Norfolk State University Athletics

Cletus Griffin is in his fourth year working with the men’s track and cross country staff at Norfolk State.

Griffin, a former Division II All-American, brings nearly 20 years of secondary and collegiate coaching experience to the program. Griffin was a standout long-distance runner at the University of Akron. He was an All-American in the 10,000 meters in 1972 and in cross country in 1973. Griffin also met the Olympic qualifying standards for the 10,000 meters in 1972 and for the marathon in 1976.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and history from Akron in 1974, Griffin earned a master’s in health and physical education from Akron in 1976. Griffin was also an assistant cross country and track coach for the Zips from 1974-77.

Griffin then embarked on a successful high school coaching career, first in Ohio and then in Virginia Beach. He was the head cross country and track coach at Green Run High School from 1984-89, winning four outdoor state championships. He then moved over to another Virginia Beach High School, Salem, from 1990-92, winning multiple district and regional titles.

Griffin produced 25 high school All-Americans during his tenure at Green Run and Salem.
Griffin currently serves as an assistant principal at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach. He resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, Debra. The couple has one son, Jonathan, who completed his track and cross country career with the Spartans last year.