8th annual “Ratt” 5K coming up

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EATON — The annual “Ratt” memorial race/walk will take place on July 9.

This event is in honor of the late Steve Pieratt, and is organized by the Pieratt Family and the Eaton Cross Country Parent Organization.

Those who participate will help benefit the Steve Pieratt Memorial Scholarship Fund for future college students. One or two scholarships will be awarded to qualified recipients. The race is 5K in distance, and will start at 8:30 a.m., Saturday morning.

Pieratt was an active member of the community for decades. A 1977 graduate of Eaton High School, Pieratt was active in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he continued his involvement in sports by coaching kids and joined the Eaton Cross Country Parent Organization. Pieratt died from a heart attack in 2007.

Coach Randy McKinney described his relationship with Peiratt.

“He was like a big brother to me, I always looked up to him,” McKinney said. “He was a father of one of the young men who ran for me. ‘Ratt’ was his nickname. He was one of those people who just would do it and get it done in our community. Anything kids needed, he did it for them. He was just a great person. He’d step in and help out, didn’t matter what is was for. He was all for the kids. His family gives the scholarship to a graduating senior from Eaton High School. The family also contributes to other community causes as well, for kids. About 130 people participate every year, and that number goes up a little bit every year.”

A website about the race is located at www.rattrace.org, where registration forms, map route, sponsors, and other information can be found for those who wish to participate. Questions can be directed to McKinney at 937-456-3714 or to Janice Pieratt at 937-456-6099.

By Oliver Sanders

[email protected]

Reach Oliver Sanders at 937-683-4062 or at Twitter @osanders_RH

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