Mansfield cross country coach John Mackey recently accepted a donation from customer service representative, Susan Martin of Today’s Bank.
“We were looking for a partner to help sponsor our Mansfield invitational cross country meet,” John Mackey, Mansfield’s head cross country coach, said. “Plaques, medals, t-shirts, and all the other services that we provide at our meet have gotten quite expensive. We we’re looking for an established community partner to carry some of the burden. Today’s Bank stepped in at the right time allowing Mansfield kids as well as other area athletes all the benefits.”
Based off of last season’s results, Mansfield expects around 30 schools to participate in this year’s September 29th home event. Projections indicate that between 400 to 500 athletes will be involved in the four races around the high school campus.
According to the Mansfield coach, specific upgrades to their 15th annual invitational will be in effect because of the contribution.
“We divided the races into big school and small school divisions,” Mackey outlined. “That means twice the medals and twice the championship plaques. More athletes are going to have a chance to share the wealth. We’ve also added free food and drink for participating athletes after the meet. This donation gives us the opportunity to make our meet a special experience.”
Copeland invited Mackey down to the Mansfield branch on Friday, August 10 to accept bank’s check. To his surprise, Susan Martin, one of the coach’s former track athletes made the presentation.
Martin is currently a teller and customer service representative at the Mansfield site. She was a 2004 graduate of Mansfield High School and an All-District member of Lady Tiger track team.