Ashlee Golden (center) signs her name to scholarship for Berry College, where she will be a cross country runner. Many individuals were present for Golden at the ceremony including (from left), Emily Golden, Richard Golden, Kelly Golden and cross country/swimming coach Kristin McElroy. Standing is track and cross country coach Mike Beeman.

TIFTON — One of the largest crowds to see a single Tift County High athlete sign a scholarship were present Thursday afternoon to honor Ashlee Golden.

Golden a multi-sport athlete, signed to run cross country with Berry College in Rome. She has also participated in track, soccer and swimming in high school.

In addition to students and faculty from TCHS, a large number of friends and relatives traveled to Tifton for the ceremony.

Tift County cross country and track coach Mike Beeman was master of ceremonies.

“What a tribute to Ashlee Golden,” he said, acknowledging everyone in attendance. “This goes to show how much she’s touched everyone.”

Beeman said he first met Golden in 2003 when “her dad was pushing her in a stroller at Run for Love.”

He said she would be a great addition to Berry’s cross country team.

Seeing her sign, said Beeman, “Is why I teach and why I coach.”

Beeman turned over the floor to Tift County athletic director Rusty Smith. Smith, too, has long known the Golden family and mentioned their involvement in the community.

Beeman added that when asked to write a recommendation for Golden on a college application, he ran out of room on the sheet.

Golden’s parents, Richard and Kelly, also spoke at the signing ceremony. Richard Golden said Berry would be “a good fit for Ashlee.” Kelly Golden introduced the family in attendance.

“I just want to say thank you,” Kelly Golden said. “You’re some kind of friends to Ashlee.”