Jackson Middle School wrestling, weight room open
Jackson Middle uses donations, grant for building
VIENNA — Officials Wednesday officially opened the new wrestling and weight room at Jackson Middle School.
Adam Jones, prevention resource officer and football coach at Jackson Middle School, spearheaded the effort to build the new weight room and wrestling facility next to the school’s football field and bleachers.
The facility was made possible through a $25,000 grant from the city of Vienna, a $5,000 private donation and thousands of dollars in donated labor and materials from nearly a dozen area businesses.
“This is an $80,000 building, and we did it for about $26,000,” Jones said. “Without community support, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Some work still remains, Jones said. Officials hope to have the building’s heating and air conditioning system installed within the next few weeks, and then will finish the facility’s bathroom.
“We’re about 95 percent done, and the weight room is already being used,” Jones said.
Mayor Randy Rapp, along with Buddy James, who coached two state champion football teams at Parkersburg High School, helped cut the ribbon at the ceremony Wednesday.
“We’re very supportive of anything that has to do with our children,” Rapp said. “Any time we can partner with the community, it’s a win-win for the city and the students.”
Principal Richard Summers said he is proud to have such a top-notch facility at Jackson.
“I’ve been to many high schools and small colleges and many don’t have anything this nice,” he said.