What was once a cracked, unmarked bus loop from the early 1990s has been transformed into a functional track and field facility at Tavares Middle School, thanks to the relentless vision and hands-on work of coaches Kevin and April Von Maxey and an entire community that refused to let limited resources stand in the way of student-athletes’ dreams.

Before

Just a year ago, the 330-meter loop, far short of a regulation 400-meter track was in disrepair, with no painted lines, no exchange zones and no markings for any distance events. The school had no long or triple jump facilities. But the Von Maxeys, who have built a thriving cross country and track program known as the Red Sea Running Club and have coached the Tavares Middle Patriots, kept believing a proper home for their athletes was possible.

This spring, that belief became reality through a total community effort. Over spring break, Coach Kevin Von Maxey and Coach April Von Maxey spent every day engineering and constructing a new long jump pit from scratch. After the bus loop was repaved this summer, the couple and volunteers methodically added proper lane lines and finally completed the relay exchange zones just this past weekend.

The result? A refurbished track ready for competition and a brand-new long jump pit, giving Tavares Middle School athletes a respectable venue to train and compete with hopes of eventually hosting full meets.

This week, the facility will debut for the inaugural “Tavares Challenge,” marking a proud milestone for the Patriots.

“We believed that one day we could turn this into a respectable track and even host a meet… with long and triple jump,” the Von Maxeys explain. “With the help of a lot of people, slowly, we have been restoring the track and building a long jump pit.”

Principal Mrs. Crosby and Assistant Principal Mr. Phillips provided unwavering support in both words and deeds. Athletic Director Ashley Metz led fundraising efforts and helped turn big dreams into solutions. Students and parents pitched in through multiple fundraisers, while the Track Shack Youth Foundation offered continued grants and public backing for the track and cross country programs.

Local businesses stepped up as well: The Yard Stop Garden Center in Mount Dora, including Ed, Emily and Zoe, donated the sand for the long jump pit. Lena and Randen from Grindin Growin Grillin brought a tractor to help move dirt. Cliff Gardiner with J&C Gardiner Concrete provided a fair deal and quality work on the runway.

The Von Maxeys expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved and invited the community to celebrate with the kids and parents at Thursday’s event.

“Believe. Together. We are the Red Sea. We are Tavares!” they say.

This project stands as a testament to what a determined coaching staff and a tight-knit community can accomplish when they rally around their young athletes. 

We are incredibly proud of everyone for this much needed project. Runners from Red Sea and Tavares Middle have gone on to have very successful high school and collegiate careers. Well done to everyone involved.