Sep 09, 2010
Student-athletes join hands to support one of their own
April 12, 2010
PEARLAND — This past Wednesday, the Pearland Lady Oilers softball team, the Dawson Lady Eagles softball team, and the Pearland Oilers baseball team met at the PHS softball field to make a financial gift to one of their own who has been working behind the scenes for a long time.
For many years - Robert Melton has been responsible for maintenance at the PISD athletic fields, particularly Prensner Stadium when the Oilers were playing there and then the natural grass for The Rig beginning in 2001 when the Oilers moved into the new football stadium.
Melton and his crew always made sure that the field was in pristine condition and he still makes sure that everything is in tip-top order even after The Rig got the new synthetic field turf before the 2006 football season.
The main reason the teams got together was to present him with a check for $3,000.
Melton has been battling cancer and has gone through a series of procedures that required several surgeries. He still has chemo treatments ahead of him, but he has been back at work doing what he has done for so many years.
Melton isn't the only one who is facing a battle with cancer as he has four other members of his family who have also been stricken with the disease. But Melton keeps a positive attitude going all the time.
"We just take one day at a time," Melton said. "It has been unbelievable that so many in my family are facing a long road of treatment - which makes what the kids and coaches have done so meaningful."
The likeable Melton, who always has a smile on his face, received the check with a heart of gratitude and shared his heartfelt thanks to all of the kids for thinking of him and his family.
The money was raised as a part of the Pearland softball and baseball tournament named after former Pearland softball player Jennifer Haynie who died of cancer just over two years ago.
Pearland head softball coach Laneigh Clark and her staff, Dawson head softball coach Amanda Spencer and her staff, and new athletic director and Pearland head baseball coach Ben Pardo and his staff were all present at the presentation of the check to Melton.
There are so many negative stories about young people today. The Pearland softball/baseball, and Dawson softball teams are involved in multiple events that help others in the community. There are other sports at both schools who also participate in numerous fund raising events while also giving their time to help other charitable organizations in the Pearland area.
Pearland HS and Dawson HS have outstanding coaches and student-athletes who make it part of their lives to care for those around them off the field of competition.
We certainly offer our prayers to Robert Melton and his entire family.