Worthy Cause Countdown: This Louisiana Track Team Needs $399 For New Hurdles [UPDATED]

Image via Henry Fan (cc)

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS: THIS GOAL HAS BEEN MET! BUT YOU CAN GIVE TO ANOTHER WORTHY CAUSE HERE.

From December 14 through December 25, GOOD Sports will feature the worthiest school athletic programs in need of funding.

Franklinton High School in eastern Louisiana has a girls track team, but no track. In lieu of a quarter-mile asphalt oval, the team holds its practices either on the football field or the road around the school.

Math teacher Andy Perez coaches the team, which he pulled out of debt through community fundraisers during his first season. He’s known for taking the squad out to celebratory buffet dinners.

They really enjoy buffets! Being a positive male role model to these players is most important to me. Some of these young men don't have that positive influence in their life. My students impact my life so much, and I hope I impact theirs also.

To prepare for the new season, Perez is raising money to purchase hurdles. He’s asking for your help.

As a head girls track coach, it gets difficult to coach certain events when equipment is low. ... Receiving these hurdles will allow my team to actually practice with equipment that they will encounter at school meets. These hurdles will benefit not only the girls' track team, but also the boys.

The team needs $549 total. It’s currently $399 from the goal with 16 days left. You can donate here.