By David Fleet
Editor
Goodrich— Local athletes will soon have a strength and conditioning edge during competitions thanks to a generous donation to the school’s weight room.
Earlier this year, Nicholas Burnett, owner of Genesee, Oakland and Lapeer counties-based Flatrock, Adult Foster Care & Behavioral Care, and Steve Blevins, president along with Jeff Blevins vice president owners of Flint-based Extreme Precision Screw Products donated $42,891.03 each to fund the purchase of new fitness equipment for the weight room.
On Dec. 8, school officials gathered at the high school to formally open the upgraded facility.
“We appreciate your donation,” said Rob McRae, Goodrich Athletic Director. “Whether it’s the football, softball or cross country team, everyone is excited. We can now provide a weight room that we are all proud of and when the athletes arrive they are excited to be here.”
On Sept. 25, the Goodrich Schools Board of Education voted 7-0 to accept two donations totaling $85,782.06 to upgrade the high school weight room.
The weight room became fully operational on Dec. 11.
“We are going to add some motivational signs along the walls,” added McRae.
Local residents Jeff and Steve Blevins saw a need in the weight room.
“There’s a strong correlation between student athletes and success in life,” said Jeff. “We are providing the students the best possible tools to do the job. We had multiple kids in the school district, we discussed what’s needed and decided to just fix it. This project was born out of a need and a desire to help.”
Locally, area resident Burnett is the owner of Flatrock Manor of Goodrich North.
“The community has given me a lot and I want to give it back,” said Burnett.
“Four of my children are in the school and all are playing sports. We noticed there was a need, and with the vision of Steve and Jeff Blevins, we made it happen.”
“My hope is this weight room will be available for the next generation and last for future athletes to use,” he added. “My children’s children can benefit.”
The school building and site committee met earlier this year to discuss what could be done with the high school weight room.
In April, the current athletic coaches gathered for input regarding the pending upgrades to the weight room, said Rob McRae, school athletic director.
“We had about a dozen coaches attend the meeting from a variety of school sports,” said McRae.
From that meeting coaches suggested the funds be used for better functioning equipment, new floors in the weight room and a lighter colored room.