By Don Lowe
The entire Seneca R-7 School District is excited about the new sports complex currently being built and expected to be finished in a couple of months.
“We passed a bond issue to fund the construction of our athletic complex, as well as a performing arts center,” says Seneca’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brandon Eggleston. “And it passed at a 3 to 1 margin, so the entire community made this happen for us. Our community stepped up for our school and really supported the kids in our district.”
Eggleston says one of the impressive features sure to have virtually everyone in this Southwest Missouri town of about 2,500 residents swelling with pride about this project is the baseball/softball field is fully turfed.
“The track is an eight-lane stand-alone track. The new multi-purpose facility will have locker rooms, bathrooms, a storage area and a concession stand. The track will also be open for the public to use.”
This worthwhile endeavor unfolded because “projects were identified through our long-range facility planning process that was completed in 2019.
“Our previous baseball and softball fields were in a flood plain and flooded frequently. And with the new location, we do not have to worry about flooding.
“We did not even have a track to practice on, so that is significant for our student-athletes who want to run track.
“We will have a complex that can host any size track meet and a baseball/softball field that will be a state-of-the-art facility.
“The complex will be a point of pride for our community. It is a place where our student-athletes can compete that is safe, high quality and reliable.”
Dr. Eggleston says, “Construction began in the spring of 2021 and will be completed in March 2022. We played softball games on the baseball/softball field at the beginning of September.”
Dr. Eggleston greatly appreciates how all those who call this town their home came through in a big way to help make this a reality.
“I’m proud of the fact that the community overwhelmingly supported the issue. It is just another example of how this town is so special and chooses to support our kids.”
Now, Seneca’s student-athletes will get to enjoy the benefits of these new facilities for years and years to come.
Seneca Athletic Complex
Fast Facts
What: Seneca’s New Athletic Complex
Details: 16-acre, $3 million facility featuring a baseball/softball field and track, plus multi-purpose center
Where: Located at State Highway U and Bethel Road in Seneca, just north of town
Fields Contractor: Byrne and Jones
Multi-Purpose Center Contractor: BRANCO
Seneca Athletic Director: Rich Adkins
Coaches: Brett Hudson, Varsity Boys & Girls Track and Field Head Coach; Chris Yust, Varsity Baseball Head Coach; and Jeff Sill, Varsity Softball Head Coach