The new field house for cross country, soccer and track was completed Aug. 29.

“The purpose is to have a facility for soccer, cross country and our track team because they don’t have their own place at this point,” said Any Schoggin, Tupelo High School Athletic Director.

For the first time in history, THS is providing these sports with their own facilities to change clothes and store gear.

“I felt like the soccer, cross country and track teams deserved one, since they have gone so long sharing with the football team,” said senior Bryce Hunt, Golden Wave soccer player.

The field house is expected to be a very beneficial addition, said Lady Wave soccer coach Hannah Kimbrough.

“I believe it will be a huge change,” said senior Lady Wave soccer player Sarah Lambert Hollingsworth. “We will have a place to meet, leave our stuff, and warm up during or after our freezing games.”

Currently cross country runners, track runners and soccer players change in their cars or a bathroom to prepare for practice. Before games and meets, the athletes are required to come fully dressed in their uniforms because there is nowhere to leave their gear and equipment every day to change. With the new field house, all of these previous inconveniences and problems will be solved.

“A lot of guys forget running shorts or running shoes, and that’s a pain,” said senior cross country runner Kyle Alford. “Hopefully we’ll be able to have a designated spot for all those things now.”

Because cross country season and soccer season overlap, the two teams will have to share and find a happy medium.

“I don’t think it will be an issue. I think we can all be understanding,” Kimbrough said. “I’m friends with their coach, and we can all be cordial and share.”

The athletes have the same thoughts about the topic.

“Hey, the more the merrier,” Alford said. “We’re all pulling for each other so we realize that we should be thankful for something like this, because not a lot of high schools have a field house.”

In addition to functioning as a locker room, the field house will also serve a dual purpose during our football season. It will serve as a concession stand for some of our reserved seating and guest.