Grantsville resident Gaylen Duskey (pictured left) asked the Calhoun Board of Education to re-consider cutting the cross-country athletic program at Calhoun Middle-High School.
The cut was on last night's agenda.
"The perception that cross-country runners do not do well, is not correct," said Duskey, who said parents and supporters are prepared to defray some of the costs of the program by helping to pay for fees, uniforms, and providing transportation.
"Cross-country is the world's oldest sport and is the cheapest to operate," Duskey said.
Athletic Director Tim Davis said the program was $1,300 in the hole and has yet been able to field a competitive team. Davis said the reason to abolish the sport is primarily financial.
The board decided to wait and see what interest is shown in the activity before scratching the program. Cross-country is scheduled to commence practice August 1. (See Out and About)
 Shari Johnson (pictured right) made a presentation to board members seeking support for a grant program to help students - "A Brighter Day for CM-HS."
The program calls for community involvement of students, and "would help with some behavioral problems in the school," she said.
She said it is likely a grant could be obtained for the "Calhoun Youth Force" program, which would involve participation in Calhoun EMS, fire departments, E-911 and a youth court system.
"Not only will it help kids get involved in community activities, it could be a building block to help our community services," she said.
She explained how a youth court system would address behavioral problems.
Johnson spoke to the board as a worker in the local court system and as the youth director of the Victory Baptist Church.
The board indicated they would support the effort.
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