Speaking on behalf of himself and wife Laurie, Jeff Huskisson thanked everyone for coming and celebrating the opening of "this fine facility."
Last week, several hundred people joined the school district in celebrating the
opening of the Huskisson Athletic Center at Steinecker Stadium on the campus of
Perrysburg Junior High School.
"Everyone involved was commendable with their efforts and generosity," he said. "I would like to sum up this whole facility with four words–this is our house. Let's give a loud cheer–this is our house."
Last week, several hundred people joined the Perrysburg School District in celebrating the opening of the Huskisson Athletic Center at Steinecker Stadium on the campus of Perrysburg Junior High School.
The $2 million facility features a weight room, three locker rooms that will house boys football, lacrosse and soccer along with girls soccer and lacrosse, a coaches room, officials locker room, trainers room, concessions and storage.
Superintendent Tom Hosler welcoming the donors and guests said, "This building represents what can happen when private citizens work hand-inhand with the board and community to improve our schools. When that happens, our community and our students win."
He told the crowd that it was a decade ago that then athletic director Ray Pohlman shared his idea of a locker room facility.
"Now, almost 10 years later we are standing in this wonderful facility–far greater than what even Ray had envisioned back then."
The superintendent recognized key donors who helped make the dream of a locker room facility a reality– Mr. and Mrs. Huskisson, Ray and Shannon Frick, Mercy Health Toledo, Perrysburg Athletic Boosters, Marco's Pizza, Dr. Trent Hire and Second Street Dental.
"And more than 150 names of our friends found on the donor wall," he added. "We also were fortunate to have Perrysburg youth athletic clubs contribute including Big Gold, Perrysburg Youth Lacrosse, Perrysburg Soccer Club and Greater Toledo Futboll Club.
"All total, we have received more than $1.5 million in gifts and pledges. These gifts come from alumni, parents, community members, businesses, staff members, grandparents, former coaches, fans and more."
Describing the opening of the new facility, Mr. Pohlman said, "It is much like awaiting that package wrapped under the Christmas tree with your name on it. The anticipation for the completion of this facility has had the same excitement and expectation."
Perrysburg is a wonderful place, a destination community, he told the crowd, adding that Jacket pride is everywhere in the community.
"The pride is most noticeable in the Perrysburg Schools where we find our greatest asset and that is our children," said the retired athletic director, who now serves on the board of education. "Athletics is an integral part of any school experience for the students and the entire community. This new facility will enhance our student-athletes' experience.
"Academics are first and foremost at Perrysburg but we know that athletics contribute to academic success as well as developing character and teach life-long lessons. By providing the best facilities that we can, we will better equip Perrysburg student athletes with the tools they need to succeed on the field, in the classroom and in life. That is the Jacket Way.
"To build this facility, it took commitment, perseverance and financial support by many people. The vision is complete. The winners in all of this are our student athletes and that is why we do what we do in Perrysburg. It is the Jacket Way.
"To all of you, I want to say thank you and may God bless each and every one of you."
Head Football Coach Matt Kregel said, "This is the most beautiful facility for athletics that you could possibly have."
"We have the best teachers, the best educational system, the best parents and the best community, so I expect to do great things here–we are going to use this facility everyday," said Coach Kregel. "We are thankful to all the donors and everybody who has put time and effort leading up to this time.
"Everyone has been asking me if I am ready. I have been ready since last August. I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight. Tomorrow is going to be one of the greatest days I've had since I have been in Perrysburg because we are going to be ready to go in here. Go Jackets."
Perrysburg Board of Education President Jarman Davis said the collaboration on this project is a perfect example of the district's mission–"to ensure every student achieves their greatest potential."
"This building is much more than a locker room or a concession stand or weight room or even an athletic center. This is another wonderful example how public and private partnership can enhance the student educational experience in the entire Perrysburg community," he said. "The students, athletes, bands, visiting teams, as well as the entire community come together at places like this to make Perrysburg better. It shows leadership and the special support that we have for the community. Frankly, it is what we always talk about in the district– it is the Jacket Way."
In concluding, Superintendent Hosler recognized Mr. and Mrs. Huskisson for their support of the new facility.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you entered ‘Jacket Country' today, you drove down Pohlman Way. You parked and immediately saw the legendary Steinecker Stadium standing proudly in the distance. Walking into the stadium you noticed the green ‘Widdel Field' calling to the Jackets to take the field. And now, as if standing guard is the Huskisson Athletic Center.
"Jeff and Laurie, your name will now forever be linked to Perrysburg Schools and the Jacket Nation. Let's pause for a moment and listen… can you hear it? Post game celebrations, halftime speeches that will rally teams to victory, the sounds of weights clanging and the smell–well the smell of victory will cement the Huskissons' name in Perrysburg lore for generations to come.
"This facility will serve as a standing legacy to Jeff and Laurie's commitment to this community and the student- athletes of Perrysburg Schools. I am told, the path leading to this moment began with a simple conversation under the tent at a home football game when Jeff said, ‘I was thinking…' Thank you, Jeff and Laurie."