[mcharles3]

We can sit around all we want and say football brings in all the money it should be spent on the football program. I've talked to the AD about turf grass and his hands are tied when it comes to this issue. The AD has a budget and his job to make sure every sport is treated equally. I'm connected with the majority of boys and girls sport at Russell in one way or another, and admission at some of the games would not bring in enough to pay the referees or umpires at times. It takes money for these programs to be successful. Russell excels in Athletics by dominating Districts titles, expecting Regional titles, and most of the time competing at the State level in just about every sport. That is something to be proud of and I think the money is being well managed by the Athletic Director.

I've also talked to the board about the turf grass and the field house issues and I've been told what needs to be done to make these projects happen. It could be done individually, or a group effort would be better. Bring an idea and a plan to the table at a board meeting, along with any financial commitments from businesses or individuals that would help the cause. In other words bring some money to the table and believe me the board will bend over backwards to help these projects from a financial standpoint. I'm also told there is grant money for these types of projects, but it would take somebody applying and lobbying for it.

The championship ring project was a success. If I'm not mistaken our friends at Belfry were contacted for some advise since they had just done it 2 yrs in a row. They might be able to give us some ideas on how they were able to get their turf grass. I don't know for sure what CAM stands for, but it probably has something to do with a major contributor to this project. Rock Hill's field should be named "Duke Energy" who funded their field.

CAm stands for Central Appalachian Mining