Georgia Military Prep school celebrated the grand opening of its new Waddell-Dunn Athletic Facility Monday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the 9,180-square-foot facility intended for all prep students and athletes.
Named after the Waddell-Dunn family, whose legacy is rooted deep in the community and GMC, the facility promises to improve the livelihood of all students. GMC Athletic Director Rusty Courson talked about what the new building can provide for its students.
“I hope the average GMC student develops healthier lifestyles,” he said. “Hopefully, our athletes in general develop strength.
However, strength is not always about the wins and losses on the field.
It’s there to prevent injury and I just want us to be healthier and learn life lessons that will stay with you.”
For prep students, these are generally all-new resources, tailored to the needs of those looking to just get in better shape as well as for teams to get a chance to watch film.
GMC junior Emerson Yearwood was a student athlete before getting injured. However, the newly provided resources are a chance to stay active. The facility does that in a way that not only fits into student’s schedules but provides plenty of variety.
“I think it’s going to motivate us more to get in there and do what we are supposed to do.
Personally, I’m getting stronger, because I do the weightlifting program that our coach over there does for us and he’s great,” Yearwood said. “Everybody has something to do on their own skill level, because everyone has their own way to get stronger.”
Yearwood also mentioned her friendship with Kelly Ann Waddell, whose family’s contribution has made it possible for the new facility to be built. The Waddell-Dunn family includes three generations at GMC, some who have graduated and others currently enrolled.
Kayla Waddell spoke at the ceremony about the importance of the facility to her family as well as the student body.
“It’s definitely a blessing,” she said. “We would not have been able to do this without some of the core values GMC has instilled in us. We wanted a place for just prep school athletes to be able to completely train and have their own space. Conflict of interest comes up with other gyms, so the students will always have this space for themselves.”