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NGTC announces Col. Benjamin H. Purcell Trail dedication

By Staff
Posted 9:05AM on Saturday 16th July 2011 ( 13 years ago )
CLARKESVILLE - A dedication ceremony is planned Tuesday for the the Col. Benjamin H. Purcell Trail at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville.

Named for a Habersham County businessman and Vietnam War POW, it winds through the landscape of the North Georgia Tech campus and was constructed to accommodate 3K, 5K, and 8K races. College races and high school meets are scheduled for the Fall 2011 season.

Intramural sports have long been a strong part of NGTC campus life, with teams for flag football often going to state championships. In decades past, the college had a baseball team and a basketball team. Now, NGTC has been accepted into the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) for Cross Country sports.

"We want people to have a chance to really see the course before the races start," said Coach Bob Roller. "When you know where the runners are going and what their challenges are, it makes watching the race that much better."

Purcell is a long-time Habersham resident, decorated veteran, and long-time friend of North Georgia Technical College.

In 1968, Purcell was serving as Deputy Commander, DaNang Sub Area Command, and Executive Officer, 80th General Support Group, in Vietnam when the helicopter on which he was a passenger was shot down. He spent more than five years as a prisoner of war, 58 months of that time in solitary confinement. He escaped from his prison cell on two different occasions only to be recaptured each time, somehow escaping execution. Longer in solitary than any other American POW, Colonel Purcell was the highest ranking Army officer returnee from the Vietnam conflict. He was released on March 27, 1973.

"We are very pleased to be able to honor a man of such courage, honor, dedication, and respect as Col. Ben Purcell," said President Steve Dougherty. "His acts are described as daring and brilliant. What better example could athletes have as they compete."

The NGTC trail, designed by consultant Coach Sam Stovall, retired from Winder-Barrow High School, flows over rolling meadows and winds through the woods around a peaceful pond. It will boast courses in distances of 3K (for middle school), 5K (for high school and women's college), and 8K (for men's college). These paths will be available for visiting team practices as well as some community access.

The first college race is schedule for Friday, September 2, in the evening. Habersham Central High School has scheduled their hosted meet, the Mountain Eagle Run, on the college campus on Saturday, September 10.


Col. Benjamin H. Purcell Trail (Photo courtesy North Ga. Technical College)

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