By FULLER ROYAL
Staff Writer

The Whiteville City Schools Board of Education approved a request for funds to renovate Whiteville High School’s soccer and track complex at Legion Stadium.

A contingent of 30-plus parents and students – mostly soccer players – were on hand as WHS Principal Kyle Ramey formally presented the group’s request and proposal.

This is not the first time that a request had been made of the board for help.

This time, organizers had done their homework and presented the board with several options ranging in price from $6,800 to $75,800.

The largest option included adding lights to the existing poles, relocating the jump pits, adding two new bleachers, new track paving and painting, extensive drainage installation, 1,200 cubic yards of granular sand to assist with drainage and the grading and crowning of the soccer field as well as sowing new sprigs of Bermuda grass.

The school board unanimously voted to pay for half of the projected $75,800 amount and left the door open for additional funds should the group decide that a new rubberized surface would be the best way to go.

The timing for the group was critical. Drainage and crowning would have to be completed before the new grass could be sowed.

At some point in the season, the WHS girls soccer team will play the remainder of their games on the new field at the Whiteville Recreation Center.

When the track is complete, the 2008 high school track season will mark the first time in four years that WHS has been able to host a meet.

High school soccer enthusiasts and fans are pleased with the board’s decision.

Earlier this school year, the board approved the formation of the middle school boys and girls soccer teams at Central Middle School, beginning during the 2006-07 school year.

Charlene Bush and Joe Hooks, addressing the board, said that their group had yet to begin its formal fund raising, but that a good portion of the funds had been pledged.

Anyone wishing to donate to the soccer-track complex can send their checks to: Soccer and Track Renovation, Whiteville High School, 413 N. Lee St., Whiteville, N.C., 28472.