Statpats article on the front page of the Demop Times

[BIG JIM]

I'm like the rest of the citizens in this case. I'm also wondering why they havent used some of the money to get some lights up on the softball field at DHS? If I recall correctly, around the same time they asked for lights is about the same time this discussion about the new building started. If there was 1.3 Million dollars looks like they could've got up some lights so the girls wont have to have practice that 3:30. If they had some lights they could schedule more games at home also. If a game starts at 4 or 4:30 It's dark around 5:30. Theres hardly a way to play a game unless it starts at 3:30. The guys have lights on their field, and I've seen them burning numerous times after 9PM, so they cant come back wihtr well it'll cost too much to burn the lights. Give me a break. I'd like to see some lights up soon for the STATE CHAMP Lady Tigers! They have raised some money to get someother things, so I'd like to see what they can do for the STATE CHAMPS. Anyone else agree or disagree?

[dave]

Here is the article. (http://www.demopolistimes.com/articles/2003/11/19/news/news08.txt)

The main reason, and I could be wrong, is that the money was earmarked for "renovations" and not new projects. Technically, I think you could call adding lights to a ball field a renovation, but considering how new the field is they were probably looking at other projects that were longstanding on the table to complete with the available funds.

Having said that, spending a quarter of a million on a building students herdly if ever even see the inside of seems a waste IMO.

[BIG JIM]

How much space do they need at the central office? And how many students have actually been inside the central office. I went in there one time. It was my Sr year and Mr Rusty Godwin and I went in there ot get cups for the special olympics.

[Jeff]

Granted, I don't think the school board needs to be in a shack. But last I saw, the building seemed to be in rather good shape. It just really looks bad that they say "we had to use the money", when it seems they could have put the quarter mill to better use.

Why not give the teachers a little more pay, or, here's a thought, actually pay for the supplies needed in the classroom! The supplies lists for students now have them getting everything but new school clothes and tennis shoes for the principal!

This is another situation where Gov. Riley's plan for no earmarking makes a great case!

[BIG JIM]

Building was in great shape when i went in it in the Spring of 2003. I didn't see anything wrong. I agree with you Jeff. What do you think about getting the ladies some lights?

[Statpat35]

Well guys, when I talked to mrs. Agee, the money was to be spent among the schools for repairs and what not and the office. I have been in the new office and it is very nice inside. I say if the money is free, spend it. Shoot don't send it back like 65,000 that was earlier.

[Jeff]

The ladies softball team of course needs lights on their field. It really is pointless to have a field that is used during the school year, that doesn't have any lights on it. As BIGJIM was saying it starts to get dark at like 5pm or so, how do you expect to play any kind of ball game?

The next "project" the school system needs to undergo is to put these lights up. Why start new projects, before you ever really finished old ones??

[rob]

You would think that since the girls DID go to all the trouble to win the State Championship that they could at least find enough money for just a couple of the lights,if not all,just until the funds were there.

[dave]

Also considering the ENTIRE team will back to defend the title.

Even if they hadn't won the title, though, they still deserve something as fundamental as light!

[BIG JIM]

I agree with all of you. The softball team has set up a booster club and all. They will be selling season tickets soon after Christmas. There are also other things you can do to donate to the team if anyone is interested! Let me know and I'll gather up some information. Lets get the Ladies what they deserve!

[rob]

I just thnk it'd weird that a state championship team has such poor facilities.I believe if the football team had won one it wouldn't even be an issue.

[BIG JIM]

I agree Rob! Just make it fair is all that I ask! If the guys have lights and can run then past 9:30, why cant the girls have some? I dont know?? I wish I had the answer!

[Wonder_Woman]

And while they are putting up the lights for the girls softball field...they can also put some lights at the tennis courts at DHS.. The lights on the courts at the river are awful..if they even work...which last time I was there at night, I think about 3 or 4 of them were out

[demop pop]

It really a shame that Demopolis Lady Tigers won the state championship and yet they barely get any recognition. The requests for lighting for the field began long before the team went to Montgomery and brought home the Blue Map. A request was made to our mayor to give some sort of recognition to the team after they won. The response was "let's wait and see what "the Board of Ed does for the girls." So far the Bd of Ed has said "we are proud of you" at a board meeting the girls went to (they were not invited, it was another request for lights). The city has done nil.


The team waited until the first home football game to get their rings and were told the presentation had to be before the game and not at half time b/c that time was reserved for the bands. Granted Mr. Bonds and the band work hard, but they perform at EVERY game. While the girls were thrilled to finally get their rings after a 4 month wait, they also felt shortchanged to have to get them @ 7 before most people even arrived.

Any suggestions on how can they get more fan support?

Rob, I agree with you, if the football team had won they won't even have to ask or go out a raise money. People would be flocking TO them giving them whatever that wanted. How long would the football team have to wait before Caldwell made a proclamation declaring it Demopolis Football Day?

BIGJIM is dead on when he said the team gets very little fan support. Other than parents and siblings, one or two teachers tops and a boyfriend or two come to the home games.

Let's rally around the team this spring and show them our support. Even if you don't buy a season ticket (after all not everyone can make it to a 4:00 game), please support the team next time they make their rounds w/ another fundraising project.

The team knows they will have to get out and work for donations. They have sold T-shirts, Boston Butts and currently selling Demopolis Tiger car tags. This winter they are working the concessions at several of Alabama basketball games.

These girls are already working toward their goal of another championship season. With the entire team returning, six of them seniors, they have a really good shot at it.

GO LADY TIGERS!!!

[BIG JIM]

Great post Demop Pop! I agree with you on all points. I think season tickets will be available after Christmas. Coach Harris said that he will be gettign them ready during Christmas. There are also other options you can choose to support the team. There are several other things you can do. If anyone is intersted let me know. Businesses around here can afford to buy a $20 seaosn ticket. Theres no question about it. Even if they cant make the game they can give a $20 donation. Thats not much for a business and every little bit will help! But once again if anyone knows someone who might be intersted in some options let me or Coahc Harris know. I can get messages to Coach Harris, or any of the players. Lets Rally behind these girls as they are getting ready to defend their title!! Come out and support the Lady Tigers!!!

[Statpat35]

BIGJIM, Let me know if I can help in anyway.

[BIG JIM]

Alright Statpat. I might try to get some information and email it to you and get you to post it. I'll see what I can come up with!! I appreciate it Statpat!

[dave]

Put me down for a Season Ticket

ANY fundraisers, sale items, etc need to be either posted bere or emailed to me or Pat to post up. Patrick will also make sure the Times prints anything that needs to get out to the public.

[BIG JIM]

Alright Dave! They had a sheet last year with different amounts you could donate. When I get my hands on one I'll ask Coach Harris if there are going to be any differences for this years. When I get some information I'll let one you two know! I appreciate it Dave, and the Ladies will too!!!!

[Statpat35]

BIGJIM put me down for 2 season tickets too. me and my gf.

[BIG JIM]

Alright Statpat. I'll give your name and Dave's to one of the girls and they will get them to ya'll when they are ready. Where can they find you and Dave and at what times? They usually go out in town and sell them to businesses or whoever wants to help. I'll tell em ya'll want some! Thanks!!

[Statpat35]

I will be at work and let them know I will be more than happy to pass anything along to the paper.

[BIG JIM]

Alright Thanks Pat. Pat, do you think that the girls can get a repoter to come and take pictures and have write ups in the Demopolis Times from the home games? I think there will be plenty of room for it with the 5 papers a week now? Great job with the Times Patrick! I sopke to Coach Harris tonight and he said the the Season tickets should be ready after Christmas. He also said that the price is the same as last years. They will be $20 and are good for ALL HOME REGULAR VARISTY AND JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL GAMES. Thats right!! There is a JV team also! Once again the season ticket it good for all Varsity and JV regular home games. Lets help out these Lady Tigers! Everyone buy a season ticket and come watch some State Champ Style Softball! I cant wait! Hope to see lots of ya'll Dempolislive.com handles at the 2004 softball games!! THE SUPERFAN!!

[Statpat35]

Yeah just tell Coach Harris (Sleepy) to get up with Clay and we will cover the girls softball no prob.

[BIG JIM]

Aight. I'll get the message to him. Thanks Pat!