Galloway Cross Country Hosts 5th Annual Family Affair Meet

On Saturday, August 21, Galloway hosted the 5th Annual Family Affair Meet at the Galloway Athletic Complex, welcoming runners from Clarkston High School. Galloway coach Denny Beatty has a long-time connection with the school; his father was both teacher and coach for 31 years at Clarkston.  

Coach Beatty and Clarkston’s coach, Wesley Etiene had a vision six years ago to strategically focus on community building. They wanted to address the needs of support, education, compassion, and individual empowerment within our youth while also connecting diverse communities; CHS’s student body represents over 50 countries and 48 different languages.

The event has grown from a 2-mile competition race to having a meal in abundance together, sharing personal journeys, giving thanks and appreciation, providing emotional support and encouragement, and embracing each other’s differences.  After the 2-mile time trial, Clarkston’s upperclassmen and Galloway senior runners spoke about what the cross country family means to them.

Coaches Spiro and Cullen guided athletes for success while Coach Beatty ran event logistics, and Galloway’s TMS maintenance crew set up tables, chairs, and tablecloths for everyone to break bread. West Stride provided new shoes, running attire, and extra goodies for each Clarkston athlete. Galloway trainer Hannah Johnson was on deck to secure the health of all athletes, and Galloway ADs Kiesha Brown and Andrew Tulowitzky provided the event t-shirts, which were a hit with all athletes and visibly united the two schools. 

“I am still overwhelmed with joy. The brunch provided by the cross country families was truly a connective piece that bridged the gap between the Clarkston and the Galloway communities and united us as one at the tables," said Coach Beatty. "Our athletes and their families’ willingness, organization, teamwork, promptness, presentation, and abundance was gold medal status and hearing the student athletes from Clarkston and Galloway share their meaning of family was heartwarming. I am grateful for our partner, West Stride. Genie Beaver and her staff’s selfless devotion to provide runner shoes and other gear to each Clarkston runner is a true act of giving.”