Michelle Cochran, assistant principal at Central High; David Carpenter, principal of Brown Middle School; Chester Bankston, Hamilton County Commission; Finley King, principal of Central; Dr. Steve Highlander, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Education; Steve Lewis, assistant principal and athletic director at Central; Jennifer Lewis, former track coach at Central; and Gary Bloodsaw, current track coach at Central
Chattanooga Central High School’s track was built in the 1960s with many a Purple Pounder athlete wearing out shoe leather preparing for competition. Now, almost 50 years later, the well-worn track will be broken down for the installation of a new track and a new beginning for the Central High track teams. The new eight-lane track with additional installations for field events including high jump, pole vault, long jump, discuss, and shot put will be ready for track season this spring.
Steve Lewis, assistant principal and athletic director of Central High and the former track coach, has been fighting for a remodeled track for 13 of the 15 years that he has worked at Central.
“I’m probably more excited than anyone about it,” Mr. Lewis said, “When I coached here, we took over 40 kids to state and won regional championships.” The school continued that trend of excellence after Lewis left coaching for school administration. He said, “We’ve got great kids at Central who deserve it.”
“It feels good to be able to provide the funding for the new track,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Chester Bankston, “This means that we are together pressing forward for something.”
Once the new track is completed, the school will be able to host track meets for the first time in many years with gate receipts bringing in more funds for the team. In the past, the absence of gate receipt funds has required the school to rely on fundraisers to operate the program.
“I can’t wait to see what students can accomplish with the right platform,” said Jennifer Lewis, another former Central High track coach.
Central High School is in the Harrison Bay Learning Community in Hamilton County Schools.