Six years: That is how long it has been since the W.S. Neal High School track team has been able to host a home track meet on their own track after the track was damaged a few years ago by someone driving a construction vehicle over about 10 meters of it.
The area was filled with concrete, instead of rubber surfacing, making the track uncertified by the Alabama High School Athletic Association to host home track meets.
After six long years of not having a home track to compete on and host an event and having to travel to all their events, the track at W.S. Neal will be repaired this summer according to head track coach Rebecca Massie.
“Since being offered the job of track coach in 2009, I have been working towards getting the track repaired,” Massie said. “We have not been able to host home track meets because of about 40 feet of concrete on the track. In my opinion, every athlete and team deserves to have the chance to compete on home turf. It is my goal to coach and lead a championship program. Part of a well-rounded program is hosting track meets. Aside from increasing our competitive edge, we will benefit financially from hosting home meets. We will save money by not traveling and paying meet fees, and we can make money from opposing team entries, meet concessions, and gate tickets.”
One event that will help offset the cost of the track repairs and raise money for the Eagles will take place this Saturday.
Not only will the event take place, but it will take place in Texas for the Eagles of East Brewton.
A national fundraiser called “Run for the Eagles” will be held at JL McCullough Junior High School in Texas in a town called The Woodlands.
“I am very grateful for my Brooks Sports sponsorship and membership on the Brooks
ID Running Team,” Massie said. “Last year at the RnR Seattle Marathon, I met teammate, Adrienne Langelier. She and I became fast friends. Adrienne and I talked frequently about my team’s financial struggles. She and her Woodlands running club designed Run for the Eagles. The all-day event will include mile races for all ages and a 12-hour ultra run for distance gurus. Prizes will be awarded for top competitors, as well as random door prizes. Brooks Sports and Power Bar are also sponsors for this event.”
Massie said she would be flying out to Texas for the weekend to help with the event.
“I am so amazed and grateful for this group of runners, especially Adrienne,” Massie said. “This will definitely help us meet our financial needs.”
On the local scene, the second Blueberry Chase 5K will be held at the Brewton Area YMCA, Saturday, June 18 at 7 a.m.
“The race will be just like last year,” Massie said. “I am still working on the Website and paper registration, but they should be ready early next week. The race will begin and end at the YMCA. Participants will get a T-shirt. Overall and age group winners will receive special hand-made awards, made by W.S. Neal Elementary students. We will also be giving away door prizes and refreshments will follow the race.”
Massie said she is currently looking for donors and sponsors for food and prizes.
“Last year, we had quite a few high school runners from north Florida,” Massie said. “I am hoping to increase the number of participants this year. Runners and walkers are welcomed.”