Residents urge Winslow board to name high-school field for local coaches; speakers differ on single-versus-multiple honorees

Multiple members of the public urged the Winslow Township Board of Education on July 11 to name the high-school athletic field after local figures who have long supported students and athletics.

Antoinette Johnson spoke in favor of naming the field for Dennis Mitchell and Russell Bates, stressing the importance of preserving local legacy and providing role models for future students. "When it comes to Winslow, my husband grew up here. There's such a rich history here that deserves to be honored and displayed," Johnson said. (Antoinette Johnson, public commenter)

Valerie Bailey described Russell Bates's coaching career and honors in detail and urged consideration of Bates and Dennis Mitchell. Bailey said Bates coached from 1969 through 2000, earned multiple coach-of-the-year awards and is in multiple halls of fame; she also described Dennis Mitchell's Olympic accomplishments and current role as an Olympic coach. "We are constantly, perpetually growing the legacy for Winslow," Bailey said. (Valerie Bailey, public commenter)

Another speaker urged the board to consider honoring many contributors rather than singling out one or two individuals. That speaker said he favored recognizing Ronald Hobson and pointed to a long list of local volunteers and coaches who have helped students reach college and professional sports. "It should be named one individual because...there's been a number of people who help kids...it'd be an injustice to name the field to just 1 or 2 individuals," the speaker said. (Public commenter)

No formal board action or motion regarding naming the high-school field was recorded during the meeting. The board accepted public comments and indicated public input would be part of future deliberations if and when the board considers a naming policy or recommendation.