$100,000 Donation for East Ridge Weight Room

Major part of athletics...even on the high school level.

And east ridge high school is getting a major facilities upgrade thanks to a six-figure donation from a pioneer graduate.

What a way for east ridge to end their football banquet on wednesday.

Alum johnny jones senior presented the school with a check for a 100- thousand dollars for a new weight room facility.

Jones:"when i'm looking out at these folks, and thinking about what it feels like to be able to be in a position to give back to them.

It touches me."

James:"i'm in shock and awe of just his enormous generosity."

Let's just say, east ridge needed a new weight room.

They refer to their current facility as the dungeon, complete with a pipe in the mddle of the room.

Reporter:"how would you describe your current weight room facility?"

James:"really bad.

Really bad.

Outdated.

Antiquated."

Back in 2015, the east ridge football stadium was condemned.

The stands were torn down, as well as all of the coaches offices and locker rooms which were underneath the home stands.

Today hamilton county is building a new field house for the pioneers on the scoreboard end of the stadium, which will also house the weight room.

James:"it's going to be a 6,000 square foot building.

So the weight room is going to be just a little bit under 3,000 square foot.

Have eight half racks.

Eight squat stands.

Sprint turf down the middle."

And the new weight room should build more than just muscle.

Jones:"you know a weight room is going to support that athletic side of things.

I think it's going to be a great catalyst for folks to learn how to achieve things throughout life."

James:"going to have to give you a sense of pride to walk in a new locker room or new weight room that's outfitted as good as any in the nation.

It'll be second to none, and we're going to be proud.

Thanks to mr. johnny jones