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For the first time in its long and storied athletic history, Kings High is conducting a sports stag.

The inaugural event — which will feature Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz as the speaker — is slated for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Montgomery Inn in Montgomery.

So, why now?

The school district is planning to renovate the bus garage that oversees Kings Stadium into a 3,400 square foot state-of-the-art weight room, and the effort needs one more push to reach the target of $85,000.

"We've done everything under the radar," Knights' football coach Andy Olds said. "We've been talking to private individuals about giving. Now we're at the point that the public has the opportunity to be a part of this."

And Olds — a physical education teacher for 24 years — wants to make it very clear that it's not just about the football program.

It's about developing awareness for health and fitness at the junior high level, where the new facility will be housed. The facility will be open after school for all Kings athletes, and also be available to the district's employees.

Its projected date to open is Dec. 1.

"It will keep giving and giving 24/7, much like our stadium," Olds said. "It's something that's been needed for a long, long time, and something that's been talked about for a long, long time. It's really going to be a beautiful thing. We're excited to have this opportunity."

Olds has secured more than 50 percent of the money needed to purchase the new equipment. Wednesday's stag should complete the goal.

"The plan is to have this thing paid off in one year's time," Olds said. "We're hoping not only those involved in the sports programs step up, but also the other parents that value fitness and a healthy lifestyle."

The stag is for males 18 and over, and tickets are $50 apiece and includes dinner. Two hundred seats are available.

For more information, call (513) 494-0100 or E-mail at beckddern@aol.com.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.

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