The Pete Rowe Athletic Complex sign was ready just in time for the Panther's first game on Friday. The sign was donated by John Erwin of John Erwin Construction. The company designed and built the sign in honor of Mart's long time school board President.
The athletic complex was named for Pete at a school board meeting held last November. The meeting, probably the highest-attended in a very long time, featured public comment from several former players, friends, colleagues, classmates and family. The messages were all similar, telling countless stories of how Pete has gone out of his way through his entire life to take care of others. Pete created the Mart Panther Equal Opportunity Fund to help Mart ISD students have the same opportunities as their peers. However, long before the foundation was created, Pete was making sure that students in our community are taken care of, clothed appropriately, fed well, and loved.
Board Resolution:
WHEREAS, Pete Rowe has served the students and staff of Mart ISD as a school board trustee for 28 years, with 24 years of that service as board president, and
WHEREAS, Pete Rowe has been instrumental in the support of Mart ISD students in both academic and athletic endeavors through his work with organizations such as the Mart Panther Equal Opportunity Fund and the Mart Panther Club, and
WHEREAS, a petition of Mart ISD alumni and supporters has been submitted stating: “Pete Rowe exhibits all of the qualities of a true Mart Panther. He works tirelessly to improve the lives and opportunities available to the children of Mart ISD. HIs support of our students never falters. His selfless service is unmatched. For all of the reasons above, we believe that the Mart Recreational and Athletic Complex, which includes Panther Stadium, Darrell Lehrmann softball field, Panther baseball field, as well as any future athletic structures built within the complex, should be renamed the Pete Rowe Recreational and Athletic Complex. May his legacy of Panther Pride live on forever,
Therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees for the Mart Independent School District hereby designates the Mart ISD Athletic Complex to be known now and hereafter as the Pete Rowe Athletic Complex.