Thanks to a handful of parents, Darlington’s baseball and softball teams have new-and-improved facilities this year. The school community celebrated during a ribbon cutting today, which coincided with the first home baseball game of the season.
“It’s always great to have a group of parents working together to make Darlington a better place,” said varsity baseball coach Kent Harrison (’01). “In addition to baseball and softball, the facility will benefit the lacrosse, cross country, summer programs as well as any other events taking place on this end of campus. This group of parents has really made a difference, and we are so appreciative.”
Improvements to the facility include the addition of a new home dugout and field drainage system; men’s and women’s restrooms; a 2,400-square-foot, climate-controlled locker room; a new scoreboard and sound system; windscreen surrounding the field; and a 5,500-square-foot covered and lighted area containing four 70-foot batting cages, pitching areas and two pitching machines.
“Our players are getting in upwards of 100 swings a day thanks to the new hitting facility,” Harrison said. “Additionally, while our ninth-grade and JV teams are playing home games, our varsity players can continue working out.”
Contributors to this project include Molly and Wayne Bearden, Lisa and Rhett Butler, Chris and Tony Cantrell (’74), Candi and Kevin Evans (’87), Lisa and Rich Flournoy, Rhonda and Chris Frix, Nancy and George Goldin, Lorrie and Jim Heiken, Nancy and Barry Henderson, Tamara Mauer (’80), Mary Page in honor of Mike Page (’66), Leah and Keith Redden, Holly (Dudley ’89) and Jarrett Shadday (’85), Patty and Rocky Tillery, and Darlington’s Athletic Booster Club.
“When all is said and done, it’s really about the kids,” said Rocky Tillery, who headed up the project. “I have always enjoyed being able to contribute to facilities that involve my children and others who have been a part of their lives.”
