Seven months after the Ann Arbor school district named the track at Pioneer High School for long-time girls track coach Bryan Westfield, another name will likely be added to the plaque.

The Ann Arbor school board heard a proposal tonight to add long-time boys coach Don Sleeman’s name. The board is expected to vote on the proposal in two weeks.

Girls track coach Bryan Westfield

The board also received a proposal to name the gym at Tappan Middle School for long-time athletic director Rob Lillie.

When Westfield was nominated for the honor at Pioneer last year, a number of Sleeman’s former and current athletes spoke on his behalf and said his lengthy record of success and caring for students made a strong case for his name to be added then.

However, the board said then it had no formal proposal to do so, and encouraged Sleeman’s supporters to follow with the formal proposal.

Boys coach Don Sleeman

Sleeman has been the boys track and cross-country coach at Pioneer for more than 40 years.

“When I spoke here last May, you told me this was a great problem to have,” said Chris Berggren, a former runner for Sleeman. “When you have parallel greatness, it should be equally noted. He was a great mentor. He taught me so much more than running.”

Berggren has championed the naming of the track for Sleeman. Tonight, he briefly outlined Sleeman’s career, which includes a national coach of the year award and numerous championships.

Pioneer athletic director Lorin Cartwright said those who championed the naming of the track for Westfield support the move.

The district’s intention is to name the track Westfield-Sleeman Track because Westfield got the honor first.

Longtime athletic director Rob Lillie

Fundraising for the sign has already begun.

Lillie worked for the district for 40 years - 39 at Tappan as the lead physical education teacher, a coach and the athletic director. He retired last year. Lillie also attended Tappan as a student.

“He is by far one of the most gracious gentleman you will ever meet,” said Tappan Assistant Principal Rick Weiler. “I’d like to think Rob was my mentor. He wasn’t just a teacher, he was a friend, a mentor to everybody.”

David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.