Board hears plans for stadium renovation

COLDWATER - Coldwater Athletic Boosters unveiled future plans to renovate Cavalier Stadium during a board of education meeting Tuesday evening.

Kevin Gilliland, a boosters board member and former president, described the current plan as a "first draft." It includes renovated/updated restrooms and concession stands and a new multi-functional building for, but not limited to, locker rooms, batting cages and storage.

"The overall goal tonight is to get these plans in front of the board ... and see that you agree with the theory," Gilliland said. "The plans that we have I would call 80-85 percent there."

Concerns he cited about the current facility included a lack of indoor protection for players and band members in the event of thunderstorms, as well as cracks in restroom floors and limited handicap accessibility. Instead of "ripping out" the current concrete floors in the restrooms, he envisions patching and industrial floor coating.

"We're not pouring a bunch of new concrete," he said.

The new building, to be located at the stadium's northeast end, would provide facilities for referees, storm protection for players and band members and versatile locker rooms with removable benches and hangers.

Superintendent Rich Seas expressed approval of the proposal.

"The plan they put together is conservative and functional. It fits our community," he said, citing "serious plumbing and infrastructure issues" with the stadium.

"We try to throw some coats of paint on there, and maintenance guys clean it every year, but there comes a point in time when enough is enough," Seas said.

He also commended the boosters on their initiative and past funding for athletic items.

"Our kids and athletics would not be where they are without that support," Seas said.

The next step is to form a building committee, Seas suggested.

Gilliland talked about beginning fundraising in the fall but did not mention specific numbers.

In action items, the board approved non-renewal due to retirement of 34-year football coaching veteran Tim Hoyng and three-year head girl's golf coach Vaughn Schellhause.

Hoyng during his time with the district served seven years as head coach, winning MAC titles in 1986 and 1987. He held the defensive coordinator position during most of his career and guided defenses that won state titles in 2005, 2007 and 2012.

Schellhause's career included seeing Kelsey Koesters and Ashley Evers become the first two girl golfers in Coldwater history to compete in the state competition.