Dedication ceremony remembers Smith
The temperature was 70 degrees. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. In short, it was a perfect day for a track meet.
For decades, whenever Marion High School "hosted" a meet, they rented a track at another school. That stuck in the craw of many students, alumni, and supporters, particularly since the school consistently had large numbers turn out for track and field.
Marion-Florence board of education decided to update the track so high school and middle school students could practice and compete at home.
One person who supported the track was the late Don Smith. Often seen working the chains at football games at Marion Stadium, he attended almost all school events. However, he was diagnosed with leukemia and died in 2000, before the track renovations were complete.
"Warrior athletics lost one of its best fans in Don Smith," said Gerald Henderson, superintendent.
The family established a memorial in his name for the school. With plans for the track under way, it was decided to use the memorial for various improvements at the stadium.
Most dramatic are the "Marion Warrior" script painted on the stadium wall and the track surface. Proceeds from the memorial were used for the painting.
"That's what we'll continue to do with these funds," Henderson said.
Because of that contribution, Smith's family was asked to participate in a brief ceremony Friday to formally dedicate the track.
His son, Eric, a member of the track team, and daughter, Steffanie, a college student, held a bright purple ribbon across the track. Their mother, Neva, was joined by track coach Grant Thierolf and board of education president Rex Savage.
Smith's parents, Bob and Shirley, watched, as did spectators in the stands and athletes warming up for events.
A few photos were snapped, then the ribbon was cut. Smith's children were given the ribbon sections.
"Let the Marion Relays begin," Henderson ordered.
The family cleared the track, athletes continued warming up, and volunteers received final instructions on timing and placing. The giant M in the background shone, and the flag waved above its flagpole and marker.
The temperature cooled slightly, but the sky stayed a brilliant blue.
It was perfect track weather. But it wasn't bad for a football game, either.
Friends agreed: Donny would have enjoyed it.
