MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Groundbreaking for the University High School Athletic Complex has now been set for next spring as fundraising enters the final stage.
The UHS Athletic Complex will be located behind the school on the Dotson Tipple site. The project valued at around $4 million will add baseball, softball and in the future tennis on Bakers Ridge.
The Monongalia County Board of Education agreed to match half the cost, and that resulted in the formation of the UHS Sports Complex Campaign Committee. Committee chair Heidi Metheny said the decision to move forward is a cost control measure based on current market conditions.
“We still need to raise funds, but the board is proceeding with breaking ground,” Metheny said. “We currently have enough to construct a practice field.”
Over the past five years the costs of lumber, metal products, labor, and fuel have increased nearly 20 percent in some cases. Recent cost forecasts indicate the cost of labor and materials are expected to continue to increase.
“As costs continue to rise, we do have almost $4 million, and we just have to move before prices continue to rise and the project gets more expensive,” Metheny said.
The baseball field will carry the name of retired Major League Baseball player Jedd Gyorko, a UHS baseball alum and former West Virginia University starting shortstop. Gyorko won the Brooks Wallace Award in 2010 that recognizes the top shortstop in the college game. Future plans include tennis courts, concessions, and other amenities.
“It’s exciting,” Metheny said. “We anticipate breaking ground in the spring to coincide with baseball season.”
Over the 100-year history of University High School, spring sports facilities have never been on-site. Students have been forced to travel for practices and games, raising questions about time management and safety.
“Our hope is to continue to raise money so we can build a West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) approved field,” Metheny said.