Brandon Twp.- The track at Brandon High School has been named.
The school board approved at their June 13 meeting a motion to name the track after Gary Medland, who coached boys varsity track and cross country at Brandon for more than a quarter century.
‘It’s quite a humbling tribute,? said Medland.
‘It’s nice that people think so much of you that they are willing to go out of their way to do something like this. It’s much appreciated.?
Kara and Rod Yeacker, as well as Jason Bailey, all runners, initially made the request to the building and site committee last year to name the track after Medland. They were joined in their support by numerous others. Rob Privette and Luke Frye, school board trustees and committee members, said they received more than 25 letters or e-mails requesting the track be named after Medland.
‘They wanted to honor Gary Medland for his many years of service,? said Privette. ‘I think it’s a good thing to raise up people who have made significant contributions to the education and growth of Brandon students and we should celebrate them. These people felt very passionately about Mr. Medland’s contributions to Brandon students, made a case and we were happy to recognize him in this way.?
Medland, 59, who was also a Brandon High School teacher for 32 years, retired in 2007. The Lapeer resident continues to volunteer as a track coach at Oakland University and also fires the gun to start high school and middle school track meets.
Privette said there will be a separate action by the board on how to recognize Medland, which may include a plaque established at the track.