A man known for his unwavering support of the Middle Keys community will see his name forever enshrined under Friday Night Lights.
Undeterred by a weather delay during Marathon High School’s home football showdown on Sept. 18, school administrators, community leaders and bleachers full of fans filled the school’s gymnasium to officially dedicate the Michael H. Puto Stadium with the man of the hour himself.
“Mike has dedicated his life to serving our community as a teacher, a coach and a city official. For an incredible 53 years, he served as a referee and a president of the Marathon Alumni Athletic Club booster organization,” said MHS athletic director Lance Martin. “He has also served as the trustee of the Katharine Gradick Girls Athletic Trust, continuing his commitment to supporting young athletes and giving back to our community for generations.”
Principal Christine Paul told guests that the decision to rename the stadium was enthusiastically supported by the school’s staff, student government association and advisory groups.
“His service, leadership and love for Marathon have left a lasting legacy, and it is fitting that this stadium will forever bear his name,” she said.
“Mike is an ambassador for the city in every sense of the word,” added school board chair John Dick. “He is always available, always willing and always ready to volunteer no matter the cause or need. … He may be known as Mr. Marathon, but as someone wisely said to me recently, he is really Mr. Marathon High School.”
School board member-elect Luis Gonzalez praised his fellow board members for the timing of the ceremony.
“Many times we wait for situations like this as folks move on,” he said. “Mike will live this on a daily basis.”
