POINT PLEASANT — As construction on a state-of-the-art stadium continues, volunteers at Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School are working behind the scenes to secure additional funding for another vital part of the project.

That funding will be used to cover the cost of an entrance to the stadium, and members of the school’s athletic complex committee are selling commemorative bricks to be placed along the entry way as a permanent reminder of the community’s dedication to the project.

Lisa Johnson, secretary of the athletic complex committee, said the project began approximately two years ago, but committee members have really been encouraging participation in the past six months. The overall goal is to sell 1,000 bricks by the end of June, and she said that while orders for the bricks have been going well, the committee needs to sell “quite a few more” to cover the cost of the entry way. She also said the estimated cost of the entrance was not included in the nearly $2.2 million that already has been secured by the committee.

“We’ve had some good response, but I think we could have better (response). I’d like to have the whole front (of the entrance) covered,” she said, adding that the bricks are a great gift idea or way to pay respect to someone. “Anybody can buy a brick.”

Johnson said bricks may be purchased in memory or in honor of people and also can be designated for a specific graduating class. She said several alumni have purchased bricks, and the first bricks sold were in honor of loved ones and former students. She also said people may split the cost of the bricks because up to three lines can be included, and a list of people who purchased bricks will be published in the programs sold at home football games.

Johnson added that the bricks provide a great opportunity for the community to be part of the athletic complex by giving it a more personalized touch. In addition, these bricks will be featured as the main part of the entrance to the stadium, so anyone buying tickets or entering the field will be able to see them.

Bricks cost $100 each. There is no limit to the number of bricks that can be ordered by individuals, and orders must be placed by June 15 so that the entry gate at the stadium will be finished by the first football game this fall. Johnson also said the project is not related to the bricks that were sold for the wall at the school’s library, and individuals who purchase bricks for the stadium entrance by June 15 will be able to see their bricks in place at the first home football game.

Construction of the new athletic complex began in April. The state-of-the-art facility will host a football field as well as baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a track, concession stands, restrooms and locker rooms. The first phase of construction will consist of the football field, track, bleachers, lighting and pressbox, while Phase II will see construction of the field house that will have concession stands, restrooms and locker rooms as well as the tennis courts. Plans also call for the revitalization of the softball and baseball fields by adding permanent bleachers and bringing lights from Sanders Field to illuminate the grounds.

The stadium and track area will seat 3,500 fans, and the football field is expected to be completed by Aug. 1.

The estimated cost for the entire complex is $3.3 million, with members of the athletic complex committee organizing a variety of fundraisers as well as contacting foundations and businesses for donations and grants. The group has secured approximately $2.2 million through donations, promises and legislative money.

Other committee members are Denny Bellamy, Ron Durst, Troy Krebs, Mario Liberatore and John Roach.

Applications for the bricks may be picked up at the school, Ohio Valley Bank or Village Pizza in Point Pleasant and soon will be available online. Applications and money can be sent to Ohio Valley Bank, c/o Mario Liberatore, Viand Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550. Updated information regarding the project can be found online at http://www.pointpleasantathleticcomplex.com or http://www.flickr.com.

For additional details regarding the bricks, contact any member of the athletic complex committee or e-mail thompson232@marshall.edu.

For more information, call 304-675-4244 or 304-593-6934.