A pioneer in the development of physical education in American schools, Griff left Sequoia before graduation after a dispute with an English teacher, enrolled at Stanford University, received his degree, and accepted his Sequoia diploma after returning to the school as a teacher. As athletic director during the Depression years, he inaugurated the P.E. program that brought national acclaim to Sequoia over many decades and spawned hundreds of disciples in secondary schools throughout the U.S. Griff served as friend, mentor and inspiration to many of the coaching professionals honored tonight in Hall of Fame ceremonies.