Please sign our petition below
Samford University is going to build a new 400 meter outdoor track facility and stadium on the land just west of the Homewood HS baseball field. This land is very expensive and building the track will be expensive. Samford recently bought this particular plot of land from Daniel Realty for $8 million. The price of the track and field facility and the stadium will depend on the quality of the track surface and the quality of the stadium and seating capacity.
The Homewood School Board had voted to contribute $1.5 million towards the building of the track facility.
With Homewood Schools and Samford University pooling their resources we can have a world class track facility with a Mondo track surface. (The Beijing Olympics, The Athens Olympics and the Sydney Olympics all had Mondo track surfaces.) If a quality track is built, it will be a positive addition to the quality of life in Homewood and a source of pride for Homewood citizens. Homewood HS and Middle School track athletes will have access to a world class track facility at a tiny fraction of the total cost of the facility.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to pool our resources with Samford University and build a track we can all be proud of. Once the track is built, it will be there to make a difference in the lives of generations of Homewood athletes.
All this is in jeopardy because the Homewood School Board is wavering on their commitment to make a contribution towards building the track. Please, let the Homewood School Board, the Mayor of Homewood, and the Homewood City Council Members know the citizens of Homewood very much want Homewood Schools to be a part of this track project.
For those seeking additional information, you may contact:
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 414-6176
2839 18th St S
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 870-5644
If you share our concern, please sign our petition.
1 Paul Vilord,
I just moved to Birmingham from Massachusetts. All the High Schools in Mass. have tracks. Not having a track at your HS would be like not having a library. I competed in track in college; Javelin and discus. Track and Field is a great character building sport. There are many lessons one can learn from Track. One is; practice and hard work pays off.
2 David DeMedicis,
This is a fantastic opportunity for Homewood!
What a terrible mistake it would be to let this opportunity slip by us!
I have a step-daughter who runs cross-country and track at Homewood Middle School, and I’ve been very impressed by the high quality of coaching that she has received. But, I’m very concerned about the lack of track facilities at the high school.
I’m very concerned for two reasons. The first concern is that her chances of enjoying and excelling in track will be diminished by the lack of convenient facilities. The other, even greater, concern is the dangers and logistical hassles of having to commute to a distant training facility.
Let’s do this!
3 Kevin Pawlik Jr.,
I ran Cross Country and Track & Field during my years in the Homewood City School System and later at Auburn University. I enjoyed my years at Homewood. Having a track located across the city made it difficult and inconvenient to get to practice during interval days, especially if you were not of the driving age. This new track and it's new location would allow additional participation in a sport that might not otherwise be considered due to location constraints.
Now, as a homeowner in Homewood, I would like to give my support to any effort that would allow Homewood City Schools to be a part of this opportunity.
Go Patriots!
4 Brent Gillis,
My wife and I are both runners. We live in Homewood and have two children soon to be in the school system. We would like nothing more than for the Homewood School system to be a part of this project. I want the best track opportunities for our community kids to excel in this great sport but more important want a safe environment for our kids to train and compete. It would be a great opportunity and and value for Homewood.
5 Matt Denton,
I live and work in Homewood with my wife, Lauren. Being an avid runner, I can see the need for Homewood Schools to be a part of this track project. We have a new daughter and would like to see her have the best opportunities to participate in track. This looks like a great value and a great place for Homewood to spend our tax money. We need this!
6 Teresa Rivadeneira,
I have lived in Homewood for 14 years. Both of my sons graduated from Homewood High School, and my daughter is currently in the middle school. She runs with the cross country and track teams and truly enjoys it. I can see all the benefits of her involvement in such beautiful sports. However, it is quite difficult to meet the schedule requirements, when you have a demanding career. I know this to be the case for many families in Homewood, who cannot drive the kids to practice at the stadium in West Homewood. Having a track close to the school will allow and encourage more students to participate, resulting in a bigger program with a stronger team.
In addition to the benefits for the school team and the convenience for parents and students, this project would also be a source of revenue for the city and the businesses around it. A first class facility, like the one proposed, would attract important state and regional meets with many participants, who will need hotels, restaurants, etc. for the duration of the event. I have traveled with my daughter to places like Troy, Nashville and Gulf Shores for meets, and have had trouble finding hotel vacancies!
I believe the benefits of this project will outlast most of us. I would like to encourage the Homewood Board of Education to be part of this team, for the benefit of the children and the future of Homewood Track and Field.
7 Luis Ramos,
This track is a great idea! Augmenting the visibility of track and field within the Homewood School System will greatly increase the chances that its students would receive athletic scholarships. Additionally, the new track would encourage some students, who would not have otherwise participated in sports, to become involved and live better, healthier lives.
Go Patriots!
Class of 2000
8 Burney and MARIA JOHNSON,
_____________________________________________________________________9 Rachel Hebert,
_____________________________________________________________________10 xxxxxxxx,
_____________________________________________________________________11 xxxxxxxx,
_____________________________________________________________________12 Donald & Mary Harper,
_____________________________________________________________________13 Tom Selden,
This seems to be a no-brainer. What a shame to pass on this incredible opportunity.
14 Cathy and Terry Wood,
_____________________________________________________________________15 stephanie simpson,
_____________________________________________________________________16 xxxxxxxx,
_____________________________________________________________________17 Kile Putman,
According to Sports Business Journal in an article dated August 18, 2008, USATF CEO (Doug) ‘Logan even hints at developing track-specific venues that “can accommodate the panorama of what this sport is.”’ Events such as Alabama High School championships, Olympic team trials, National Police Olympics, USATF Junior championships, and even Special Olympics would be a boost for local hotels, restaurants and merchants as well as the city tax revenues. Perhaps a facility here will be the model for similar venues around the country.
18 Angela Hovater,
My son Reese runs track for the high school and this would be a wonderful thing to build for all the students running track and cross country. Waldrop is not conveniently located in relation to the HS so this would give our runners easier access to practice and train. This is a great opportunity for Homewood!
19 Valerie Latawiec,
In today's world of obese children, we should do whatever we can to encourage participation in sports.
In the decades to follow, students of Homewood may be inspired to be a part of track and field when they have this facility to train. There may currently be Homewood students that would have joined if they had the means of getting to and from the inconveniently located track. If the decision is made not to participate in building the track, in the decades to follow, people will not remember why this opportunity was passed up. They will, however, still be seeking a solution for these student athletes.
An investment of this type generates rewards beyond the financial. It is never a waste of financial resources to invest in the excellence of our children.
20 Ute Brandt,
I've been a Homewood resident for over 16 years now and raised two children through the Homewood school system. The schools offer great athletic programs, however, a track facility would be a wonderful addition. This is such a small price to pay for a priceless investment. Homewood has always been a great city for families and we should strive to be progressive and a vital addition of a Track and Field program would reap many benefits.
21 Emily Calloway,
_____________________________________________________________________22 Mary B Bashinsky,
I have been a Homewood resident for 3 years and think this is an AWESOME OPPORTUNITY and should NOT be sacrificed even in these challenging financial times. Our city NEEDS to have healthy young people who grow into HEALTHY ADULTS and this seems to me an EXCELLENT means to achieve that goal.
23 jason waters,
I live in Homewood and I think this track would be real asset to all of Homewood and it's citizens -- not just those enrolled in it's schools. It's hard to believe that the School Board is now wavering on their commitment and even more baffling that the City of Homewood hasn't volunteered to help as well.
Homewood Leaders please get behind this.
24 Jalete Nelms,
We are willing to participate further as needed to support this effort.
25 Lucile Tarver,
_____________________________________________________________________26 Nathan Bedell,
This project must happen for Homewood High School. With the current track location you only attract a fraction of the possible talent because of the transportation problems. I agree 100% the City of Homewood should get onboard and for that matter the Lakeshore Foundation. From what I can tell this looks like the last piece of land located near Homewood High School, so if this is passed over now a track within walking distance of HHS will never happen. Our current track location is a logistical nightmare and a serious liability transporting teenage students to practice. How many major high schools in Birmingham DO NOT have their track located by the school??
27 Nakia Linson-Gaddis,
_____________________________________________________________________28 Dominique Linson,
_____________________________________________________________________29 Mackenzie Gaddis,
_____________________________________________________________________30 Karen Coleman,
_____________________________________________________________________31 Donna Bartle,
This would be a tremendous asset, not only to the Samford and Homewood students, but to the community as a whole.
32 Janet and Marc Givhan,
_____________________________________________________________________33 Jimmy Harrison,
_____________________________________________________________________34 Tony Zeidler,
This project would clearly be “win-win” for the Homewood community. Community enrichment aside, the upfront financial costs most certainly are outweighed by the long term financial gains of participants and their families having extended stays in Homewood for events held at a new track facility.
35 Susan Putman,
As the parent of a middle school child who runs track and cross-country I think this is an opportunity that the Homewood School Board and the city should not pass up. The potential benefits seem to far outweigh the cost involved.
36 Virginia Givhan,
_____________________________________________________________________37 craig jackson,
_____________________________________________________________________38 Eduardo A. Ramos,
As a graduate of Homewood High School, class of 2001, I think this is a great idea!
39 Jack DeMedicis,
I competed in Track & Field at Phillips High School and at Auburn, many years ago. I have been a Track & Field fan my entire life.
Recently, my family and I have had a ritual of going to Gulf Shores to watch the annual High School Track & Field State Meet. I have watched the courageous Homewood athletes compete against schools, like Mt. Brook, Vestavia and Hoover, which have vastly superior facilities.
This proposed facility would be a great benefit to the Homewood students and community. Please don’t miss this opportunity.
40 Blake Boldon,
A facility like this would draw top level athletes from all over the South in both high school and collegiate competitions. It’s a huge step in bringing national level track & field back to the Birmingham area.
UAB Head Cross Country / Assistant Track & Field Coach
Sub 4:00 Miler
41 Bill Murray,
You should do this and you need to do this for the kids and the community. You made the commitment and it's time for you to live up to your word.
I am a volunteer track coach locally and I know the disadvantage that Coach Eslinger and the Homewood athletes experience. Some athletes do not have the ability to travel to practice and others the inclination when their facility is located across town. Make this happen for the kids.
Bill Murray M-55
USATF Masters Chair
Alabama Association
2009 World Champion Decathlon
2009 World Record Pentathlon
42 David Herring,
The Birmingham area has always had a great histoy of sports activies and they have mainly been centered around the schools. Homewood has a proud history of excellence in its sports programs. Hoover is really building a reputation for providing it`s students with great facilities to reach their potential. Homewood needs to do the same. It would be great to share a race track with Samford and save money. I hope Homewood can step up to it`s potential.
43 Steve Bedsole,
It would be shame to let this opportunity pass by!
44 Joe Dentici,
_____________________________________________________________________45 Wayne Rogers,
This would be an excellent addition to the track community in the Birmingham area. I urge th leaders of Homewood to insure that the project goes forward.
46 Derek Cavin,
100% for it.
HHS Class of '91
Homewood Resident
47 James M. Smith,
It's a must do. Why let such an opportunity pass?
48 Brad Clay,
_____________________________________________________________________49 Mark Hill,
_____________________________________________________________________50 Robert Hanson,
A facility like this will pay dividends for Homewood students for years. A must do!
51 Grifton E. Carden,
_____________________________________________________________________52 Haley Davis,
_____________________________________________________________________53 Buddy Smith,
I agree with others, it's dangerous to be traveling over to West Oxmoor. It will be after something happens to someone that they look back and wish they'd built this. It's a HUGE win-win for Homewood and Samford.
54 David Bullock,
_____________________________________________________________________55 Sid Burgess,
My daughter played volleyball at HHS. Can't imagine the strain on the v'ball team if they had had to travel to West Homewood for practice and for games. Proximity and world class facility make this a no-brainer.
56 Dan Passen,
_____________________________________________________________________57 Charles Tiller,
_____________________________________________________________________58 Jacob Mueller,
_____________________________________________________________________59 William P. Evans,
This opportunity is too rare (12 million of 13.5 million paid for by others!) to let pass by. I've volunteered at numerous track meets over the years, and the teams with mondo tracks always have an edge over other teams. Bring Homewood up to the level of the best teams in the southeast - buy this track!
60 Steve Crainich,
I do not live in Homewood, but as a metro Birmingham resident and NCAA collegiate veteran I support all efforts to improve access to high school sports such as track & field, cross country and swimming. Support for these inclusive sports is the key to improving health and fitness for a larger slice of today's youth -- there are no cuts in track, XC or swimming so an investment in improved access is a win-win-win
61 Devon Hind,
_____________________________________________________________________62 Carol S. Duran,
_____________________________________________________________________63 John M. Duran,
_____________________________________________________________________64 John A. Lindo,
It will make money for both the college and the school system.
65 Keith Day,
Please, please, please reconsider your decision. You will absolutely benefit from your commitment.
66 Kevin Weatherill,
_____________________________________________________________________67 Coach M. DeWitt Thomas,
Please let me(Coach Thomas), the Alabama Strider Nation,TFC,ATAC,Track Alabama,and all of our track and field extensive network know what we can do to help.
Yours In Track,,, coach M. Dewitt Thomas
68 Ben Puckett,
This looks like a great opportunity that should not be passed up. I read an article in the Birmingham News last month about this - according to the article, the land that the track would be on cost Samford $ 8 million. In addition, Buck Brock said Samford was prepared to put in $ 4 million for this track facility. If you add the $ 1.5 million that Homewood School had pledged, you have a $ 13.5 million investment! It would make no sense for Homewood to pass up the opportunity of being able to use a $ 13.5 million facility because they aren't willing to contribute just $ 1.5 million of that cost. Homewood leaders need to see that this gets done!
69 Tara Dempsey,
I think this track will be of a great benefit to the community. The schools, and fitness for the people. Which in support promotes good health, and a healthy lifestyle in staying fit. Also, by building this track. You may get back your money double, triple, etc. by doing things like hosting meets, selling concessions, and so on. A bit out of pocket now. In the end I believe you will get more and then some in financial gains. Plus, it's for a good cause. Win win.
70 Nick Harvey,
Great investment in the community. Please do not think short term because of budget concerns. The long term benefit to the area will be great!
71 Jim Pugh,
_____________________________________________________________________72 Brett Huber,
_____________________________________________________________________73 The Dwyers,
_____________________________________________________________________74 Michael Zelwak,
_____________________________________________________________________75 janet bedsole,
My daughter competes for Samford and this would be such a win-win for the university and Homewood!
76 anonymous signature,
_____________________________________________________________________77 Rick Doke,
The investment in the children is priceless. One injury due to travel to a place to practice is too high a price.
78 James Graham,
Go Bulldogs!
79 Zach Been,
_____________________________________________________________________80 Heath Ross,
As a Homewood High School cross country runner and soccer player I strongly support Homewood's part in the construction of this facility. It would enhance Homewood's competitiveness in athletics, and inspire pride in Homewood's citizens.
81 Wanda Atkins,
I can't comprehend why Homewood would balk at this arrangement. Sounds like a win-win for everyone involved.
82 kathy graham,
_____________________________________________________________________83 Russ Graham,
_____________________________________________________________________84 Billy Blair,
I was fortunate to attend Mtn. Brook and Track & Field was a huge part of my High School experience. Don't miss this opportunity to do some real good in peoples' lives. Track & Field is the ultimate team sport which relies totally on individual performances.
85 DeVante\' Brown,
I run track at Homewood High, and i have been looking forward to this track coming to the High School since i heard about it.
86 Hollie Thompson,
Any improvement to our track & field facilities in Alabama will help to improve the sport State-wide. Every registered voter in this area should be on the phone to their "elected" officials voicing their support for this project!
87 Jacob Halbrooks,
_____________________________________________________________________88 Brad Spencer,
I don't get it. The City of Homewood just discovered that it had previously overlooked funds that only recently came to the city's attention. Why can't these funds be used? Paying $ 1.5M of a $ 10M+ project seems like a good deal.
89 Holly Simmons,
How much money does this community spend on football? And how much did the new soccer complex cost? Let's not descriminate. Isn't that why most of us love Homewood? We're the "melting pot" of Birmingham. Do the right thing, please!
90 Bill Jacka Jr.,
_____________________________________________________________________91 Eddie Crim,
_____________________________________________________________________92 Bob Tedrow,
I vote for the track.
(Hmm, perhaps we could just tie the students cellphones to the bumper of my '28 Ford and I could drive around town with the whole crowd chasing me.)
93 Betty Gunn,
I have three grandchildren at HHS at present and five more to go. We are very interested in projects like the track to make our High School more competitive, and to make our grandchildren safer!
94 Dayna King Orr,
I grew up in Homewood and, after having lived in the west and later the northwest, brought my children back here to live. I love Homewood. One of the things I loved was running track for the Jr. High in the late 60's. Many years later my nephew ran for Homewood as did several of my neighbor's children. I feel strongly that the School Board needs to honor their commitment and help build this facility. It will be an asset for the whole community for many years.
95 Scott Strand,
Another high quality track and field facility in the Birmingham area will only help the sport which has given me so many opportunities.
Scott Strand
The Trak Shak Running Shops
Managing Partner
3 Time US Olympic Trials qualifier in track and field and the marathon
96 Dave Bledsoe,
_____________________________________________________________________97 Chandler Bledsoe,
_____________________________________________________________________98 Dixson Bledsoe,
_____________________________________________________________________99 Jason Williams,
Homewood students and residents deserve the same opportunities afforded to their neighboring school systems (Vestavia Hills, Mt. Brook). This will be great for the OTM Track community.
100 suzanne ashe,
This is a unique opportunity we should not pass up for the future of Homewood.
101 Kinta Parker,
_____________________________________________________________________102 Rachel Eidson,
_____________________________________________________________________103 Amanda King,
_____________________________________________________________________104 John F. Alford,
_____________________________________________________________________105 Barbi Dunaway,
_____________________________________________________________________106 Bob Wilkins,
Been a resident of Homewood for 64 years. Good for the city.
107 Annalee Graham,
_____________________________________________________________________108 Steve Trowbridge,
_____________________________________________________________________109 alison ryan,
_____________________________________________________________________110 Paul Phillips,
This is a fantastic opportunity for the Homewood City School System. The track that was built for the Vestavia School System has been utilized by myself and many of my friends. We are all middle aged men and some have suffered from related heart conditions. We meet early in the morning on a very regular basis and there is no doubt that this track has improved the general health and "saved the life" of my friends with the heart conditions. You cannot place a value on the health benefits of an opportunity such as this.
111 Laura Blackstock,
_____________________________________________________________________112 Daniel Murray,
_____________________________________________________________________113 Alina Varpiotaite,
_____________________________________________________________________114 Lisa Drew,
Track and Field is a huge sport in Alabama and more facilities would only help our children and community. Schools with quality facilities are able to host events for the entire community and everyone benefits not to mention the city
with surrounding areas staying in the city. This in conjunction with the indoor facility would be ideal!
PS. It makes sense for Birmingham to take the lead being in the center of the state and our biggest city.
115 Richard Adams,
We need to keep up with Mountain Brook and Vestavia
116 Heather Letchman Gottlieb,
As a Samford graduate and runner who frequents Homewood for my training, I would love to see the University and the community be blessed with such facilities!
117 Justin Zehnder,
_____________________________________________________________________118 Meg Waites,
_____________________________________________________________________119 Suzanne Alford,
Money invested in our children is always well spent.
120 Jody Coombs,
_____________________________________________________________________121 Trish Portuese,
Track and XCC was a major part of my grade school, JH and High School running career when I was that age. It taught focus, goals and team work, Having this track for Homewood would greatly enhance the quality of students interested in running to the school and provide a great Economic Impact to the community having some world class track meets here local to us.
How many of you have lived out your dream to be the best ? Help them with thier dreams to compete with the best!!
Championship Racing, LLC
122 Therese Bynum,
This would be an incredible addition to the greater Birmingham area. We are negotiating to bring in the USAT-SE Junior Triathlon Team for a training camp/clinic. These kids are in training to hopefully become part of our next USA Olympic Triathlon Team. This facility near Lakeshore Foundation would help set us apart from other “welcoming” communities.
Homewood runs are a "tradition" in the running community. This is a perfect fit!
Therese Bynum
Team Magic Multisport Events
123 Lauren Smitherman,
_____________________________________________________________________124 Anna Hamel,
_____________________________________________________________________125 Aaron Ainsworth,
This would be a wonderful opportunity for Homewood, and the city of Birmingham!
I would also like to see that the track is available to other athletes! I currently participate in running races and triathlons. I do track workouts on tracks around the city. Having such a wonderful track would be awesome for not only me, but the students at both Samford and Homewood High School. It would also benefit other athletes in the Birmingham area!
126 John Hanna,
_____________________________________________________________________127 sean dameron,
_____________________________________________________________________128 George Mattison V,
Highschool track certainly helped me along, I hope the new Homewood track is successful!
129 Jennifer and Keith Andress,
_____________________________________________________________________130 John Bahakel,
Finding a way to fund the pledge made for a sports complex at Lakeshore which could be used as a track & field facility and for other educational purposes would be furthering the commitment that Dr. Cleveland, Dr. Williams, Ms. Atkison and the other Board Members agreed to undertake. As part of the school system we already know the Board Members value the learning opportunities to which the students can be exposed. Considering that funds are tight in these economic times let us plan to have this facility funded and recoup those funds by not having to rent other facilities for school functions. Recoup funds by conducting events at the facility that could generate money and/or funds for the school system, the university and the City. Why not host a national or state championship event at this facility.
There are multiple opportunities that a new multipurpose facility could bring to Samford and Homewood High. Look at the larger picture and find a way to make funding available.
John Bahakel
Certification Chair
USA Track & Field - Alabama
USATF NOC Law & Legislation Chair
131 Sherry Colgin,
_____________________________________________________________________132 Debbie Wiechman,
_____________________________________________________________________133 bob weatherly,
_____________________________________________________________________134 John Karn,
_____________________________________________________________________135 Rachel Feller,
_____________________________________________________________________136 Peggy Hsu,
As a Homewood citizen, I would be interested in contributing $ toward this track if it will be open to residents also.
137 Tom McKnight,
I think the track would well-serve the community. It is a great opportunity for surrounding sports-related establishments. The track program at Homewood will never flourish until a local, top-quality track exists. A strong Spring track program is also vital to the success of other, perhaps more popular, Fall and Winter athletic programs -- off-season training is key!
My high school in Charlotte, NC build a new track when I was attending and the size and popularity of the track program doubled, following construction.
138 Berne Irwin,
I think this is a wonderful idea, and would be very beneficial for Homewood and the surrounding area.
139 CATHY MCCAIN,
We need a 400 meter track that is open not only to students of the school but the general public. The Lakeshore Trail is used constantly by the public and various running groups. The Samford Track was open to the public in the past not was eliminated. This new venue would attract many outdoor events and provide a place for our school children to compete.
140 Robert Bedsole,
_____________________________________________________________________141 Caroline Bundy,
We all know of the rising rate of childhood obesity in this state. Let's build this track so Homewood kids and families will have a place to run and walk in safety.
142 Justin Ladner,
_____________________________________________________________________143 Michael McGovern,
As a former track coach at Homewood, I know firsthand the difficulties that practicing and competing at Waldrop Stadium brings. An on campus facility will not only boost track and field participation, but also allow other sports to condition right on campus. Please reconsider your actions.
144 Trey Hardee,
as a fortunate high school athlete who had a track adjacent to my high school (vhhs), i cannot express more passionately how important this would be to the the city of homewood as well as its high school students. track and field provides young men and women a place to compete, test themselves, grow, develop, and gives them the opportunity for a continued education after high school via athletic scholarships.
if this build falls through, it would be a tragedy. i owe my life to this point to track and field. i agree with the first petition signee... "Not having a track at your HS would be like not having a library"
sincerely,
Trey Hardee
2009 World Champion
2009 US Champion
2008 Beijing Olympian
2005 NCAA Champion, 8-time All-American
NCAA Record holder, Decathlon and Heptathlon
2002 Alabama Indoor State Champion, Pole Vault
145 Beth Santoro,
The City of Homewood needs to contribute to the building of this track with the stipulation that it always remain open to the public. Otherwise I have concerns that Samford would keep it closed to the public. Vestavia Hills High School is an excellent model of how a school track can be used for the benefit of all.
146 Igor Nikolic,
It would be a great investment!
147 Robbie Jacka,
big ups for additional running possibilities adjacent to the greenway.
148 Ashley McLaughlin,
This track would enrich the lives of everyone in the Homewood area and encourage kids to get out and exercise in a fun environment!
149 Elizabeth Leeds,
_____________________________________________________________________150 Mary Whitley MD,
My son participated in cross country in middle school and is a lifelong runner. This track would be a tremendous contribution to the runner community, both students and citizens.
151 Nicole Hedrick,
Homewood needs a track. We have an awesome trail, let's top off this running community with a trak for speedwork.
152 Katie Landry,
_____________________________________________________________________153 Nina Victorin,
_____________________________________________________________________154 Daniel Rapcienski,
All students, faculty, and community members would benefit from a track adjacent to the high school.
155 Chuck Redden,
_____________________________________________________________________156 Raj Arasu,
_____________________________________________________________________157 Will Musto,
Please allow Homewood HS to receive a track by making the contribution towards the building project!!
158 bart denham,
_____________________________________________________________________159 Jan Dicesare,
_____________________________________________________________________160 Janis Posey,
I agree that this opportunity is too good for Homewood to pass up.
161 lester p. gable,
_____________________________________________________________________162 Molly McGregor,
Running is a LIFE SPORT. Put your capital assets for athletics into something that will last you students a lifetime. This is about educating the whole person. Take a look at the statistics on track athletes and their academic performance. You will be astounded!!!
163 Jason Ferguson,
As a Homewood resident I would LOVE to see a first class facility like this being built as a partnership between government and a private institution. A great use of funds and it would be a real win for both Homewood and Samford to be able to make use of a world-class facility. I thought the city at one time had considered contributing as well....?
164 Owen Bradley,
This is a much needed facility that will enhance the lives of those in the community and more importantly the students.
165 Holly Sample,
_____________________________________________________________________166 Louise Sample,
_____________________________________________________________________167 Jurdy Warnock,
_____________________________________________________________________168 dan lowery,
I am a runner and would love to be able to run on a track in Homewood rather than at a less convient location such as Vestavia/Mountain Brook.
169 Laura Bedsole,
_____________________________________________________________________170 Ricky Lewis,
_____________________________________________________________________171 Candy Lewis,
_____________________________________________________________________172 Emily Allen,
_____________________________________________________________________173 Ryan Weiss,
This is a great opportunity for Homewood. We can't let this slip by.
174 williamehall,
lets make a change......work together .
salaam
175 Donald Ethington,
I've seen what programs are not able to do without a track down here in LA (Lower Alabama) and other places. Also see how athletes and teams are not able to compete at local and state levels. Homewood Board of Education and community should be already on board and see the benefits.
176 David J Bahakel,
_____________________________________________________________________177 Randy Yarbrough,
While I am not a Homewood resident and have no connection to the Homewood T &F programs, I can honestly say that this modest investment in a track facility would be returned several fold. Not only to the HHS Track Team, but to community as well. The tracks at Mtn. Brook and Vestavia are used by many more "regular folks" than athletes.
This facility will make for a better high school and improve the quality of life in Homewood. The phrase "no-brainer" fits like a glove.
178 Norman Thomas,
_____________________________________________________________________179 Jane Thomas,
_____________________________________________________________________180 diemiaexilk,
ups sorry delete plz .
181 Joshua Pawlik,
Give back to our young athletes what those before them gave their hearts, bodies, and outright dedication to.
Joshua Kenneth Terrell Pawlik
2001-2005 Track and Field athlete and several time state champion for Homewood High.
182 Shannon Tyndall,
As a resident of Homewood, a runner, and the mother of a child in the Homewood school system, I cannot voice my support for this endeavor loudly enough. It is a win/win situation for all parties (as well as the community), and will make the Homewood High T&F program more competitive with our OTM neighbors. I cannot think of one valid reason the school board or the city should not fund this project.
183 Amy Hudson,
Let's not miss out on an opportunity that would bring people to our community. This track would be a great opportunity for us to reach out to state, regional, and national track oranizations. I work for the Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. Our Sports Division works with all types of sports groups that bring their tournaments/events to Birmingham. These groups bring families in that stay in our hotels, shop, eat in our restuartants, buy gas, etc... In other words they bring dollars into our city. We haven't been able to compete in the track arena due to the lack of facilities. How exciting for our kids to have the opportunity to experience a first class track. I'm sure there are plenty of track scholarships that get left on the table. Let's not miss out on this!
184 julie Pitts,
_____________________________________________________________________185 Mary Cathrine Noa,
Since my children have already left the school system several years ago, I was not aware of the fact that Homewood High did NOT have a track. I'm shocked. We need to follow through with this project so our Homewood kids will have a place to practice and build their track and field skills.
186 Diana Prutzman,
_____________________________________________________________________187 D. E. Green,
Would love to see this addition to the school. One would have thought that a school on that level would have had one.
188 Philip Johnson,
I ran track and cross-country for Homewood High School and now compete for Mississippi State University. The main problem of Homewood Track and Field’s distant training facility is the safety hazard associated with daily athlete transportation. Due to the rough nature of the sport, there are always many more ninth and tenth grade students on the team than eleventh and twelfth grade students. This imbalance leads to an occasional shortage of drivers, promoting overloading of athletes’ cars. I have many memories of travelling down Lakeshore Parkway without a seatbelt simply because the quantity of passengers exceeded the quantity of seatbelts.
Track and Field, like most sports, demonstrates the importance of self-discipline. Through the application of timed competition, competitive running also presents an excellent basis for the evaluation of personal progression, which is closely related to self-discipline. Unless an athlete is willing to work hard and suppress certain desires and impulses, he/she will not see much improvement in competition times. Every Track and Field athlete is enhanced as a person by the sport’s demonstration of the importance of self-discipline. A more convenient facility location would promote a higher level of student involvement in competitive running, raising the average level of self-discipline among the full student body.
During my four years of competing for Homewood High School, I noticed that the track and field athletes of surrounding schools look down on our program. They see the poor commitment that Homewood’s government and school system give to the success of the track and field team and view us as a sub-par program. The city has been given a clear opportunity to demonstrate commitment to the success of track and field in Homewood and should take advantage of it. It would be humiliating to look out the window from Homewood High School and see an incredible track facility that I would not be allowed to use.
189 don e echols,
the sport of track is a wonderhul plus for high school age athletes leading to particapation in other school activities.
190 Melody Izard,
_____________________________________________________________________191 Rachel Estes,
_____________________________________________________________________192 Brenda Peterson/ Homewood,
_____________________________________________________________________193 Georgia Izard,
_____________________________________________________________________194 peggi davis,
_____________________________________________________________________195 Ben Coulter,
Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for our kids.
196 Tracey Doyal,
_____________________________________________________________________197 kelly lowery,
_____________________________________________________________________198 Mary Robinson,
I have lived in Homewood for eight years and have three daughters. Two are currently in the elementary school system and I am looking forward to them participating in events at easily accessible track. Homewood should not lose this opportunity to support and encourage another form of athletic competition as well as fitness venue for their students.
199 Peter Gamble,
This is a great opportunity for the track program as well as the community at large.
200 Pamela Gillum,
_____________________________________________________________________201 Jennifer Lee,
_____________________________________________________________________202 Courtney Grill,
_____________________________________________________________________203 Julie Terrell,
_____________________________________________________________________204 mark westfall,
Don't let this opportunity be lost. The opportunity to combine with Samford and create a quality track that is convenient to the High School is a triumph for both schools and for the community. I am a Physician and parent of two Homewood student-athletes. The importance of exercise in our lives can not be overstated. Facilities such as the one proposed can only increase the attraction for students to particiipate. The practicality and safety of a more convenient track speaks for itself.
205 Melissa Mistrot,
_____________________________________________________________________206 Teresa Kirkwood,
_____________________________________________________________________207 Kristi Logan,
_____________________________________________________________________208 Patti Eggers,
What a terrific opportunity for the city of Homewood ... a wonderful community in which to live and learn!!!
209 Jimbo Terrell,
_____________________________________________________________________210 Chad Henderson,
_____________________________________________________________________211 todd mcdowell,
_____________________________________________________________________212 B.L. Pitts,
_____________________________________________________________________213 grace mcdaniel,
_____________________________________________________________________214 Trent Ponder,
_____________________________________________________________________215 Walter Bell,
_____________________________________________________________________216 Jeff Ray,
I am a long time Homewood resident and an avid runner. I fully support the effort for the City of Homewood, Homewood schools, and Samford University to partner to make a 400 meter track a reality for the children and citizens of Homewood to use and enjoy. This is a quality of life issue that should not be passed up.
217 Lori Graphos,
_____________________________________________________________________218 Greg Vinson,
_____________________________________________________________________219 Monty Waites,
_____________________________________________________________________220 Lavon Chaney,
Resident of Homewood with 3 kids in the school system - support this 100%!
221 Mitzi D,
_____________________________________________________________________222 Natalie L,
_____________________________________________________________________223 D. Collins,
The money that has been spent on other sports over the years should justify the spending on a Track facility. I was in shock when HHS did not spend the money for a good track coach several yrs. ago. There was a time when Homewood did not have a track coach.
Kevin Pawlik, was running track for the Homewood school system and he received a scholarship with Auburn. The tax monies from vistors to our city, says it all. I voted for the tax levy to our schools and I feel you can spend my percentage.
224 Richard Banks,
Not only would he and other team members benefit from the completion of the on-campus track, but its location near the greenway would be a boon to the community as a whole.
Everyday I see tangible evidence of the greenway's benefit to this community. Such facilities as the track and greenway pay off in numerous ways by adding to the attractiveness of Homewood. They help improve the health of the community as well as raise property values.
Please, let's honor our earlier commitment to HHs, Samford, and greater Homewood with the completion of the track project.
-- Richard Banks
225 Lynne Mizerany,
_____________________________________________________________________226 Clay & Frannie Hassett,
_____________________________________________________________________227 Mary Lee McMahon,
_____________________________________________________________________228 Raj Varma,
_____________________________________________________________________229 Jean Faber,
_____________________________________________________________________230 Gene Tomlin,
I teach physical education and coach our various middle school athletic teams (including cross country and track) at Advent Episcopal School in downtown Birmingham. Constructing a new 400m track and related facilities near Homewood High School would be an outstanding addition to youth sports in the greater Birmingham area and would be a positive step in encouraging physical fitness for people of all ages. Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School do an excellent job in hosting volleyball and basketball tournaments for middle and high school teams. Why not add track and field?
231 William T. Myers,
_____________________________________________________________________232 JoAnna Sasnett,
This would benefit the high school and the city of Homewood.
233 kay free,
Great opportunity for several groups to network and complement each others needs.
234 anonymous signature,
As a resident of Homewood, with a child in the Homewood school system, I would love to see the addition of a track next to Homewood High School. This is truly a missed opportunity. However, there is some misleading information out there.
First, Homewood does have a great track facility, and they have hosted a large track meet there each of the last 4 or 5 years. I know they started hosting meets there whenever the new coach got there. Those meets have been very successful, and I know they have brought in a lot of money for the track program. I know the high school coaches also hosted an impressive elementary meet at the off-campus facility. I was there watching my child participate. Additionally, the Homewood track & field program has been very successful over the past several years, especially at the 5A level where Homewood belongs. I just looked at their athletics website, and they won a state championship in 2006. According to the website, they have had a large number of athletes compete at the college level. It seems like the track program is currently receiving plenty of support from the school system.
All of that being said, it is truly disappointing the system did not take advantage of this opportunity. It will be a travesty for Homewood athletes and coaches to drive past the new track on their way to go to the off-campus facility on West Oxmoor.
Unfortunately, I have heard that this project is not just in danger for Homewood High School, but there is no chance of it happening. Once they pulled their funding of it, Samford decided to go on with the project on their own. I have heard it will likely be closed to the public, but I am not sure Samford was ever going to allow it to be open to the public. I hope the information that I have is incorrect because a public facility that Homewood High School could have access to would be a wonderful situation.
235 Lori Oswald,
_____________________________________________________________________236 Kevin Forsyth,
Homewood should participate and honestly, I think Jeff Underwood would be your best approach particularly since he is President of the Council and President of the Lakeshore Foundation which has an excellent track record (No pun intended)
237 hans paul,
This is a good idea but someone needs to figure out where the money to make this happen would come from. Public finances look bleak at the moment and good times do not appear to be just over the horizon. What about private fundraising? Are 1500 people willing to give 1000 dollars each?
238 Jerry Shelly,
In absolute agreement about building a new Homewood Track.
239 patrick and kim skelton,
I believe this is a wonderful idea for our community.
240 Ronald Shinn,
_____________________________________________________________________241 Hannah Frees,
_____________________________________________________________________242 Nathan Lyon,
After running track in high school what can I say? Great for the young and old alike.
243 Barbara Shinn,
_____________________________________________________________________244 Jennifer Beall,
_____________________________________________________________________245 Enoch Ko,
_____________________________________________________________________246 Tim Skelton,
_____________________________________________________________________247 Sally DeMetz,
Everyone can benefit from this addition to our community since hopefully the public will have access to the facility.
248 Mindy Bennett,
_____________________________________________________________________249 Jennifer Miles,
_____________________________________________________________________250 Dona Musgrave,
_____________________________________________________________________251 Kevin Patton,
A great investment for the long term benefit of our students and community.
252 Helen Megginson,
Wow... what a great idea! A facility that could be shared. My family lives in Homewood (Murray Hill Road) and belongs to Lakeshore Foundation. We would LOVE to see another reason to make Homewood the best city in AL.
253 JoEllen Patton,
_____________________________________________________________________254 Mark Everett,
We always hear that we do things for the kids and that they are our future. Here is a great way to prove that comment is true. A new track would make a great addition to that area and would be very valuable to all that love track and field.
Best wishes,
Mark Everett
3 X Olympian 1988,1992,2000
World champion
World record-holder
12 National champion
255 Katie McKibbin,
_____________________________________________________________________256 Alison Paliescheskey,
_____________________________________________________________________257 Danny Haralson,
Not only for the reasons mentioned here, but the potential economic impact from area and regional track meets (high school/college and yes, adult) would re-pay the city 10 fold in the years to come.
258 Marcy Fleming,
_____________________________________________________________________259 Josh Firth,
What a great way to unite the community and bring an opportunity to so many different groups! Great idea.
260 Chris Hood,
_____________________________________________________________________261 Paula Garman,
_____________________________________________________________________262 ed graven,
_____________________________________________________________________263 Lacey Pence,
I am currently a Samford student and urge the city/school to do this. The students really miss our track!!
264 Brent Cotton,
SEC Track Meets - Alabama High School State Track Meet - Samford Track Meets...this would be a tremendous boost to the local economy!
265 Michael Madden,
Kids ought to have the opportunity to go out and train themselves, regardless of whether they are selected for the school team. Track is the sport that they can develop individual skills on thier own, and by so doing avoid the popularity contest when it comes to being chosen for the team. All they need is the facility.
266 Charles McCalley,
This will be a great addition for Homewood and its citizens!
267 Alvin Bresler,
As a former track athlete in high and college, I support the idea of building a "State of the Art" track for Homewood High School and Samford University. The track would be an excellent recruiting tool for both the High School and the University. The economic impact from hosting "Big Time Track Meets" would be huge for the City of Homewood and a great opportunity to showcase the City of Homewood to people thinking about relocating to Birmingham. AB Birmingham.
268 Milton Bresler,
This is a fabulous opportunity for not only Homewood HS , but the whole community. This addition just improves the quality of life for everyone.
269 Keith,
As a Homewood resident, middle school track coach in a neigboring Metro district, and a runner myself, this is an extremely unique opportunity that cannot be passed up. This facility will not only help to improve the great community of Homewood, but it will ensure Homewood's impressive track and field program remains competitive and continues to excel. Unfortunately, a collaborative investment opportunity such as this, that stands to benefit so many, is something most communities and districts will never see. I live near Homewood Park and over the years seen the park become one of the bright focal points of this community. I have no doubt this track, if built, will serve a similar role in enhancing the community for decades to come.
270 Rubin E. Grant,
When I moved to Homewood almost 15 years ago, it was to enjoy a culturally, racially and a socio-economically diverse community. I'm still here and still enjoy those benefits. This proposed high school track would be a welcomed addition to the area and provide another opportunity for our student-athletes to receive college scholarships. So, let's build it already.
271 trent lowery,
_____________________________________________________________________272 D. Dean Thornton, MD,
I am in favor of the proposed track. As has been mentioned, it could benefit not only the students of the Homewood School system, but the community at large.
273 K. Gebhardt,
_____________________________________________________________________274 Amy Blish,
_____________________________________________________________________275 don blish,
This will benefit everyone in homewood. not only samford and HHS, but the local retirement community up the road and surrounding residents. this is something that can not be passed on.
276 Julie Walsh,
I fully support athletics and localized accessible opportunities for children/families to go. Athletics will continue to be a means to keep children focused and doing the "right" thing for their futures.
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