Fairmont athletic programs receive monetary aid from governor and delegate

FAIRMONT — With so much happening on the field and court, sometimes what happens behind the scenes tends to go unnoticed. Typically, that includes all of the dedication and support poured in by not just athletic departments and administration, but within the community as well.

Earlier this week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Del. Phil Mallow joined forces to present both the East Fairmont High girls basketball team and the Fairmont Senior High softball team monetary donations in preparation for their upcoming regular seasons next school year.

The donations, which come from the Local Economic Development Assistance Grant, will allow each squad the opportunity to purchase new uniforms and equipment. East Fairmont will also use part of their funding to update the girls’ basketball locker room and utilize resources to ensure athletes receive the proper training and rehab to get back on the court.

East Fairmont head coach James Beckman took to social media to thank Morrisey and Mallow for their decision to invest in the student-athletes, while Fairmont Senior softball coach Matthew Shepherd noted the impact that the donation will have long-term on the program.

“Thank you to Delegate Mallow for this amazing grant,” Shepherd said. “It will definitely go a long way for the organization and for our girls.”

According to the Fairmont Senior Athletics page, attention was brought to the softball program’s urgent need for new uniforms and equipment after the FSHS Boosters worked to apply for the grant. The amount received after the completion of the proposal was $6,500.

East Fairmont, after submitting their proposal, received $7,500.

With the majority of funding for both programs earned through offseason fundraising and private donations from local businesses and donors, the grants received will ensure that both schools can get ahead as far as completing the necessary purchases and tasks before the beginning of the school year in August.

The funding also comes after donations were submitted to begin the renovation and installation of turf at East-West Stadium.