By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

Like the phoenix, a mythological bird that bursts into flames and is reborn from the ashes, the Central High School football program, which suffered a disastrous field house fire in 2010, experienced rebirth of sorts on Wednesday, Aug. 15.

With Lowndes County School Superintendent Dr. Daniel Boyd, school officials, local leaders and others associated with the project on hand, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new Central High School field house in Hayneville.

“Who would have imagined that Sept. 28, 2010 when our field house burned, that it would turn into something so beautiful,” Peggy Grant, CHS principal said. “That in itself is a blessing. And we have to thank our fearless leaders who put forth the effort to put this building together.”

Grant said “hats off” to the school board, the superintendent and assistant superintendent Jason Burroughs and “everybody who had a hand in this because this place is awesome.”

Boyd recognized architect Dart Davis, the general contractor Frasier-Ousley Construction and Engineering of Selma (represented by Project Manager Dewayne Allday), Burroughs, Grant, Central High Athletic Director Toriano Baker and Mosses Mayor/Central High graduate Walter Hill.

Boyd also thanked Keith Scissum, former head football coach and assistant principal at CHS, who now serving as principal at Jackson-Steele Elementary in White Hall.

“He (Scissum) has taken us through times that I did not know how we were going to make it in terms of having a coach and making sure that our football team continues on the tradition that it has in the past,” Boyd said.

“But there’s a saying that you can’t move forward by looking backward. We have a new coach, Mr. (James) Bibb,” Boyd said. “He’s going to take us to new heights.”

However Boyd said the most important group connected to the new Central High facilities are the students.

Burroughs said the new facilities should give the Central football program a rebirth and renewal. He pointed out all the other improvements that have been made at Central in connection with the new field house, as well.

“About two years ago, as you all know, we had this disaster down here,” Burroughs said. “As you can see right now that disaster is something magnificent. We have a new field house. In the process, we have replaced the fencing out there that has been torn down for several years. Earlier this week we had all the lights repaired, so all of your lights are now working. And the beginning of next week, the goal posts that were leaning over there will be replaced.”

He said he hoped all these new things “give the football team a rebirth and a renewed spirit” to lead to a good season.

“Students we’re going somewhere, we’re working on something and we’re going to work that we keep this place as beautiful as it is today,” concluded Grant.