By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
The public showing of Escambia County High School’s (ECHS’s) new $3 million athletic fieldhouse will take place this Friday, October 18, at 9:30 a.m., almost two months later than initially expected.
ECHS Athletic Director Vincent Harris said the delay, due primarily to several days of September rain and supply chain problems that slowed the procurement of equipment and fixtures, doesn’t concern him.
“It’s ready, and that’s a blessing,” Harris said of the facility, which was practically rebuilt from the shell of the fieldhouse that had been used for the past 50-plus years. “We’re just glad to see it. The school board, the superintendents — Ms. (Michele) McClung and Dr. (Michele) Collier — and Mr. (Director of Operations Shaun) Goolsby really stayed on top of it.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 2023, but the project had to be put on a back burner until adequate building supplies could be obtained and Atmore-based contractor TripTek could start work.
Escambia County Board of Education President Loumeek White, an ECHS graduate, said the project — which he said came in “a little over the budgeted cost” of $2,693,700 — is just the first step in the preliminary plans for a revamp of Herbert Barnes Stadium, where ECHS plays its home games.
“I think it is well overdue,” White said. “I’m proud that we were able to build a nice, modern athletic facility for our kids in Atmore. The fieldhouse is just the beginning. The goal is to modernize the entire stadium, like at the (county’s) other high schools (Flomaton High and W.S. Neal High).”
Goolsby said the fieldhouse would include “new plumbing, drainage, everything” and would meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Harris reiterated that the new facility is “awesome” and “a big deal.” He said it could be a vital component in his effort to rebuild and restore school and community pride in the once-proud ECHS football program.
“The new fieldhouse will impact the whole campus, make it similar to a small college,” the third-year head coach said, pointing out that the fieldhouse’s new weight room would play a key role in the program rebuild. “We’ll be able to do top-notch conditioning now. The new fieldhouse could be a game-changer for us, attracting more athletes to stay here, letting them know there’s no need to leave home.”
Due to its designation as a “failing school” over a several-years period, ECHS has lost several student-athletes — including some football players who were starters for the Blue Devils — to Escambia Academy, Flomaton High and Bratt, Fla.’s Northview High.
Goolsby said the new athletic facility would change more than just the football program.
“It will help change the school culture,” he said.
Harris said there is a possibility the Blue Devils will dress out in the new facility for this Friday’s homecoming game, but there are still “some issues” to be worked out.
“I just thank God that all these blessings are coming to us,” he added. “The fieldhouse is not for me, it’s for the kids. It’s a great day for the city of Atmore and the children, the fact these kids are going to get something new.”