Thanks to a handful of parents, alumni and the generosity of several local businesses, the Tigers baseball team will have a new-and-improved home when their season begins next spring.
“If you go visit schools with successful baseball programs, you will likely find superior facilities,” said Tony Cantrell, a day parent who has headed up the project with fellow parent David Duckworth. “The ability to attract talent to the baseball program will improve as the facilities improve, and we thought this project was a good place to start.”
Last year, batting cages were added on the first and third base fence lines. This summer, contractors are completing a facelift of the press box and adding a locker room, equipment storage rooms, a coach’s office, and a brick knee wall and new netting for the backstop.
“It is my hope that this facility can become another focal point of Darlington’s athletic program. We still need lights and an indoor facility to put us on par with other schools we compete against, but this is a great start,” said Cantrell. “When others see these improvements, I hope they know that this group of players, parents, and supporters want to start a tradition of success. Each year, we want to leave the program in better shape than when we came.”
“It is great when you have a group of parents willing to work together to improve and make Darlington a better place,” said Jerry Sharp, athletic director. “They have really made a difference, and I know our players and coaches will really appreciate these improvements next season.”
This project has been funded entirely by parents, alumni and members of the Rome business community. All contributors will be recognized once the project has been completed.
