By Kyle Roberts
Construction and remodeling is moving steadily ahead at Ruston High School.
Following a school year where no sports were played in Ruston High’s historic main gym, principal Dan Gressett fully anticipates that there will be full return for volleyball and basketball this year.
“As far as timeline, everything is good,” Gressett said. “We’ll be glad to have our volleyball and basketball teams back here. It’s nice to be in your own facilities.”
The main entrance now features an updated trophy case with Ruston’s “R” backlit to greet all fans and visitors.
Upstairs, the concession area has been completely overhauled and will be walled off. Workers will be able to watch a live feed from a mounted television.
Fans will also rejoice at the brand new men’s and women’s bathrooms — now located on both floors.
Volleyball will now be housed completely beneath the home-side seats, with locker rooms for freshman, junior varsity and varsity. Athletic trainer Chris Brister will also have a full classroom for his training classes.
Final bits of construction will take place over the course of the summer — mainly cosmetic with lots of branded Ruston Bearcat graphic screens to be placed on walls and various windows.
Gressett was also thankful for both Louisiana Tech and the City of Ruston for housing basketball and volleyball, respectively, last year.
Money for the renovation will came from the federal COVID funding ESSER III (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund), while the renovation plans were drawn up by Michael L. Walpole, Architect, LLC.
