The United States had just put a man on the moon when Carroll County High School opened in 1969. And while Tuesday’s special ceremony at Bill Worrell Field wasn’t a giant leap for mankind, it was one heck of a jump forward for Carroll County’s baseball program.
“After 55 years we have lights on the field and for the first time in school history I get to say, ‘What a great night for baseball,’” CCHS Principal Chuck Thompson said during a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, marking the first night baseball game in Carroll County’s history.
The ceremony was held at approximately 6:30 p.m. in between a JV/varsity doubleheader against Patrick County. While the visiting Cougars spoiled the evening by defeating the Cavaliers, this night was about history and the significance of Carroll County now having the ability to host night baseball games.
“Welcome everyone to Bill Worrell Field. Tonight we are going to do a ribbon cutting for our new light system,” Carroll County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Burnette said. “I would like to thank our board of supervisor members that are here for their generous donation and for sponsoring these lights - Mr. Jody Early, Mr. Tracy Moore, Mr. Joey Dickson, Mr. Bill Bryant, Mr. Ronnie Collins. Also our school board members Mr. Brian Spencer, Jennifer Sowers, and of course this man beside me needs no introduction, Mr. Chuck Thompson. Thank you guys. This has been a long time coming. This is a very historic field and we are about to add a little more history tonight.”
Thompson wanted to thank the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, Carroll County School Board, and central office staff for making the project a reality.
Joey Dickson, Chairman of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, said the installation of lights at CCHS has been a long time coming.
“I went to school here and graduated in 1994. Bill Worrell was the coach and one of the greatest men I ever knew. I didn’t play baseball but a lot of my friends did and I think that was the first year they won region,” Dickson said. “I know that when I talk to Coach (Kevin) DeHaven and Coach (Casey) Burcham, they couldn’t have doubleheaders or host tournaments or district tournaments or regional tournaments. Even a doubleheader, just like tonight, wouldn’t be possible without the lights. And I appreciate the board of supervisors work’ and the Carroll County maintenance crew and all the administration at the high school and the school board for working together to make this happen. It is a great thing any time you can benefit the kids.”
Allen Worrell can be reached at (276) 779-4062 or on X@AWorrellTCN
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