Former Tuscola track All-American speaks at annual drawdown

John Asay, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 18—After a year delay due to COVID-19 protocols, the Tuscola Big T Booster Club was finally able to host its drawdown fundraiser. The Aug. 7 event raised funds to support all THS athletics. Attendees were treated to a steak dinner with all the fixings, a live auction, a silent auction and a chance to win the grand prize of $5,000.

The night's guest speaker was Tuscola legend and Hall of Famer Dr. James Martin. Martin is a 1986 graduate of Tuscola where he set and still holds five records in track and field. He was a track All-American during his time at Tuscola as well as a three-time conference champion. His triple jump of 51-9.25 feet in 1985 and 52-6.25 feet in 1986 were both good enough for back to back state championships.

The Big T club presented Martin with a plaque at the event, recognizing him for his contributions to the development of the Tuscola Athletic Program.

The drawdown was won by the last four tickets when the winners decided to split the winnings. The lucky winners were Dorothea Willson, Kevin Ensley, Doug McCracken and Mike Woody.

Tuscola Athletic Director Michael Belue had a lot of people to thank for the big evening.

"I would personally like to say a big thank you to the booster club board members, especially Doug McCracken, Jane Stamey, Rhonda Buchanan, Anthony Turner, Beth McCabe, Julie Rodgers and John McClelland, as well as Michael Sorrells for coming out and being our MC," Belue said. "Due to COVID 19, we had to push the drawdown back about six times, but these individuals persevered and never let the effort die."

"I would also like to give a shout out to all the coaches that came with their athletes who helped serve and to the baseball and football coaches for grilling all afternoon. Also, a big thank you to Ms. Barbara and the ladies in the cafeteria for helping. It was truly a team effort to pull it off. It was really a great evening," Belue said.