The Netherton Rotary Relays started in the late 1960s and were originally known as the Madison Relays.
Jack Netherton was the principal at James Madison Elementary School during this time and started the relays for his students; therefore, the original name – Madison Relays. Mr. Netherton began inviting other elementary schools to the Madison Relays, and it soon became a community event offered district-wide to honor the fastest runners in each grade level at all elementary schools.
In the early 1990s, Mr. Netherton retired from his career in education and Madera Rotary began to help sponsor the event. At that time, the name of the event changed to Netherton Rotary Relays to honor the name of long-time educator and originator of the event, Jack Netherton; and, to recognize the strong partnership established with Madera Rotary.
Although the event name changed in the 1990s, one thing has stayed the same – We are Madera UNIFIED, We are FAMILY, We are UNITED, and We are STRONG! As a community, WE BELIEVE in our students, who they are, and what they desire to become.