Dr. John Griggs is one of the most respected and well-liked coaches in the history of Apex High School. Coach Griggs has had a lasting impact on countless students, athletes, and community members through his unwavering dedication to education, athletics, and service. Coach Griggs served at Apex High School from 1977 to 1990, where he taught mathematics and coached multiple sports. Remarkably, in addition to being recognized by his peers and students as an incredible teacher, Coach Griggs was also an outstanding coach of three different sports. Coach Griggs coached the offensive and defensive backs for the Apex football team; He was head varsity boys basketball coach for nine years and was recognized as “Conference Coach of the Year”. His golf teams captured eight consecutive conference championships, and he was named “Conference Coach of the Year” eight times. These accomplishments reflect not just technical skill, but a rare ability to inspire, mentor, and bring out the best in athletes. 

Many former Apex students still recall how strong of a teacher Coach Griggs was as well. At Apex and he was selected as the Apex Jaycee “Outstanding Young Educator” and nominee for Wake County “Teacher of the Year.” After leaving Apex, Dr. Griggs taught in the Mathematics Department and served as Assistant Department Head at NC State University for 33 years, where he was selected as an “NC State Outstanding Teacher” in 2005 and was honored as a “Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor” in 2010. He was selected to be a Park Faculty Scholar for two classes of the distinguished Park Scholarship in 2013 and 2020. He co-authored the three-course calculus textbook currently in use at NC State University. He has also done the official statistics for NC State Women’s and Men’s Basketball for decades. Griggs retired in 2023 and was granted the status of Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Griggs led by example in his personal life as well. A man of deep faith and conviction, he has been actively involved in his church and continues to serve others through frequent mission trips to Cuba with his wife, Traci. His life’s work extends far beyond wins and accolades – it is about character, leadership, and community. Dr. Griggs exemplifies the spirit and legacy of Apex High School Athletics. His influence endures not only in trophies and records, but also in the lives of the students and athletes who carry his lessons forward