Stratford Academy issued the following announcement on Feb. 17.
Stratford Academy is the grateful recipient of the Hutchinson family’s generosity for the complete renovation of the Hutchinson Soccer Complex named in memory of M.F. “Buddy” Hutchinson, Jr. The family’s passion for soccer and Stratford will make a difference in the lives of Eagles for generations to come.
On Saturday, February 12, Stratford held a dedication and celebration of the new complex in addition to recognizing soccer alumni who were in attendance for the event. Prior to the formal ceremony, the Stratford family gathered for a picnic where Stebin Horne ‘93 prepared a special dish on his donated Kudu grill, and current and former parents prepared the sides. Guests were entertained by Stratford student-led band Highway 41. Members include Jonathan Lease, Akins Manley, Ashley Parel, Max Payne, and Ty Kimball.
During the formal dedication the Hutchinson family was presented with a watercolor rendering of the different structures and fields of the Hutchinson Soccer Complex painted by Stratford alum, Elaine Hammock Jackson ’80. The blessing of the complex was offered by Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Stratford Class of 1984, and senior pastor of Vineville United Methodist Church. This year’s Literary Soloists, junior Elinor Fenimore and sophomore Chandler Fleming led the singing of the National Anthem.
Others recognized for their many contributions to the project were Jim Daws, Dre' Faulkner, Stebin Horne, Tom McAfee, Chad McCaskill, Jeremy Ray, Wade Thomas, and John Walker. Many thanks to the leadership of our Board of Trustees Marsh Butler, Past Chair; Stewart Vernon, Chair; Sally Hatcher, incoming Chair; Wade Kovacs, Athletics Chair; and Allen London, Advancement Chair. Of course, we are always grateful for the wisdom and institutional knowledge of Athletic Director Emeritus, Grady Smith, as well as all the work put into this project by Athletic Director, Mark Farriba; CFO Mollye Treadway; Director of Grounds Jeff Treadway; Assistant AD Terry Sowell; and our head soccer coaches, Iain Jones and Kate Blankenship.
During half-time of the game, the history of Stratford Soccer was shared as well as appreciation and gratitude to many who returned for the occasion. Collectively, Stratford soccer has won 25 State Championships; named 163 All-State players, named 16 Macon Telegraph All-Middle Georgia Players-of-the-Year, named one Macon Telegraph Athlete-of-the-Year, and named three Macon Telegraph Scholar Athletes-of- the-Year. Stratford has had 44 student-athletes continue their soccer at the collegiate level and four at the professional level. Most importantly these Eagles played their years at Stratford with hearts full of Eagle Pride.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Stratford Academy
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