The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening paid tribute to the Atlantic High School spring athletic program participants and coaches. Mayor Dave Jones explained why he wanted to take the time to officially recognize those youth and their coaches.

Jones said “All you hear about youth is bad news, and all you hear is complaints about kids today are gonna run this country to hell, blah blah blah. When I was a kid and everybody elses’ kid, you heard the same thing about us, too. We all kind of survived someway making it through.” He said also, the quality of our youth is exemplified by how they represent the City at sporting events, and it makes him proud.

“You have youth out here doing good things, and you don’t hear about that very much. You get a little in sports a little recognition here and there. This time we [wanted to say] ‘Thank you guys for what you’re doing.”

Members of the Atlantic City Council, Atlantic Coaches and their track, golf and soccer squad members. (Ric Hanson/photo) – click on the photo to open another page then click again to enlarge the image.

The Council heard from the boys and girls golf, track and soccer coaches, who spoke about their successful year, and what we can look forward to from the returning students. They also introduced the members of their squads who were able to attend the Council meeting. The group then took a picture with members of the City Council.

5th Ward Councilman Richard “Dick” Casady, who was an assistant under former Atlantic Coach Don Jenkins, said he knows how much work it takes to be a champion. He said “You ought to be real proud of yourself, pat yourself on the back if you don’t break your arm. Congratulations to all of you.”