In a special pre-game ceremony last Friday at Northgate High School, the Coweta County Board of Education dedicated the Henry Seldon Field.

The board wished to honor Seldon for his many years of service to the youth of Coweta County.

Henry Seldon came to Coweta County in 1951. He served as a teacher and coach at Howard Warner High School, which later became Central High School. His record was an impressive 120 wins and 42 losses, with his teams winning five region championships and two state finals.

When the city and county school systems merged in 1970, Seldon was brought into system-level administration as director of physical education for the Coweta County Schools.

Even before coming to Coweta County, Seldon was a sports devotee and an impressive athlete. In 1946, he competed in the Nuremburg Relays, which attracted a stellar field, since were no Olympics that year. He took a silver medal in that competition.

Seldon has been an important mentor and father figure in the lives of countless young people in the school system. He is especially proud that many of his former players have gone into the ministry in adult life.

He also has served his community in many other ways, and his efforts can be found in all areas of Coweta County. Seldon organized the American Legion Baseball League for Newnan and Coweta County from 1951 through 1955, served as health officer for local and district Boy Scouts of America.

He also coordinated blood donor drives for eligible students and adults, coordinated Coweta's Corporate Challenge events for local hospitals and coordinated local and district Special Olympics.

Seldon served on the Coweta General Hospital Board of Directors, served on the Coweta County Recreation Board of Directors, and has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mount Vernon First Baptist Church.

The Neweta Club, the National Association for Negro Business and Professional Women, annually honors a person for his or her contributions to the community.

Seldon was honored with this yearly award for his contributions to education. He said he is especially proud of the award's wording: “In grateful recognition for outstanding professional service through education and as a role model for the young men of Newnan and Coweta County.”

Board chairman Mike Sumner formally dedicated the field with these words:

“In recognition of and appreciation for Henry Seldon's impact on the young people of Coweta County throughout the years especially through the vehicle of sports and physical education, it is with pride and gratitude that we name this field for him and hereby dedicate it to the service of our youth.

“May this field be used in the same spirit with which Coach Henry Seldon has affected young men and women: with pride, devotion to excellence, and a commitment to a positive attitude, high morals and superior performance.

“The Coweta County Board of Education hereby dedicates this field, the Henry Seldon Field at Northgate High School.

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