By Deborah A. Culp
April, 2016 – Nashville, TN – – On Friday May 6, 2016, Coach Sam Smith will be honored in the highest esteem for his well earned and deserved service to youth and the city of Nashville.
The athlete’s runner track at Whites Creek High School will be named after the hard working 73 year old. For 36 years, Coach Smith has dedicated his time and life to girls track, football and other professional coaching endeavors. The school is located at 7277 Old Hickory Blvd, Whites Creek, TN 37189.
This honor has been long awaited and all involved are thankful and anticipating May 6th. Nashville’s First Female Mayor, the Honorable Megan Barry, and a host of VIP’s well be present for the ribbon cutting, parade and overall fanfare of the day. The academic staff of teachers, parents, volunteers and student body is being prepped for the special day ahead.
The city has generously supported this endeavor with a grant and hands on support. The Tennessee State University graduate and former teacher, Coach Sam Smith, is known for many contributions including his 36 years of serving as the head coach of the Nashville based, Continental T-Belles Girls Track Club. The success ratio for the girls who begin training under Coach Sam Smith’s guidance (early as age 8) have gone to college eon a full scholarship, that those who haven’t. Programs such as this one can be literal life rafts for children and parents intending to survive the high statistics of life’s failures. “I’ve only lost one girl to teenage pregnancy out of 36 years”, said Coach Smith.
The Continental T-Belles Track Club can trace its history to the ‘Tigerbelle Track Club Development Program,’ a summer track program started by the legendary Coach Ed Temple. The purpose of the original club was to provide track and field competition experience for young women, as sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association.
The ‘Continental T-Belles Track Club’ is a non-profit Nashville, Tennessee. Track Club for young girls ages 8-18 years old. It is the brainchild and direct sweat equity of Coach Sam Smith, who tirelessly has developed this elite track club. Coach Smith and the naming committee are available for interviews and a press conference will take place at the beginning of the May 6ht ceremony.
For additional information: Contact: Coach Catherine Bowers: (615) 585-6921 Or Ann James (615) 618-4453
