LEWISTOWN — The sound of shovels hitting the soil at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Multi-Sports Complex at Mifflin County High School was music to the ears of school officials, community leaders, and students alike. The $18.5 million project, which includes a 4,305-seat main stadium named Kish Bank Field at the Donald M. Chapman III Stadium, marks a significant milestone for the school district.
Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools, Vance Varner, expressed his excitement, stating, “Today is a great day to be a Husky.” The ceremony, attended by Athletic Director Tish Maclay, school board members, business leaders, and other dignitaries, symbolized the culmination of years of planning and vision.
The new multi-purpose athletic fields will cater to over 1,500 student-athletes participating in various sports, including field hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and track and field. Additionally, the facilities will benefit other school programs, youth programs, and the community at large, providing a space for outdoor exercise and activities.
Former state Sen. Jake Corman, who played a pivotal role in securing a $3 million grant for the project, emphasized the importance of community support in making the vision a reality. The completion date for the complex is expected to be December 2024, marking a new era for Mifflin County athletics and the community as a whole.
Maclay, who served as the master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking event, described the project as a “cultural transformation” that will level the playing field for Mifflin County athletes. The new facilities represent a dream come true for the school district and community, signaling a bright future for sports and recreation in the area.