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Clinton City Schools soccer coach Brad Spell, center, pitches an idea for a state-of-the-art press box to board members. Also pictured are board members Randy Barefoot, left, and vice chairman E.R. Mason.(Photo by Doug Clark)
Spell told board members the idea for the project had been looming since the fall soccer season.
“It is basically been the field of dreams for us,” he said. “The soccer program began back in 1986, and after a couple years it was dropped ... It came back in 1988 and it was dropped again. In 1992 it was brought back again by a bunch of parents ... I started with the program back in 1999.”
Spell explained that when he started it was a struggle to get student athletes to come out and play for the team.
“Sometimes we would travel to Jacksonville and it would be 10-0 at halftime,” he said. “At that time, if we could get the ball across half the field it was an accomplishment. Since that time, this program has really blossomed.”
Since 2000, when the girls program and the middle school program was introduced, Spell said his teams have practiced on two campuses (CHS and SMS). “In 2009, we were lucky enough to get our own practice field and in 2010, we were blessed enough to get our own soccer stadium. For a good 11-12 years, soccer has really blossomed in this community and this county.”
The press box, Spell emphasized, was an immediate need.
“I feel that our dream is that since we have got this field now, which we are truly blessed to have, it is time to get a press box.”
Currently, the team has a table, chair and a tarp.
“If it rains, we are not able to keep the score or keep the time, it is that simple,” he attested, while showing a prepared presentation on a Smartboard.
Another issue is the announcements. Currently, an amplifier and a microphone has to be pushed out across the field for announcements.
“We have to push a cart out through the mud, and if it rains, forget it, it is ruined,” Spell explained. “A new press box building would also help us with equipment storage.”
The building proposed by Spell would be an 8x12 foot structure similar to the one used for baseball, and could be used in a multitude of events, he pointed out.
“In addition to us using it, the middle school is using it ... it could be used for school jamborees and pep rallies. Possibly powder puff football — even physical education classes could be out there too. Really, the most important thing is the kids. Soccer at Clinton High has made a humoungus jump over the years. Year in, year out, we are one of the top programs, and with this building, everything we do out there will just continue to grow.”
Spell said he had already some subcontractors who made commitments to do their labor towards the cost of the facility,” Spell said, before telling the board the building alone would cost approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
Then he added the cost of the sound system.
“That would cost about $8,000 to $10,000 because the sound system needs to be bigger,” Spell said.
“That is in addition to the initial costs?” asked board member Georgina Zeng.
“Yes,” said Spell. “But I may present that to the (CHS) Booster Club at a later date. We just want you to consider the building to complete our field of dreams.”
Board member E.R. Mason asked if the project could potentially be paid for by the Booster Club.
“It is my understanding that the Booster Club cannot do anything with Capital Outlay,” said Spell.
Board attorney Albert Kirby said the building could be a gift.
“Legally, anybody can give the system anything they want to,” he said, “legally.”
Clinton High principal Ron Bean noted that the Booster Club had an agreement with former superintendent Dr. Gene Hales that they would provide uniforms and the system would provide the facilities.
“That is a horse of a different color then,” said Kirby. “That you can’t have. They can’t have an agreement where the system does one thing for another one ...”
“It is just traditionally, the boosters have supplied uniforms and equipment,” said board chairwoman Kathleen Squibb. “They have been a tremendous support in purchasing that material for the teams.”
No decision was made on the subject.
“We appreciate you coming and we will take this under advisement for the appropriate time,” Squibb told Spell.
City schools begin prep work for likely budget cuts.
Within the last couple of months, Locklear has ask principals to find ways to cut costs at their schools.
“What I have asked them to do is find out what is core, what is absolute,” he said. “All of the other things, we need to evaluate. If it is still very important to them, then yes, spend the money; but if it is not as important, then now is the time to evaluate it. We have asked our principals to look at all of that. We know that times are going to difficult this year and we need to look at what we need to cut, and we need to look at cutting this budget about 10 percent. I have talked to them (the principals) and told them to look at how they spend their money critically, how they spend their supply money, athletic money and those different things. I told them to analyze that ... software ... look at the information and identify what is important to them. We want to work together to help solve this problem.’’
Read more: The Sampson Independent - City schools begin prep work for likely budget cuts
2. We all know if you play soccer for Mr. Spell then you can't participate in any other event at Clinton High School. All the other teachers share students - but not SOCCER.
3. Clinton High School needs work done on the Current BaseBall and Softball fields - Take a look for yourself - it is a pitiful sight - buildings and grounds are a laughing stock to other schools! Just ask them...
4. Why is it the girls softball team has old uniforms (Shorts) while all the other schools mandate "Long pants" and a real uniform for safety? Maybe all those girls just need to play soccer and cancel the softball program. Now if you ask other schools - this is really a joke..
I heard they "were on order" -- ok the season is almost over -- again
5. Baseball - look at their Field House - pitiful..
6. Those Boosters have about $50,000 in thier account.. Best get more because you will need it to build "Brads" DOME in a few years.. but then he is "groomed" to get what he wants - so get ready Clinton - when it rains - no problem - That dome will be nice while all the others sports are cancelled - I can't even bear to dicuss the football program and their looker room - What a sight -
7. Cost of a DOME - About 3 Million - But hey it's SOCCER folks - most sampson county residents don't have a clue how the game is scored .. think about it.
8. Do we still have free speach -- We will see