By T. Scott Boatright
Ruston High School finally got the opportunity to dedicate its track in name of former head coach Dave Anderson on Friday before the start of the “Hoss” Garrett Relays hosted by the Bearcats.
Between 1991 and 2012, Anderson guided Ruston to nine state titles, including the first ever girls title in school history.
He led Ruston boy’s cross country teams to Louisiana state titles in 1992, 1995, 1997, and 2000. In 20 years at Ruston, his athletes established what was then 39 out of a possible 42 school records.
In giving thanks before the Relays events started, Anderson closed things out by thanking some of those he loves and who love him most.
“I want to thank the students athletes I’ve coached. Even with all of those awards and certificates on the wall, it was never a ‘me’ thing, it was a ‘we’ thing.” Anderson said. “From Cinnamon Square to Squire Creek, from Grambling to Choudrant, we had kids from all parts of Lincoln Parish that we invited into this family we call Ruston Track and Field and Cross Country. They became brothers and sisters in the group and to this day they stay in touch.”