NANKIN — The Home Depot Foundation, via Team Depot, has awarded a $6,000 grant to the Mapleton cross country and track & field programs.
Jason Hissong, the Mounties cross country parents group president, asked the company about donating wood to build shelves. But that query turned into an investment in the school district’s athletes.
“We are deeply grateful to Team Depot for this gift, which will positively impact Mountie athletes for years to come,” said Joe Ortiz, Mapleton’s cross country and track coach.
The grant will be used to clean up and organize the track shed, a shared storage building for the cross country, track and field, football, and soccer programs.
In addition, the grant will provide materials to establish a permanent team space for the cross country and track athletes.
The Team Depot team will not only supply shelving, storage units, racking, and open-faced cubbies, but will also handle delivery and assist in organizing and setting up the facility.
“At Mapleton, our Track & Field and Cross Country programs are built on resilience, pride, and purpose,” Ortiz said. “As a small rural school, we often operate with limited resources, yet our student-athletes consistently rise above their circumstances, demonstrating exceptional effort, teamwork, and pride in representing Mapleton.
“Both programs have a proud tradition of excellence, achieving success at the Firelands Conference, district, regional, and state levels.”
Like many cross country and track and field squads, the Mounties operate without a permanent team space.
“Our athletes deserve a place not only to come together to get situated for practices and competitions, but also to celebrate our rich history and accomplishments,” Ortiz said.
“A team space provides more than storage, it offers identity, belonging, and recognition for the hard work and traditions that define our Mapleton cross country and track and field programs.”
Mapleton cross country and track and field is grateful to Bill Converse for his tremendous efforts in working alongside Ortiz and Hissong to help secure the grant.
“We also want to recognize Store Manager Greg Wise, District Captain Mike Morgan, and District Manager John Lerch for their support of Mapleton Local Schools and our student-athletes,” Ortiz said.
“Your commitment makes a lasting impact on our programs and the young men and women who proudly represent the Mounties.”
