TIFTON — On Jan. 22 over 150 participants and volunteers braved 30-degree temperatures to participate in the ABAC Fitness 5k and 1 mile fun run. Nicknamed the “Frostbite 5k,” this second time event was held on the beautiful ABAC campus and was hosted by the Fitness and Health Club of ABAC. The club is mentored by Coach Jimmy Ballenger.   As always, the Tiftarea community showed unwavering support and enthusiasm for ABAC and the young adults hosting this event.  Thanks to these individuals and several local businesses, the event raised over $1,500 for various campus and community service projects.

I would like to thank all of the sponsors: Georgia Sports Medicine, Tift Regional Medical Center, Ear Nose and Throat of Coffee County, Asahi Xpress, Dr. Bret Wagenhorst, Turners Furniture, Kiwanis Club of Tifton, Optimist Club of Tifton, Sunbelt Runners of Tifton, J&J Fitness Center, Adcock Pecans, Patricia Timper, Frank Davis and Ole Times Country Buffet.

In addition to monetary support, several local businesses and individuals donated door prizes. These included Asahi, Chic-Fil-A, Golden Corral, Arby’s, Starbucks, Target Distribution Center, Tracy Dyal of the ABAC bookstore, Tony Normand with GOO GOO’s carwash, the ABAC Student Government Association, Dr. Jeff Newberry and the Tiftarea YMCA.

Thanks also to all of the participants who turned out, despite the rainy day, for the event, some from as far away as Alabama and Florida.  We had runners of all ages, including 7-year-old Joseph Pezent of Adel, Ga., who ran the entire 5K event!  

The event would not have been possible without the help of the numerous volunteers, including players from ABAC varsity sport teams, members of the Fitness and Health Club, coaches and local community members.  From the community, I would especially like to thank David Vann, Ernest Lang and Dr. Bret Wagenhorst, who all helped guide this event from its inception. Also, thanks to Coach Jimmy Ballenger, Coach Alton Hudgins, Coach Allen Kramer, Coach Donna Campbell and Dr. Darby Sewell for empowering their students to reach for the stars.

Thanks to Ashley Williamson of the ABAC Public Relations Department, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Niles Reddick and the officers from the ABAC Police Department for their help as well. Thanks also to Eric and Kim Rountree of Adel who sang the national anthem and performed live entertainment for over three hours.  

ABAC is more than a college.  For those employed by or in attendance there, it is like a home. The great people in our community make it that way. From all of us to all of you, thank you so much!

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Joseph Wilson

Member

The Fitness and Health

Club of ABAC