Western Reserve Athletic Boosters Announce Stadium Upgrade Project
The Western Reserve Athletic Boosters have announced a plan to complete a series of improvements to the current football stadium. Led by the athletic boosters with support from Fisher-Titus and Western Reserve alum, Sean Moore, the goal is for the project to be funded through donations, fundraisers, and grants.
“Currently, we have a gravel track and outdated wooden bleachers,” said Kristie Jarrett, project lead of the Western Reserve Athletic Boosters Stadium Committee. “Our last home track meet was over 20 years ago. Our athletes have exceeded expectations with post-season accomplishments, and we would love to provide them with an updated facility.”
The project includes the improvements to the home and visitor bleachers as well as finalizing the new layout of the stadium. Both the home and visitor bleachers will be moved and upgraded to prepare for the new eight-lane track. Upon completion of the bleachers, construction will begin for the new all-weather track supported by Fisher-Titus, a new area for field events, new track equipment, and a new storage building for track and football equipment.
“We are proud to support the completion of a new track at Western Reserve’s stadium,” said Dr. Brent Burkey, president & CEO of Fisher-Titus. “Fisher-Titus has a longstanding history of supporting the communities we serve. In addition to being a great asset for our local athletes, we are excited about the opportunity to improve health and wellness in our local area as members of the Wakeman, Collins, and surrounding communities use the new track.”
Target completion is August 1, 2023.
“The goal of the project is to focus on improvements to the outdoor area of our current stadium including improving handicap accessibility for events held there,” explained Jarrett. “In addition to being a benefit for sporting events and practices, the new track will be open to the public for walking and running. Our hope is that the improvements will benefit the school, the athletes, and the community!”
The total estimated cost of the project is $1 million. The Western Reserve Athletic Boosters are currently seeking donations from the community in support of the project.
Western Reserve alum, Sean Moore, has pledged a significant donation towards the stadium improvement project. Moore, who graduated in 1993, was a three-sport athlete. He is also a 1996 graduate of University of Mount Union where he supported the creation of an all-weather turf practice field and was recently inducted into the hall of fame for football.
“It is truly my honor and privilege to provide the seed donation for this project,” said Moore. “I am excited for the positive impact a new stadium will have on the students and the entire Western Reserve community.”
A separate stadium fund has been established by the Athletic Boosters to ensure money raised with the intent of benefiting our athletic programs stays with the athletic programs, and funding raised for the stadium improvements will be directed towards the stadium efforts.
"The Western Reserve Athletic Boosters are excitedand proud to be a partner with the school board and school administrators on this project,” said Jeff Grandy, Western Reserve Athletic Boosters president. “We are beyond grateful to Sean Moore and our other donors for their generosity. This is closer than we've ever been to making stadium improvements a reality for our student athletes and for our community.”
If you are interested in supporting this project, contact the Western Reserve Athletic Boosters at wraboosters44826@yahoo.com or 419-554-0830.
