SHS's new track should be named: David A. Brown Track

The track is first class, too. When I was in high school (1971-75) our track coach, David A. Brown, made a pitch for an eight-lane, all-weather track. The old all-weather track was eventually built but with only seven lanes. The new track should be named for Coach Brown. For two decades Spencer's track teams dominated the competition in northwest Iowa--largely because of Coach Brown. Coach Brown and his wife, Shirley, have retired and live in Estherville. I found this summary about Coach Brown from the Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame website:

Dave Brown

Dave attended Gruver High School and was active in all sports. This Univ. of Northern Iowa graduate started coaching and teaching at Burt high School in 1960. In 1969 he coached at Lincoln Central where his boys were state indoor champions. In 1970 he moved to Spencer where his boys teams have won the Lakes Conference track and field championship 20 of 21 years including a record 14 in a row. In 1982 he became the track coordinator for Spencer's girl-boy co-ed program. Since then the Spencer girls have won the Lakes Conference 9 of 11 years including the last 8 in a row. During his career he has coached his teams to over 240 victories. His state accomplishments include: 1. Class C indoor championship 1969. 2. Class A outdoor runner-up in 1976. 3. Tied for 3rd twice in class 4-A outdoor meet. 4. Placed in the top 10 in 4-A many times. 5. Selected coach of the year twice and regional coach 7 times. 6. Coached 36 individual state meet place winners and 14 relay teams The state meet was highlighted by the 1989 4-A 4x800 state champion relay team with a time of 7:50.7. Of the 36 state meet places, 15 were champions as well as having 5 Drake relay champions. Dave Brown is an excellent clinic speaker in the areas of the 800, the stand-up-start-hurdles, and the high jump. He originated the winter clinic and meetings of the Lakes Conference, helped in organizing an FCA huddle, and served as northwest representative to the IATC Association. Dave loves the farm and outdoor life with his wife, Shirley, two boys, Chuck, Andrew and one daughter, Heather. He is proud of the promise he made his wife and family - to give them his undivided summer in exchange for the busy life of a coach through the school year.