New lights at Caldwell providing more than illumination
By KEVIN PIERSON, Special to The NewsCALDWELL - There's a special attitude up in Noble County that always seems to come to the forefront when it's needed most.
When something needs done for the community, the community simply finds a way to get it done.
Such is the case with the lights installed at the Noble County Fairgrounds, home to the Caldwell Redskins football team.
Equipped with lights that weren't designed for football for roughly 30 years, the Caldwell facilities were in need of a retrofit.
They're getting it.
A new series of outdoor football lights for the Caldwell stadium is on order and expected to be in for the start of the 105th football season at Caldwell.
"I thought it was very dark compared to what I've been on in the past," Caldwell football coach Mike DeVol said of the football field's current lights.
The light project at the county fairgrounds is about more than just putting up some new luminance over the gridiron though.
Noble Local Schools hasn't passed a levy in several years and have been forced to make drastic cuts.
The band was eliminated.
If the football team needs a bus there's the possibility the team may have to pay for the driver.
Even the coaches' salaries aren't enviable.
"Everybody is going to make about $200, $300 this year, including me," DeVol said.
The new lights are one step in overcoming those trials and bringing illumination and positive attitude to the community.
"It (Caldwell) is a great school, a great community. They have great teachers. They will get the job done," DeVol praised.
After a 14-year hiatus away from his alma mater that included coaching stints with the Warren Warriors and Parkersburg South Patriots, DeVol returned to the Redskins this year.
He immediately became involved in the effort to improve the field, though he quickly points to the dozens of other people involved as the real source of success.
"I'm just a part of the community. I was born in Caldwell. I'm going to be buried in Caldwell. I love Caldwell," DeVol said.
With the help of Jerry Hamilton, a local business, the lights will be shipped out July 29.
After the new lights arrive DeVol and the others involved with the project will meet with the fair board and plan how to get the fixtures in place for the season.
"Everything is done by volunteer labor. The people will get the lights up in time, and if they don't then they'll be up for the next game," DeVol said.
Replacing the lights is just part of the effort to restore the pride and respect given to Caldwell as a community and a football powerhouse.
DeVol considers Caldwell first class and the lights are a step towards giving it the appearance of a first class school, as well as helping his home.
"You're doing it for the community. You're doing it for the kids," DeVol said.
