Thanks to funds from the Piketon Athletic Boosters, those athletes wanting to achieve new heights in track and field can now do so by participating in the pole vault.
Funds were secured, equipment was purchased, and a runway was added, making the dream of pole vaulting a reality this past spring.
Kim Bennett, who is a 10-year member of the Piketon Athletic Boosters, said that the boosters put forward the funds for the new pole vaulting area at the Piketon High School track and soccer complex. That total came to more than $12,000, but Bennett and the other boosters know they are making a worthwhile investment.
“We have the money and we’ve invested a lot of money,” said Bennett. “Whenever the boosters need help, we can always count on the track and cross county programs coming through for us.”
Bennett also noted that the boosters had recently purchased a golf cart for school use since the district’s John Deere Gator utility vehicle was wearing out and needed to be replaced. Having the golf cart available makes it easier to transport food, beverages and ice between the district’s various outdoor facilities. The school’s athletic trainer, Shannan Hegarty, is also able to use the cart to haul ice or transport injured athletes when the need arises.
According to Chellie Bowman, who is a four-year member and the secretary/treasurer for the boosters, they have invested more than $34,000 over the past year in providing funds for athletics, the band and afterprom.
“We’re working very closely with the band now,” said Bowman. “We even have the president of the band boosters as a member. We are working with them and sharing things.”
Chellie’s husband, Rob, is the president of the Piketon Athletic Boosters and has been a member for three years.
Bowman and Bennett noted that the boosters paid to have new sod put down on the baseball field and re-seeded the softball field.
The athletic boosters and band boosters are working together to help all Piketon students. The athletic boosters would like to have more members, as there were only 10 active members serving at the end of the 2012-13 school year. For membership information or to join, contact Piketon High School at (740) 289-2254.
FROM: http://www.pikecountydaily.com/sports/article_ff9e79e1-2a0f-5f76-8d60-ef2c506c69b1.html
