Maysville Honors former Star Neal with Track Rededication

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, OH – A legend on the Maysville track is once again honored at the school’s athletic complex.

Initially erected in 1999, the granite memorial of the former Panther, turned Ohio State track star, Jerry Neal, has been reestablished at the end of the track, behind the school in a rededication ceremony.

The funding came from both the Foxfire and Maysville school districts. With superintendents plus family members in attendance, it was a great way to honor one of Maysville’s brightest athletes on the “Jerry Neal” track.

“Something needed to be done” said Maysville superintendent Joe Daniels. “It was either tear it down or lay it on the ground, or something simple, or bring it back here”.

Daniels also added that the school reached out to Neal’s relative Mollie Crooks, who was appreciative of the intent to relocate the memorial.

Foxfire superintendent Todd Whiteman added “We didn’t just want to relocate Jerry Neal, but we wanted to have a rebirth, right? His legacy that he left as a runner, as a human being, and the impact he had in this community.”

Neal’s first cousin, Mollie Sparks was honored to be in attendance, as she looked back on all the hard work to create the memorial nearly 30 years ago.

“When the monument was first built, the family organized all the fundraising. Our goal in 1994 was to raise $100,000 to do an all weather track” said Sparks.

“When Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Daniels expressed interest in helping us move the monument to the place where really, this is the Maysville schools, we were ecstatic.”

The memorial sits along the south end zone of the school’s football field, and will face any track and field athlete upon finishing a race.