NATCHEZ — On the surface, the event that took place at ACCS Wednesday afternoon looked like any other track meet.

But the fifth annual Kramer Fife Relays was much more than just a normal track meet. It was a way to honor a beloved alumnus and coach who died before his time.

The Huntington Hounds and WCCA Rams tied for first place in the girls competition while Trinity Episcopal won the boys competition with ACCS finishing in second place.

But the winners weren’t all that was important.

The event also helped raise money for a scholarship foundation through t-shirt sales and sponsorships.

“There’s a long list of people who have made this possible,” ACCS athletic director and track coach Paul Hayles said. “There’s a lot of people who do a lot for this event. I’m just a small spoke in the wheel.”

Kramer Fife, the brother of ACCS boys basketball coach Rick Fife, was an ACCS alumnus and assistant football coach when he suffered an untimely death.

“I had the honor of coaching Kramer when he was a player here,” Hayles said. “He had a bright future ahead of him. The kids loved him. We lost a good one.”

The meet has always been a big deal for the school, which lets out early so the students can attend the event in its entirety.

“Everyone looks forward to it,” Hayles said. “This is an event that will stay around for a long time.”

And the day was made even more special because it was Rick Fife’s birthday.

“We had the meet to honor his brother on his birthday,” Hayles said. “It was a very special day.”