Mattoon High School welcomed the community to a Gym Opening Celebration during the annual Meet the Greenwave event on Friday, November 15, 2024. The celebration was to commemorate the end of a major renovation to the school's main gym, which began in March 2024. In addition, the evening featured a spaghetti supper along with recognition of winter sports athletes, including those from boys and girls basketball, cheer, dance, and wrestling. Fall athletes who earned All-Conference and All-State honors, along with Mattoon Middle School winter sports teams, were also recognized.
Team Massive leader and student athlete, Gracie Willingham, spoke to how the new gym remodel will make a difference for their student club, Team Massive. “We were pretty involved last year, but we wanted to make it the best that we could, so we have been involving social media more and getting as many students involved as we can. Now, with the new student section, we have our own area where we can get everyone involved and an atmosphere that supports all of our peers.”
During the Gym Opening Celebration, KC Summers Auto Group was recognized for their contributions to the renovations of the main gym, now known as KC Summers Court at Mattoon High School. As part of an 8-year naming rights partnership, KC Summers Auto Group will support Mattoon High School Athletics with an annual contribution.
“We are so happy to partner with Mattoon High School to create such a beautiful facility.” expresses Keith Summers, owner of KC Summers Auto Group. “This sponsorship is only made possible by the combined efforts of everyone at KC Summers working together, trying to make a positive impact in our community. We feel that supporting our schools is one of the best possible ways to do so.”
Along with KC Summer’s partnership, the following sponsors were recognized for their support in the gym renovations, making the new video board and scoreboard possible: Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc., First Mid Bank & Trust, Lake Land College, Mighty Max Car Wash, Holey Moley Daylight Donuts, Dimond Bros Insurance, and Auto-Owners Insurance.
“MHS and Greenwave Athletics are extremely thankful for the many partnerships that we have with our local community,” states Mattoon High School Athletic Director Trent Duckett. “Without the support of local businesses and dedicated community members, Mattoon High School would not be able to offer all of the wonderful educational athletic facilities and opportunities that we can provide to our students, athletes, and community members.”
It is important to note alongside the monetary contributions Mattoon High School received, the gym remodel would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the following contractors: Andrew Ewing with The Upchurch Group; K. Wohltman Construction, Inc.; Irwin Seating Company; Sports Floors Inc.; AALCO Manufacturing/Sportscon LLC; Sound Source Music; Nevco; Monitor Sign Service; Commercial Electric, Inc.; Lake Land College Print Shop; and Davis-Houk Mechanical, Inc.
“Every project comes with its challenges, and this remodel was no different,” noted District Maintenance Director Dustin Stoltzfus. “We were very fortunate to have a great team of contractors by our side throughout every phase of the project. I hope all of the students and student athletes get to enjoy this for many years to come.”
The high school gymnasium serves multiple purposes, from an educational classroom to an athletic venue, to assembly location, to a venue for various events including school orientations and open houses, extracurricular activities, etc.
For more information about Mattoon High School athletics or to view the season schedule, please visit mcusd2.org/athletics. You can also stream the games live at mcusd2.org/StreamGreenwave.
Click here to download the full press release.
