MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello recently began construction on a $2.9 million athletic practice facility and will soon begin renovations to Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.
            The 34,000-square-foot building will be located immediately north of the playing field and will include a 40-yard indoor turf room designed primarily for football but also for use by the university’s other athletic teams and the marching band.The facility will also include team meeting rooms, classrooms, and coaches offices and locker rooms.
            Stadium renovations include the addition of chair back seating to the home grandstands and the renovation and expansion of the press box.
            UAM has raised more than $550,000 in private donations to help fund the project through its Campaign for Athletics.
            “This is landmark moment for the institution and for our programs in intercollegiate athletics,” said UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter. “This facility will provide much-needed practice space for both our athletic teams and marching band and puts UAM at the forefront of similar facilities in the Gulf South Conference.”
            UAM head football coach Gwaine Mathews called the facility “a must for recruiting. This is something we needed to give us a real competitive edge in recruiting quality athletes,” said Mathews. “This is huge for our program.”
            Both Lassiter and Mathews praised former Boll Weevil football star Hugh Heflin, who is serving as chairman of the Campaign for Athletics. “Hugh has played a vital role in securing the funding for this project,” said Lassiter. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his efforts and we are grateful for the generosity and support of our friends and alumni.”