College plan would require much homework

Turn Weiland Field into a parking lot? That's one of the options in a long-range campus master plan for McCook Community College.

But don't hold your breath.

Nothing stirs emotions like memories of football glory, and in McCook, memories of state championships are only one and two years old.

When McCook High School graduates think football, they think Weiland Field, and a grand field it is. Two tall concrete grandstands, in a green neighborhood setting next to a park and swimming pool lend the venue an aura all its own.

Formerly home to McCook Community College's football team, the Indians haven't had any use for it since the junior college pigskins were retired 30 years ago.

The college needs to grow, and, located right in the middle of campus, Weiland Field, owned by the McCook Public schools, is a tempting piece of real estate.

One of two options presented to the Mid-Plains board of governors Wednesday night expanded True Hall into a multi-purpose facility for theater, music and art, and demolished Tipton Hall to replace it with an activities center, housing a gymnasium and physical fitness center. Wrighstone Hall would be turned into a conference center.

The other, more attractive option, places the gym and activities center on the east side of the Weiland Field space, and creates much-needed parking space on the west.

McCook High School's practice field on the west side of the high school campus would make a beautiful football bowl, with the addition of grandstands and other facilities.

But that would be very expensive, and we're betting it would take some serious persuasion for the school to give up its claim on Weiland Field. In these cash-strapped times, it seems unlikely that the college could offer the public schools enough incentive to do the deal.

But don't discount the importance of athletics to McCook Community College. At the same board of governors meeting Wednesday, Michelle Gill, the college's new area dean of student life, pointed out that athletics programs pay for themselves by bringing more students to MCC.

And, many of the athletes are coming here knowing they'll be playing in tiny True Hall. Basketball and volleyball coaches would undoubtedly have an easier time in recruiting if they could show off a larger, more modern facility.

Yes, there are a lot of hurdles to cross before earth-movers can start preparing the 50-yard-line for concrete. But don't count the concept out.

On Wednesday, the college and school board reached an agreement to cooperate on a new building at Weiland Field, to house concession stands, restroom and locker rooms.

The agreement passed, however, only after the stipulation was added that the building be placed on a floating cement slab, just in case it needs to be moved. Before that can happen, the college has a lot of homework to do.