GRC 1991 state champion track team reflects on legacy, impact of coach Dr. Elaine Farris

WINCHESTER, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – In the world of sports, the contributions of African American athletes have shaped generations, and one local team continues to stand as a powerful example of that legacy.

The George Rogers Clark High School 1991 KHSAA state champion women’s track and field team — often called the “GRC-5” — not only reached the top of the podium, but also became a source of inspiration for young athletes across the Bluegrass.

Members of the championship team recently sat down with ABC36 NEWS NOW to reflect on their journey, the bond they built, and the coach who helped shape their success — Dr. Elaine Farris.

Farris said she first recognized the athletes’ potential years before they ever competed at the state level.

“Actually taught these young ladies in elementary school when I was an elementary P.E. teacher in Winchester,” Farris said. “I saw these young ladies running and doing all these type of athletic things and I said wow, they could probably run on my track team.”

That early connection turned into a deep bond between coach and athletes — one they say felt more like family than a typical sports program.

“I felt like I was more of a mother to them,” Farris said, describing how she would often pick them up and take them to practice. “I didn’t have to do a lot of pushing because they knew what my expectations was.”

The path to a state championship wasn’t easy. The team faced setbacks and strong competition from larger schools, but their discipline and precise relay work — especially flawless baton exchanges — helped set them apart.

“We had our ‘breakfast of champions’ and talked about what we needed to do,” said Stephany Smith, a member of the 1991 championship team. “The baton passing had to be on the money.”

Teammate Tiffany Williams said the title came after years of building momentum.

“We had been to the state championship every year,” Williams said. “We didn’t win it all as a team at first — but in ’91, we won the whole thing.”

Despite competing against larger programs from cities like Louisville and Lexington, team members said their biggest motivation wasn’t the competition — it was living up to their coach’s expectations.

“The greater intimidation was Coach Farris,” said Dr. Maisha Jack, another state champion. “Once she said, ‘Let’s do it,’ everything else faded.”

Looking back, the athletes say the championship helped shape their confidence both on and off the track.

“She had potential in us,” Caprice Robinson said. “She knew that we could win.”

Beyond athletics, the team credits Farris for teaching life lessons about excellence, discipline, and education.

“Dr. Farris set a standard for us not only athletically but academically,” Jack said. “She helped us navigate through life.”

Today, members of the GRC-5 remain connected — and are actively involved in efforts to rename the track and field facility in honor of Farris, whose leadership they say changed their lives.

“It was an honor for me to coach them,” Farris said. “I smile every time I think about them and how successful they have been as young women.”