Keith High School head coach Harry Crum has spearheaded a community effort composed of local businesses, churches and individuals to help build a new press box and concession stand for the upcoming season.

When Crum first came to Keith, his goal was to improve not only the football program but the existing facilities, as well.

Said Crum, “When I first got here we were using portable toilets, and the press box was so small that we could barely get everyone in there. But with the new building I think that we will be able to comfortably seat everyone now.”

Crum said the community has been the driving force in getting the facility to where it is now. Between local business, the community, and churches, the school was able to raise more than $1,600 in donations towards the new building.

Local contractor Author Hall poured the foundation, and Eric “Smokey” Sheffield laid all of the concrete blocks for free. Daryl Allen, and Dan Olinger hauled all of the concrete block’s for free. Anthony, and Shawn Richardson lay all the shingles on the roof for free. Ledell Tennor is currently working on finishing the electrical portions of the building.

“The community has really bent over backwards to help the football program as much as it can,&uot; Crum said.

Last year’s 2A “Scholar Athlete” winner Patrick Thomas, who played for Keith, donted $1,200 of his $2,000 scholarship towards the new press box and concession stand project.

With the addition of the new concession stand and press box that only leaves one more obstacle, according to Principle Grady Broadnax.

“We need new bleachers,&uot; Broadnax said. &uot;These old wooden ones have become rotten in places and could be unsafe. If anyone could donate some aluminum ones, or at least sell us some at a discount, it would be a great help.”

Keith High and Coach Crum would like to thank everyone for making the new facility possible. He also would like to invite everyone out for the parents meeting on July 22 at 6:30 p.m.