Gaffney kicks off a new era in $9 million Reservation
Gaffney fans begin filling up the new stadium Friday during The Reservation's debut against Dorman. The Cavaliers spoiled that debut, 6-0.
Tim Kimzey/tim Kimzey@shj.comPublished: Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 3:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 8:41 a.m.
GAFFNEY -- After 70 years on the Reservation, the spirit of Gaffney High School football found a new home Friday night.
In a pre-game ceremony, the video screen on a $500,000 Jumbotron scoreboard inside the playing field on the school's current campus began the transition.
Gaffney High's Indian mascot arrived by helicopter at the former field on East Frederick Street, the screen showed. He paid homage to multiple state championships and many athletes who have been recognized over the years. Then he dug into the grass to remove a buried game ball from the sod covering Bob Prevatte Field, named for a former football coach.
Continuing to dig, the Indian removed dirt from the field marked by the spirits of games played decades ago by the school's local heroes. Rising from his work, the mascot released a blood-curdling scream before being airlifted away.
His wail from the sophisticated sound system was quickly replaced in real life by the distant sound of a chopper approaching and landing at midfield in the new stadium.
The Indian had arrived to complete his work by christening the new $9 million Reservation, ushering in the first regular season game for Gaffney after a jamboree the week before.
Source: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20080830/NEWS/808300376