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The
dirt was finally broken at Stebbins Field Thursday in anticipation
of Lady Wave Stadium. Construction
has begun for the new complex.
Stebbins Field is located north of Greenville on St. Rt. 49. CNO photos
by George Starks
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From Vision to
Reality
Construction
begins on new stadium
By George Starks
GREENVILLE- The sign at Stebbins Field simply says, ‘you build it and
they will come’.
It wasn’t long ago, in his mind, that Greenville softball coach Jerrod
Newland was entertaining thoughts of a massive project.
Thursday, the vision Newland once had became a solid reality when the
first dirt was turned on what will soon be Lady Wave Stadium.
“This is a big day for Lady Wave Softball,” Newland said. “This is
awesome. I’ve been dreaming of this for the last couple of years and we
put it in motion last year and it’s awesome when you get the community
support of what’s come around in the last 90 days. When you see where
we’ve been and where we’re at right now, it’s a great thing for the
community. There’s no turning back now. The shovel’s in the ground and
we’re moving forward.”
With the three big local banks, Greenville National, Second National
and Greenville Federal on board, as well as GTI, the final pieces of
the puzzle were put together and for Newland, it brought on a big smile.
“GTI came onboard as the huge sponsor,” Newland pointed out. “The three
huge banks here in town are very supportive and you have a fraternity.
When all those organizations come onboard for one goal, that’s what
it’s all about. That goal is Lady Wave Stadium and it’s coming.”
When Newland made an announcement at the awards banquet after the Wave
run to state, in an exclusive interview to CNO, Newland could see the
benefits this project could bring.
“Last year, here at Stebbins, there were 900 games played,” Newland
stated. “Now we have a championship field, Lady Wave Stadium. Every
young kid from five and up will dream of playing on this field.”
With local youth playing there, the completion of the complex could
bring on more than what meets the eye.
“We have been holding sectional tournaments here for several years,”
commented the 2007 state champion coach. “Hopefully the expansion will
bring on that stadium atmosphere and that is something everyone can be
proud of and share in. If we are able to get a district title and maybe
even regional games, it brings that much more money into the community
and the county. Everyone benefits from the success of this expansion.
Lady Wave Softball is the best thing in Greenville right now and I know
I’m partial to that but to me, it’s no longer a secret. It’s been 10
great years here and I can’t wait for the next ten.”
One thing’s for certain. With the completion of this field that will be
Lady Wave Stadium, the complex that is Stebbins Field, the complex
could very well be an even bigger magnet than it is now and Newland
acknowledged that aspect saying, “Everyone that comes here to play,
regardless of who it is, will love the idea of playing in a stadium of
this magnitude. This will be something to be proud of.”
Newland reminded everyone that softball starts in 90 days and opening
day is 120 days away.
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Greenville
softball coach Jerrod Newland talked to the small crowd on
hand before the
groundbreaking ceremonies took place for the start of
construction of Lady Wave Stadium.
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