The Alliance Public Schools Board of Education took more steps towards building a new track at Bulldog Stadium, during Monday night’s regular meeting. The Board approved Nemaha Sports as the construction project manager.
Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker presented the board with the project summary and proposed items, including resurfacing the runways and the south high jump pad and replacing the north high jump pad. With these new additions the project cost is now estimated at $887,336.21. Dr Unzicker stated the District is expecting a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality which will knock the total down to around $863,000.00. The Track committee has raised $304,000.00 with approximately $20,000 still pledged. The Committee will continue to fundraise. Dr. Unzicker will contact local companies regarding in kind donations, such as removing the old track surface and base and hauling away the asphalt. Dr. Unzicker says once a contract is drawn up, there will need to be a special board meeting to make final approval and then the hope is to start construction as soon as possible because weather plays a key factor in this project.
Dr. Unzicker gives a summary of the action that was taken….(click on the arrow to hear the audio report)
Donations are still being accepted. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the Alliance Public Schools at 308-762-5475. Various donation levels are available including Naming Rights for the Track or Alliance Invitational, running lanes, runways, jumping areas and throwing rings. Donors will be recognized on a Monument wall near the Track entrance.
The Board also took action on a request for a new competition wrestling mat at a cost of $8670.00. The Alliance Wrestling Club is donating $3500.00, so the cost to the district will be $5170.00. The Board approved the request on the condition that the logo on the mat is the traditional Alliance “A” with the Bulldog in the center.
The Board also heard comments from Alliance girls basketball team parents Brenda McDonald and Trista Hopp and team member Kaylee McDonald, regarding the search for a new girls head basketball coach. Brenda and Kaylee McDonald were concerned that the team is missing valuable off season workouts and camps due to lack of supervision and were wondering why there has been no update on a head coach. Trista Hopp stated her husband Steve, had applied for the head coaching position and she supported his hiring, saying he would be willing to coach as a volunteer. Dr. Unzicker explained there have been several interviews, but there are currently no candidates the district feels comfortable with. Dr. Unzicker hopes to have several more interviews soon. Assistant Coach Heidi Manion will continue to work with the team and Dr. Unzicker said he will help to organize open gym’s in the meantime.
