Northampton, Coplay and Whitehall Township’s rich history with the cement industry will continue for generations into the future on the high school sports fields.

‘The Cement Belt Challenge’ will begin this fall with Northampton and Whitehall starting what will be an athletic series competition between the two schools.

Northampton High School Principal Robert J. Steckel Jr., in a letter to council, stated, “It is with great excitement that I inform you of a wonderful community event that will involve both the Northampton Area High School and Whitehall High School. Building administration from both schools have collaborated to develop the Cement Belt Challenge.”

Specifically, Steckel said the athletic series will involve tallying of wins of all head-to-head sporting events between the two schools, resulting in a winning school each year earning possession of the Cement Belt Trophy.

The schools are looking to bring into the picture local cement companies as Lafarge in Cementon and Keystone in East Allen Township.

“We are working to collaborate with our local cement companies and look to make this a spirited sequence of events that will garner school spirit and community pride in both school districts,” Steckel said.

Certainly not to be overlooked is Coplay Cement Company as well as the Universal Atlas Cement Company.

As part of the series, a kickoff event will be held on Aug. 21 at the 26th Street Playground and will involve both schools, including senior athletes, coaches, community representatives as well as the media.

Councilman Ed Pany, curator at the Atlas Memorial Cement Museum, a retired NAHS teacher and instrumental figure in keeping the local cement industry alive, expressed delight in the new program.