A multi-talented figure who excelled as a college football player, coached at the University of South Carolina, and later served in the state's Senate, leaving a lasting impact on the sports and political landscape.
Warren E. Giese is best known for his remarkable career as a college football coach and his later venture into politics as a state legislator in South Carolina. As the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Giese led the team for five years, leaving an indelible mark on the University of South Carolina's football program.
Giese was born on July 14, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended Rufus King High School. He began his college education at Milwaukee State Teachers College, playing football for one year before enlisting in the United States Navy through the V12 pilot training program at Central Michigan University. During his time in the Navy, Giese played football at stations in Miami and Jacksonville, Florida.
After World War II, Giese resumed his college education at the University of Oklahoma, where he played college football as an end under head coach Jim Tatum in 1946. That season, he was named a first-team All-Big Six Conference player. Giese graduated from Oklahoma in 1947 and returned to Central Michigan to play football for his final year of college eligibility.
Giese began his coaching career at the Sacred Heart Academy High School in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he coached for one season and compiled a 3-4 record. From 1949 to 1955, Giese served as the ends coach at Maryland, during which time the team won the consensus national championship in 1953 and was retroactively awarded the 1951 national championship by several selectors.
In 1956, Giese became the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, a position he held for five years. During his tenure, he employed a conservative, run-first game strategy, but also enthusiastically adopted the two-point conversion when it was made legal in 1958. Giese correctly predicted the rise of special teams after the NCAA relaxed its player substitution rules that same year.
After his coaching career, Giese ventured into politics, serving in the South Carolina State Senate. He remained dedicated to public service until his passing on September 12, 2013.
Warren E. Giese's legacy extends beyond his impressive coaching record and political career. He was a devoted public servant, dedicated to making a positive impact on his community. Through his work in football and politics, Giese inspired countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be felt today.
Warren E. Giese's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for making a difference. His legacy continues to inspire future generations, both on and off the field.
Born in 1913
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