Atlanta Lions Club donates check to Atlanta’s track program

By Tim Emmons
temmons@casscountynow.com

The Atlanta Lions Club donated more than $750 to Atlanta’s track program this past Wednesday at its  weekly meeting.
On hand to accept the check was head track coach Nick Miller, Atlanta Athletic Director Matt McClure and Atlanta Superintendent Sidney Harrist.
The money will go towards the purchasing of new hurdles and other equipment needed. 
The Atlanta Lions Club has a long history of supporting Atlanta athletics and was a driving force in getting a new track built when Atlanta Rabbit Stadium was constructed back in 1996.
The Runnin’ Rabbs Relays soon became the Atlanta Lions Club/Runnin’ Rabbs Relays.
The track program has enjoyed many successful seasons since then Head Coach Gordon Pynes maneuvered the program to a state championship in 1989.
The program has several district (26 out of 29), area and regional championships along with state runner-up honors, but adding four more state titles in 1997, 2002, 2003, and 2004 puts Atlanta near the top of an elite list of programs statewide.
Under Miller the boys’ track program has two district championships and the relay teams have netted three regional championships, wrapped up gold, silver and bronze medals and was state runner-up last year with just four members alone.
“We’ve hosted several track meets for some time and we are picking up two more with both middle school programs hosting district meets in Atlanta this year,” Miller said. 
“My father ran track in the 70s and our meets have really grown. Teams want to run in our meet and over time several teams have entered.”
“Atlanta is known statewide for their success in different areas of its sports program, and with that we want to make sure we have the best equipment to ensure that we are prepared when tons of teams make their way to our campus,” Miller remarked. 
“We are very thankful for the support from the Lions Club.”
McClure added, “Our track meets are like well oiled machines which run smoothly and always attracts large crowds and really good track programs from across the region. This donation will be a great help for the program.
“New equipment always helps when you host several events and with that the donation from the Lions Club will guarantee smooth sailing at the next Gordon Pynes/ Atlanta Lions Club/Runnin’ Rabbs Relays and more.”