Warrior Field Dedication (4-21-00)

News Release (January 2000)

The Western Albemarle Baseball Parents kicked off a $50,000 fund drive on November 30, to raise funds to supplement the baseball field at Western Albemarle High School. The tax-deductible campaign will raise money to build a field house, batting cage, installation of a scoreboard and a flagpole.

Contributions to The Warriors’ Diamond Club will be designated as tax-exempt. On December 13, the Albemarle County School Board authorized the receipt of contributions for this project, which allows donations to be tax deductible.

According to 18-year-head baseball coach Skip Hudgins, the Warriors hope to begin practice on the new field, with play to begin in April, 2000 season at the new facility on Route 250 West, between Henley and Brownsfield schools. Compared to the school’s original baseball field, Hudgins said the new diamond will have legitimate dimensions, lights for night games and an irrigated turf system.

Hudgins added: "All of us in the Warrior Baseball Family are thrilled about our long-awaited field. We’d like to know the whereabouts of our baseball alumni so we can share the good news."

News Release (January 10, 2000)

A Albemarle County resident has pledged $25,000 to help complete Western Albemarle High School’s new baseball "Field of Dreams."

The benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, will give increments of $5,000 to the Albemarle County tax-deductible capital improvement project, as the parent group and community work together to raise matching funds.

According to Rebecca Templeman, chairperson of the Baseball Parents’ Advisory Committee, "The $25,000 pledge provides the catalyst to get the money on deposit before we can begin construction of a much-needed field house. But moreso, this anonymous pledge is a gift that will sustain the high quality of life we all experience by living in Albemarle County," Templeman said. "We are also grateful for the bigger-picture generosity."

The next phase will be to solicit former players, their families, businesses and civic organizations— to match the $25,000 pledge with donations to complete the project while the field is still new. Western Coach Skip Hudgins hopes to hear from WAHS baseball alumni who may wish to to contribute to the matching fund drive.

Pictures from the Dedication Ceremony Held on April 23, 2000