Simon Greiner Track & Field Program
The Simon Greiner Program helps OKCPS student-athletes find their path by creating a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and discipline in the sports of cross country and track & field.
About SGP
The Simon Greiner Program enthusiastically promotes the sports of Cross Country and Track & Field in Oklahoma City Public Schools. This collaborative initiative between Don & Shellie Greiner, Cleats 4 Kids, and Fields & Futures carries on the legacy of Simon Greiner by giving kids an opportunity to discover their love for competitive running.
Helping Kids Trailblaze Life
The mission of the Simon Greiner Track & Field Program is to help OKCPS students succeed in life and reach their full potential by creating new and expanded opportunities to participate and excel in cross country and track & field.
Grow Participation Rates
Enrich the Student-Athlete Experience
Increase Competitiveness
Empower District Coaches
Supplement Needed Equipment
Uncover Post-Graduation Opportunities
Community Partners
Simon’s Legacy
1994-2016
Simon Greiner was a free spirit right from the start. He was quite literally born with a smile on his face, and it grew even wider when he discovered running. On track or terrain, he was a natural born runner who relished pushing his body to the limits.
Off the track, he was easy-going and compassionate with a profound interest in helping young people with limited means. If he wasn’t wearing running shoes, he was either barefoot or in sandals.
Despite his considerable talent, he never put running above people. At meets, he was just as likely to make friends on the track as beat them.
In high school, he was a four-time state champion for Edmond Memorial where he anchored the 4x800m relay. He was also an individual state champion in the 800m and 1,600m and was named to The Oklahoman’s All-City teams for track and cross country.
Following an undefeated senior season at EMHS, he earned academic and athletic scholarships to the University of Tulsa. By his junior year at TU, Simon was a repeat conference champion and collegiate All-American.
When an injury forced him to give up running during his senior year of college, he found his life’s path tutoring inner-city youth at an urban public school in Tulsa. Unfortunately, it was during the time of his injury that he experimented with a natural hallucinogenic that ended up causing a psychosis that affected his mood, behavior, and personality.
Despite graduating from Tulsa University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sports Exercise Science, his parents say he was never the same.
After returning home, Simon began volunteering at an inner city school and working with a local high school cross country team. He was applying to grad schools to pursue a master’s degree in education at the time of his death.
Created in his honor, the Simon Greiner Track & Field Program offers hope, acceptance, and guidance to the underprivileged youth Simon was so passionate about helping. Today, his legacy lives on through the lives of countless others who are ready to run free.
Simon’s Legacy
1994-2016
Off the track, he was easy-going and compassionate with a profound interest in helping young people with limited means. If he wasn’t wearing running shoes, he was either barefoot or in sandals.
Despite his considerable talent, he never put running above people. At meets, he was just as likely to make friends on the track as beat them.
In high school, he was a four-time state champion for Edmond Memorial where he anchored the 4x800m relay. He was also an individual state champion in the 800m and 1,600m and was named to The Oklahoman’s All-City teams for track and cross country.
Following an undefeated senior season at EMHS, he earned academic and athletic scholarships to the University of Tulsa. By his junior year at TU, Simon was a repeat conference champion and collegiate All-American.
When an injury forced him to give up running during his senior year of college, he found his life’s path tutoring inner-city youth at an urban public school in Tulsa. Unfortunately, it was during the time of his injury that he experimented with a natural hallucinogenic that ended up causing a psychosis that affected his mood, behavior, and personality.
Despite graduating from Tulsa University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sports Exercise Science, his parents say he was never the same.
After returning home, Simon began volunteering at an inner city school and working with a local high school cross country team. He was applying to grad schools to pursue a master’s degree in education at the time of his death.
Created in his honor, the Simon Greiner Track & Field Program offers hope, acceptance, and guidance to the underprivileged youth Simon was so passionate about helping. Today, his legacy lives on through the lives of countless others who are ready to run free.
Simon Greiner Program Blog Posts
David Crynes, Ph.D.
Coach. Mentor. Runner.
The Simon Greiner Track & Field Program is managed by Fields & Futures and led by Program Director David Crynes, Ph.D. Coach Crynes is a native of Central Oklahoma and brings more than 30 years of coaching experience in the sport at the high school and college levels.
As a life-long competitor and long-distance runner, David knows what it takes to succeed on the track and in life. When David is not on school campuses inspiring and encouraging student-athletes, you can find him training for his next race or formulating a plan to help OKCPS running programs blaze new trails.
To keep tabs on David’s efforts inside the district, please subscribe to our program’s email newsletter. If you’re interested in volunteering or making a gift to advance our mission, please drop a message to David here.
David Crynes, Ph.D.
Coach. Mentor. Runner.
As a life-long competitor and long-distance runner, David knows what it takes to succeed on the track and in life. When David is not on school campuses inspiring and encouraging student-athletes, you can find him training for his next race or formulating a plan to help OKCPS running programs blaze new trails.
To keep tabs on David’s efforts inside the district, please subscribe to our program’s email newsletter. If you’re interested in volunteering or making a gift to advance our mission, please drop a message to David here.
