Groundbreaking Ceremony for $3.75 Million Fieldhouse in honor of Legendary Coach Rider
Under cloudy skies, approximately 75 individuals gathered near Elizabethton High School to honor a legendary high school coach, Dave Rider, in a groundbreaking ceremony. The event signaled the commencement of construction on a state-of-the-art facility named the Dave Rider Center for Athletic Performance, valued at an extraordinary $3.75 million. The occasion coincided with the campus’s 50th anniversary, further enshrining the event a pivotal point in Elizabethton High School history.
Legacy of Dave Rider
After an illustrious coaching career spanning several schools, Dave Rider ended up at Elizabethton High School in 1976, where he made a significant impact on sports, particularly football. Under his leadership, the Cyclones football team amassed a record of 173-79. Unfortunately, Rider passed away on December 20, 2020, at the age of 82.
Notable Attendees
Several notable personalities graced the groundbreaking ceremony, including Rider’s wife, Deanna, accompanied by their son, Scott Rider. Other distinguished guests included Elizabethton City Council members, Board of Education members, and Elizabethton High School Principal Jon Minton.
Words from Relatives and Colleagues
In her brief address, Deanna Rider expressed heartfelt thanks and shared her late husband’s love for Elizabethton High School. Similarly, Dave Rider’s grandson, Shawn Witten, currently serving as EHS football coach, praised the upcoming facility as an investment in youth that will pay future dividends.
A Step towards Athletic Excellence
Included within its hefty price tag, the Dave Rider Center for Athletic Performance promises to offer top-notch facilities to Elizabethton’s young athletes. Some of these features include a 30-yard-by-30-yard section of artificial turf, an auxiliary gymnasium complete with a basketball court and provisions for other activities, and a spacious new weight room.
The facility aims to honor Dave Rider’s legacy while setting the standard for future excellence, embodying the phrase aptly coined by Coach Witten: “Best is the Standard.”
Community Support and Investment
According to Richard VanHuss, the Elizabethton Director of Schools, the ambitious project came to fruition with a “substantial capital allotment” from the city council. Citizens Bank Tri-Cities Foundation Ltd. and the LaPorte family were also instrumental in supporting the project with a significant $400,000 donation.
Expected Impact
As reflected in enthusiastic speeches by various attendees, the groundbreaking ceremony solidified Coach Rider’s lasting legacy and signaled a promising approach to promoting and fostering athletic excellence in Elizabethton. The state-of-the-art facility is expected not only to benefit the student-athletes tremendously but also make a significant positive impact on the entire school community and the town.
