May 23, 1999
Stadium work to begin in June
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Soon after the Columbian High School Class of 1999 receive their diplomas, the first dirt will be moved at the site of their graduation.
Plans are in place to have the renovation of both the track and the stadium's concrete structure begin during the second week in June. The excavation of the scoreboard will be the exception, with that to begin June 1, with hopes to have it installed by Daktronics by the end of the month. The press box will be the last section completed; it will be completed by the spring sports season in 2000.
The majority of the stadium project is slated for completion by Aug. 24, so that the 1999-2000 football season can be played. A Community Celebration is planned for the evening of Sept. 3, before a Columbian home game, with all four schools taking part in the festivities.
Even though the Stadium Campaign Fund Drive met its goal of $2 million in February, just 11 months after its beginning, Elaine Hunt, co-chair, said that funds are still coming in. To date, $2,087,085.34 has been raised.
Hunt stated that the original $200,000 of the total is for the endowment, and that any additional funds left after expenses are paid will go into that endowment fund.
"There are even people sending pledges in now,'' Hunt said. "It has slowed down some, and I still get calls from people saying that they would like to contribute. It has been an amazing and heartwarming experience to be involved in a community that is so supportive.''
Hunt said that the raffle and the sports auction chaired by Mitch Felton raised $56,000 of the total.
In honor of the support given from the entire community, a recognition area will be constructed northeast of the stadium. A committee consisting of Lee Martin, chairman, Dave Spitler, Nancy Gilbert, John Bolte and Mike Bridinger, and with Tom Anway, grounds supervisor for Tiffin City Schools and Hunt as consultants, has been planning the area.
Spitler said that the recognition area will be a spot where people will be able to walk through different levels of a landscaped setting. In the center will be several pieces of granite, where contributors' names will be engraved. He said that it will be a participation area, where both fans and students can sit, walk and view the names and where flag posts will be available for schools to personalize the spot with their school flag for an event.
"The recognition area will be an asset to the entire renovation project,'' Hunt said. "It will complete the usefulness of the entire facility. It has been with great pride in the community that Bob and I have come to realize the extent of the support for the Tiffin Stadium project. Everyone deserves a hearty pat on the back and congratulations for this tremendous accomplishment.''