The community around University of Wisconsin-Superior was saddened by the loss of Sam Maday, who passed away on Dec. 18, 2021.

Maday was a student-athlete before his time as assistant coach of the track and field team. Glen Drexler, head coach of UWS track & field, said in his memoriam regarding Maday, “Coming in as a student-athlete, Sam was a goofy but terribly smart individual. He competed hard and at the same time kept practices light and fun. You knew he was special from the beginning,”

Maday’s work ethic as the coach for the Yellowjacket’s track team was extrodinary. His legacy as a coach brought two throwers to the All-American level and was responsible for 22 individual conference championships for throwers.

UWS has recognized what he did for the community and decided to honor him by having a track meet named in his honor.

The first ever Maday Classic was held on Feb. 12 at the Marcovich Wellness Center which featured Maday’s family who was presented a plaque with the Maday Classic logo.

File Photo by Jade Jensen

Right before the meet, Drexler gathered with as many people as possible in the middle of the fieldhouse to honor Maday. The announcer ended the tribute saying, “We wish all the competitors the best of luck and ask that you keep Sam and his family in your thoughts as you move through the events today.” UWS had six first place finishes in the meet, two for the women and four total events for the men.

Every attendee was asked to bring a goodwill donation to the meet that would be donated in honor of Maday. This was a connection to the charity Maday had told many of his athletes to do during away meets.

The team would grab all the soap and hair product bottles from hotels to donate them and help people who may be struggling to get by.

The funds collected from the event were for Recovery Alliance Duluth which is operated by a close friend to Maday, according to coach Drexler.

Maday was also known for his work as an Administrative Counselor and a major part of TRIO Student Support Services.

These are keys to understanding how great a person Maday was as he donated much of his time to show support for anyone that needed it.

Like Sam Maday, many of us should strive to be as caring, supportive and kind in our communities as he did for many years.