Aliquippa receives $25K donation toward football stadium renovations
ALIQUIPPA — Thanks to a $25,000 donation for stadium renovations, Aliquippa's Carl A. Aschman Stadium, also known as "The Pit," is one step closer toward completion.
The Wilson Group, a locally owned and operated business solutions company that is "known for preserving legacy," announced Monday it is donating $25,000 to the Aliquippa School District for the renovations project. The company also pledged to contribute an additional $2,000 per year for the next five years to help "nurture" the stadium's "growth and sustainability," according to a joint press release from the school district and the group.
The Wilson Group will officially present the check to the school district on Wednesday at the next school board meeting. Two members of The Wilson Group’s senior leadership team Vice President Michael Vaughn and Education Manager Vinnie DeLeonibus will present the check to the district and "add a few words of inspiration," according to the press release.
"Hiring local, operating local and donating local is The Wilson Group’s ethos," wrote Derrick Wilson, founder and CEO of The Wilson Group. "We work and live here. It is our responsibility to maintain the infrastructure of lifestyle here. This stadium is as organic as it gets."
"The Aliquippa School District would like to thank Mr. Wilson and the Wilson Group for its thoughtful and generous donation to our construction fund," Aliquippa Superintendent Phillip K. Woods also wrote in the press release. "We are excited to incorporate the funds into our construction project to provide the best game experience for our student-athletes and fans. The district would also like to thank the Wilson Group for the academic scholarship in honor of (Wilson's) son Kyle. The funds will help student-athletes further their education. We are fortunate and grateful for the partnership.”
At one time the crown jewel of high school football fields in western Pennsylvania, Carl A. Ashman Stadium is in need of a major renovation. In recent months, discussions have been had among Aliquippa officials suggesting it may be time to build a new field.
Instead, the 84-year-old facility, built in 1937, will undergo renovations this year. The $25,000 donation from The Wilson Group will help with that project.
"The Pit" was made famous by its unique character and by being home of one of the state’s top football programs, but the facility has been in a steady decline for years, leaving the school no choice but to address the numerous safety issues surrounding the stadium this offseason with a massive overhaul.
Improvements will include the removal of all concrete bleachers, which will be replaced with aluminum bleachers, as well as renovated restroom, concession stand and press box facilities, energy-efficient lighting and handicap accessibility. The biggest change will come to the playing surface, as artificial turf will replace the current natural grass, which has caused some Quips home playoff games to be moved to other venues with a turf field.
Contact Joshua Carney at jcarney@gannett.com or 724-681-9136. Follow Joshua on Twitter: @ByJoshCarney.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Aliquippa receives $25K donation towards football stadium renovations
