NCMC Trustees, Foundation Board members, the Pirates Baseball team, Lady Pirates Softball team, other guests, and the daughter of Russ Derry were all in attendance on Wednesday, October 4th, to celebrate the construction of the new Russ Derry Practice Facility. The indoor practice facility will be located on the lot next to the current Russ Derry Practice Facility across from the Ketcham Community Center on Lulu Street.
NCMC Foundation Director Alicia Endicott welcomed everyone and thanked the Trustees and Foundation Board for their support and patience with this project. "This project has been in the works for over two years, and there have been changes and challenges, but we are very excited that this project has finally started," commented Endicott. "The Russ Derry Practice Facility will not only benefit our current student-athletes, but student-athletes for years to come."
Endicott then introduced the daughter of Russ Derry, Mrs. Judy Derry Mahoney, and thanked her for her support of the project and interest in the NCMC Pirates. Mrs. Mahoney made a few remarks about the changes to the game of baseball from when her dad played and how impressed and pleased he would be with the practice facility. "Sometimes (when playing with his brothers), it even came down to playing one-on-one with a piece of board and a ball of twine. He would just be amazed with this project."
NCMC Athletic Director Nate Gamet provided a construction update on the project and highlighted NCMC NJCAA Academic Student Athletes, upcoming NCMC Pirate events, and the success of the athletic programs. "I am extremely proud of our athletic department and athletic programs at NCMC. We have great support from the college and the community, which plays a big role in the success of all the athletic programs," Gamet commented. "The new Russ Derry Practice Facility is just another example of the direction athletics is headed. I am very excited for our current and future athletes as they will have one of the best facilities in our region."
The program concluded with members of the Baseball and Softball teams presenting Mrs. Mahoney with framed thank you notes and an NCMC Pirates Jersey with the name Derry and the number 3 on the back, Mrs. Mahoney's favorite jersey number worn by Russ Derry during his long baseball career.
Kramer Contracting Company is constructing the facility and features a 120 x 84 indoor practice area and a 60 x 60 foyer. The building features a Russ Derry memorial room, laundry and storage room, and a turfed practice field/hitting facility. The space will allow for softball and baseball players to have the space to practice indoors all year round and free up the Ketcham gym for basketball practice and public use.
Funding for the project came from private donations, and 85% of the project will be completed mid-winter. However, the completion of the locker rooms and a few additional practice items will have to wait. Anyone wanting more information on how to donate to the project is encouraged to contact Alicia Endicott at 660-357-6403.
