By Rupert Howell
Trustees approved payment of $160,000 toward repair of the artificial surface at Tiger Field in Dunlap Stadium that occurred during the summer of 2014 when two vehicles were caught on security cameras doing ‘donuts’ on the field late at night.

Terry Latravis Boyd and Darrell M. Davis have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy and malicious mischief in Circuit Court January 7with a sentencing date set for May 18. Both are former South Panola football players currently attending Hinds Community College on football scholarships.
School officials assisted Batesville Police Department detectives with video of the crime and pressed charges once the investigation was complete.

The district’s insurance policy has paid approximately $200,000 for the damage Superintendent Tim Wilder explained to trustees during their monthly board meeting held Tuesday.

School officials decided to use the damaged surface with a temporary patch until the completion of football and soccer seasons and the $160,000 payment will go toward upcoming repair Wilder explained. Soccer season ends this week.

The synthetic surface was installed through funding by the South Panola Athletic Foundation with several local businesses and individuals donating to make the surface possible. That foundation continues to service the initial debt while continuing to seek donations.

The surface was recommended by football coach Lance Pogue shortly after his first season with Pogue’s plea for the surface including assurances that the field would be used year round  for not only school functions, but other community functions as well.

The Head Coach’s words came true as use numbers for events and activities at the stadium can be verified by the regularity of stadium’s lights burning at night and vehicles in the parking lot often during daylight hours.