College, Citizens National Bank break ground for new sports complex
Lauderdale County and City of Meridian officials join Citizens National Bank and College
personnel in turning over the first shovel of dirt at the ceremony held at the location
of the new sports complex.
Meridian Community College's tennis and softball teams are one step closer to a new
home.
Dirt was officially turned Friday, July 15, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the
Citizens National Bank Sports Complex.
The facility will house the Tommy McDonald Softball Field and the Wanda McPhail Tennis
Courts and will be located on the College property formerly occupied by Matty Hersee
Hospital, bringing the teams closer to the Highway 19 North campus.
Addressing the civic leaders, bank and college personnel, and community residents
gathered at the ceremony, MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner said the College is eager
to get started on this long-awaited and anticipated project, and he thanked CNB and
its leaders.
"Your support of this project is an important investment in this College, this community,
and the students and their families who will be transformed by what happens in our
hallways, playing fields, courts, and most importantly, our classrooms. You are difference-makers
in our community, and I’m proud this complex will bear your name," he said.
Citizens National Bank Chief Executive Officer Archie McDonnell said the partnership
with the Bank and the College – two of the oldest and most respected institutions
in Meridian - is a natural fit. "I can’t think of two organizations who have invested
more in people, physical assets, and community assets than these two organizations,”
McDonnell said.
He added, "I can’t wait to see young people on the Tommy McDonald Softball Field and
the Wanda McPhail Tennis Courts getting their ‘wings’ at the Citizens National Bank
Sports Complex,” McDonnell added.
Dr. Huebner also acknowledged Davis Purdy Architects and Lauderdale County Supervisors
for helping with the project.
College staffers and coaches are excited about this new facility. "Once completed,
there is no doubt in my mind that this facility will enhance the experience of our
softball and tennis student-athletes and set the stage for both programs to make tremendous
strides forward," said Sander Adkinson, MCC athletic director and associate dean of
student affairs.
With a nod to recruiting future Eagle scholar-athletes, Brad Grinstead, MCC head softball
coach, said the new facility will be an asset and help build a lasting championship
program. "I would like to thank the community and alumni for their support and encourage
the continued support of our young ladies when the facility opens," he said.
MCC Tennis Coach T.J. Carter echoed the sentiment, noting that bringing top players
on campus and showing them they can train and play at the nicest tennis facility in
the state will help take MCC's recruiting to another level.
Dr. Huebner added, "our success is our community's success. We're in this together."