Reynon/Reid Memorial and Alumni Homecoming

In honoring the memory of two recently passed American River College Track and Field Coaches, formerly Beaver Relays, Home Meet was named in their honor at the 1^st Annual Reynon/Reid Memorial Meet on March 3, 2023.

     Coaches Ray Reynon, and Michael Reid worked, volunteered, and coached both the men's and women's ARC teams while coaching anybody who asked for help, coaching, or personal training.  Their passion for our sport, and the respect for student athlete's success did not stop on the track.

       Coach Ray competed for ARC, then began volunteering (in the 1960's) when ARC was known as Grant Tech. He studied the sport and had our most successful American Track and Field Olympians training plans on hand for anyone inquiring.

      "In my 25 years in working with him, he never accepted any financial payment from the school, yet he only missed 3 meets in total over all those years.  He came out to practice whether or not anyone showed up, including 363 days per year.  Anyone could find him and ask him for questions, or to run through a workout, he would meet them on their schedules", said Coach Powless.

        Coach Reid started coaching at JK Kennedy HS, then Sac City before volunteering and assisting multiple sports, 20 years ago at ARC, including Football, Basketball, Cross Country, and Track and Field.  He also developed youth athletes that led into unattached, masters and more.  His highly successful club team Athletes Under Construction, later known as "The Factory" produced a couple of Olympic trials competitors. 

     He was a true mentor and positive role model for countless athletes coming through our ARC programs.  He continued to develop his craft through continued education and was then sought out, by his peer, as a highly respected speaker at numerous venues.  He also became an ordained minister, and had a great message of "Live to make a difference, not merely live to make a living"- Reid.

      "Although there were too many Conference Titles, Nor. Cal. Titles and State Championships to boast, these coach's greatest success was their ability to personally connect with our student athletes.  The way they engaged, and developed trust, was amazing.  Numerous athletes confess they changed their lives", said Coach Powless.

     In honor of their memory, all ARC Track and Field Alumni were invited back to celebrate their legacies at our spectacular home meet last Friday.  Nearly 100 former athletes, parents, and friends attended the ceremony.  Former student athlete, and now current coach of ARC's sprints, relays and jumps- Robert Ellis, along with Dr. Peter Grimes gave the speech while the permanent brass memorial plaque was unveiled at our common start finish line at the stadium.

       "It was really special to see so much support, and love, with numerous generations of student athletes.  We had four generations represented and I don't think I saw a dry eye throughout.  It will be exciting to keep this homecoming event through the upcoming years ahead," said Coach Powless.

"Once a Beaver always a Beaver"