BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College’s new football program received a boost Feb. 28 when the town of Bluefield gave the Virginia Baptist-affiliated school $5,000 to help underwrite startup costs.
Mayor Don Harris and town council members presented a check during a regular council meeting to BC president David Olive and other college representatives, including alumni and charter members of the Rams Football Booster Club.
Bluefield Mayor Don Harris (left) presents a $5,000 check to Bluefield College president David Olive and vice president Ruth Blankenship to help the school restore its football program.
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“This is exciting for us,” Olive said, “not only for the financial support it brings to the football program, but also for the symbolic support it demonstrates from the entire Bluefield community.”
Bluefield College announced the return of football in June 2010 after a nearly 70 year absence and following a four-year study to determine the feasibility of reviving the sport.
Not long after, the college hired Mike Gravier, a coach with a history of launching new football programs and a track record of developing players both on and off the field, to begin club play this fall and intercollegiate action in the fall of 2012.
“We’ve had a great deal of support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and other organizations, but for the town to demonstrate its support for the college and this endeavor is significant,” said Olive.
Harris said supporting the college’s football program “is important because Bluefield College and the town of Bluefield have had a tremendous working relationship over the years. We’re excited about the new football program at the college.”
“This is a win-win situation for the college and the town,” the mayor said. “Not only will it bring growth to Bluefield College, but through the visitors and others who attend the games it will bring economic benefits to the Town’s restaurants, stores, hotels and other businesses.”