A generous gift from Frank and Donna Patton has made possible a significant upgrade to the Brevard College track and field complex. Renovations are currently underway and include a complete resurfacing of the track, improved drainage around the track, and state-of-the-art technology, including jump inserts, a new throws cage, and a pole vault runway.
“Frank and Donna Patton have made a truly transformational gift to Brevard College and to the community,” emphasized Dr. Bradley J Andrews, President of Brevard College. “Their support is both meaningful and inspirational; the Pattons are known throughout our community for making Brevard and Transylvania County better through their philanthropy and vision.”
Originally built with financial support from the Pattons in 2014, the facility on Brevard’s campus is the only track in Transylvania County. The track is heavily used by the Brevard College Track and Field/Cross Country programs, the Brevard High School teams, and the Brevard Distance Runners Camp hosted on campus by Norm Witek and his family each summer. The track also hosts numerous meets and is home to significant recreational use by members of the Brevard community.
While President Andrews is among the many community members who run on the track throughout the year, Mr. Patton has credit for the “unofficial” usage record, having logged 240 miles of walking on the track, a total of 960 laps, since its inception.
The current work is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. When completed, the track will enable Brevard College to host large-scale track events for not only collegiate events, but high school, middle school and community wellness events, as well.
“It will be the only competition-ready facility in Brevard College’s athletic conference and I am confident it will bring awareness and energy to support track and field events in our community,” said Joshua Hall, Head Coach for Track and Field at the college. “We really can’t thank them enough.”
Frank is a native of Brevard and went to Brevard College for two terms before he enlisted in the Air Force to fight in WWII. He and Donna often support projects that encourage being outside, projects that can be used by the community at large. They also provided funding to help with the new turf soccer field at the Transylvania County Recreation Park, among other projects.
“I want to see this happen in my lifetime,” said Frank. “And when you see it, you’re not going to believe it. It’s going to be the nicest track in the state.”
“The exciting part for us is that it’s such a joy to watch so many other people enjoying it,” said Donna. “We love to see people encouraging each other on a team and having fun.”
To listeners, Frank’s enthusiasm is contagious and his intensity is motivating, especially as he speaks about this project. He encourages everyone to ask themselves two questions — “what if?” and “why not?” — to inspire stewardship while they are still alive to see it.