CULLMAN – Today’s youth are often charged with claims of lack of dedication, laziness and apathy by their elders. That argument’s validity is put to rest by the Cullman middle and high schoolers who participate in the cross country team. The sport requires commitment and consistency to achieve any worthwhile goals in a runner’s racing career.
The young men and women of Cullman who have dedicated themselves to the sport are hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, July 16 at Cullman High School, located at 510 13th St. NE from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This mattress fundraiser will be new to the area and will offer pillow tops, memory foams, gel, plush tops and gel hybrid mattresses at prices up to 50 percent off the retail cost. Additionally, free layaway will be offered, or mattresses that are paid for in full will be available for pickup or delivery within two and a half weeks after the purchase date.
There will be more than 25 different mattress sets to choose from, along with pillows, frames and other accessories. Prices will start at $249 per mattress set, and each mattress will come with a full manufacturer’s warranty.
While superficially the sport does not appear to have much overhead, Coach Trent Dean of the Cullman Bearcats Cross Country team explained, “A lot of people might think that it’s cross country and there’s not many expenses with running, but really when you think about transportation and race registrations and our team camp that we go to every year. We like to provide team builds and uniforms and this fundraiser is what allows us to run our program.
“The really neat thing about programs like cross country and track and field is we have both boys and girls from anywhere from seventh grade up to a senior, and a lot of times, they’re out there working together. So, it’s a real unique situation.”
Dean has written about his personal inspiration and what drives him to lead his student athletes, “Jesse Owens said that the road up the ladder to the championships consisted of learning the importance of love, respect, dedication, determination, self-sacrifice, self-discipline and good attitude. This is the road that I strive to lead our athletes down as well as teaching them how to persevere, overcome adversity, and cope with stress and anxiety.”
Local parent Ed Huddleston, who has had four sons that have participated or are currently participating in the CHS track and cross country teams, says that the programs teach excellence in everything. “It’s physical activity via positive peer pressure,” he said.
For more information on the fundraiser, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/398018693655991/.
