DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – John L. Bryan Sr. Practice Field is open for business as Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. William Berry, Athletic Director Reggie Theus, and Head Football Coach Raymond Woodie led a ribbon cutting for the on-campus, synthetic turf football practice field.
"It is a great day to be a Wildcat," Theus said. "I want to express my gratitude and support for all of Wildcat Nation. Here at Bethune-Cookman Athletics, we are dedicated to building a Championship Culture. We are dedicated to supporting our student-athletes in all of their endeavors, to achieve their personal, academic, and athletic excellence. I am thrilled to open our new on-campus synthetic football practice field."
"This field is what we first promised Coach Woodie," Theus continued. "It wasn't just talk. We did what we said we would do. It could not be done without our alumni, It will not be done without our alumni. It will not be done if we do not all band together, and keep giving in the mindset of giving."
"This practice field is not just for the University, but for the community," Daytona Beach City Manager and Bethune-Cookman graduate Deric Feacher said. "It is transformative of what is going to continue to take place here in Daytona Beach. We are very grateful to the Board of Trustees, to the Administration, to the President, to the Athletic Department, and to the alumni." On behalf of the City of Daytona Beach, we are delighted that the heartbeat of Daytona houses Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's legacy in Bethune-Cookman University."
"Where we are today continues the journey that Dr. Bethune began 120 years ago," Acting President Dr. William Berry said, "Some of us might have wondered if this was just another pipe dream, but Coach Theus kept saying 'We can do it.' The University, the Board of Trustees, and others stood together, and, now today, we can all come and see the fruits of that labor. It's a new beginning for B-CU, but we still need resources to make big dreams happen. Thank you all for your love and support."
"Today is an awesome day in Wildcat Country, and all praises go to the Most High," John L. Bryan Sr. said. I want to give things to the President, the Board, Athletic Director Reggie Theus, Head Football Coach Raymond Woodie, VP Sherry Paramore, and many others who have helped this to become a reality. I am very honored to have my name on this field that so many of you worked so much to make happen. Please remember, we must keep fighting to help our team to be the best they can be."
"This means everything to us." tight end Khalil Overton said. "It helps us to come out and be the best that we can be. It's a blessing, and we're so appreciative of the support."
"We are so excited for the opening of our brand new turf field on campus," Coach Woodie said. "This is a big time top notch facility. I really thank the University, the President, the Board of Trustees, AD Theus, and Administration for getting this project complete. I would also like to thank John Bryan for all of his support of B-CU Athletics. We are so excited for this new era of B-CU Football, and to utilize this nice facility that we did not have during my time here as a player. This facility will help our program grow tremendously. It will offer our student-athletes better scheduling while creating a competitive recruiting advantage as we go out and recruit the best talent across the country. This will help us get back on our winning track. Myself and our players are so excited about where this program is ready to go."
In the event, Bethune-Cookman Athletics also showcased a brand new, Wildcats-branded bus wrap, to be utilized by all B-CU teams throughout the athletic year.
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--#HailWildcats—
