Coach hopes supporters will help with campaign

By Myra Bean

North Panola football program asks for an indoor facility.

Head football coach Carl Diffee approached the North Panola School Board Thursday in its regular meeting to present its “Brick-by-Brick” campaign to build the facility.

He proposed a 75’ x 75’ structure as an addition to the current field house which will include field turf across the whole structure with lines every five yards. The field part would measure 25 yards long by 25 yards wide.

“That area gives us enough room to be able to accomplish most of what we need to do,” Diffee said.

The proposed building, brickwork on the field house, a slab in front of the structure, industrial washer and dryer, tiled floors and field drainage system will cost approximately $135,000.

Supporters of North Panola are asked to contribute by purchasing a brick for $500.

A plaque will be drilled to each brick purchased with what the purchaser wants to say. A second or more bricks will only cost a single purchaser another $250 each.

The North Panola football program has seen a lot of success in the last three years when Diffee became head coach. The team has posted a 35-6 record in the last three years with two trips to the North State round.

“They Brick by Brick campaign will help move our football program one step closer to our end goal of becoming the premier program in the state of  Mississippi in Class 3A,” Diffee said.

He appealed to the board to consider that with the expansion of the program with 76 varsity players in the too small field house, this extended area is necessary.

He also pointed to South Panola is getting an indoor facility and feels the other school in the county should have the same.

The coaches spend $50 in coin laundry to wash uniforms each week or sometimes the players have to take their uniforms home to wash, he said.

Another benefit is a place to practice during inclement weather instead of canceling practice.

“I think it is an opportunity for us to be on the cutting edge of the sports revolution in a way,” Diffee said.

Contact Diffee said he and a committee of stakeholders will form to determine the best route to go so no one will feel left out if they cannot afford a brick.

Cutline:

Carl Diffee talks with Cordarius Pride during the Charleston game in November, 2018.