Field house brings rejoicing

A new era in Augusta Christian athletics began Friday with the dedication of the school's new field house.

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"We're thankful that it's a beautiful day today," Augusta Christian Schools Headmaster Joel Woodcock said at a ribbon cutting ceremony. "But this is more than a beautiful day. It's a day when a dream has come true for Augusta Christian."

The two-story, 10,000-square-foot facility, including a 2,500-square-foot weight room with brand new equipment, will be used by all athletes at Augusta Christian.

The Lions football team first used the spacious locker room in the center of the lower level four weeks ago. They haven't lost a game since.

"I think they're pretty pleased with it," athletics director and head football coach Bruce Lane said. "Let's put it this way: I haven't heard anybody say they wanted to go back to the trailers."

In addition to the weight room and football locker room, the new facility holds two more locker rooms, several offices, storage rooms, laundry facilities, restrooms and a concessions room for baseball games. An Augusta Christian Wall of Fame honoring dozens of key athletes and supporters from the athletic department's past is displayed near the football locker room.

"It's gone through many different shapes and sizes since March of 2005," said Steve Clifton, a parent of an Augusta Christian athlete and the general contractor of the field house construction. "As we neared completion of the field house and football season was beginning, I guess you could say it increased our focus a bit.

"The interesting thing I noticed from our subcontractors, suppliers and my people was there seemed to be some excitement about finishing," Clifton said. "It was seeing the kids and knowing they were going to be the ones to use this facility.

"We've got a fantastic athletic program, and that starts with the kids."