ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: FLOYD
SOURCE: BILL RAY STAFF WRITER
Much has changed since Richard Spence attended Floyd County High School back in the '70s. In those days, when a young man reached high school, he was expected to help on the farm, rather than participate in after-school athletics.
But nowadays Spence is the president of the Buffaloes' athletic booster club and recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities. A few years ago, with the help of other parents, plans began for a new and improved weight room for the high school as well as a new boys locker room. The plan also includes designs for modification of the girls locker rooms and brand-new equipment for the majority of sports at the school.
"Back when I was coming along," Spence said, "Floyd was primarily a farming community. But it really isn't like that anymore. Sports are important now because of all the distractions kids have. It helps to keep them off the streets."
Since the project began, the boosters have raised more than $30,000 toward the building of the weight room. But what has made the project a reality is the support of the community. Businesses from across the New River Valley have pitched in, donating time and effort as well as raw materials.
"We had lumber donated at cost by Reed Lumber," Spence said, "and other people have given their expertise, whether it be with the roof or the bulldozing."
Perhaps the most impressive display of community participation came in the early fall when it was time for the roof to be added. Spence said he had called around to various people asking for their help, but he wasn't sure how many would actually show up. By 7 a.m. there were about 10. An hour later, the work party had grown to 20. When the work was done that evening, there were more than 50 people doing everything from cooking meals for the workers to nailing up the eaves.
"It was really impressive," Spence said. "One of the workers said it was the fastest he had ever seen a roof go up. In one afternoon we got 90 percent of the roofing done."
The only major construction left to be done on the building is laying the floor. Spence said the plan had been to pour the cement prior to winter, but now it looks like early spring is the target date. Once completed, the facility will be comparable to that of a small college.
"I have been around to look at schools all over the state," Spence said. "This is going to be one of the nicest weight rooms around. Our kids deserve the tools it takes to be competitive."
What began as a brainstorm, with the help of a willing community, has evolved into something special, Spence says.
"For the kids to have their own locker room is important because they can take pride in it," Spence said. "A regular gym locker room, the kids don't take as good care of."
But aside from the actual physical competition, Spence says that just participating in athletics helps mold well-rounded young men and women.
"I have done a lot of research on this," Spence said. "Student athletes have a higher graduation rate, go on to college more often and have better self-esteem. Sports keeps them focused, and I feel like it is up to us parents to help them all we can."
So whether the students of Floyd County opt for a career in agriculture or architecture, Spence says that this weight room will last until they have kids of their own.
LENGTH: Medium: 66 linesby CNB