St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School is proud to announce the hiring of Walter “Smitty” Grider as the new head football coach and high school PE teacher. Coach Grider brings a wealth of experience, a passion for developing student-athletes, and a commitment to the values and traditions of Catholic education. 

Coach Grider started his coaching career in Montgomery, Ala., in 1982. He landed his first head football coaching job in 2005 at Central Coosa High School before taking the reins at Beauregard High the following season. He took the program that had won just two wins in as many years to a 7-4 record and playoff berth in his first year. In eight seasons at Beauregard, his teams posted a 64-28 overall record including 30-7 his last three seasons with the program. In 2014, he launched Park Crossing’s football program for the new school near Montgomery. Coach Grider then served as head football coach at Hazel Green High School, Dothan High School, and Benjamin Russell High School. 

Coach Grider will take over the Vikings Football program from Dwight Jones, who announced in January that he is retiring after a 44-year-long coaching career.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Grider to our Viking family,” said Athletic Director Calvin Thomas. “He is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the field. His vision for the Vikings Football program aligns with St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School’s core values of faith, honesty, loyalty and respect; and his leadership, experience and dedication to student-athletes make him the perfect fit to lead our football program into the future.”

“My family and I are excited to be joining the St. Anne-Pacelli family,” said Coach Grider. “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming; we know we have found the right home. I’m looking forward to meeting the players and coaches and getting to work.”

Coach Grider will officially begin his role on July 1, 2025. A meet-and-greet for parents and players will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6 p.m. at The Beck Center, 1801 Box Road, Columbus, Ga.

Located in Columbus, Ga., St. Anne-Pacelli is a college preparatory, age 1 through 12th grade, private school dedicated to giving children opportunities to learn in a safe, supportive environment where they can develop relationships with others and with God.