News > February 6, 2003

By Ally Diljohn

Old Gold and Black Reporter

A recent presentation to a committee consisting of university presidents and vice presidents and a resolution passed by Student Government may help further the process to get lights installed in Hooks Stadium.

Athletic director Ron Wellman gave an official proposal Jan. 28 to the Reynolda Cabinet. The proposal suggested that lights be installed in the Hooks Baseball Stadium.

According to senior Ryan Ramsey, Student Government president, there was a positive reception of the idea among the members of the cabinet.  Despite the sentiments of the cabinet, University President Thomas K. Hearn, Jr. said that the board of trustees will make the final decision on the matter.

The resolution expresses support of the lights on behalf of the entire student body.

The team is currently one of only two teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference without lights.

“Lights mean more people will come which will give (the team) another advantage over opponents,” Junior Ryan Johnson said.

If the Board of Trustees votes in favor of the lights for Hooks Stadium, the athletic department will assume the responsibility of paying for them.

“I am very confident that we have a number of people who would be willing to contribute,” Wellman said. There is no official time frame regarding when the lights will be in place if their installation is approved.

“I hope that the lights will be operations by the ACC tournament, or at least by the time the team hosts the first round of the NCAA tournament,” Ramsey said.