State recognizes EA track team

Published 6:24 pm Monday, February 28, 2011

Escambia Academy head track coach Heath Gibson shows off the resolution put forth by Senator Mark Keahey recognizing the state championship won by the Cougars in 2010.|Photo by Chandler Myers

Escambia Academy head track coach Heath Gibson was surprised by something he received in the mail last week at the AISA school in Canoe.

A manila envelope addressed to Gibson contained a resolution put forth by Senator Mark Keahey in the State Legislature recognizing the EA boys track team for winning the 2010 AISA Class 2A state championship, which marked their fourth consecutive championship.

The resolution sent to Gibson by Keahey is worded to commend the Cougars for their steady performances, according to Gibson.

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Gibson said the basic reading of it is that the state government is impressed with his team.

“What we received was a resolution that is commending our track team for their championships over the last four years,” he said. “What it boils down to is that the State of Alabama is proud of the accomplishments of our team.”

The tremendous honor came at a time when the Cougars are preparing themselves for this year’s track schedule.

Gibson said the resolution is an incredible compliment to his team and the work they put into winning the championship.

“It’s big,” he said. “It’s rewarding to the kids who have done a good job to get to that point. They put in a lot of hard work and it shows by winning four straight. It’s a big accomplishment for the kids.”

Earning accomplishments such as a resolution and state championships does not come lightly.

The Cougars track team must put in countless hours of practice to be as strong a unit as they are.

Gibson said it takes a lot of commitment to be that consistent with championships.

“It’s earned by every member of our team,” he said. “Our team works hard in practice to make sure they get everything right. When we go to events, we always know that we need to get as many points in the events we are in. Our participants in the field events will be huge for us, if we are able to have guys that can get high points. It takes a strong dedication by our team.”