By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD, News & Journal Editor
It is difficult to weather a crisis like the COVID-19
pandemic, but when you are trying to host successful fund-
raising events during a time when many people are
struggling with finances, it can be even more challenging.
It takes a special relationship to make such efforts
successful, and in the instance of Lincoln High School’s
Fieldhouse funding endeavors, the relationship
demonstrated its strength!
“Cougar fans in the Shinnston/Lumberport area have
been absolutely fantastic about showing their support,” said
LHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Holly
Hawkins. “They bring their energy to cheer on our teams
during games, and they have been there to contribute
financially and support our fund-raisers as well. We had as
our theme ‘Cougars United’ … and their support really
exemplified that.”
Two fund-raising events were held on two consecutive
Saturdays in August, and both were very profitable, Mrs.
Hawkins noted. The three-hour festival-style event that
was held at Stydahar Field on the evening of August 14
th
offered food, entertainment, games, raffles, etc., and
despite HOT weather and only a slight shower as the event
began, it managed to raise close to $2,800!
The following Saturday evening, an elimination dinner
was held at the Shinnston American Legion Post 31 facility
with over 185 tickets sold. This event was also a huge
success, profiting a little over $5,000.
“We’d like to thank everyone who attended these events
and helped us in any way,” Mrs. Hawkins added. “We also
need to include how grateful we are that our student-
athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, etc. did a lot of the work
themselves because they wanted to ‘contribute’ to making
their new fieldhouse addition a reality. Once again, this
was a wonderful example of ‘Cougars United’.”
Mrs. Hawkins noted that about half of the new lockers
have been sponsored and plaques will be made to denote
their names so they will be visible for the facility’s
dedication. The lockers, however, have not yet arrived but
are expected to soon.
Construction crews are putting on the finishing touches;
doors have been installed and handles are being put on;
restroom fixtures are also in the finishing stages.
“Our August fund-raisers will help pay for the durable
epoxy flooring that is being done by Superior KLEEN in
Lumberport,” Hawkins continued. “We’re hoping the
flooring will be done in late September and then the lockers
will be installed hopefully in early October. We plan to
host and Open House and Dedication at a home game in
mid to late October. As we expected, the pandemic caused
a few delays, but we’re getting there!”
Funding is still needed to supply the coaches’ quarters
with furnishings, but when completed, it will be a source of
great pride for all who are part of the Cougar family.
Donations of any size are still being accepted. Checks
should be made payable to Lincoln High School with
“FIELDHOUSE” marked on the memo line. Mail to
Lincoln High School at 100 Jerry Toth Drive, Shinnston,
WV 26431.
