Unless you participated in track it might have slipped your mind Frank Lay was the coach of the Pace High track team and brought the first state title to Pace with that team back in 1981.

For former coach was honored by the school on Friday as the Patriot Invitation Track Meet was renamed as the Frank Lay Invitational.

“This kind of takes me back to my roots and where I started,” Lay said. “The school had been here for three or four years when I became a teacher here and I have been here ever since.

“This means a lot to me just like this school does.”

On hand for the ceremony were four members of the 1981 Class 2A State Champions, Craig Thurman, Robert Thurman, David Lewis and Kevin Arrant, three of which have had children participate in track at Pace during their high school years.

“The championship team was a group we were building,” Rob Thurman said. “We had so many returning in 1981.

“He was a great coach, but you knew if he wore two different color socks to practice he was having a bad day.”

But despite becoming an administrator, Lay is still involved and out there on the track helping with the meets and even a district or regional when held at Pace High School.

“He is just about track and field at Pace when you look at it,” said Robert Freeman, Pace High’s Athletic Director. “Every major meet or event we have here you will find him as a main cog to its success.”

Lay doesn’t feel he has had as much to do with the program as he has, but is quick to point out team effort and family spirit at the school he as worked at for 35 years.

“Pace High School is a special place,” Lay said. “This has nothing to do about me or what I have been able to do, but what we are here at Pace.

“We have reached the crest of excellence with the great people we have here.”