Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
An informal proposal from San Jon High School’s track coach to refurbish the school district’s track received favorable reaction from board members during their meeting last week.
Brad Bryant, a first-year head track coach at the high school, said he floated the idea before the board to gauge their initial reactions. He estimated the total cost of renovating the track that circles the football field would be up to $150,000, but probably less.
Bryant said he has lined up an in-kind donation to haul away old asphalt on the track. He expressed confidence he could raise about $75,000 in local donations for the project, leaving the district’s share at $75,000 or less.
Bryant said he envisioned a four-lane track with a rubberized asphalt surface.
Bryant said Grady High School renovated its track for about $210,000 a few years ago and observed how that community became enthused about the project.
After San Jon chose to end its sports cooperative agreement with Grady in November, Bryant said it was an opportunity to rekindle some enthusiasm for Coyotes sports programs.
“Let’s try to do something for these kids before they graduate,” Bryant said.
Board President Frank Gibson expressed his support for Bryant’s proposal.
“It’s the best deal we’ve heard of yet,” Gibson said.
Board member Cynthia Lee also voiced her approval.
“I think it’s something to get excited about,” she said.
Board member Tommy Evans said he thought the project’s cost could be further reduced with donated equipment.
Bryant is the father of San Jon athlete Dustin Bryant, who finished in the top five in four events — including a championship in the long jump — at the Class 1A state track meet in 2019 as a freshman. He will be a junior in the upcoming school year.