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Elizabethton High School has announced a community-driven fundraising campaign to support the development of the Dave Rider Center for Athletic Performance, a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance student health, wellness, and athletic training.

The center will serve student-athletes while also benefiting Physical Education classes, the Betsy Band, the school’s Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC), and various extracurricular activities. The facility is envisioned as a versatile space for training, practice, and performance development, supporting students in their athletic and academic pursuits.

Named in honor of longtime coach Dave Rider, who left a lasting impact on the Elizabethton community, the facility will include an indoor practice turf, a 3,000-square-foot weight training area, and a multi-purpose regulation court. These resources aim to help students develop strength, agility, and discipline to succeed both in competition and in life.

Community members and supporters are invited to contribute to the project through various sponsorship opportunities:

• Full Equipment Sponsorship ($5,000) – Name recognition on both sides of a double-sided training rack, five years of advertising on cyclonepride.com, and donor wall recognition.
• Rack Sponsorship ($2,500) – Name recognition on one side of a double-sided training rack, five years of advertising on cyclonepride.com, and donor wall recognition.
• Shared Rack Sponsorship ($1,250) – Name recognition on one side of a shared section of a double-sided training rack, donor wall recognition, and five years of advertising on cyclonepride.com.
• Foundation Sponsor (Custom Donation) – Donations under $1,250 are welcomed, with all contributors recognized on the donor wall at the entrance of the Dave Rider Center.

“This center is not just about athletics—it’s about providing our students with the tools they need to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and academically,” said Joe Diaz, athletic director at Elizabethton High School. “With the support of our community, we can create a legacy that will impact students for generations.”

For information on corporate sponsorship opportunities, individuals and businesses are encouraged to inquire.

To become a sponsor, contact:

• Joe Diaz, Athletic Director – joe.diaz@ecschools.net | (423) 547-8015 ext. 1525

Nic Miller, Assistant to the Athletic Director – nicholas.miller@ecschools.net | (423) 547-8015 ext. 1549