)
What do you appreciate about coaching at Central Christian?
Coaching at Central is a privilege because it allows me to invest in a community that values both excellence and character. I appreciate the commitment our athletes show to growth—not just in speed or endurance, but in teamwork, resilience, and integrity. Central fosters an environment where student-athletes can push themselves while also supporting one another, which creates a culture that is both competitive and deeply encouraging. I also value the strong relationships with other coaches and staff, whose collaboration makes it possible for our students to thrive in multiple sports and activities.
My faith shapes both the “why” and the “how” of my coaching. I see each athlete as a unique individual created in God’s image, deserving of respect, care, and encouragement. This perspective pushes me to coach in a way that goes beyond performance—helping athletes grow in perseverance, humility, and compassion. I strive to model servant leadership, emphasizing that success is not only measured by times or medals but also by how we treat others in victory and in defeat. My hope is that, through this approach, the team experiences a coaching environment where faith is lived out through integrity, grace, and a commitment to bringing out the best in one another.
What does “Athletics with Purpose” mean to you?
Athletics with Purpose means that sports are not an end in themselves—they’re a platform for shaping the whole person. Wins and personal records are important, but they’re not the ultimate goal. Purpose-driven athletics uses competition to teach lessons about perseverance, self-discipline, teamwork, humility, and resilience—skills that will serve athletes far beyond their time in high school.
In my role as a coach, I apply this by helping athletes connect the “why” of what we do to who they are becoming. That means setting high standards for effort and attitude, encouraging them to support and challenge each other, and creating moments where they can see growth not just in times or distances, but in character. It also means guiding them to handle both success and setbacks with grace, and to recognize that their influence as teammates and leaders can be just as meaningful as their performance.
Favorite Bible Verse
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)