FOR RELEASE FEB. 15, 2001
Contact: Lynn Stewart or Abbey Broussard, Centenary News Service, 
318-869-5120 or 869-5709, or
Patrick Netherton, Sports Information Director, 318-869-5092
 

Centenary Dedicates W. Peyton Shehee, Jr. Baseball Stadium at Feb. 15 Celebration Shehee Baseball Stadium

SHREVEPORT, LA  -- Rain forced the celebration indoors but it didn't dampen the spirits of those celebrating the grand opening and dedication of Centenary College's new baseball stadium.
  
Instead, modern technology brought images and fireworks indoors for the indoor dedication and "virtual unveiling" in honor of the W. Peyton Shehee, Jr. Stadium during the 2:30 p.m. ceremony today (Thursday, Feb. 15) in the college's Carlile Auditorium.

Dr. Kenneth L. Schwab, president, and William G. Anderson, chairman of the Centenary Board of Trustees, presided over the ceremony honoring Shehee and his family, which includes several members who are alumni and long-time supporters of Centenary.  

"Peyton is especially fond of Centenary athletics," President Schwab said.  "Because of his generosity, we have been able to construct this new stadium."  Schwab also noted that Shehee has previously been instrumental in renovations to Centenary Park during the past several years, including the installation of permanent lights at the Softball Complex, "making the Ladies' home a state-of-the-art facility."

Also speaking during the dedication were Dr. David Bedard, director of athletics; Ed McCann, head baseball coach; and student Blane Sessions, a member of the baseball team.

"Our new baseball stadium will certainly help Centenary athletics, both in recruiting good players and attracting quality opponents," said Bedard.

While the number of seats remains about the same as before, the former box seats and bleachers have been replaced with an elevated grandstand shaded by a press box and protective overhead netting.  The two outer sections have bleacher-style seating, with one side including a wheelchair-accessible ramp and seating. The middle section is equipped with individual seatbacks.  A new surround sound speaker system frames the stadium and a new gate and sign is placed at the entrance.

The new press box, carpeted and air conditioned, has life-size sliding windows and is divided into three sections.  The two outside sections can accommodate live radio broadcasts, television cameras and visiting dignitaries.  The center section houses the new public address system, announcer, scoreboard operator, statistics personnel and music controller.  Also new is a padded brick wall extending to each dugout and separating the stadium from the playing field.  The dugouts are also newly painted.

Along with the new stadium, the baseball facility and several parts of the Centenary Athletic Complex have undergone a facelift and upgrade.  Through the efforts of Wilhite Electric and baseball supporters Mike McCarthy and Mike Collier, state-of-the-art lights have been added  Around the field and inside the newly enclosed batting cages.  Between the baseball field and the adjoining soccer and softball fields, a new building is under construction.  It will house a concession area and restrooms.

The Shehee Stadium and related projects were completed during the past year as projects of The Newman Partnership, architects; McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc.; Southern Bleacher Co.; Wilhite Electric Co., and Claiborne Sharp Professional Audio.
 

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