A couple of weeks ago, a group of Oxford High School students and members of the cross-country team were spotted using a variety of tools to lay a brick base foundation for a bronze Wildcat statue that will be placed at the entrance gates of Wildcat Stadium.
‘A lot of times when you go into stadiums they will have a statue or something (depicting) their mascot and kids get their pictures taken with it. Some stadiums have it down on the field, so the players all get to touch it . . . for good luck,? said Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne. ‘I just think it was an idea that ‘Hey, this is something our stadium doesn’t have. It’s something that will set us apart from other schools.??
According to School Board President and Turf Committee member Jim Reis, the statue was purchased online from The Large Art Company, based in Maryland.
Reis noted it was something the Turf Committee had wanted to do early on, but it was searching for the right one.
‘We just found this one,? he said. ‘It just seemed like the price (was) right. It looked kind of cool and wasn’t too huge.?
Reis said the full cost of the statue was $6,500 and was paid by the Turf Committe
Reis noted that he is looking forward to the unveiling.
‘It’s going to be really cool and probably the most photographed place in the stadium once it’s up,? he said. ‘Little kids will want to have their picture taken around it.?
Reis hopes the Wildcat and the plaques that will surround it will ‘inspire other people to step-up and do stuff and volunteer.?
When Oxford High School’s Marketing Director Matt Johnson was approached to help figure out a way to get the project done his mind went to the students.
?(I told them,) instead of hiring a contractor to come do (the base), we’ll figure out how we can do (it) and get some kids involved and let the high school kids own the project,? Johnson said.
Oxford High School’s Leadership Class also pitched in to help financially with the project.
‘I was made aware an opportunity for students to purchase and be involved in part with dedicating something that will honor leaders of our past and inspire all the Wildcat leaders of the future,? said Leadership Class teacher Katie Goetz, noting she took it before the leadership’s executive board this summer asking if it was something they wanted to be involved with.
‘The students were excited and wanted their group to be associated with doing a leadership activity that would last for many years,? she said. ‘The leadership class is paying for the statue as a one-time purchase.?
Goetz said they donated $3,500 towards it, which was raised through various activities such as talent shows and t-shirt sales.
‘We believe the money we raise needs to go back to the school district and community,? she added. ‘We contribute in so many ways ? giving trees, families in need, charities that affect students in our district (juvenile diabetes, cancer, etc).? We will continue to raise money and give back (to) as many (people) as we can.?
‘It’s awesome that (the leadership class) stepped-up,? Reis said. ‘What a legacy for the class to (help) pay for this thing.?
The Wildcat statue, along with some tribute plaques, will be unveiled at the Oct. 2 homecoming game.