WESSON — Kenny Goza presented two options for softball field renovations to the Co-Lin Board of Trustees last Thursday in the board’s monthly meeting. Co-Lin Softball is currently 24-8 and 11-3 in conference play and is poised to have more success in the postseason.

One of the options for the renovation would be a bare bones project estimated at $975,000. It would come with a 3,300 square foot press box, add 286 seats, 60 chair back seats and would be entirely made of steel. 

Paul Jackson and Sons submitted an additional design featuring a more “collegiate” brick facade with the same number of seating and same sized press box. Goza said option two with the brick would cost roughly  $1,055,000. Co-Lin outgoing President Jane Hulon-Sims reminded the board she had asked them to set aside $1 million in funding for the project. 

Trustee Rickey Clopton said everyone from the softball team and coaches up to the school president and board of trustees was able to provide feedback on the designs. He dedicated a lot of time to present the options. 

“I have visited every softball field in the state of Mississippi,” Clopton said. “In the south division, option 2 is comparable to what others have. It looks collegiate to me. It is not a high school facility. I am in favor of the brick design. It is more favorable to the eye.”

The press box would feature a viewing area for board members and guests as well as bathrooms on the second floor. Both plans include a new back stop. 

Estimated costs for the upgrades include demolishing the existing press box at the softball field. 

Randall Lofton motioned to go with option two and raise the $55,000 needed to add to the $1 million already earmarked for the project. His motion passed. 

Demolition will start as soon as the season ends.