Bluffton, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Dana (Purser) House, a former coach at Bluffton High School, has made a significant impact on the school’s cross country program over her 21-year tenure. As a member of the inaugural women’s cross country team at USC, she won multiple championships and fostered a love for the sport among young athletes. Her legacy includes numerous state and county championships, as well as community fundraising initiatives. Post-retirement, she continues to contribute to local sports and youth education as the lead counselor at the school.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Dana (Purser) House, a pivotal figure in South Carolina’s cross country scene, left a lasting legacy at Bluffton High School through her dedicated coaching and mentoring. A member of the University of South Carolina’s inaugural women’s cross country team in 1987, House not only shaped the sport across the state but also developed a strong foundation for young runners at Bluffton High School where she coached for 21 years.
During her coaching tenure, House achieved remarkable successes, winning a total of four state championships, 15 county championships, and 10 region titles. Her coaching acumen was evident when, in her second year at Bluffton High School, the boys’ team clinched the state championship title, which they repeated the following year. In her final year of coaching, both the boys’ and girls’ teams emerged as state champions, showcasing her impact on the school’s athletic program.
House began her own journey in sports later than most; she was homeschooled until the ninth grade and had no organized sports experience prior to running track. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in August 1991 with a degree in journalism. While at USC, she played a crucial role in helping the Gamecocks win back-to-back Metro Conference Championships and earned the title of MVP twice over her four years, ensuring her position as a formidable competitor.
The women’s cross country program at USC was largely comprised of freshmen during its first year, with just one walk-on athlete. Over her collegiate career, House experienced varied coaching styles that taught her resilience and adaptability, skills that she later translated into her coaching philosophy at Bluffton High School.
Starting the cross country program at Bluffton, which was then a newly established school, House faced significant challenges, as many of her athletes had never run before. Despite these obstacles, she managed to cultivate a strong running community, focusing on igniting a passion for the sport in young runners while emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Additionally, she initiated fundraising road races in Bluffton, raising money for scholarships and creating a foundation to honor a deceased student.
After retiring from her coaching role, House transitioned to a new position as the lead counselor at Bluffton High School. Although she has expressed that she misses coaching, she cherishes the additional time it affords her to spend with her family. Looking ahead, House is excited to join the Lettermen’s Association and attend football games now that she has more free time. Her commitment to local sports and youth education remains a significant part of her identity, as exemplified by her husband Randy, who supports her endeavors, and their two grown children, both of whom were runners in high school.
Legacy and Community Impact
Dana (Purser) House’s contributions extend beyond just her wins on the field. Through her various roles, she has instilled a love for cross country in her students, fostering a tight-knit community of runners and supporting their personal growth and aspirations.
Her Future Aspirations
Looking forward, House plans to engage more with the local sports community, utilizing the tenets of her coaching journey to continue promoting healthy living and athleticism among youth.
Quick Facts
- Member of the inaugural South Carolina women’s cross country team in 1987
- Coached at Bluffton High School for 21 years
- Won four state championships and a total of 15 county championships
FAQ
Who is Dana (Purser) House?
Dana (Purser) House was a member of South Carolina’s women’s cross country team when the program first started in 1987.
How long did Dana House coach at Bluffton High School?
She coached Bluffton High School for 21 years.
What championships did Dana House win while coaching?
She won several state championships as a coach, including four state championships and a total of 15 county championships and 10 region titles.
What was Dana House’s educational background?
She graduated from the University of South Carolina in August 1991 with a degree in journalism.
What did Dana House focus on as a coach?
During her coaching career, House focused on developing a passion for the sport among young runners and emphasized community involvement.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| College Experience | Member of USC’s inaugural women’s cross country team, won MVP twice. |
| Coaching Tenure | 21 years at Bluffton High School, four state championships. |
| Community Involvement | Founded fundraising road races, promoted student scholarships. |
| Post-Coaching Role | Lead counselor at Bluffton High School, plans to engage in sports community. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Catching Up With Cross Country Pioneer Dana Purser House
- Bluffton Icon: Bluffton Cross Country Competes at Grove Invite
- Bluffton Today: Sports Around the South Carolina Lowcountry
- Island Packet: Sports News
- Bluffton Icon: Pirate CC Runs O.G. Invite
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- Google Search: Cross Country Running
- Google Scholar: Cross Country Running
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cross Country Running
- Google News: Cross Country News
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
