Seeley Lake Invitational Renamed to Honor Zelda Haines

SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Invitational Track Meet was renamed the Zelda May Haines (ZMH) Invitational in honor of past junior high track coach Zelda Haines. Seeley Lake Elementary Head Track Coach Brett Haines said it was a way to recognize her more than 30 years of coaching at SLE.

Brett presented the idea to change the name to SLE Superintendent Chris Stout. Stout agreed that it was a good idea.

"I thought she deserved some recognition for all the hard work she's put into the junior high program over the years," said Brett. "And she is still coaching at the high school level."

Because Zelda coached junior high, Brett said she can't list all of the divisional and state titles she has earned. However the foundation Zelda built with her leadership at the elementary level has been critical for the success at the high school.

"She has put in a lot time developing and building the track program for our senior high," said Brett. "We've really produced some outstanding track athletes over the years."

Even though Zelda is not an official coach for the SLE Eagles, she still comes to meets to work with the athletes. Brett highlighted that she has been an outstanding hurdling, middle distance and distance running coach.

"She just cares about kids, pushes them and develops their skills," said Brett.

Before the Seeley Lake Invitational May 8, Zelda was called out to the finish line. Her grandsons and SLE Eagles Tyler and Chase Haines presented her with a flower basket and Brett officially announced the name change. She will also receive a plaque.

Even though the schedule for the meet read the "Zelda May Haines Invitational," Zelda had no idea. "I was completely surprised and absolutely floored."

Brett said, "There are a lot of coaches, SLE faculty and other people that know Mom and all the hard work that she has put in that thought it was great."