S.A.F.E Center Ribbon-Cutting

S.A.F.E Center Opened with Festive Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

In front of a proud Tiger Nation, CCC hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 9 to showcase its newly constructed Student Activity and Family Enhancement (S.A.F.E.) Center.

CCC President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner counted up to a unified exclamation of ‘TIGERS!’ by attendees to mark the actual ribbon-cutting for the Student Activity and Family Enhancement Center.

“What a great day it is to be a Tiger,” said Towner to kick off the ceremony.

With student-athletes, staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees all present, Board Chair Rev. Dennis Hawkins delivered an invocation inside the newly built $1.4 million facility spread over 10,000 square feet, and facing the James E. Miller Stadium. Chief of Staff Jerone Shaw followed up with remarks.

Shaw noted the structure’s first-rate weight-lifting equipment and credited Athletic Director Reggy Hankerson and Head Football Coach Travis Macon for assisting in the designing/planning stages. “It’s been about two years in the making,” said Shaw.

The facility aims to enhance studentathletes’ lives, the entire student population, and the community at large. The constructor of the building is Flagstar Construction from Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The S.A.F.E Center opens at a crucial time for CCC’s athletic programs, whose coaches are all eager to keep improving upon the gains that they have achieved.

The center will be available to all CCC athletic teams and the community.

Towner then gave a back story on the building, constructed for CCC studentathletes. It consists of a treatment room for athletic training and physical therapy, an office, and a turf serving as a backup space in inclement weather.

“Five or more years ago, we started talking about getting the weight room out of the HVAC area,” Towner reflected, adding that budgeting for the project gradually grew. “We just talked about doing a metal building. It kept blossoming and blossoming into what you see right here. Coahoma is getting better, and it’s going to continue to get better with your help, with a great board as well as great faculty and staff,” said Towner.

The facility, which is located adjacent to James E. Miller Stadium, includes a section for weight and strength training, an open running turf to perform activities equipped with enough space for use during inclement weather, and a physical therapy and training room. The athletic and physical trainer will use the therapy room to aid student-athletes in rehabilitation and condition strengthening if they were injured while playing. Each section of the center is important and will assist in athletic teams’ overall development as well as provide a comfortable place for the community to enjoy.

“Most importantly, students, we thank you for choosing Coahoma Community College. We’re going to continue to be champions, not only on the field but in the classroom. It’s for student-athletes and their families and enhanced life,” Towner added.