By Connie Nolen/Community columnist

“As you know, we fully recognize people who finish first and second in the state,” Pelham City Schools’ Superintendent Scott Coefield said.  Informally recognizing students and student groups finishing third, Dr. Coefield quickly began formal recognition of the Pelham High School Track team and coaches.

“This certificate says, ‘Celebrating Success–Special People Doing Special Things—The Pelham City Board of Education hereby recognizes the accomplishments of the Pelham High School Girls’ Indoor Track Team, 2019 6A Indoor Track State Champs Runners-Ups,’” said Coefield.

Coefield recognized the team’s 26 all-state athletes and six individual state winners. PHS Track, consistently a strong and upbeat program, benefits from committed athletes and skilled coaches.

“The Board wishes to extend its gratitude for the work and dedication that were required to accomplish this achievement. Thank you for your outstanding representation of Pelham City Schools,” Dr. Coefield said.

“Coach Springfield, Coach Argo, and Coach Adams, will you grab your kids and come on up?” Coefield said.

“Coach Kiel and Mrs. Knight, my two picture takers are not here tonight, so parents if anybody can take a photo,” Dr. Coefield said.

Taking the photos, I remembered how consistently our PHS Track Teams have earned much-deserved recognition.

“For a couple of years in a row, we’ve been runners-up indoors. This senior group was also state champions when they were freshmen. During their indoor career, two runners-up and one state championship during their four years—,” said Coach Marty Springfield.

“That’s not bad,” Dr. Coefield joked.

Katie Strozier was recognized as both 6A Indoor Track 800 Meter and 1600 Meter State Champion. Strozier was also part of the 4x 800 Relay championship team including Alex Wilkins, Maddie Dubose, and Brooke Monti. Wilkins also snagged the 6A Indoor Track 1600 Meter runner-up spot with Sarah Guthrie capturing the 6A Indoor Track Long Jump runner-up.

Adam Keller, T.J. Gennari, Marcus Bell, and Dominic Fanella earned the 4x 800 Meter Relay runner-up position. Wilkins, recognized as a National Merit Scholar, is also an academic star. Formal recognition truly reinforces school programs that consistently excel.