Prater to run at Charleston Southern

Prater: Signing of Division I letter makes history

  • Zechariah “Zech” Prater (seated center) signed his Letter of Intent Friday to run track and field at Charleston Southern University. He was joined for his signing by, from left, seated, his father Shane Prater, his mother Ashley Prater, and his sister Rachel Prater. He was also joined by several members of his extended family.
    Zechariah “Zech” Prater (seated center) signed his Letter of Intent Friday to run track and field at Charleston Southern University. He was joined for his signing by, from left, seated, his father Shane Prater, his mother Ashley Prater, and his sister Rachel Prater. He was also joined by several members of his extended family.
  • Proud coaches and volunteers pose with Zechariah Prater, seated with his family, when he signed his Letter of Intent to run track and field at Charleston Southern University. Shown from left are Head Coach Miranda Roof, volunteer coach Dr. Lucas Roof, Hannah Godfrey, Suzianne Pass, Principal Scott Ramsey, Athletic Director Shannon York, and volunteer coach Chad Galloway.
    Proud coaches and volunteers pose with Zechariah Prater, seated with his family, when he signed his Letter of Intent to run track and field at Charleston Southern University. Shown from left are Head Coach Miranda Roof, volunteer coach Dr. Lucas Roof, Hannah Godfrey, Suzianne Pass, Principal Scott Ramsey, Athletic Director Shannon York, and volunteer coach Chad Galloway.
  • News Observer photos/Catrina McQuigg Members of Fannin County High School’s Track and Field teams gather to congratulate Zecharian Prater on his Letter of Intent signing.
    News Observer photos/Catrina McQuigg Members of Fannin County High School’s Track and Field teams gather to congratulate Zecharian Prater on his Letter of Intent signing.

    Zechariah (Zech) Prater’s family, friends and coaches gathered at the Fannin County High School (FCHS) cafeteria Friday, April 12, to witness Prater signing his letter of Intent to Charleston Southern University, making him the first runner from Fannin County High School to sign with a Division I school.

    Prater’s hard work and commitment to track and field were not only apparent through the many medals and awards that laid across the signing table, but through echoes of praises from coaches and school leaders.

    Prater has been a track and field athlete for four years at FCHS, and was praised by Principal Scott Ramsey who said, “What you do takes a lot of stamina and a lot of work..I’m very proud of you and the work you have put in.” Ramsey also thanked the young athlete’s family for the support they have shown and for the coaches and their hard work.

    Head Coach Miranda Roof echoed Ramsey’s congratulations, saying, “There is no one more deserving of this opportunity...Zech is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and disciplined athletes I’ve had the honor and privilege to coach...he helped set the bar for the Fannin County High School boys cross country and long distance running.”

    Coach Suzianne Pass said, “From day one I’ve enjoyed watching you run..Zech you have always been humble,  you’ve always been dedicated..no one has seen you besides dad put in the hours, the miles, the heat, the rain, the cold...you put Fannin County Cross Country on the map.”

    Dr. Lucas Roof described Prater as the most dedicated, humble, hard working, and disciplined athlete he has had the privilege to coach.

    Roof said, “I think we have been reminded recently of how short and precious life is...I truly beg each of you to get the most out of your God given talents on a daily basis because you will not get that time back.”

    Each coach who spoke mentioned that not only does it take the athlete, but it takes the family to help an athlete be successful.