Look good, feel good, play good.
This old coaching adage usually applies to uniforms, pre-game warm-ups, and maybe even the way a team dresses when traveling.
The Cambridge School District and Cambridge High School Athletic Department are going one step further for the coming season by ensuring that the facilities are in good repair as well.
Improvements to McFarland Stadium will wow Bobcat fans this fall as Barn Artist Scott Hagan works on the newly renovated press room. Hagan, best known for painting barns, specializes in hand drawings on various types of structures, including gymnasium walls.
“Scott’s (Hagan) vision and talent literally transformed these spaces by improving the look of everything around them,” said athletic director Aaron Quinn.
The renovation of the press box at McFarland Stadium began last summer and includes the replacement of the flat rubber roof and an overhaul of the interior design, including new counters, windows, electrical, HVAC and flooring.
Most of the work was done by the school district’s own maintenance team led by Adam Regan and Dennis Wood. Their expertise and the skills of the team allow them to carry out renovation projects at a fraction of the cost of hiring contractors. District CTO Phil Biddle also helped the project by connecting the Wi-Fi service to the press box.
The high school’s Gene Ford gymnasium is also undergoing renovations.
Hagan has created a spectacular Bobcat-themed piece of art for the walls, and the gym floor is being finished with some special touches.
“These projects have been underway for two years,” noted Quinn. “Thanks to the determination of our administration and the dedication of those who have invested their time and energy, two of the busiest areas of our community have received a facelift. Both areas are something we can and should all be proud of. “
Even with the internal work, the renovation of the press and other similar projects would not be possible without the support of sponsors. The Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center donated naming rights that pays for the press project at McFarland.
New lights, a new sound system, a new track, a new instrument panel and a new flag pole have been installed at McFarland. All of these were paid for either with donations or with funding from the School District and the City of Cambridge.
Amy Latham State Farm and Theo’s Restaurant and Catering made donations that are used for stadium upgrades, like the new scoreboard that displays their names. |
Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative donated naming rights for the Gene Ford Gymnasium press box, which helps pay for renovations as well as rental income for the Newpointe Community Church which uses the high school cafeteria for children. weekly services.
An ongoing partnership between the school district and the City of Cambridge has helped both entities modernize their facilities in recent years, such as new stadium lights and Don Coss Stadium, the City Park baseball field.
Other projects in the district include improvements to the softball field and Don Coss Stadium which includes batting cages, mattress pads, softball backstop improvements and canoes. On the track, new timing technology is being installed and the stands can be moved to create better sight lines and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. New equipment was also purchased for the weight room.
Information and photos submitted by John Charlton with Cambridge City School District.
