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T
he future is looking brighter than ever at PHSC West Campus’ all new Withlacoochee River Electric Co-op Park, thanks to the state-of-the-art lighting system on our baseball fields. After receiving the generous gift of $480,000 gift from the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WREC) this past fall, several stakeholders from the College quickly went to work on making the once dream – into reality. On January 22, crowds gathered as the sun set and a countdown began..10,9,8.....4,3,2,1.....FLASH. The air was filled with the aroma of Cracker Jacks and classic organ music to the tune of “Take me out to the ball-game” as the lights turned on and the beautiful turf was illuminated. Event attendees got a front row seat at the future of PHSC Baseball with a sneak peek at the architectural renderings and the opportunity to put their “name in the game”, literally, by purchasing a brick for the new Walk of Fame. The following morning, a group of baseball alumni dusted off their cleats and gathered to play ball in the annual Alumni Baseball game. The bleachers were full of
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family members and friends excited to watch the game. At PHSC Baseball’s first ever game “Under the Lights” the crowd did not disappoint! Throwing out the honorary First Pitch was Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WREC) Board member Desmond Gene Little and his great-grandson Jackson. Dr. Bob Bade even invited Mr. Little and others to watch the game with him and join the live broadcast from the Press Box. These new lights put PHSC on the map; not only at night for the neighboring airport and pilots, but for the Pasco County community as a space to have outdoor evening and late-night events. The impact of the lighting system extends beyond Bobcat Country and into the local community. Thanks to our community partners we are looking forward to illuminating Ridge Road for many years to come.
Mr. Joe Marina, Dr. Timothy Beard, Mr. Gene Little, Mr. David Lambert. Joe Marina and David Lambert from WREC spoke at the event and presented the check to PHSC President, Timothy Beard at the event.