Clearwater High Football Field Named For Longtime Teacher, Coach

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater High School Athletic Director Kathy Biddle was uncharacteristically at a loss for words when she learned the news Friday afternoon.

During a surprise ceremony in her honor, the high school announced that the name of the popular teacher and coach will live on forever at the high school she's devoted more than four decades of her life to serving.

The school has named its newly installed turf football field The Katherine H. Biddle Field at Jack White Stadium in her honor. This is the first football field in the county to be named in honor of a woman.

A longtime "force of nature" for the Clearwater Tornadoes, Biddle has been a physical education and social studies teacher at Clearwater High School for 42 years, as well as the track, cross-country and cheerleading coach.

In that time, she's led the high school to eight district championships, eight conference championships, four regional championships and several state tournament appearances.

For the past 20 years, she's also served as the high school's graduation coordinator and senior class sponsor.

In addition to spending her career at Clearwater High School, Biddle is also a proud alumna, graduating from the high school in 1974.

Five years after graduating, she was hired on as a full-time teacher at her alma mater.

She's always loved the high school that shaped her into the adult she became. But, in October 2019, she learned that the high school and the thousands of students and teachers who have passed through it over 40 years returned her love.

That's when Biddle was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Former students she hadn't seen in years came out of the woodwork after learning the news to visit her and send notes of comfort and support as she underwent treatment for her cancer while continuing to teach and coach.

Biddle's family, friends and fans were on hand Friday to share the surprise announcement with her including her husband, Robert, current and former Clearwater High principals and assistant principals, current and former district athletic directors and Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Michael Grego.

“I think the city of Clearwater and the county and the community are indebted to Mrs. Biddle,” Grego said.

Tributes continued to pour in over the weekend and this week from students and former co-workers around the country.

"I cannot think of a more deserving member of the Clearwater team than Katherine Hershfelt Biddle," said Clearwater High graduate Margaret Bello. "You have always been the heart of Clearwater."

"A truly well-deserved honor, Katherine," said Dustin Hinzman, music theater director at Gibbs High School. "What a beautiful legacy to our community and city and generations of students for years to come."

"Well deserved," Debra Murphy-Haverty said. "Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. Such an amazing influence for all students."

"I cannot think of a single person who has poured more of themselves into a school than you have into Clearwater High," Maria Morrison said. "This is an amazing, lasting legacy for a tremendous lady."

"We all appreciate your dedication and service to our school," Renee Honey said. "You are so deserving of this honor. It gives me one more reason to be a proud alumni."

"That is so amazing," said Suzi Hudson, now a special education teacher and mother of six."Mrs. Biddle is iconic at CHS — one of the best teachers for sure."

"Mrs. Biddle is the most beautiful soul I've ever met," former student Garet Springer said. "She really cares about people. Out of all my 12 years in school, she definitely was my favorite."

There will be an official ceremony dedicating the football field in Biddle's honor Friday, Sept. 3, during halftime of the Tornadoes' home opener against the East Lake High School Eagles. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

There will be a ribbon-cutting at the 50-yard line and staff will wear special T-shirts to honor Biddle.

All Clearwater High alumni are invited to cheer her on and celebrate her 42 years of dedication to the high school.

If you'd like to leave a congratulatory note for Mrs. Biddle, add it to the comments section below and Patch will be sure she receives it.