Due West, SC – Field Day at Cherokee Trail Elementary School took on a new look and name this year. Instead of teachers and parents running the various events, the children were greeted by the Erskine College student-athletes. Each Erskine athletic team led an event at this year’s field day.
Like many small, rural elementary schools, Cherokee Trail Elementary School only has one p.e. teacher. It is little wonder that the school jumped at the opportunity to have the Erskine College student-athletes help with Field Day, now called The Flying Fleet Field Day after Erskine’s nickname. With thirteen intercollegiate sports, Erskine boosts over 200 student-athletes.
The elementary school was divided into two groups by grade: 4K through 3rd grade and 4th grade through 7th grade. Both groups competed in the 8 different events: 300 Meter Run, 40 Yard Dash, Tug-of-War, Egg Toss, Jump Rope, Frisbee Golf, Basketball Shot, and Obstacle Course, and a Dodge Ball Tournament, administered by the Erskine Baseball Team. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place certificates for both boys and girls were awarded in each class, giving each student an opportunity to win. Furthermore, a special award was also given to the class demonstrating the most class spirit and this year’s recipient was Mrs. Kim Mathew’s 3rd grade class. At the conclusion of each station, the grade schoolers had the option of having their t-shirt signed by the Erskine student-athletes, giving each student a special memento to take home with them.
The day concluded with each child being given three special treats: cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn. Aramark, Erskine College’s food service provider, donated their equipment and supplies to make the treats while Erskine’s athletic training majors produced and served the treats to the students.
Mark Peeler, Erskine’s Athletic Director, sees it as a “natural fit” for the Athletic Department to be involved with field day. “NCAA Division II is dedicated to community engagement and certainly our athletic department working with Cherokee Trail Elementary School is a natural fit for us to be involved in the community. We are proud of our student-athletes for their contributions on the playing fields, in the classroom, and in the community. They are wonderful role models for the elementary kids and I appreciate all of our teams taking time the day before final exams to participate in this event. It seemed to be a huge hit at Cherokee Trail!”
This seems to be the common sentiment of most the students as Mark Peeler’s mail box was flooded with “thank you” letters from the students. As Kate Walker, a 4th grader at Cherokee Trail Elementary School, commented, “It was the best field day ever!”