'Baton of Excellence' to Be Awarded to Top High School Track and Field Coach at 7th Annual Robert S. Shumake Relays in Detroit April 30th

DETROIT, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Robert S. Shumake Relays 'Baton of Excellence' is a prize worth fighting for, yet fists aren't involved. Earning this prize is a lauded honor and grants a year of bragging rights to a standout high school coach in the Track and Field community; one who teaches not only athletics and understands competitiveness, but encourages academics and instills good sportsmanship in the face of triumph or defeat. On April 30th at Detroit's Renaissance High School, one such leader, who's track team will compete in the 7th Annual Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays, will be bestowed the coveted Baton of Excellence. In past years, the Baton has been awarded to coaches from all participating states; Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, except for Indiana, who will take home the Baton in 2011?

The Relay itself is like none other. For the Robert S. Shumake Foundation, it's all about the details; from the Olympic-quality timing, fresh-cut grass and Jumbotron to the support of public figures and renown Olympians such as Reverend Al Sharpton, John Carlos and Bob Beamon, Shumake Relay participants' skills are being displayed on an international stage.

The Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays is the vision of Detroit business man and author; Mr. Robert S. Shumake who has an undaunted passion to see young athletes and promising students exercise their talents and achieve their goals.

"My track coach inspired me through discipline and hard work," explains Shumake. "When I went astray, Coach always pulled me back in line." He adds, "The relay is also about drawing on the strength and support of who we call 'community cousins', many of these kids are in it alone, so the coaches, volunteers, and parents are there holding them down while they focus on winning."

Over 2,000 participating track and field athletes from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio will go head to head in athletic and academic competitions. Senior athletes from participating schools who submit a written 250 word essay on the importance of education, home-ownership and entrepreneurship qualify to receive a Shumake scholarship. The Shumake Foundation has awarded over $50,000 in academic scholarships over the past few years.

Visit http://www.shumakerelays.com or contact 248-443-0939 for more information.  

CONTACT: Treavion Davenport
Trea Day PR
(678) 327-8281 or [email protected]

SOURCE Robert S. Shumake Foundation