Keely Smith, Franklin recreation director, in conjunction with Jackee Propst, Pendleton County Middle/High School athletic director, hosted the first ever youth race during the first home baseball game of the season.
As a part of her new position, Smith reached out to Propst to see if there was anything that she could do to help with the athletic department at PCMHS. Attendance to the baseball games was highlighted in their discussion. Smith came up with an activity not only to increase attendance to baseball games, but also to involve the youth of the county in a recreational activity to support the community.
“I think it is important for our youth to be involved and encouraged to participate in recreational community events, so they feel valued and appreciated. This is a great way for children to build a sense of pride in our community,” says Smith.
The race was inspired by a tradition at the Minor League baseball games in Charleston where kids run for fun from the right to left field in between innings. “I have been to several Dirty Birds games, and I see how the kids get so much enjoyment out of being able to participate in activities during the games. I thought having a race during our baseball game would bring enjoyment to our children as well,” Smith stated.
The entry for the race was $5 with the gate fee waived. Half of the money went to the PCMHS athletic department while the other half went to the Franklin Board of Parks. A total of 23 students were able to partake in the race.
There were two heats, first-and second-grade students, then third- through fifth-grade students. The first place winners from each heat won a season pass to all home middle and high school softball and baseball games. The second place winners from each heat won a day pass to the Franklin Pool.
First place winners were Carson Mitchell and Bentley Wimer. Second place winners were Abby Cayton and Braxton Beachler. Also, all participants’ names were put into a raffle to win four box seat tickets to a Dirty Birds baseball game or a prize package from James Madison University Athletics, including money for concessions and t-shirts to attend a baseball game.
The winner of the Dirty Birds tickets was Kinley Minor, and the winner of the JMU prize package was Mia Dudley.
“We hope to be able to host the race again next year including kindergarten and sixth-grade students,” Smith said.
