Lauderdale County School District officials, Clarkdale High School administrators and softball players celebrated Monday as the school cut the ribbon on its newly completed softball field. The ribbon cutting comes almost three years after the facility, along with several school buildings, was badly damaged in back-to-back tornadoes in Spring 2022.

 

Clarkdale High School Principal Stephanie Shirley said school district leaders made a commitment after the storms to not only rebuild the softball facility but make it better than it was previously.

“We walked around and we looked at the damage, and there was a promise made that it would be back and it would be better,” she said. “And this is the fruition of that promise.”

 

Hiccups with insurance and the availability of contractors pushed the project back several times, but the LCSD Board of Trustees in August 2023 awarded the softball complex construction to Meridian-based D&E Construction at a cost of $1.9 million. Projects to repair storm damage on other Clarkdale buildings also faced delays, with architect Arjen Lagendijk telling trustees the influx of federal stimulus spending during the COVID-19 pandemic created a wealth of projects for contractors to consider.

 

While the facility was far enough along for the Lady Bulldogs to use it for the 2024 softball season, LCSD Superintendent John-Mark Cain said last year’s seniors did not get a chance to see the program’s home fully built. This year, however, softball players will be able to get the full experience.

 

“Unfortunately, our girls last year didn’t get to experience that, and we made a vow that we would have it done and we would have it done right,” he said.

 

Cain said one of his daughters played softball, and seeing the facility at Clarkdale rebuilt struck a personal chord with him in addition to his desire as district superintendent to see it done. Having a facility not only to play on but to be proud of and enjoy using.

 

Brad Pigott, who represents the Clarkdale area on the Board of Trustees, said he wants to thank everyone involved in the project, including his fellow trustees, school and school district staff, parents, players and the community. Rebuilding the softball facility isn’t just about sports, he said. It’s about showing perseverance, discipline and hard work, traits instilled in student athletes, put into action.

 

“With this new complex, we’re sending a clear message to our athletes that we believe in them, and we are committed to their success,” he said. “And we want them to know that they have a place where they can reach their full potential and chase their dreams.”

 

Lauderdale County Supervisor Kyle Rutledge, who represents the Clarkdale area in District 5, congratulated the softball team on its new facility and encouraged players to cherish the memories they create during their years on the team.

 

“I was just reminiscing. This used to be a rec field, and I played little league on this field right here,” he said. “Just thinking about all that and the people you played with, you’ll remember those people for the rest of your life. But, this is just beautiful and congratulations and good luck on your upcoming season.”

 

Cain said one additional person needs to be recognized for their efforts in getting the softball field project complete. Dusty Culpepper, who previously filled Pigott’s spot on the Board of Trustees, was instrumental in making the project a reality, he said.

 

“Ladies, he fought to make sure this was right for you,” he said. “And Mr. Culpepper, we thank you for work and efforts on making sure we got this done and done right.”