BARNESVILLE-"If you haven't been out to Shamrock Stadium lately, you need to see it. There are some drastic differences," Barnesville School Superintendent Randy Lucas told the board of education at Tuesday night's meeting. Thanks to a group of alumni and local businesses calling themselves the Goaliners, by the first game of the season the stadium will boast a completely renovated field, a new handicapped section and game clocks.
Because of their dedication and efforts to transform the stadium, Lucas and board members presented plaques of appreciation and recognition to Richard "Dick" Thomas, Richard Marmie and the rest of the Goaliners group.
"We know that many people have participated in this project, but we wanted to publically recognize you and the Goaliners for the wonderful job you've done, the donations of materials, financial support and countless hours you've put in," Lucas stated. The board also had a cake decorated as a football field to celebrate.
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T-L?photo/GLYNIS?VALENTI
Richard “Dick” Thomas, left, and Richard Marmie, Barnesville alumni athletes, and their Goaliners organization were recognized by the Barnesville Board of Education for their dedication and renovation projects on Shamrock Stadium.
Thomas and Marmie were appreciative and overcome by the gesture. "We thought you were worried that the field wouldn't be ready in time," Marmie chuckled.
"Don't worry, though," Thomas added. "The field will be ready." The Goaliners have begun on the legacy wall project and have 427 "bricks" of their goal of 700 installed or on order that Shamrock athletes or families have purchased. The group is also hoping to install guardrail posts, but is looking for telephone poles.
The men stressed that "so many people have been involved in the project" that they are overwhelmed at the response and are grateful for everything and everyone that have played a part. Thomas noted that a contractor recently told him that it's become the finest field in the Ohio Valley. "I think the kids will enjoy playing on it."
Lucas also announced that the district has been awarded a 21st Century Grant from the Ohio Department of Education. He credited Angela Hannahs, principal of the elementary school, and district Treasurer Matt King for their work on the application. The five year grant totals $850,000 and will be used for after school programs at the middle and high schools with community partners Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library and Barnesville Hospital. "This is a great opportunity for us," noted Lucas. "And it's a great opportunity to work with our community partners."
Lucas then read a letter to the district from Jan Chambers of Barnesville Hospital. She thanked the schools for being the first to participate in a concussion management education program, noting that the students were attentive and well-behaved. Lucas commended the athletic department, students and parents for making it a success.
Parents and students should take note of back to school events next week. The middle school orientation schedule is as follows: 5th grade, Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.; 6th grade, Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.; 7th grade, Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.; 8th grade, Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. At least one parent should attend with the student, and supplies can be brought to the orientation. Supply lists are available on the website, www.barnesvillek12.oh.us.
At the high school, sophomores, juniors and seniors can pick up their schedules all day Thursday, Aug. 16 and Friday, Aug. 17 after 12 p.m. Principal Jeff Crosier says freshman orientation will be held Thursday, Aug. 16. For more information call (740) 425-3615.
The "Back to School by Way of the Pool" party will be held Tuesday, Aug. 14. The elementary swim will run from 5 to 8 p.m., and middle school students can swim from 8 to 10 p.m.
The Barnesville board of education regularly meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the middle school cafetorium.
Valenti can be reached at gvalenti@timesleaderonline.com.
