With Strong Community Response New Press Box Upgrades At Wiser Field Completed
Above photo courtesy of Explore Clarion – Above: view of front exterior of the newly renovated press box
The Clarion Area School District has completed much needed upgrades to the press box at Wiser Field which will benefit the Central Clarion Wildcat Football team, as well as others.
The project was spearheaded by Clarion Area Superintendant Dr. Joe Carrico and Clarion Area Director of Operations Darren Seary.
In the article announcing the start of the project Dr. Carrico mentioned, “Darren Seary is running co-point on the press box expansion. It is a small project, we are adding an extra 12 feet (on the West side), with additional roof space for coaching staff. In this day and age, we have lots of multimedia partners that need space.
“Last year, we had to station folks outside in the elements and right behind the fans so it was not an ideal presentation to our audiences. Darren has been working hard to secure the funds needed to complete this project prior to the first game this year.”
Specific issues that the expansion addressed included: 1) Expand space for coaches and media; 2) Improve coverage and professionalism; 3) Protect staff from weather and distractions; 4) Enhance broadcasts, visibility, and operations and 5) Meet growing multimedia and coaching needs.
And with the help of many volunteers, area contractors and businesses and individuals who contributed funds for this wonderful project, a vision became a reality.
Some of the major upgrades included:
- Individual LAN connections (a wired network connection which is commonly Ethernet) to connect devices for the purpose of sharing and streaming media within the local area networks) at the seating stations for live streaming by media. Clarion Area Multi Media Specialist Jim Smyton coordinated the media upgrades.
- New windows within the press box, with sections that can be removed for better viewing pleasure.
- A new walkway from behind and above the press box from the school on the south side, complete with handrails and and a nonskid surface, leading to the press box which also has the new surface, as well as high, strong, well secured banister for added safety.
Dr. Carrico and Director of Operations Seary had some folks they thought it was important to give a special shout out to, including businesses who brought this project to fruition include DuBrook (Concrete), Delta Contractors – David Ferguson (Main General Contractor) Clark Electric (Lights and Outlets), Amos Rudolph (Architect), On the Level Contracting (Andrew Patton), Clarion Staff (Jim Smyton, Tim Musser, Mark Kahle and Greg Smith).
The beautiful plaque which is located next to the entry door was designed and fabricated by Novum Designs from Pittsburgh.
It took quite a bit of work to get the press box ready in time.
Some of the interior improvements include the installation of a brand new seamless 32’X18″ countertop, new lighting, tongue-and-groove laminate wood flooring and a new coat of paint on the ceiling.
Gone is the fold up ladder and hatch to the roof, that caused problems over the years, with photographers and coaches, bumping into those seated at some of the stations and making noise for broadcasters as well as making it difficult to get up over the top without dropping equipment or falling backward (believe me, I know). This is a very welcome change.
As for overhead, the entire roof was removed, though the existing joists and trusses remain, the roof was tar sealed with a torch and mop and the edges were sealed and capped.
There is also another special plaque that was recently installed at the Wiser Field, honoring the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry “Wildcat Regiment,” who fought in the Civil War, noteably at Gettysburg.
The plaque, designed by Ken Burkett from the Jefferson County History Center (JCHC), is at the East end of the stadium, just next to the steps. The plaque includes a photo of the regiment’s Memorial at Gettysburg and as well as the football team’s logo, designed by Karl Jacobson.
Dr. Carrico was a big advocate of this very special plaque being made.
Congratulations to all those involved in this great project!!!! And thank you to Jake Bauer Explore Clarion, Darren Seary and Ken Burkett for their photos!!